Forum Discussion

kfp673's avatar
kfp673
Explorer II
Oct 20, 2020

I'm hooked!

I grew up tent camping. Most times we tent camped at state parks, and while they were campgrounds they were rustic. Now it seems we spend most RV nights in campgrounds with hookups. Don't get me wrong, depending on the reason for visiting an area that can be great. Hookups were fantastic visiting the VA beaches in 95 degree heat in July so we could shower and have AC. That said, we learned of rustic boondock sites in the state forrest. While they are still camp sites, they were minimum 1/4 mile between each (some 1/2 mile) and very secluded and deep in the woods with nothing other than a table and fire ring. Went 2 weeks ago and loved every second. Dog did not see the leash the entire weekend and was the most relaxing camping we have had in many years! Going back for a long weekend this weekend and plan to make it a regular spot. I bring the generator along but use it sparingly. No real point to this post other than to say I am hooked on boondocking. Hope to find more areas like this fairly close to home!
Boondocking
Dry Camping
Public Lands
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Oct 21, 2020
    GDS-3950BH wrote:
    I've stayed on some of the dispersed sites up in Forbes SF in the SW part of the state.

    One of the recommendations in the PA DCNR long range plan is the elimination of those dispersed sites in the name of conservation. Hopefully it gets shot down. The woman Wolf put in charge of DCNR is an absolute nutball. Thankfully her days are numbered.


    Too many "public" areas seem to be going that way... they don't want you on the land unless you are bird watching from a distance. No camping, certainly no RV'ing, no hunting, no mountain bike riding, no off road vehicle use, and on and on.

    You need to find a balance of uses, but public land is, well, PUBLIC and people should be allowed to use it.
  • GDS-3950BH's avatar
    GDS-3950BH
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2020
    I've stayed on some of the dispersed sites up in Forbes SF in the SW part of the state.

    One of the recommendations in the PA DCNR long range plan is the elimination of those dispersed sites in the name of conservation. Hopefully it gets shot down. The woman Wolf put in charge of DCNR is an absolute nutball. Thankfully her days are numbered.
  • FULLTIMEWANABE's avatar
    FULLTIMEWANABE
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2020
    Deleting in process after over 15 years here of deleting membership. Appalled at how things have changed personally.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Oct 21, 2020
    The most RV's packed into a small area we've ever seen was Fort Peck in Montana this summer, they were practically parked hubcap to hubcap, scores of them in parking lots and these were not just parked there. This despite signs all over the place forbidding the practice. No enforcement at all. However our official CG was well managed and excellent as the other cg seemed to be as well.

    Jug Hollow in Flaming Gorge had scores of RVs but they were all placed apart from each other. We could just see the roof of our nearest neighbor. That area is so large it can accommodate a lot of people and still give them separation.
  • Boon_Docker's avatar
    Boon_Docker
    Explorer III
    Oct 21, 2020
    gbopp wrote:
    Boon Docker wrote:
    Boondocking is what camping is all about. The peace and quiet of being out in the wilderness with no one else around is priceless.

    Yes it is. But, if possible, some people would try to park 10' from your rig. It's their nature.


    I see that all the time a short distance West of where I live. I make a point of going further West to secluded places where there is room for only 1 RV for at least a kilometer around.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Oct 21, 2020
    You may want to watch some of this couples vblogs. They have a Class A and mainly dry camp and boondock. When I first watched some of their stuff six months ago they seemed rather smarmy but their recent work is much better they have really loosened up a lot:

    You Me ad the RV

    Lucy Ball not included.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2020
    Boon Docker wrote:
    Boondocking is what camping is all about. The peace and quiet of being out in the wilderness with no one else around is priceless.

    Yes it is. But, if possible, some people would try to park 10' from your rig. It's their nature.
  • Boon_Docker's avatar
    Boon_Docker
    Explorer III
    Oct 20, 2020
    Boondocking is what camping is all about. The peace and quiet of being out in the wilderness with no one else around is priceless.
    Glad to hear that you enjoyed it.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2020
    With proper water management, showering daily while dry camping is doable.

    Hook yourself on solar and forget the noise and hassle of a generator.
  • LadyRVer's avatar
    LadyRVer
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2020
    I think boon docking is great for those who have the set up and enjoy it. I have found COE campgrounds which I enjoy and the price is great for me, too. I do like to stay at commercial campgrounds every once in a while. COE has electric and water and a dump station. State parks are great, too. In 28 years of camping, think I have stayed 3 nights without hookups. Enjoy...

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