Boondocking 101 – Finding a Place to Camp

In this installment of the boondocking 101 series we will look at how to locate a place to boondock. The method I use the most often is to search Google Earth. In areas where the vegetation is sparse, you can clearly see places to camp and the vehicle paths to get there. Many times when I zoom in close, I can actually see RVs camped in these places. Read my previous entry about Google Earth at: http://www.rvlife.com/ndex.php/689-Google-Earth-The-Boondockers-Campsite-Directory.html

If you don”t want to go through the effort of finding a space using the above method, there are many websites that list places to camp for free or next to nothing. Some are boondocking locations, others are free campgrounds or just places to get off the road.

Following are some websites you may find useful:

http://boondocking.org/ A searchable database of boondocking locations.

www.freecampsites.net   A listing of boondocking sites, campgrounds and casinos

www.overnightrvparking.com   
(subscription site listing over 7,000 places you can camp for free)

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/   Free and campsites under $10

http://www.rv-camping.org/Boondocking.html
Listing of free and public campgrounds

http://casinocamper.com/
Not really boondocking, but a useful listing when looking for a spot to spend the night while on the road

http://www.eugenecarsey.com/camp/default.htm  A listing of boondock areas and free primitive campgrounds

When all of the above fail and you can”t find a spot to boondock along your intended route and / or destination, there are other sources you can tap for help. Groups of boondocking RVers that have been there before you.
Check this group out at: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/roup/boondockinglocations/

This group is where you can share with others your list of boondocking locations, as well as learn where others boondock. Each member can then retain those site descriptions that are of interest to them. Postings need to include the state and an address and / or directions. A description of the access roads if other than good two lane highways.

You will find a very similar group at: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/roup/boondockingusa/

This group shares their experiences in boondocking. Their main objective is to list locations available for boondocking and the experiences that go along with them. Topics might include, solar power and generated power. Tips on boondocking, proper procedures to follow so that boondocking locations will remain open to all. Other items of discussion about RVing will also be allowed as well as issues that appeal to their members. The site also features a database of boondocking locations.
You will need to sign up to be a member of either of these groups. Membership is free just like boondocking is meant to be!

Note: When you sign up as a new member, you will need to be approved.
There are many other ways to locate a boondocking location, but since this is a 100 level class its best to start with the easy methods.
I hope to meet you in the boondocks very soon!

In this installment of the boondocking 101 series we will look at how to locate a place to boondock. The method I use the most often is to search Google Earth. In areas where the vegetation is sparse, you can clearly see places to camp and the vehicle paths to get there. Many times when I zoom close, I can actually see RVs camped these places. Read my previous entry about Google Earth at: http://www.rvlife.com/ndex.php/689-Google-Earth-The-Boondockers-Campsite-Directory.html

If you don”t want to go through the effort of finding a space using the above method, there are many websites that list places to camp for free or next to nothing. Some are boondocking locations, others are free campgrounds or just places to get off the road.

Following are some websites you may find useful:

http://boondocking.org/ A searchable database of boondocking locations.

www.freecampsites.net   A listing of boondocking sites, campgrounds and casinos

www.overnightrvparking.com   
(subscription site listing over 7,000 places you can camp for free)

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/   Free and campsites under $10

http://www.rv-camping.org/Boondocking.html
Listing of free and public campgrounds

http://casinocamper.com/
Not really boondocking, but a useful listing when looking for a spot to spend the night while on the road

http://www.eugenecarsey.com/camp/default.htm  A listing of boondock areas and free primitive campgrounds

When all of the above fail and you can”t find a spot to boondock along your intended route and / or destination, there are other sources you can tap for help. Groups of boondocking RVers that have been there before you.
Check this group out at: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/roup/boondockinglocations/

This group is where you can share with others your list of boondocking locations, as well as learn where others boondock. Each member can then retathose site descriptions that are of interest to them. Postings need to include the state and an address and / or directions. A description of the access roads if other than good two lane highways.

You will find a very similar group at: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/roup/boondockingusa/

This group shares their experiences boondocking. Their maobjective is to list locations available for boondocking and the experiences that go along with them. Topics might include, solar power and generated power. Tips on boondocking, proper procedures to follow so that boondocking locations will remaopen to all. Other items of discussion about RVing will also be allowed as well as issues that appeal to their members. The site also features a database of boondocking locations.
You will need to sign up to be a member of either of these groups. Membership is free just like boondocking is meant to be!

Note: When you sign up as a you will need to be approved.
There are many other ways to locate a boondocking location, but since this is a 100 level class its best to start with the easy methods.
I hope to meet you the boondocks very soon!

Dave Helgeson

Follow Dave’s RV adventures as he travels the West in search of forgotten and unique places. For Dave, home is where you park it, the more remote the better!