Tips for TC Boondocking

hedgehopper wrote:
DW and I have been TCing every year, starting with a 2003 trip to Alaska. Not counting Wal-Mart, we have never boondocked. Now we are considering renting a self-contained hardside as an experiment. After eleven years, our habitual routines are oriented toward campgrounds and RV parks. But this experiment could include some boondocking. Even though we think of ourselves as veteran TCers, this feels like a foray into the unknown.

Some of you are so comfortable with boondocking that you avoid campgrounds or RV parks. I thought about PMing one such member. But I would like input from all who have something to offer.

So here's my question: It's that time of day when you want a place to spend the night. (Or do you start looking before then?) How do you go about finding a suitable boondocking site? Other than apparent war zones, what places do you avoid? What do you consider ideal? Have you ever been asked to move? If you are open to all options, how do you choose between established sites and boondocking? What other tips can you offer?

I've learned over the years to do research in the areas I want to see and along the given route for possible boondocking places. There is a Plublic land and Boondocking forum in RV.net that has been helpful as well as a lot of websites that list lots of no cost/ low cost places.

If urban camping, I look for no bars on the windows and it doesn't matter if it's redidental/ industrial and rest stops are good for overnight sleeping (use those many times). Just asking in the TC forum just like your doing now has been very helpful. I have used RV parks from time to time, but try to use those as little as possible.

Cowboy in Moab,Utah (BLM)


Boondocking a few miles from Goblin SP, UT.



Boondocking along the Bradshaw Trail



I believe Sleepy has a great thread going and maybe the longest one on boondocking and urban camping.