Ready to try boondocking

[EscapeStream]

I have an Aliner and I am ready to give boondocking a try. I bought a generator and feel like I have enough experience to try camping out in the boonies. But my problem is that living in Dallas/Ft. Worth does not provide many nearby opportunities with a 3 day weekend. I have been thinking about heading down to Port Aransas. I have been there many times, but never camped on the beach. Until I give beach camping a try I won't know if it's really doable or not.

Does anybody have any other suggestions other than Port A?

[charliej]

If you have a smart phone you can down load a app like allstays that will show you all the types of camping areas around you.

[EscapeStream]

Originally Posted by charliej

If you have a smart phone you can down load a app like allstays that will show you all the types of camping areas around you.

Yeah. I've done that. I guess it's just telling me what I already know. There's just not much to choose from around here.

[jesilvas]

LBJ grasslands up by Decatur. I know there is a nice lake up there that has spots to stay at too. Bear Creek I think.

[Nuclear]

I'll have to check out that app....sounds interesting

[KSCRUDE]

Just drive to the closest Wally World and boondock your heart out.

[varankins3]

I wish one could "like" some of these comments...they make me smile

[Reed Cundiff]

Not sure that boondocking is really possible in most of Texas. Dry camping is possible at the State Parks which are great in Texas, but expensive. It is possible to boondock at the dispersed camping sites in Big Bend NP.

[Reed Cundiff]

Just read on another thread and it was noted that there are other federal lands in Texas where boondocking/dry camping are possible, notably Bureau of Reclaimation reservoirs.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Reed Cundiff

Not sure that boondocking is really possible in most of Texas. Dry camping is possible at the State Parks which are great in Texas, but expensive. It is possible to boondock at the dispersed camping sites in Big Bend NP.

Reed Cundiff
Boondocking is possible anywhere, (even in a RV park if you don't connect to water sewer and electric).
Finding a good boondocking location is a little more difficult.

However, many COE, (US Army Corps of Engineer), campgrounds in Texas have inexpensive RV sites without hookups, (and some are free).
See: Army Corps of Engineers RV Parks in Texas | eHow
And/or: Campgrounds in Texas Army Corps of Engineers

Mel
'96 Safari

[Reed Cundiff]

Mel - have visited a few RV sites on-line where the word "boondocking" can bring out a lot of vituperation. We are currently at a very nice RV Park in Richland, WA but are not hooked up. We have 1.4 kW of solar and have not hooked up or used generator in over a year except for one day in the floods in Colorado last year. We are here because Elaine has a first cousin in extremis and we are only 10 minutes from the hospital.

We have stayed at a number of CoE campgrounds and found them enjoyable, Much prefer the "dispersed camping" sites in BLM, Forest Service and National Parks (they have them at Big Bend and they are secluded and delightful: Javelina and lots of birds at Government Springs).

Reed and Elaine

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Reed Cundiff

Mel - have visited a few RV sites on-line where the word "boondocking" can bring out a lot of vituperation. We are currently at a very nice RV Park in Richland, WA but are not hooked up. We have 1.4 kW of solar and have not hooked up or used generator in over a year except for one day in the floods in Colorado last year. We are here because Elaine has a first cousin in extremis and we are only 10 minutes from the hospital.

We have stayed at a number of CoE campgrounds and found them enjoyable, Much prefer the "dispersed camping" sites in BLM, Forest Service and National Parks (they have them at Big Bend and they are secluded and delightful: Javelina and lots of birds at Government Springs).
Reed and Elaine

Reed and Elaine
"Vituperation".....Wow!
I had to look that up!
I know there is no "official" definition of boondocking, and that there are many different opinions.

I use the term to mean "staying, (living/sleeping) in a RV without hookups"....(aka: "dry camping" and/or "self-contained camping").
Even if for only one night, as in a Walmart parking lot or in a rest area, (which, BTW, I call "boondocking overnight" and "overnighting").
See: What is boondocking? - Freecampsites.net
IMO you are boondocking "at a very nice RV Park in Richland, WA", because you "are not hooked up".

Others would argue that you are "definitely NOT boondocking", because you are NOT "staying in a recreational vehicle in a remote location, without connections to water, power, or sewer services".
See: https://www.google.com/#q=boondocking+definition

To that I say: "it is what it is"!

Mel
'96 Safari

[Reed Cundiff]

I prefer the "...RV Camping defines boondocking as remote location "dispersed camping", and the term "dispersed camping" is defined as "camping outside developed .." definition. I remember the song "Down in the Boondocks" from 1965. I was in the 101st Abn at Fort Campbell and the rifle battalions considered themselves "down in the boondocks". I was later with LRRP in the 173rd and that was definitely "down in the boondocks" "...Filipino bundok, is a term for a remote, usually brushy rural area;[1] or to a remote city or town that is considered unsophisticated..."

[EscapeStream]

Originally Posted by Reed Cundiff

Not sure that boondocking is really possible in most of Texas.

That is the ONLY thing I don't like about living in Texas. Almost all of the land is privately owned. I'm not against people owning land. But it sure does limit those of us that don't.