A Conversation with Boondockers Welcome Hosts Phyllis and Leonard

“We like people, and Hosting lets us stay connected to the community we love.”

Phyllis and Leonard, Boondockers Welcome Hosts in Alabama, shared their heartwarming story of how they became part of the RVing and Hosting community with Boondockers Welcome. Their journey began long before they settled down, with Leonard’s two-week job in New Jersey that turned into a 21-year stay. As Phyllis put it, “He came up to New Jersey on a two-week job and got out 21 years later. He met me in the meantime.”

Like many RV enthusiasts, Phyllis and Leonard’s story started with a bit of curiosity. “We bought an old motorhome to see if we liked it, and we did,” Phyllis shared. This decision led them to a life of adventure on the road, eventually retiring in 2010 and spending seven years traveling full-time before settling in Alabama in 2016.

Becoming Hosts with Boondockers Welcome

Once they were no longer able to travel regularly, Phyllis and Leonard found themselves missing the community that RV life provided. “We no longer RV’d, sold what we had at that time, and it sat empty,” Phyllis said. Then, a chance conversation with a couple camping nearby introduced them to Boondockers Welcome. “They asked us, ‘Did you belong to Boondockers Welcome?’ and I said, ‘No, but let’s check it out.'”

Within two hours of signing up, they received their first reservation. Reflecting on that moment, Phyllis said, “I went on the site and thought, ‘We can do this.’ It’s easy.”

The Hosting Experience

Over the last four years, Phyllis and Leonard have Hosted nearly 400 guests on their property, offering two RV sites—one with full hookups and another without sewer. “We provide electric, sewer, and water on one site, and the other site has electric and water. It’s really easy to maintain,” Phyllis explained. Their setup, which features a picnic area, fireplace, and plenty of room for dogs to roam, creates a welcoming space for their guests.

One of the aspects they love most about Hosting is the variety of people they meet. “We’ve had guests from all over the world,” Phyllis said, recalling international visitors from places like South Africa, Sweden, Canada, and even Australia. 

Phyllis and Leonard have made meaningful connections with many of their guests. One memorable experience involved a couple from Pennsylvania. “I asked them if they knew a particular minister from my church back home, and they said, ‘He married us!’ It was such a small-world moment,” Phyllis shared, illustrating the small-world connections they’ve experienced through Hosting.

Staying Connected to the RV Community

Hosting with Boondockers Welcome has allowed Phyllis and Leonard to stay connected to the RV community even though they’re no longer on the road. Phyllis summed it up perfectly: “We would probably be bored if we didn’t Host. We like people, and meeting new people is something we enjoy.” This connection to the RV lifestyle is what keeps them active as Hosts. “It’s been fun, and you never know who you’re going to meet.”

Final Thoughts

For Phyllis and Leonard, the true joy of Hosting comes from the relationships they’ve built and the sense of purpose it provides. “It keeps us busy, and it’s nice to have people drop in and visit,” Phyllis said. Whether it’s sharing a meal, helping a guest in need, or discovering unexpected connections, Hosting with Boondockers Welcome has enriched their lives in countless ways.

As they continue to welcome travelers from all walks of life, one thing is clear—Phyllis and Leonard have found a way to keep the spirit of RVing alive, even after retiring from the road. As Phyllis put it, “We like people, and Hosting lets us stay connected to the community we love.”

Watch our full conversation below: