I just returned from a trip - Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Arizona and points in between. Most of it was reimbursed via mileage, etc. I stayed at RV parks. Since I plan to retire soon, looking for ways to cut parking costs.How many of you use public lands (NPS, BLM) and other boondocking sites with motorhomes. From what I see, most are down an unpaved "road". Some look more like the path in granddads wheat field when I was a kid. I am not opposed to going down a dirt/gravel road for a short distance (if I have room to turn around), but look like they are miles from pavement.I guess my main concern is getting stuck in soft dirt/sand. Already drove in sand that if I had slowed down, let's say it would not have been good.

I try to use federal lands as much as possible.Many entre roads are gravel but hard.Some like COE are paved.edit:This is good website to find government campgrounds.US Campgrounds

Check out these guys. They're Canadians but always boondock in their MH:http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

I hardly ever stay anywhere except federal CGs and almost always boondock or dry camp. If I’m unsure about the road I bicycle it or unhook and drive it. Yes, there are a couple in the Eastern Sierras I don’t try to access with the TT but usually the feds have recommendations on their websites.

It can be done! Just go on Google Earth to spot good sites. And if possible, use your toad to scout for good places.

We try to boondock all the time. We sometimes go to a campground when we are in places like Moab Ut. Now and then we dry camp at an Escapees park for a night or two to dump and shop.It's varied wherever you go but you have to learn the ropes. I'm double towing at 65 ft long and cant just turn around. In an extreme case I could cram the utility trailer down off the road and unhook then get the FW backed off the road and turned around then drive past the utility trailer and put a chain on the trailer it to yank it out. I have never been in that situation because I'm very cautious and just pass things by if in doubt. It's easier to just move on to the next choice vs bust my tail. If you aren't towing anything I would use the approach of not driving any farther in then you can back out of. If you are headed in and it looks like it's narrowing down or trees are closing in and there are places to turn around pull into one and ride a bike or walk farther in. I use freecampsites.net, campendium and rvparky. I pick an area then look at Free Camp Sites. I read the reviews which might give valuable info like size limits, rutted road, low trees etc or it might be a review where someone says how beautiful the flowers are. Then I look at Google earth to see if there are any turn around or places I can get off the road and ride a bicycle or dirt bike in to check it out. I also try to pick two or three backup choices even if one is a Walmart.As you approach an area you want to consider if it has rained recently or is rain forecast. I remember the BD spot on the east side of the road before you enter the Badlands park. You would be looking to the east out over a vast field that dips down before ending along a ridge that looks out on th edge of the Badlands. I've seen motor homes in there and large FW but there is also a spot in the low area with a bunch of boards and deep ruts where people have been stuck in the mud.I have also been to a few spots where there is a lot of glass from broken windows. Auto window glass is sometimes an indication that people have had their vehicles broken into. Part of the adventure is reading the area, the people, the terrain and figuring out if I want to stay. I like the west and the desert more and more and often find it to be rocky not sandy and a lot of the trees are scrub vs tall overhead obstacles. When you use something like freecampsites dont take it as the Bible, it's just a tool to guide you. I've talked to people who used those apps and said they went to one of the spots and it was terrible and would never do that again. Well, they only gave it one try, I have had that happen and move on to someplace else. I also found the most fantastic spots like THIS one. They say one mans trash is another mans treasure so one mans gravel pit is another mans paradise.

Your input - Motorhome and boondocking.. | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Sep 21, 2018
Roy&Lynne wrote:
We have a trip planned for this winter and going to loop around 8 or 9 states and I can list on one hand the places we plan on stopping that offer electricity, most places are BLM or Forest Service lands.Benchmark maps are wonderful for finding places to camp. Just remember go up in summer and down in winter.

Sounds like our kind of trip! I agree, the Benchmark series of individual state road atlases is ideal if you like this kind of camping.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Sep 20, 2018
We have a trip planned for this winter and going to loop around 8 or 9 states and I can list on one hand the places we plan on stopping that offer electricity, most places are BLM or Forest Service lands.Benchmark maps are wonderful for finding places to camp. Just remember go up in summer and down in winter.
pnichols
Explorer II
Sep 17, 2018
The most tricky kind of boondock camping is that in which your rig is a comfortable large motorhome but with no toad. The most reliable and comfortable kind of boondock camping is that in which you have two vehicles along - i.e. a large motorhome plus a toad. The in-between kind of boondock camping is that in which your living quarters gives you the capability to move around in a tow vehicle independent of a living area - i.e. a TT or 5'er RV. The kind of boondock camping in which you want somewhat comfortable living quarters with you at all times so that you don't have go back to a pre-setup camping spot at the end of the day ... is a small motorhome with no toad or a truck camper with no toad.

