I was recently exploring some off-road territory near Wickenburg, AZ. On GE, the Vulture Mountain road looked passable for my TH, but when I got there, the reality was that it was not - or at least riskier than I wanted while going solo. So, I ended up parking just off the road at a big flat where several other RV'ers had already established themselves. This was State Trust land, so apart from a permit, camping is free for up to 14 days with a permit.So I settled in and went for a short trail ride. While on this ride, I noticed a variety of trailers/tents that appeared to be well-established in their location, and it was pretty obvious these people had already been there more than the limit.It felt very sketchy camping near these long-term campers, and while riding, I stopped and talked to some people out wandering the desert. The conversation left me more than a bit concerned that I might experience a late-night visitation. I secured/locked everything up before going to bed, but I just didn't feel safe here. Nothing happened, but I camp to relax, not worry about whether I'm gonna get robbed. I cut my trip short because of this unease. I'm not a snowflake, and I am always well-armed, but I prefer to use my artillery as a deterrent, and would rather not unleash it. Has this ever happened to you? Any suggestions on how to deal with it, apart from just leaving and finding another location? Is there a forum or website I can check that reviews boondocking sites like this?I plan to retire soon and take longer trips, so any advice would be helpful.

I think you used wise judgement, leave while you can.

X2 no need to second guess a gut feeling.I have no advice to offer, retirement is not a word in my lexicon.I've only once encountered a bad gut feeling in my travels, when visiting the rather remote Goosenecks State Park in Utah.The park was deserted, except for natives selling jewelry. It wasn't selling jewelry that gave me issue, but that they had parked their vehicle so it wasn't visible until you were inside the park, at which point it was between me and the exit.Instant gut feeling cancelled my plans to spend a few nights.

Trust your gut and roll. I don't know of a website that will help either. Did you report your suspicions to the local LEOs?

I know where you are talking about. We spent a week at the Escapees park and rode around that area and it didn't look like an area to be hauling any large rigs. This year we stopped at Constellation park in Wickenburg and met another couple who stop there twice a year. They said that last year a TT was broken into during the day when the person went to town. I didn't have a bad feeling in that park but the couple asked us a few times to extend our stay because they obviously weren't comfortable yet they liked the park. We were the only ones there and they parked next to us. The market may be doing well but I sure dont believe it's a true reflection of life in the USA. I go to camp after camp that has a good number of basically homeless people. They ones that can afford to still be in a van or RV or something are called the "Wealthy homeless". I dont consider them all bad people but when push comes to shove and someone wants something they take it. There are a good number of people out there who are living the mobile lifestyle and look at others with jealousy. You notice it on some forums with comments like "Those people in the big motorhome" or "They came rolling in with their fancy fifth wheel". Any generators come up missing in Scaddan wash this year? ;)It seems most likely to run into trouble around cities and I'm not talking about Chicago or St Louis. I'm talking about Quartzsite or Yuma or Deming or wherever. The "Wealthy homeless" cant afford to drive far and the panhandling and theft opportunities are better in town. Look for vans and old class C's with contractor generators on a wood frame ready to fall off the back.

I will add that I try to use freecampsites.net and campendium. I'm starting to lean more toward the sites where you have to pay at least something to stay. That's one of the first steps in weeding out riff raff and then as mentioned above try to stay away from towns.I often try to make contact with others park around me in these places just to feel out the situation. There are some of the nicest people in the world who just have a difficult situation and there are also people who should be institutionalized. My prediction for these free places is that they will become worse and worse. The boondocking spot east of Cottonwood is a good example. I've been there 3 years in a row and stay in the same spot and spend hours picking up trash and raking up glass. If you go in to the far end of the site in looks like an actual dump. There were van seats, interior panels, plastic parts, mattresses, cupboards and all sorts of garbage. This year I noticed that the BLM? had dumped a pile of large boulders back there. It wouldn't surprise me that they aren't for blocking off access to part of the site. No entity has the resources to haul off tons of trash over and over. These places will be shut down and then people will scream about the BLM or the "Man". idiots just shaft themselves. On the other hand and not making excuses for anyone you do have to consider the overall situation in the country. It will get worse.

Boondocking or Squatting? | Good Sam Community

ohhell10339
Explorer
Jan 22, 2018
Forum Rules wrote:
Political and religious posts, pictures, links, signatures etc. are not allowed in these forums and may be removed without notice or discussion.

