Community Forums

okmunky · 05-04-2012, 11:49 PM

Hi Y'all,

Maybe it's just me, but I seem to spend hours online looking for a decent place to boondock for a few days. I'm not meaning just overnight parking, but for a few days and up to two weeks in a nice quiet forest or desert. No campgrounds, just free spots.

Do people keep these sites a secret so they won't have to share and risk losing that coveted peace, or what?

I have found some online data bases but most of the listings are over 5 years old. Would it be a good idea to ask this list's moderator to sticky a thread where we could post specific boondock places? I'd suggest that the state and nearest city or attaction be in the title so we could then use the search tool to find it.

Also, I was thinking that we also have threads of water saving suggestions and power saving tips. This forum has tremendous potential with 60,000+ members. We just need to get the info in a useable format. Like out of your head and onto a list

mr300ce · 05-05-2012, 12:06 AM

I am a 4x4er, so I go boondocking. BLM is the gov't entity you want out west. USFS is the other one. Lots of info online. I buy off-roading books that have maps, so I will know how far in I can take my RV.

Get/look at them at Barnes/Nobles. I order some from Amazon, once I know which ones I want, which Saves a lot of $$$

Just be aware that forest area roads usually don't like RVs over 26'.

Happy Prospector · 05-05-2012, 10:44 AM

I have gotten a lot of boondocking spots by reading other boondockers blogs. Most don't come right out and give you the GPS coordinates, but you get the general area. Go to the area, find a place to park, next day go out and explore, take pictures, keep a file. Not to hard to do.
Most bloggers are not going to give up their exact cherished spots to a stranger in a blog. You will need to put in the time.

Check Blogs, go visit the BLM or Forest Service Office in the area you wish to visit, go when they first open, you may catch a Ranger there that can help, or talk to the front office person. You do know that a box of donuts goes along ways when visiting BLM or Forest Service offices don't you?

Good Luck,
Kevin

okmunky · 05-05-2012, 06:49 PM

Thanks guys!

My moho is only 25' so no problem there. I spend summers in Seattle and winter in Texas at family homes, but it's the travel inbetween where I'd like to find a nice quiet place for a few nights. This is the first trip with a toad and I'm finding it hard to get someplace for the night without having to unhook.

But hey, I do understand not wanting to tell 60,000+ people about your favorite spot. Back to the forest service office I go.

PS I'm in a Sams parking lot for the night and there is a car alarm going off and the puppy is barking at a dog barking blocks away. I need some quiet time!

micd · 05-05-2012, 07:07 PM

It is a bit intimidating going to an area and not having a place to land. Boondocking is often just drive around an area until you find an open spot that suits your setup. I post mine on my blog and get ideas for new ones from other blogs. If you get benefit from mine or someone elses, start your own and post your locations. That way we all benefit. Generally we have very good luck boondocking because most people want to have reservations at the end of a day of driving. Also a good set of all season vs. highway tires will help out on the dirt roads (better traction). And be sure to research if you can get in and out by asking locally for the conditions. Having someone to hop out with a 2-way radio who can navigate you through rough road conditions (telling you where to put the tires so one doesn't end up in a rut) helps. And be sure you don't care too much about a fancy paint job. No one trims the branches in a national forest to make sure RVs can get down the roads.

Oh, forgot to mention that most boondocking locations don't move so a 5 yr old listing is probably still good.

grafxman · 05-05-2012, 07:44 PM

If you ever plan on coming to Florida, check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife pages. I just spent a week boondocking here:

Dinner Island Ranch - Recreation

It was completely free. I was familiar with the place because I had been there many times in my car driving from Naples while staying in a motel. That was about an about an hours drive each way. The only problem I had was sleeping. I couldn't get out of bed! The only sounds at night were the crickets and tree frogs. I slept like a dead man. It was great.

Flickr: grafxmangrafxman's Photostream

ralper · 05-05-2012, 09:25 PM

The only way to find what you are looking for has already been stated. Park your rig and go exploring to find your perfect spot. You are right in that I will not tell you my great spots.

larryjj · 05-06-2012, 08:02 AM

I have traveled into Alaska and the Yukon. I found most of the side road access and range roads and mountain road access areas gated. I was quite shocked. British Columbia is more friendly to boondockers.

Larry

dwkerch · 05-06-2012, 11:38 AM

Look at this site. USA | Free Campsites It has a lot of free and low cost camping areas listed in all states and Canada. We found several nice spots last winter. Get some BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and NFS (National Forest Service) maps. Most BLM and NFS land is available for free camping, and NFS has a lot of developed campgrounds in remote locations for a small fee.

teera travel · 05-11-2012, 05:02 PM

AZ. blm land this time of year above 5000' 14 days free then move .1/4 mile have fun.

bubbletruck · 05-13-2012, 05:24 PM

This family has a cool blog and he boondocks everywhere in a huge bus. He also gives GPS to the spots..
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/
Happy boondocking!

bubbletruck · 05-13-2012, 05:30 PM

Here's another
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/

Ed-Sommers · 05-14-2012, 07:40 AM

I use Delorme TOPO, and Google maps.

TOPO Lets me know where BLM and National Forest boundaries are, along with roads, and Google maps double check roads in said areas.

I've never relied on others to find spots for me!

Ed

DumOleBob · 05-14-2012, 10:44 AM

So can we just imagine what would happen should somewone post their top boondocking locations to this forum with SIXTY THOUSAND looking on! Never to camp there again...

Seriously, 90% of the fun of boondocking is researching, exploring and discovering those extra special sites - yourself. Study the various forums, look with Google Earth, etc. But, the best, the very best, way to find your "spots" is to go to an area and scout around. Use a Forest Svc, BLM or State campground as your base for a night or two. You'll be amzed at what you'll find AND the fun you'll have discovering.

Good luck!