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Earltown boondocking
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If only we had this in Europe! At Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome (is now one organization, hereafter HH/BW) thousands of organizations and individuals have signed up. They invite campers to come and spend the night for free on their property. It is a very large network that includes wineries, breweries, farms, individuals and more.

Campers pay a membership of US 139.20 (incl. 20% discount) per year (depending on which membership you choose) and thus have unlimited free access to these sites, which are often located in special places in both Canada and America. In addition to these special places, it is also great fun to connect with locals.

BOONDOCKING

You will come across the word boondocking a lot in Canada and America. But what does it actually mean? At RV-life masterclass, they explain it as follows:

Boondocking
Can any camper sign up?

However, there are conditions of membership. If you go boondocking you will have to be self-sufficient. In most places there is no water, electricity and waste disposal option. Solar panels, enough fresh water, gas for cooking and heating and storage for garbage and toilet waste is a must. With some individuals there may be an option - for a fee - to purchase electricity and water. With the providers you also often read a maximum stay of 2 nights. On the road to the next location, there are plenty of opportunities to fill up with water and dispose of waste properly. 

Why do people offer their location for free?

Mainly for fun, but also because they are or have been campers themselves and because they enjoy helping others have a good time!

Why do we want to go boondocking?

For several reasons, this seems great to us! In no particular order:

  • You have the opportunity to stand in very nice places
  • In high season, campsites are overcrowded
  • You have much more privacy and can experience being alone and one with nature
  • At public sites, you do not need to make reservations in advance.
  • It is free
  • Sites are often near all national parks
  • In private overnight stays, as mentioned earlier, you come into contact with the residents. We do not want to rush through everything, but try to experience what it is like to live in a certain place and in this way get a better idea of the country and its inhabitants.
Our experience so far

Our trip has only just begun, but we feel about being so welcome. The first stop was a nice place in Waverly, near Halifax with very nice owners Angela & Ed. The place is close to the highway and shopping centers and is a great base if you are just arriving or leaving for Halifax Harbor. We were given awesome tips, a tour of their beautiful property, electricity, water and wifi were available. We were not allowed to leave a fee for the use of the water and wifi.

Also a very special place was in Earltown at the home of Andrew & Patty. A place in the middle of nowhere, as they call it themselves. A beautiful 12 acres of land, where we were allowed to choose where we wanted to pitch. After we found a spot, we were given a freshly baked sourdough bread. The next day we were offered a ride to the village of Tatamagouche and enjoyed coffee in the evening together. Again, such lovely people! You arrive and you feel like you have known each other for a long time, very special!

Campgrounds Vs. Boondocking

We have been to America and Canada several times. We always booked camping spots at campgrounds and in National Parks. That is also a lot of fun! The difference is that now we experience much more of the Canadian hospitality and this, along with the great tips, makes our trip much more meaningful and fulfilling!