This Lifestyle forum members have been very good trying to adhere to the rules. Let's not deviate now. Thanks. (Mod)
ppine
Explorer II
Jan 22, 2018
You are always safer in the middle of now where with no one around. It is really smart to talk with the people around you and get a feel for your neighbors. I have left plenty of campgrounds in my life because I did not want to sleep next to some people I have met.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jan 22, 2018
For those not familiar with the area here is a blogger's post. He didn't stay there though - just explored. It's beautiful!

http://thebayfieldbunch.com/search?q=vulture+mine
Cloud_Dancer
Explorer II
Jan 22, 2018
I will always believe that there are different types and classes of people. So, how do you change that?
What I do is overnight at Walmarts, and try to stay in state parks with electricity and water and a dump station. I don't have enough years left to spend time trying to change people. I pick up my own mess, and pick up a little bit of trash that others leave behind.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 22, 2018
azrving wrote:
The boondocking spot east of Cottonwood is a good example. I've been there 3 years in a row and stay in the same spot and spend hours picking up trash and raking up glass. If you go in to the far end of the site in looks like an actual dump. There were van seats, interior panels, plastic parts, mattresses, cupboards and all sorts of garbage.
I visited The Slabs yesterday. I was astonished at how bad it's gotten.. literally garbage everywhere. I used to enjoy being there a few days, but not now. It's terrible.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Jan 22, 2018
toedtoes wrote:
DiskDoctr wrote:
First I'll agree that situational awareness is the first layer of defense and can be practiced with ease and minor inconvenience.

I don't know what website you can use, but perhaps a Google Earth might show long term encampments? The more remote locations don't usually have a lot of updated imagery, so might not help.

I'm not familiar with State Trust land designation? Is that a state-based analog to BLM or National Forests? Which LEO is in charge of that area?

A casual conversation with a LEO where you convey your desire to camp and stay out of the "bad areas of town" could reveal a lot and offer alternatives if necessary.

There is a big difference between asking where you can be safe and relaxed versus "reporting" a suspected problem.

IMHO, if people are having troubles and have taken to tents, don't add to their burden if avoidable ;)

Maybe you'll find a much better area for recreational campers not to far away :C

X2 completely.

(Shoot, I didn't even notice who I was agreeing with until after I posted :) ).
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jan 22, 2018
One of our favorite boondocking camp has become sketchy due to a string of thefts of items from RVs where the owners have left it unattended for a period of time while exploring. The camp area is usually very crowded however these break-ins go unnoticed by other campers.

We haven't been there since hearing about these thefts.
GordonThree
Explorer
Jan 22, 2018
the bear II wrote:
One of our favorite boondocking camp has become sketchy due to a string of thefts of items from RVs where the owners have left it unattended for a period of time while exploring. The camp area is usually very crowded however these break-ins go unnoticed by other campers.

We haven't been there since hearing about these thefts.

Unnoticed, or just apathetic to the theft, or a mix of both?

I see someone stealing unattended personal property from a neighbor, do I risk my own well being to get involved? I'm not a believer in "stand your ground", I would rather avoid confrontation rather than going looking for it.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Jan 22, 2018
GordonThree wrote:
the bear II wrote:
One of our favorite boondocking camp has become sketchy due to a string of thefts of items from RVs where the owners have left it unattended for a period of time while exploring. The camp area is usually very crowded however these break-ins go unnoticed by other campers.

We haven't been there since hearing about these thefts.

Unnoticed, or just apathetic to the theft, or a mix of both?

I see someone stealing unattended personal property from a neighbor, do I risk my own well being to get involved? I'm not a believer in "stand your ground", I would rather avoid confrontation rather than going looking for it.

For me, at the very least I would inform the neighbors of what I saw and offer to make a statemebt to a ranger. That doesn't put me at risk but may help.

Depending on what I saw, I might simply yell out "hey Joe that you? The others should be back in a few" and hope that scares them off without putting me at risk. If they looked dangerous, strung out, etc., then I might drive out and find cell reception or a ranger or even the neighbors headed back in. I figure if they look bad enough for me to fear them noticing me, then I don't want to be there period.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Jan 22, 2018
I think you "gut" is by far the best barometer you have. The best "defense" is the "one" you never have to use.

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