West Desert Boondocking... a picnic in the Mohave Desert

[Ray Eklund]

2016 Wyoming attracted 50% hardened Boondockers and 50% casual RV Campers. The Boondockers managed to finish this rain, sleet, wind and sunny Adventure. The RV Campers were warned many times on the Thread... this was not a Guided Tour but a do it yourself exploration of the Wilds of Wyoming.

... and they soon discovered that sometimes the Sun don't shine, and the Wind does not quit blowing. But that is Wyoming folks, 70% wind and 25% mountains and 5% of the unexpected.

It fell on Deaf Ears. I found it difficult to get this idea across as NOT being an organized RV Camp with all the doo dads and comforts. I... did not relent to become a domesticated tour guide, hiding from the Vigilantes wondering 'why are we here?' mode.

A good lesson for myself and for those finding better company attending with similar aspirations of true adventures, lacking the comforts of civilization.

Mohave Desert Boondocking? Las Vegas falls into the northern edge of the Mohave Desert and it sure is pleasant from September to May... maybe early June if you are lucky when below 3,000 feet elevation. July, August and sometimes September... Wyoming is the place to be. Not the Mohave Desert or any southern Deserts BELOW 3,000 feet.

High Desert is 5,000 feet and higher and again... wonderful during the time the Mohave is... NOT wonderful. Warm to hot days and Cool to COLD evenings, low humidity. Avoid the Winter months... it gets cold and can snow... a lot.

Especially Death Valley below Sea Level.

Lake Meade Recreational Area is perfect this time of year, just outside Boulder City, Nevada and upstream from Hoover Dam. Geezers, as myself... $5 to camp on asphalt, no hookups, concrete picnic table, water, 100 foot tall trees for shade AND flushing restrooms and sinks provided.

The Buffets at Henderson, Nevada Casinos are a delight! This is RV Camping at its best. Several Casinos offer their own facilities... with showers along Boulder Highway, just on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip.

Who says Mohave Desert Camping is... difficult. Sure, not me.

Other areas along the Colorado River also have campsites. Do your homework. The 'Snow Birds' flock to the Deserts... now. Absolutely wonderful RV Camping available.

Now... Mohave and other Desert Boondock Off the Grid camping... Roads are scarce but almost any place you can pull off the main gravel dirt, gravel or paved road... a Boondocking Campsite. No... nothing. All to yourself, thank you BLM.

[McDave]

"Lake Meade Recreational Area is perfect this time of year, just outside Boulder City, Nevada and upstream from Hoover Dam. Geezers, as myself... $5 to camp on asphalt, no hookups, concrete picnic table, water, 100 foot tall trees for shade AND flushing restrooms and sinks provided."

Right you are, Ray. Here is a photo of us there a few days ago. Choice of lake view sites, temps around 70*, almost no one using the park, same as Death Valley.






Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Lumatic]

Ray,
When you get some dates count me in if it fits in my schedule.
Marshall

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Ray Eklund

2016 Wyoming attracted 50% hardened Boondockers and 50% casual RV Campers. The Boondockers managed to finish this rain, sleet, wind and sunny Adventure. The RV Campers were warned many times on the Thread... this was not a Guided Tour but a do it yourself exploration of the Wilds of Wyoming.

... and they soon discovered that sometimes the Sun don't shine, and the Wind does not quit blowing. But that is Wyoming folks, 70% wind and 25% mountains and 5% of the unexpected.

It fell on Deaf Ears. I found it difficult to get this idea across as NOT being an organized RV Camp with all the doo dads and comforts. I... did not relent to become a domesticated tour guide, hiding from the Vigilantes wondering 'why are we here?' mode.

A good lesson for myself and for those finding better company attending with similar aspirations of true adventures, lacking the comforts of civilization.

Mohave Desert Boondocking? Las Vegas falls into the northern edge of the Mohave Desert and it sure is pleasant from September to May... maybe early June if you are lucky when below 3,000 feet elevation. July, August and sometimes September... Wyoming is the place to be. Not the Mohave Desert or any southern Deserts BELOW 3,000 feet.

High Desert is 5,000 feet and higher and again... wonderful during the time the Mohave is... NOT wonderful. Warm to hot days and Cool to COLD evenings, low humidity. Avoid the Winter months... it gets cold and can snow... a lot.

Especially Death Valley below Sea Level.

Lake Meade Recreational Area is perfect this time of year, just outside Boulder City, Nevada and upstream from Hoover Dam. Geezers, as myself... $5 to camp on asphalt, no hookups, concrete picnic table, water, 100 foot tall trees for shade AND flushing restrooms and sinks provided.

