Moochdocking for the Holidays: Family, Fields, and Frugal Living
Moochdocking for the Holidays: Family, Fields, and Frugal Living
With recent budget changes and a big drop in income, we decided to spend the holidays moochdocking. That’s the RV-world term for parking on family or friends’ property with permission to use their space and sometimes their utilities. It might not sound fancy, but it’s full of heart and it saves a lot of money.
We’re fortunate to have family with a good-sized lot and a well system. Yes, you can hook up to well water safely with a few precautions. Here’s what we’ve learned so far and what might help if you’re doing something similar.
Hooking Up to a Private Well: Keep It Clean and Pressure-Friendly
Use a water pressure regulator. Well systems can have inconsistent pressure. A regulator keeps your RV plumbing safe and prevents any line from bursting.
Add a filter. Even clear well water can carry sediment, iron, or minerals that can affect taste or build up inside your tanks. An inline filter makes a big difference.
Flush before connecting. If the spigot or hose hasn’t been used for a while, run it for a few minutes to clear out any stagnant water.
A little prep goes a long way toward keeping your plumbing and your coffee happy.
Dumping into a Private Septic System: Check, Confirm, and Respect
We know our setup is safe, but if you are unsure in any way, talk to a septic specialist. We’re still waiting to confirm exactly which part of the tank is best for dumping to be 100 percent certain before we connect.
If you plan to do this, here are a few helpful tips:
Avoid dumping large volumes all at once. Give the system time to process by emptying your tanks in smaller batches.
Use septic-safe chemicals only. Stick with enzyme-based or RV/marine-safe treatments and avoid anything that contains bleach or formaldehyde.
Check the connection point. If there isn’t an easy cleanout, a plumber can add one for sanitary access.
For us, the nearest dump station is about 30 minutes away, and it costs around $25 per visit, so figuring out a safe septic connection is worth the effort. We did order a portable dump tank and will review that down the road.
The Perks: Family Time and Furry Joy
The best part of this lifestyle isn’t just saving money. It’s the time with family and the simple joy of slowing down. Our Siberian Husky and German Shepherd mix (who also happens to be 18% Husky) are having the time of their lives. They spend their days sprinting across open fields, hunting for grasshoppers, and chasing the wind. Watching them explore the world might be my favorite part of RV living.
They’ve experienced more in one year than many people do in a lifetime, and seeing that freedom through their eyes reminds me why we chose this path.
Looking Ahead
This setup isn’t forever, but for now, it fits. It gives us space, family connection, and time to breathe. Next year, depending on work, we plan to visit extended relatives on their working farm up north.
RV life has its challenges, but it’s real. It teaches gratitude, flexibility, and how to find joy in small things.
