How to Boondock...?

[BrandonJenna]

How are some ways to find good places to boondock?

[valmog]

We're new to this and thought we'd like state parks with all their hook-ups but we actually have liked boondocking in National Forest Service Sites much better!! Here is the website I've used to book these sites:

Federal recreation, camping and tour reservation information - Recreation.gov

I'll be interested too, to see what others have to say. We boondocked four days on our first try with no problems whatsoever...of course in Oregon it hasn't been hot this year so AC isn't needed. Bet that's a challenge in much of the states!

[ROBERT CROSS]

BrandonJenna,

We also frequent State DEC and NFS campgrounds, almost all with no service, except water on a fill when needed basis. The Adirondack Park area of NYS is a favorite.

I think you'll find that "boondocking" thins out the crowds.

Have found that internet research helps the most, followed by trial and error. We have been known to move on if a location doesn't meet expectations. Most times resulting in a positive experience.

Just go for it....

Bob

[AirsDream]

Yeah, the recreation.gov site is a good one, and trial and error is one of the better ways. I've spent lotsa hours driving down little dirt "roads" in a 4wd vehicle, just looking around ... helps NOT to have the trailer attached for most of these scouting missions. I've found lots of sites that are not trailer-friendly or which can be reached while towing only in 4wd and at a literally crawling speed. Those are some of the best, in terms of getting away from the crowds!

Also, ask friends and, read up on "cheap or free" sites here on the Forums.

For searching of a single state, many states havce on their DNR websites, sections devoted to "primitive" or sometimes called "dispersed" camping. The former usually have a vault toilet and maybe a hand pump well, while the latter may have a nice, flat spot period. Check out those sites where you are intending to go. DeLorme, the map company, offers county-by-county maps for many popular (maybe all?) states, and they seem to show most of these road-accessible but no-hookups, etc. campsites.

But finally, be prepared for good and bad surprises. In these days of budget cuts, lots of states are paring back access to even "privitive" sorts of sites ... either to cut costs (the avowed goal) or to get outdoors people to pressure the government for more spending ... so you need to be flexible.

[missysanford]

We boondocks because of our hobbies. We field trial Springer Spaniels so our trials are in the fall through the spring in fields all over the country. We used to do some rock climbing and whitewater kayaking so boondocking was the usual route to go in these areas. If you have a hobby--follow it regardless of the length of your extension cord. :wink wink:

[Desert Diva]

Originally Posted by BrandonJenna

How are some ways to find good places to boondock?

It all depends on what you want in a "campsite" and how remote you want to be.

Some links:
Boondocking (Free Camping)
Boondocking by phred (somewhat old - last updated 2002)
http://boondockingguide.com/
BOONDOCKING!!!
Tioga George Blog

I'm actually a teacher in New Mexico and traveled to Oregon this past summer. I'm not fussy about where I sleep as long as it's safe and relatively quiet. My favorite "boondocking" site was at the Chinook Winds Casino (right on the ocean) in Lincoln City, Oregon.

I was gone for approximately 50 days and spent $0.00 for lodging. Granted, I do have solar panels on my old (but reliable) Toyota Dolphin. (I'm retiring after this school year and looking for a 23 foot Airstream International.)

Good luck to you...

[Lily&Me]

We have spent nights in scenic overlooks, river banks at access points, ferry crossings, rural church parking lots, pullovers for fishermen near streams and lakes, etc.

We've never been asked to leave, also don't set out the awning or look like we're settling in for awhile.

The best sites are frequently found when we are not looking for them.


Maggie

[mcintoshMD]

Any recommendation for BoonDocking in Virginia, like to see Foliage changes, newbie here, not so sure if the AS could handle Shenandoah mountain road, would like to stay close to home base in Richmond,VA since we are not so experienced on terra firma. Do have boat in the past and tied to dock for camping a lot.

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by BrandonJenna

How are some ways to find good places to boondock?

Check out my Camping and Boondocking Blog, specifically my Boondocking 101 entry on how to find good places to camp:

Mello Mike's Wolf Creek Camper and Boondocking Blog

Good luck!

