We have never really boondocked with the exception of one time at a country club for a wedding. That was planned way in advance. My wife wants to try it this weekend or next but we are a bit lost about where to go. How do you find a spot? We have some fairly rural and mountainous areas around but none that obviously don't belong to someone. I can't imagine willy nilly driving around til something looks good. Do most boondocks have pre-determined designations?

We will use National Forest land around here.

If you have some National Forest or BLM areas around you where you would like to camp, call the district ranger office for their recommendations.If you have a toad, you may want to check out camping locations rather than take the class A back there.

You might find something at.Freecampsites.com

Like others have said BLM or USFS land provide many good spots to camp. In Idaho part of boon docking is checking the weather many of the off the beaten path roads are not all season roads and rain or snow can strand you quickly. I have found taking the P/U and finding a spot works best, paying attention to the road condition and ability to turn a big RV around. Pay close attention to sharp rocks or stumps that can tear your sidewalls. Then unplug kick back and enjoy RVing.

Boondocking - how to find a spot | Good Sam Community

Ivylog
Explorer III
Aug 28, 2014
I've had good luck with this site for finding public CG's. Looks like several Yellow circles of interest in northern VA and western MD.
tonyandkaren
Explorer
Aug 28, 2014
A 30 class A is going to limit your options, especially in the east but I found a nice spot and posted about it here - http://freecampsites.net/#!3000&query=sitedetails Not too far away from Maryland and you should have no problem driving to the site and setting up in it.
Effy
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2014
deandec wrote:
Boondock or dry camp?

Two different things to my way of thinking.

Boondocking would be much easier in the Western States where you can drive all day and see just a few towns.

Dry camp could be done in a City, State, or Federal park.

I don't think I know the distinction. Camping somewhere other than a CG, no hookups. (SW or E) Nothing.
deandec
Explorer
Aug 28, 2014
Boondock or dry camp?

Two different things to my way of thinking.

Boondocking would be much easier in the Western States where you can drive all day and see just a few towns.

Dry camp could be done in a City, State, or Federal park.
mockturtle
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2014
Get yourself some Benchmark atlases. They show colored areas for each type of land so it's fairly easy to determine if you are on BLM, USFS or private land. Not every government area allows dispersed camping but if you ask at the HQ they will tell you whether or not you may and also give you good advice on areas to camp.
Gjac
Explorer III
Aug 28, 2014
If you have never done it before I would start at a SP or a NF CG for a few nights first to see how your wife likes camping without hook ups. Assateague is in MD. and is a nice place to dry camp especially now that the kids are back in school. Md also has a number of state parks also which I have not camped at.
Effy
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2014
thanks for all the tips. Was hoping of something a little more scenic. I'll check around
rwm2_2000
Explorer
Aug 28, 2014
We stay at truckstops or walmarts or targets or even shopping centers. Just look around for dangers such as bums or signs of gangs etc.
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2014
Effy wrote:
East Coast must be pretty tough to find a boondocking site.
Yep. Maybe a truck stop.
Effy
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2014
tjfogelberg wrote:
Try boondocking.org

I have found several spots and added them as listings to the site.

I love boondocking! On the East Coast, we boondocked at Walmarts and Foxwoods Resort and Casino.

It can be very rewarding - adds to the adventure and saves money.

nothing within 500 miles of our lat/lon on that site. East Coast must be pretty tough to find a boondocking site. maybe I look at some local farms etc and ask permission.