Forum Discussion

big_whitey's avatar
big_whitey
Explorer
Feb 08, 2015

Boondocking website

Is anyone familiar with www.boondockerswelcome.com? I was browsing and came across this website and am curious if anyone is familiar with it and if it is legit as it has a $19.95/$24.95 annual membership fee. Thanks for your input.
  • Yes, I'm very familiar with it and YES it is legit. However you should understand that what it offers is basically "driveway surfing". You can spend the night (or several nights, depending on the host) in someone's driveway or on their land. These are generally not out-in-the-wilds boondocking spots and often-times the driveway won't be more than a concrete pad to park on right outside their house. However if that's what you're looking for it'll fit the bill.

    I have several RV buddies who've used it extensively in their travels.
  • I though about it seriously for a while, but as we are travelers not campers, it has little appeal. Twenty dollars a year to replace other free locations like Walmart, Cabela's (with dump), Casinos and Cracker Barrel (the list is actually a lot longer) just does not make sense to me.

    Matt
  • Matt_Colie wrote:
    I though about it seriously for a while, but as we are travelers not campers, it has little appeal. Twenty dollars a year to replace other free locations like Walmart, Cabela's (with dump), Casinos and Cracker Barrel (the list is actually a lot longer) just does not make sense to me.

    Matt


    Normally me neither but we are looking for spots in LA and SF. Boondocking spots are at a premium in these areas and not allowed in any of the places you mentioned.. $20 for camping in these areas would be a sweet deal.
  • I've never heard of this -- it's like a redneck "airb&b!" Brilliant idea. I wonder if the homeowners charge extra for water and power??
  • I don't think the homeowners charge at all... but gifts are welcomed by many of them.
  • Have been a member since site started. Campers are not charged for hookups. Not all hosts provide hookups. I guess Walmart is ok but I have 2 1/2' acres shady spot all hook ups and free fruit ,vegetables and eggs in season. I think that is a better deal then the Walmart 1 mile down the road. The chance to visit fellow campers maks it well worth being a member.
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    Matt_Colie wrote:
    I though about it seriously for a while, but as we are travelers not campers, it has little appeal. Twenty dollars a year to replace other free locations like Walmart, Cabela's (with dump), Casinos and Cracker Barrel (the list is actually a lot longer) just does not make sense to me.

    Matt


    Unless you're in an area where the nearest place to overnight legally in a parking lot is hours away.

    I've got space listed at my airport, a number of times a year folks take advantage of them, sometimes because their aviation buffs, sometimes just because it's in area where there aren't too many alternatives.

    Last year we had a group of 6 campers in town for a family reunion. It was the height of season and all the c/g's were full. They had a blast, even took a couple of them up for a ride. They were blown away with the scenery of lake country from above.
  • We are members. Used it once on our trip last year and had full hookups at a place near town but out in the woods. Owners were just wonderful. They toured us all over, insisted on paying for a lunch, etc etc.

    We’ve had one couple stay at our place….a driveway or out along the curb setup. But they had water and electricity for 2 days and we shared stories, etc.

    I highly recommend it.
  • Many times, the host will allow you to plug in, get water, dump (if they have facilities), wifi, etc.... $20 a year is pretty good. Most of them I have seen usually only offer 1 night or they will say "play it by ear".
  • Thanks all for the feedback. Sounds like it might be an excellent option for us as camping/boondocking spots in SF and LA are hard to come by.

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