[jdalrymple]

I was assigned on a wildfire several years ago on the Umpqua Forest.

On the map, it doesn't look to be too far south of you. I was on the Tiller Ranger District. Lots of neat, rough county to see and spots to park.

Look for National Forests. Do a little reseach on the web. Most National Forests allow RV camping for up to 21 days just about anywhere you can drive. Some sensitive spots and places under repair are off limits, but you have lots of choices in your area.

National Forests are divided into management areas called Ranger Districts. Look up the number for the District Ranger's office in an area you would like to visit. As the local folks, they can be more informed and are willing to help.

Regards,

[Silver Otter]

Originally Posted by mcintoshMD

Any recommendation for BoonDocking in Virginia, like to see Foliage changes, newbie here, not so sure if the AS could handle Shenandoah mountain road, would like to stay close to home base in Richmond,VA since we are not so experienced on terra firma. Do have boat in the past and tied to dock for camping a lot.

For a great Basecamp for Fall color, consider a step above boondocks here in Sherando State Park. Nice sites at the base of the Blue Ridge.

[mcintoshMD]

I am considering investing in solar kit , do we have any forum about this?

[ROBERT CROSS]

YEP....

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f382...buy-80579.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...lation-report-
62608.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...tor-80829.html

Bob

[Getaways]

Originally Posted by gheuer

For a great Basecamp for Fall color, consider a step above boondocks here in Sherando State Park. Nice sites at the base of the Blue Ridge.

Absolutely agree on Sherando. However, it is part of a National Forest and is not a State Park.

Went there for temp camping last October after peak but still loved it. This year we'll be there mid Oct and hope for more color change.

Easy driving distance to many great places from Sherando. Not too far from Crabtree Falls - lovely place. Blue Ridge Parkway is very close.

easy driving distance to Peaks of Otter.

Sherando is actually on the other side of the mountain from Wintergreen. Only about 20 minutes away from the resort entrance. Also on that side of the mountain is a wonderful microbrewey/restuarant that we take in every time through the area - Devil's Backbone, which itself is only 400 yeards from Wintergreen Winery.

I could go on and on. But as gheuer said Sherando is a great basecamp location.

[TouringDan]

mcintoshMD

Sherando Lake is our favorite local campground. Loop C is reservation only, Loop B is no reservation- both of tese loops have electricity. Our favorite sites are the non reservable ones in loop A (no hookups). Sites 28,29,30 and 33 will accomodate up to a 25 ft trailer just fine (see photos).

We also like Loft Mountain in the Shenandoah National Park, Most all of the Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds (especially Rocky Knob) and the campgrounds in the Mount Rogers area (Hurricane is outstanding). Most all of these are no hookups but with flush toilets- keeps the crowds away.

I recently camped at Rocky Knob (4th photo) when I went to Floydfest Music Festival and at Moses Cone when I went to another music festival by Boone, NC. Both campgrounds never even filled up.

The cost of most of these campgrounds in $14-$20- Half of that if you have a senior pass.

Dan

[mcintoshMD]

How is the drive with AS?we are new to this and think mountain drive would be a challenge, we do install the trailer brake and this could be adjusted from inside the car and has the panic feature that we could stop the AS from inside the car , the 4 runner SR5 that is.

[Silver Otter]

No problem on any of the sites TouringDan mentions. Take it easy and, yes, have a trailer brake, weight distributing hitch, and sway control. We love our Hensley.

[Alumaholic]

Only Airstreamers need apply. See more photos here:
http://photobucket.com/White_Sands_Airstream_Rally_2011

[mcintoshMD]

Originally Posted by gheuer

No problem on any of the sites TouringDan mentions. Take it easy and, yes, have a trailer brake, weight distributing hitch, and sway control. We love our Hensley.

Yes, has all that :-)

[mcintoshMD]

Originally Posted by Alumaholic

Only Airstreamers need apply. See more photos here:
http://photobucket.com/White_Sands_Airstream_Rally_2011

Cool, that's my kind of boon docking , snow , weather and staying put.