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’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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