Okay it is not really boondocking at the beach. However, there is sand and sun and isn’t that what we really go to the beach for anyway? To lay in the sun and run our toes through the sand. Besides how many of us really get in the water? The areas I am talking about are inland sand dunes which exist throughout the western states. Most are located on public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Natural Resources or a similar government agency. The majority of these dunes allow free camping and the use of off road vehicles. Not only can you camp for free, catch some rays and run your toes through the sun, but you can take your motorized toys out and give them a little exercise as well. By visiting http://duneguide.com/ you will find a listing of sand dunes in all 11 western states with the exception of Montana. Additionally, there are a few states located farther east included. A couple of the sand dunes listed are actually located on water too, but they are the exception rather than the rule. While the website is designed to serve the off roading community rather than boondockers, listings on the site will include where the area is located, how to get there, if dispersed camping is allowed and fees (if any). There is one draw back however to camping in the sand dunes. The occasional sand storm! Hey, this blog is entitled “Adventures In RVing” after all. If camping in the dunes was a “day at the beach” (sorry I couldn’t resist) one of the other RV Life bloggers would be sharing the information. My wife and I had the pleasure of being caught in two sand storms last year. One in Washington and the other in California. I guess it is God’s way of christening our new travel trailer! While you may think your RV is fairly air tight, parking it in the middle of a sand storm will convince you otherwise. On the plus side, you will be bringing home souvenirs from your trip without spending a dime, wasting time shopping or using up storage space in the RV packing them home. Boondocking in the sand dunes, just another adventure in RVing!
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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