best boondocking sites in usa

Sacramento Pass Recreation Area | Ely, NV Photo by: Teddi & Roger. ( Learn how to boondock without fear.) However, maybe just use it for a few to get your feet wet. More information: disclosure page. After all this you may still be wondering is boondocking safe? The Free Roam app was designed with boondockers in mind, and the developers are committed to respecting and protecting the natural environment. The campground borders the creek with several dispersed campsites. Copyright 2023. Check out 9 Van Life Shower Ideas for Staying Clean On the Road. For every of these group sites, you get a facility that can accommodate ten vehicles and up to forty guests. and use the dump station inside the park. Where can I find Free boondocking sites? Terms of Use | Privacy | About Ads | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Sitemap | Media Resources, Barstow Unified School District, California, RVer-Friendly Bike Trails in the Western United States, Top Attractions and Points of Interest in the Midwestern United States. You can feel comfortable that you won't run into scary issues such as not being able to turn around, or not having cell service, and not being in the middle of nowhere with nobody around for help If needed. Campsite Database and Review Sites. We have parked right off the highway in Utah and woke up in a beautiful field of windmills. These are some of the best boondocking spots for beginners that I could think of. 6 Dry Camping Sites Best Locators (Updated 2022 - Our Big Escape If you head up the main road (48) you will eventually come to a big open spot on the left (The GPS listed here marks that area). North Ford Road is in Glacier National Park, just north of Columbia Falls. With the ocean right out your front door, youll have easy access to swimming, fishing, and any other beach activity. It's not far at all from the south entrance. Boondocking sites are almost always free, almost always first come first serve, rarely require (or even take) reservations, and can feature million-dollar views. Our favorite feature of this best app for boondocking is the ability to use it offline. If you are planning to make a stop at one of these places make sure to call ahead and find out if parking is actually allowed. There are two main, but different, reasons most people consider boondocking. The BLM ground nestling between the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada and the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in Oregon is an excellent location for an exceptional outback experience, giving you the solace you so terribly need from society. 7 Best Apps for Finding Free Boondocking Sites - USA Then you can start by doing a web search for free camping in your location and searching on the following websites: This is a list of my go-to free camping websites in the order that I use them: This is my go-to website. The desert terrain is a great place to see a variety of cacti and an amazing array of wildlife. The Upper Sweetwater campground features a campfire ring, grill, and sizable picnic table. If you are eager to share in the pleasures of the uncivilized wild, sharing close quarters with the likes of the bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope, then you should be boondocking in Sheldon Wildlife Refuge. 13 Best Boondocking Locations on the East Coast | BMPRO Yep, that's my trailer! In town, look for the 'RV Pit Stop' where you can fill up your water tank, dump your tanks, and fill with propane. Although not free, an annual membership is only $50 and $25 for hosts. In this post, I cover where to find free boondocking sites to camp in the US. Ultimate Campgrounds 5) 3. South of Leadville is Twin Lakes, a stunning day drive if you are into mountains and lakes. Lion's Park, north of town and next to the river, has free water. Ultimate Guide to Boondocking (Free RV Camping in the US) 2023, The Wayward Home. The BLM requirements are Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The specific rules are may vary based on the state and region that you are in so check with the local office. It includes absolutely every element of service, repair and maintenance covered within a super user-friendly software interface. In this guide, we explore the best 26 boondocking locations you can savor. The Leisure List Best Boondocking and Off-Grid Campsites in the United States Leisure Travel Vans November 27, 2022 Camping is a unique experience, but boondocking is an entirely new experience. There you have it! 5 Best Boondocking Spots That Are Perfect For Beginners - Camp Addict You can find free and paid camping on public lands, county parks, private RV parks, National parks, military parks, and more. You should be aware of the places that you cannot generally camp for free. (Although you can get away with sleeping in your car to hike the next morning.). One nice feature is the list of Walmarts (and other businesses) by state. All Rights Reserved. The Boondocking app allows you to choose from multiple map types, and offers weather information, driving times, and a host of filters, including water access, elevation, and nearby amenities. I can tell you that Oregons rest stops can become very crowded at night. ), There's a dump and water fill ($5 to dump, $2.50 for water) just south of town with easy access right on the main drag. Check out these other van camping posts you will love: Nicholas Marshall is a writer, photographer, and outdoor enthusiast currently based in Bisbee, Arizona. This site is equipped with lots of dispersed camping sites branching across the dirt tracks. Welcome to boondocking.org, your source for free overnight Later in this article well discuss ways to find a good boondocking spot and the equipment you might want to consider before embarking on your off-grid adventures! This area is famed for its local cuisine, which gives you a stacked vegetarian food menu. If your van doesnt have a diesel or propane heater, you might consider picking up a portable propane heater. Once winter hit, the family upgraded to a converted Sprinter and continued to meander through the American West, eventually stopping in Bisbee. