Is your idea of camping being hooked up to utilities in an RV park? Or do you prefer a somewhat secluded experience in a government campground — state park or national forest, for example?
But how about camping far from the crowds? Is that more your thing — where the only sights and sounds are those of nature — no cars or RVs passing by, no screaming children, no barking dogs, no sounds of loud stereos? Most RVers call that boondocking. Is that where you head when you set out on an RV adventure?
For many, boondocking offers a true sense of freedom. The ability to choose your own spot, away from the constraints of designated sites, is part of the allure. It’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in nature, relying on your own resources and enjoying the peace and quiet that comes with being far from civilization.
In this poll, we’re asking how often you hole up at least a mile from another RV, other dwelling or other building(s) — be it a remote cabin, general store, ranger station — anything but what nature provided without any assistance from humans.
Remember, if you are on a slow connection, it may take a few moments for the poll to load. So stand by. It will be right along, and well worth the wait.
OMG, if we could boondock with nothing but tranquility and serenity as our neighbor, that’s where I’d be!
RV Parks feel like living in a trailer park and campgrounds feel like predetermined dispersed camping. But snagging a spot in a barren meadow, canyon or grove with only the sounds of nature? Niceeeeeeeee
Never, but we have been in a COE park and we were the only RV in the area. Benefit of midweek travels.
Boondocking in Quartzsite is almost serene, as long as you don’t go during the “Big Tent” (which we don’t). And we usually go up Plamosa Road or Scaddan Wash. We can almost always see someone about a block away. But, other than that, we follow random dirt roads (of which there are many here in NV!) or head off in search of a ghost town, like Dave Helgeson. The random dirt road thing worked in Montana as well.
DW & I watch a show called Yellowstone Wardens. In the latest episode, a warden had to investigate a 5th wheel that just showed up camping on a private ranch. The occupants had even left a gate open…a HUGE no-no on any farm or ranch. An entire young family was boondocking on private property with no permission. The husband was a bit belligerent regarding his perceived “right” to camp wherever he wanted.
Net, for anyone just driving up dirt roads, know what property you are on and that camping is allowed. Respect private property rights.
Right you are, Mikal. We never venture onto private property. We don’t drive onto anyone’s driveway either. Boondocking in NV is an easy endeavor.
A solo boondocking site is like searching for the elusive unicorn, much desired but seldom found. Over crowding on some BLM lands makes it difficult to keep distance between campers, then there’s the trash and vandalism closing too many other areas. When we do find that magic spot, it’s the best camping ever…. and we never disclose the location!
Never!! Not in Texas with open borders. We like gated and Rv resorts with security.
Most years, we mostly dry camp, but we use established campgrounds. Many of the oft-used boondocking places we pass on our travels are worn down, sometimes trashed. In some of the areas we visit, such as in CO & UT, such over- and mis-use has lead to designated boondocking spots. In an organized campground, at least there is some oversight and maintenance. My husband does backpack, so can be miles from anywhere and anyone.
Boondocking on USFS and BLM land in Colorado and Utah is officially called “dispersed camping”. And all of it is “designated” by the agencies if you look at the agency websites. There are lists of designated dispersed camping areas and rules that govern exactly how far from streams and roads you must camp, where and how campfires must constructed,how trash must be treated, etc. Plus county open-fire bans also apply to all Federal land in that county. So, knowledge of campfire restrictions is also required for boondocking. People who don’t follow those rules can be fined, but how many are actually caught violating the rules? Very few because there are more dispersed camping areas than LEOs.
I voted never, but that is in the past. Not saying it couldn’t happen in the future, but it is unlikely.
Large RVs are not made to be taken off oiled roads and onto dirt roads where they flex and bump around damaging their frames and other things.
When traveling from WA state to AZ on my annual pilgrimage, I look for a wide spot off the road or an abandoned business to spend the night. Have never had a problem.
Thank you, RV Travel! The closest we have come to boondocking is tailgating at a football game. For the games with the greatest interest, we were never more than 20 feet from another RV. Happy new year and safe travels!