Ultimate Guide to Boondocking with Bison: Adventure in Nature Awaits!

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This summer, we bought a second RV to reignite our love for boondocking. It’s a camping style we cherish but haven’t embraced much in recent years.

Our first RV, a Montana High Country 311RD fifth wheel, can handle off-grid camping well with its robust lithium battery system and solar panels. However, its size—over 35 feet, plus our F-350 truck—makes it tricky to navigate narrow backroads and rugged trails.

That’s why we recently added a 26-foot Embassy RV Cape Cod, built on a Ford Transit chassis. It’s agile and self-sufficient, perfect for exploring those hidden spots we long to visit. One of our first adventures took us boondocking near a herd of bison at RV Overnights, which we found charming.

Check out our video of the experience here:

Boondocking with Bison

Our destination was White Oaks Bison Farm, a scenic 50-acre farm about 12 miles off US-31, just north of Rochester. The drive was all winding country roads lined with tall corn fields, some brushing our mirrors. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Terry and Courtney Engstrand, the hosts. They offered us a choice: a gravel pad with 50-amp power or a boondocking spot in one of the pastures.

We opted for the pasture, of course. Don’t worry—the bison weren’t sharing our field. They rested a few hundred yards away, fenced in. As we departed, Terry called them over, and we fed them treats. It was a magical moment with these majestic creatures.

As night fell, we cranked up the AC to escape the heat, running it effortlessly on our lithium battery power. We drifted to sleep under a blanket of stars, serenaded by the distant sounds of bison and rustling grass. It was peaceful and rejuvenating, affirming our decision to get a second RV.

The next day, we met Terry before the day’s tour group arrived. While feeding the chickens, he shared an incredible story about North American bison. Once, their numbers soared over 30 million, forming the backbone of the prairie ecosystem. Their grazing patterns helped nourish the soil and sustain Indigenous cultures. Yet, by the late 1800s, that population dwindled to fewer than a thousand due to overhunting and habitat loss.

This tragic history still stirs emotions today. The U.S. Army, in a bid to suppress Native communities, turned a blind eye to the decimation of bison herds. This chapter of our past is a stark reminder of the impact our actions can have.

Today, ranchers like Terry are working to restore bison populations, not just as living symbols but also as part of a sustainable farming approach. Bison are naturally less intrusive on the land than cattle. They graze in ways that benefit soil health and require less human intervention. Plus, their meat is leaner and more nutrient-rich than beef.

This memorable boondocking trip unfolded into a profound experience for us. Standing in the pasture, surrounded by bison, we felt connected not just to nature but to a history that shaped the land. As we left, we carried with us more than memories; we gained a deeper appreciation for conservation and the enduring relationship between humans and the earth.

Discover the farm with the help of RVOvernights. It’s a fantastic app for planning future adventures. Normally $49 a year, you can get it for just $29 using the code RVLDEAL.