The Buffets at Henderson, Nevada Casinos are a delight! This is RV Camping at its best. Several Casinos offer their own facilities... with showers along Boulder Highway, just on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip.

Who says Mohave Desert Camping is... difficult. Sure, not me.

Other areas along the Colorado River also have campsites. Do your homework. The 'Snow Birds' flock to the Deserts... now. Absolutely wonderful RV Camping available.

Now... Mohave and other Desert Boondock Off the Grid camping... Roads are scarce but almost any place you can pull off the main gravel dirt, gravel or paved road... a Boondocking Campsite. No... nothing. All to yourself, thank you BLM.

Wow Ray! Sounds like you discovered some new campers who were not quite ready to "adjust" to the elements! We were hopping to join your WY adventure, but could not make the dates happen...we did use the Wrights Camping Guide and found several great "free" or <$10 sites in CA, WA, ID, MT, WY, and TX this past summer however, and that was a treat! We had to move back to TX from San Diego, and we really do miss the boon docking in Borrego Springs we had the fortune to enjoy the past couple years....we have not made it back to Mohave area for many years, but I do remember the great buffets you mention, and the occasional "winnings" while enjoying that area and the lakes and CO river... Perhaps we can join you folks next spring/summer in WY while we are in MT area...thanks for your great posts and help to all.

[Ray Eklund]

Gypsydad... you and I already understand that everyone has a different mental image of Boondocking.

My wife and I are more adjusted towards camping in obscure mountain or high plains areas without distractions of other campers. Having a group brings a diversity of personalities and experiences. Wyoming was an Off the Grid Boondocking Adventure and some were not prepared for the isolation or take the opportunity of the Base Camp and explore on their own.

It is a personality trait that some find in common with a Drill Sargent whipping the troops into shape. When you need to depend upon yourself, it builds one's confidence to take on the challenges that may be ahead.

This was obviously not the impression from the several hundreds of posts on the 2016 Wyoming Adventure... although some of those participating now understand and will not forget. It was routine for us... but to some, it was a real change in camping etiquette and adjusting to Find your Adventure while comfortably Base Camped.

The American Southwest in the Winter months is more organized with many public campsites offering hundreds of fairly well maintained paved and graveled pull outs. You will immediately notice the 'lack of maintenance' of plant growth and the upkeep of facilities of these Public Parks. At times... I would prefer NOT to be packed in, but this is a great test of patience and getting along with others.

Again, you must be ambitious and adventurous to explore Las Vegas on your own. Also the large number of remote places to explore. Once you can explore camp sites that no one thought existed... you will understand what some of us term Off the Grid Boondocking. The area is remote... the lack of road access is even more remote.

If you are new to Boondocking... you are among the 80% who are very uncomfortable by themselves at a remote location. It takes some mental challenges and reaching a comfort level. Some never will. There is no harm in discovering your limitations.

I have yet to find our limitations, but with age creeping up on... our Blue Heelers, we have to make sure their health and comfort is taken into consideration.

Explore Las Vegas and learn how to navigate the opportunities already known by the 'locals'.

Boondock at Lake Mead and explore The Las Vegas Strip. This is a great compromise that was not available in Wyoming. Maybe someday...

'Las Vegas Nevada Boondocking'... for those who are comfortable within crowds and the unusual. Only we temporary locals know how to beat the System... it is in our blood.

[Ray Eklund]

Boulder City, Nevada
Lake Meade National Recreation
Hoover Dam aka Boulder Dam 1934
Las Vegas, Henderson, Nevada
Lake Meade campsites are BEST during the Winter months!

Some sites along Lake Meade. There are campsites to be found to the south. They are all on the internet. January is usually nice... and beautiful if you left the snow belt! Almost dry camping... with amenities at Lake Mead. Senior Citizens get the pass and save 50% and free admission into the Recreation area.

Great small town restaurants in downtown Boulder City. Las Vegas Casino buffets vary from $10 to $40... pick what you want. Sam's Town has a decent RV Park. One photo is at Sam's Town. Others along Boulder Highway.

Also Mohave Desert sites Off the Grid Boondocking on barely improved to hard pack dirt roads. Make 2017 YOUR Boondocking year. You provide the entertainment, guide your family to the boat docks to feed the bass and carp, camp under the trees, walk Hoover Dam as often as you like for FREE... and it is all Mohave Desert Camping!

Just plan ahead and your 2017 Adventure will need 2018 to finish what you want to see... next time.

[Gearheart]

Ray, Boondocking is when you travel by canoe and know that you will have to carry everything you brung, including the canoe now and again.