Newby question about boondocking

[Lexxy]

We are learning all this too. A person I met in one of the local groups told me any 24 hour store is gonna be ok. I'll definitely be trying some. After a while we learn about our resources.

[mandolindave]

It's part luck, guts, talking to locals, research….part art/part science.

BLM land is a different ballgame all together ( different topic )

The east coast has it's own opportunities.

I was in Vermont, and found a grass " parking lot ???" to take a nap in my van. I later found out that I could have stayed there all night. Some municipalities have parks or event fields where they let you stay. Maybe they figure you will spend money. This requires some asking. Ask while you are buying something.

Hiking trails( The A.T., The Long Trail etc ), and trails to gamelands, usually have small gravel parking lots.

A well respected RV guru from the New Orleans area, who is a heck of a nice guy ( I think he is a forum member ) suggests Army Corp of Engineer campgrounds. They are all over the country. Research and find out where the close ones to your trip. Very cheap if not free.

Also know where the Commercial Campgrounds are as a back up.

The government made access points and places to park so that people could get to rivers. ( for recreation AND in case of disaster) Some are too small, some are too hilly, and there usually close to the road, but I've seen some nice ones. And it's nice to be near a river. Buy a fishing pole and and some old boots. Pretend you are a fisherman.

A key practice is to scout about in the day time. Then come back.

Sometimes you get lucky and meet someone who wants to help.

There a few different types of boondocking. Just needing a place to sleep, or just trying to save a buck, or while traveling, or road tripping, or WAY out in the country, or staying in one place in a scenic paradise, disbursed camping at State and National Parks. Think mission adventure…not vacation

My driveway and yard is a heck of a lot nicer than a lot of places I have camped. Boondocking just to be boondocking might get old. The local attractions are the reward.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by mandolindave

And it's nice to be near a river. Buy a fishing pole and and some old boots. Pretend you are a fisherman.

If you buy a pole, buy a license. Most states have VERY intensive fishing laws. Here they can seize all your fishing tackle, boat and tow vehicle. I don't know if they can get your AS but it's not worth avoiding at least a 3-day non-resident license.

I haven't tried stopping in regular residential areas or near restaurants. At our exit off the Interstate there are a number of restaurants and hotels. I always see a lot of trucks there but no RVs or travel trailers. There's lots of room and it's a nice area, surprised more people don't stay there. I'm tempted to go down there and stay a night to see if I get chased away.

[xrvr]

Some motels cater to truckers, restaurants also. That's why they park there.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by avionstream

Some motels cater to truckers, restaurants also. That's why they park there.

I understand why the truckers are there, just wondering why no RVs are there, taking advantage of the available parking right off the interstate and in a good neighborhood. I've seen RVs come past but no one ever parks there. I'd feel more comfortable there than at the rest stop just down the road.

Just wonderin'

[mandolindave]

About 22 states have senior discounts, and a handful don't require seniors to have a license. A few offer lifetime licenses for seniors.

The cost would be worth it, even if you got one free night of camping.

[AWCHIEF]

In most states out of state license cost is outrageous compared to resident licenses. I am not a dedicated fresh water fisherman so I rarely fish when away from my home state.

[xrvr]

The truckers may be there to use the motel, gotta be better than sleeping in the cab.

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by richw46

I understand why the truckers are there, just wondering why no RVs are there, taking advantage of the available parking right off the interstate and in a good neighborhood. I've seen RVs come past but no one ever parks there. I'd feel more comfortable there than at the rest stop just down the road.

Just wonderin'

I believe a lot of truckers spend a night or two in a hotel, after completing a run.

I don't think they are overnighting in their trucks at those hotels, but sleeping inside.

I doubt that most hotels would offer up their parking lots to RV's and trucks for overnight stays....but, I could be wrong.


Maggie

[AWCHIEF]

I imagine motel managers would not appreciate a MOHO or travel trailer pulling into their parking lot and not paying for a room. Free loaders do nothing for their occupancy numbers.

[NavyCorpsman]

As for me, always ask, always thank. Never take for granted, and never assume.

[tvketchum]

Originally Posted by NavyCorpsman

As for me, always ask, always thank. Never take for granted, and never assume.

I am sure we all knows what happens when one assumes.....


Tom
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