We boondock/drycamp some, but not as a " camping goal" per se. We do it short term when we must, due to being way out somewhere for other reasons. Our RV is a well equipped rear wheel drive 24 foot Class C with mud/snow traction tires and decent ground clearance on a 158 inch wheelbase, so it's fairly easy to stay out of trouble on unknown roads. We just go slow and careful in dry weather and have so far done well - including such places as out in Death Valley off a 4X4 road.

We keep our small Class C ready for pretty much anything all of the time: Two generators, large capacity engine alternator, spare tire, tire repairing equipment, jack, shovel, unstuck boards, commecial rated tow chain, spare battery charger, various spare parts for the RV's appliances/electrical/plumbing, engine fluids and spare serpentine belt, some spare gasoline, satellite based communication equipment, a large capacity 12V fan that can be used inside or outside, outside BBQ, full power 120V compressor, lots of blankets, insulation for the windows, large propane powered outdoor firepit, covers for the roof vents, a bunch of medical equipment including medicines/first aid supplies/crutches/heating pad, insulation for the windows, 12V grey/black tank heaters, heated freshwater tank, food for at least a week, extra water, etc.. Our tank capacities are also pretty generous for a small Class C.

My approach to drycamping has been one of "super comfortable backpacking" -> have everything along with you in order to deal with anything anywhere as hassle-free as possible, quickly, comfortably, reliably, and safely.
PAThwacker
Explorer
Sep 17, 2018
i boondock off state gravel roads which are rated for logging trucks. Turn around lots or landings could be a mile away. These are travel at own risk during winter conditions.
BizmarksMom
Explorer
Aug 31, 2018
Plenty of big rigs get off of the beaten path. I unhook my trailer and scout ahead if I am not familiar with a road. You can easily do the same with your toad.
goducks10
Explorer
Aug 28, 2018
We don't 'boondock' persay. But we do a lot of non-hookup CG's. You say you're retired then you should qualify (62) for the Senior Inter Agency pass. Gives you a 50% discount on FS type CG's. We just stayed 3 nights for $21 total near Sisters Or in a CG.
Paved road going thru with gravel spurs. Most all the CG's we use are like that. I agree, staying in RV parks can get pretty spendy. Plus the atmosphere isn't always the best. Just something to think about.
DrewE
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2018
memtb wrote:
The “only” possible negative would be ground clearance issues....should be very careful where you go. You may be backing out!

Particularly in forested areas, the overall height can also be a pretty significant issue. (I guess that's mostly in comparison with trailers; many truck campers are pretty tall.)
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Aug 28, 2018
There are a ton of ways to save money RVing. One you mentioned, and that is boondocking. Checkout Free Campsites and Campendium
Another is stick around awhile, spend a week or so at each site and check out the area. Most BLM and Forest Services Campgrounds have a 14 day limit so take advantage. Saves on gas and we have found some hidden gems.
Look for passes that you qualify for. The feds offer some National Passes and check out each state you visit. New Mexico has a great annual pass for its state parks. It costs $225 but after that, dry camping is free and places with electricity are about $4 a night. They mostly have showers and flush toilets so its worth the price.
Happy camping
LenSatic
Explorer
Aug 27, 2018
Tax_Man wrote:
Thanks for the replies so quickly. Wondering if you have seen motorhomes at BLM, FS, and other off the beaten path sights. I will use the information given and again, thank you.

Here's a couple of bloggers who do it all the time (well Wheeling It just moved to France, so they are not currently bookdocking):

Travel With the Bayfield Bunch:

http://thebayfieldbunch.com/search?q=Boondocking

Wheeling It:

https://wheelingit.us/category/boondocking-2/

LS
discovery4us
Explorer
Aug 27, 2018
The biggest issue I have had is with the windshield. Have to be careful and not get to twisted up or the windshield will flex and sounds like it is going to shatter.