The truth about Boondocking
I want to know the truth about Boondocking, the pros and cons. I don't want it to turn into a 'story telling' thread but a thread about concerns, issues, advantages etc. Some examples I wonder abo...
Forum Discussion
Hi icanon!
Yes, this is certainly a good thread. Typically I stay far away from these discussions as my style and practice is often considered extreme and very different than the weekend Boondocker. What I have learned in the years I have been exclusively Boondocking, it is far from dire as many would like to make it out to be. My answer to them, they need to sharpen their skills and be willing to push the envelope beyond the normal areas they frequent. Which, for the weekender and the short and long tripper is often not in their comfort zone. Imagine if you will, I am always traveling in new areas and have never been forced to seek out a Campground or RV Park for lack of finding a Boondocking Site, how do I find these spots?
O.K., I will bite too. I spent more than 40 years backpacking all over this country, from the depths of the Grand Canyon to the Highs of the Cascades and Sierras to the beauty, as well as being part of the food chain, in Yellowstone. I worked for many years in the outdoors from carrying a pack on my back and educating those on and going on the trails of our National Parks, in how to do it safely. As well as carrying a gun on my hip, helping a child who had been terrorized by whom they thought, loved them. From this I bring a bit more to my table of “tools” than many of you. But like you, I have learned and practiced my Boondocking skills. Plus made many mistakes along too, but have learned from these, as well.
We all have our life experiences and these experiences often shape and drive us in the choices we make. For me, for decades I hated RV’rs. Everything about them, their size, noise and the individuals seemed not to be at peace with the environment. Like many, I mellowed and my opinions changed and how I saw the world was definitely colored in warmer tones. Now, decades later I find myself one of these RV’rs, too.
Jefe4X4 is right, I was not blessed with a Boondocking gene and it is through necessity and desire to be away from populated areas, sorry guys, but people too, that honed my skills. Boondocking places are there, even near Wal-Marts, because I am always finding them. But it does take practice and my best advice in learning how, is to make it a game. To and from work, or the next time you take a road trip. Start watching for spots and judging them as you go along. This way you begin to recognize what will work for you. Don’t expect others to tell you where they are, or in a book you can buy at the store. Start figuring them out yourselves and spend less time lamenting the loss of Boondocking site.
Don’t expect to find that perfect spot the first night. But arrive in an area you want to explore, such as the Escalante or Nashville, camp in a safe spot and the next day go scouting around the area. Just like a Wal-Mart. There are often many spots better, within blocks, than Wal-Mart to boondock. Roswell New Mexico is a prime example. I saw a Police Officer and waved him over, and asked. He then shared a location that I have now used for years, as I travel through the area.
Use your Spidey skills and you will find these storied Boondocking spots.
As always, travel safely.
b
Yes, this is certainly a good thread. Typically I stay far away from these discussions as my style and practice is often considered extreme and very different than the weekend Boondocker. What I have learned in the years I have been exclusively Boondocking, it is far from dire as many would like to make it out to be. My answer to them, they need to sharpen their skills and be willing to push the envelope beyond the normal areas they frequent. Which, for the weekender and the short and long tripper is often not in their comfort zone. Imagine if you will, I am always traveling in new areas and have never been forced to seek out a Campground or RV Park for lack of finding a Boondocking Site, how do I find these spots?
O.K., I will bite too. I spent more than 40 years backpacking all over this country, from the depths of the Grand Canyon to the Highs of the Cascades and Sierras to the beauty, as well as being part of the food chain, in Yellowstone. I worked for many years in the outdoors from carrying a pack on my back and educating those on and going on the trails of our National Parks, in how to do it safely. As well as carrying a gun on my hip, helping a child who had been terrorized by whom they thought, loved them. From this I bring a bit more to my table of “tools” than many of you. But like you, I have learned and practiced my Boondocking skills. Plus made many mistakes along too, but have learned from these, as well.
We all have our life experiences and these experiences often shape and drive us in the choices we make. For me, for decades I hated RV’rs. Everything about them, their size, noise and the individuals seemed not to be at peace with the environment. Like many, I mellowed and my opinions changed and how I saw the world was definitely colored in warmer tones. Now, decades later I find myself one of these RV’rs, too.
Jefe4X4 is right, I was not blessed with a Boondocking gene and it is through necessity and desire to be away from populated areas, sorry guys, but people too, that honed my skills. Boondocking places are there, even near Wal-Marts, because I am always finding them. But it does take practice and my best advice in learning how, is to make it a game. To and from work, or the next time you take a road trip. Start watching for spots and judging them as you go along. This way you begin to recognize what will work for you. Don’t expect others to tell you where they are, or in a book you can buy at the store. Start figuring them out yourselves and spend less time lamenting the loss of Boondocking site.
Don’t expect to find that perfect spot the first night. But arrive in an area you want to explore, such as the Escalante or Nashville, camp in a safe spot and the next day go scouting around the area. Just like a Wal-Mart. There are often many spots better, within blocks, than Wal-Mart to boondock. Roswell New Mexico is a prime example. I saw a Police Officer and waved him over, and asked. He then shared a location that I have now used for years, as I travel through the area.
Use your Spidey skills and you will find these storied Boondocking spots.
As always, travel safely.
b
