Forum Discussion

TechMan101101's avatar
TechMan101101
Explorer
Aug 19, 2023

Looking for Boondocker friend/group OR. WA. area

Hello all,

I am brand new to motorhomes and boon-docking.

I am looking to hopefully follow or join someone or group that are experienced boon-dockers in the northwest Oregon and southwest Washington areas.

I have lived my whole life in major cities obeying laws, following rules so I have some trepidation about camping in the complete wilderness.

And so far, I have only taken my 32 foot Winnebago to official (legitimate) camping spots.

But I want to try Boon Docking… I just need a “primer”, someone with experience to get me going.

Not even sure if “Boondockers” have groups or if what I am hoping to find is contrary to the idea of Boon Docking.

Anyway, I just thought I would post this to find out.

This would be for the Pacific Northwest, Portland, Oregon area, northern Oregon and southern Washington.

And I would be willing to pitch in for fuel and/or food in exchange for this guidance.

Also, I would be happy to share references (people I know at church and other friends) who will vouch for my character. (Smile)

Thanks in advance (smile)
Boondocking
Dry Camping
Public Lands
  • TechMan101101's avatar
    TechMan101101
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2023
    profdant139 wrote:
    There are BLM field offices -- just call them on the phone. They are very friendly.

    Also try the national forest ranger stations. You can download their Motor Vehicle Use Maps. The Avenza app should show your location on your phone.

    When you get more comfortable with boondocking, try using Google Earth to fly along forest roads. When you come to a fire ring, you have probably found a campsite.

    Boondocking is a lot more work than campground camping, and very time consuming. If you like isolation, it's worth the trouble.


    Thanks again Profdant139 (smile).
    It’s more of a budget matter then needing to isolate. I always prided myself on my “Lone Wolf” status but my last wife was/is very social and dominant so she taught me a lot about being part of the herd.
    Anyway, I will check out those map suggestions (smile)
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Aug 22, 2023
    There are BLM field offices -- just call them on the phone. They are very friendly.

    Also try the national forest ranger stations. You can download their Motor Vehicle Use Maps. The Avenza app should show your location on your phone.

    When you get more comfortable with boondocking, try using Google Earth to fly along forest roads. When you come to a fire ring, you have probably found a campsite.

    Boondocking is a lot more work than campground camping, and very time consuming. If you like isolation, it's worth the trouble.
  • TechMan101101's avatar
    TechMan101101
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2023
    profdant139 wrote:
    Start slow. You don't need a group. Just try a night in a national forest. Talk to the rangers about suitable sites for your rig.

    Once you experience a night of complete silence and isolation, you will be hooked.


    Thank you Profdant139, Talking to rangers sounds like good advice. Just curious, is there a website for Oregon BLM rangers or do I just wait for them to approach my Motorhome once I have found a free BLM boondocking place to overnight that does NOT have signage prohibiting overnight RV camping?
  • TechMan101101's avatar
    TechMan101101
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2023
    corvettekent wrote:
    Well to start with have you tried boondocking in your driveway? Did you know that you can overnight at the McMinnville air museum? This would be dry camping without hook ups. We have been there a few times. You can also stop at casinos for a night or two. In Washington we camp on state land (DNR). These are all free.



    Thank you so much for the quick reply, especially the one for McMinnville air museum. (Smile).

    The air museum website says: $40 gets you ONE night RV NO-hookup stay AND admission to air museum. Theater inside museum AND extended tour of Spruce Goose (get to sit in same pilot seat as Howard Hughes) is EXTRA charge.

    I’m looking forward to the above as soon as possible. (smile)

    P.S. I have been checking out Casino RV camping… but so far… the couple I have checked… charge as much as $75 a night for full hookup.
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2023
    Start slow. You don't need a group. Just try a night in a national forest. Talk to the rangers about suitable sites for your rig.

    Once you experience a night of complete silence and isolation, you will be hooked.
  • corvettekent's avatar
    corvettekent
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2023
    Well to start with have you tried boondocking in your driveway? Did you know that you can overnight at the McMinnville air museum? This would be dry camping without hook ups. We have been there a few times. You can also stop at casinos for a night or two. In Washington we camp on state land (DNR). These are all free.
  • TechMan101101's avatar
    TechMan101101
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2023
    StarkNaked wrote:
    I'm not the expert, but WA/OR don't have a huge number of public lands compared to some other states. (But I'm sure the experts will jump in to add more info).

    And your RV might be on the large size to get into some of the locations.

    Are you old enough to get a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass? 62 or older? Senior Pass

    Here are some BLM links that might help:

    Camping on Public Lands

    OR/WA Recreation

    BLM search by state


    Thank you for your quick reply, I will check out all your wonderful information here just as soon as possible. (Smile)
  • TechMan101101's avatar
    TechMan101101
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2023
    routeforty wrote:
    Might try "vanlivingforum.com". Lots of info there on boondocking, group get togethers, etc.



    Thank you so much for your quick reply RouteForty (smile)
    I just created an account over there and posted my profile info.
  • TechMan101101's avatar
    TechMan101101
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2023
    TenOC wrote:
    Facebook has a "free Camping" Group.. Here



    Thank you for your quick reply TenOC (smile)

    I just signed up for that Facebook group. Will see how it goes.:C

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