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The campground is typically accessible all through the year, boasting over 25 campsites. Nomad View Dispersed Camping - Wall, SD. Have you heard of boondocking? The following states are top-ranked for free camping. Here is a list of my go-to websites. Its parking yourself in nature and embracing the elements youre given. If you want to be one with nature, youve got to check out these top ten RV boondocking spots, picked by our Campendium community. Please log in again. Manderfield Reservoir. Freecampsites.net focuses mainly on public lands, although there are plenty of options for quick stays like Walmart parking lots and rest areas that allow overnight camping. This location is exquisite for its collection of rocks (with exciting boulder formation) strategically situated easterly of Sierra Nevada, not far from Lone Pine. Located on the upper Yellowstone River, Carbella Recreation Site is a popular spot for free camping, fly fishing, and paddle sports. You might be surprised by how much fun you end up having! User reviews tend to be really high quality, and there are always lots of photographs, which can make a big difference when youre trying to decide on the best spot. Please read ourdisclosure policyfor more info. The 8 Best Boondocking Apps For Finding Free Campsites. They offer Driveshafts, Light Axles, Axle Bearings, Seals, Studs, Axle Spindles, Chromoly Axles, Wheel Hubs & Locking Hubs, also Air Conditioning Equipments, Body Shop Tools and Equipments, etc. If you do stay at one make sure to fill up with gas while youre there and grab a snack in sight. It doesnt get much better than free oceanfront camping. So, if you want the security of close-by amenities and something big and memorable to do, hit the caverns and try out 'boondocking' for the first time. Attendants guide you where to go depending on what you want. It's only for filling a couple of water jugs at a time. You can see this best boondocking spot for beginners provides easy access, hardly any obstacles, no puddles, and wide open space. This is where the trail terminates. If youre going to be spending time off-grid, youll need to be prepared. You know you wanna go. Free camping on the East Coast does it exist? In this case, you will be looking for longer-term accommodations on public lands or other places that are near your desired destination. It's going to be crowded during season. We have stayed in our share of Walmart parking lots as we pass through a city. Although the map function can be a little clumsy when youre using the site on a phone, Freecampsites.net has often been our go-to resource for finding awesome free camping. Etc. The site has decent cell service and accessibility for larger rigs. The login page will open in a new tab. This free dispersed camping in Western Colorado is amazing, What to pack for an RV trip with toddlers, 15 Essential Tips for your First RV Trip with Young Kids, Tips to Surviving a Road Trip with Kids (From a mom of 6), Get the Free Vacation Planner and Monthly Updates, Connecticut at areas along the Illinois Toll Road, Follow Leave No Travel Principles by staying on flat grassy ground and picking up after yourself, Use established spots that have plenty of room to maneuver your rig, Ask permission if you are on private land or at a business, Follow the rules and regulations of the landowner or manager, If you are at a business parking lot, stay connected, leave the slides in and dont unload anything, Do not dump your tanks, even the gray water, Stay at businesses that are 24 hours and have security, Always ask permission to park overnight. 1. For the best of experience, it is advisable to use this location around July to September. These are some of the best boondocking spots for beginners that I could think of. How To Find Free Camping And Boondocking In The USA Here in the park, you get grills, amazing trails, and shaded tables. Boondocking in Coconino National Forest . At Yellow Circle Road, it's sort of 'communal camping' with just open areas, so it's not as imposing if you park next to someone in a small spot (a no-no). Here is a list of companies that generally allow overnight parking. It's basically dry camping in an open campground. Every year, this park usually holds the historic Atlatl Competition. Sacred White Shell Mountain - Mosca, CO. Meadow Lake - McAllister, MT. Arguably the most innovative Class C RV on the market, the Unity RV gives you the freedom to explore. Sacred White Shell Mountain has a 16-mile round trip hike, so you can be sure to have exciting adventures during your stay here. There's even a free dump station in town at a park. Magnolia Beach Camping | Port Lavaca, TX Photo by: Cathiebraz. What is boondocking, dry camping, or wild camping? I hope you found it helpful. But if you're truly trying to boondock for the first time, may as well skip this and hit an actual free area. Campendium users love the spectacular views, both day and night: with such low light pollution, campers here can see an astounding number of stars on a clear night. However, some of the same tactics may apply to Canada and other countries. Aside from the breathtaking scenery, Big Bend National Park is one of the least visited and most remote national parks in the United States. North of town you can also boondock atWillow Springs Trail, Dalton Wells Road, or even Klondike Bluff Road. Obviously, you can't fill your rig directly, but this is where portable containers come in handy. Shop Now. In the ponderosa pine woodland, you can create some sweet memories at Hammonds Flycatchers. Numerical markings majorly denote these areas. Here you and other campers mimic old Aztec culture, participating in mock fights with ancient spears. Being a national grassland, this boondocking site stands apart on this list. Colorado is considered one of the best states for boondocking, and this site is a great example of why. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. We are a website with excellent writers and editors. Nomad View Dispersed Camping | Wall, SD Photo by: SeeingTheSeitz. Right across the street is a grocery store, one of a few in town. First, plan out your route and location on a map, generally Google Maps. Here at Zion Park, you can enjoy a pristine view of the mountains. This is when a parking lot and a business that allows overnight stays come in handy. So Forest Road 688 is a great jumping point to explore the Grand Canyon National Park. There are extra recreational activities around as the camping party can enjoy some games at the volleyball courts. Toms Best Spring Dispersed Camping | Panguitch, UT Photo by: mydslc. The Dyrt app is available for iOS and Android devices, and features an intuitive map-based interface. Finding boondocking spots is considerably more challenging the further east you go. The whole camping party can enjoy unforgettable sessions, either participating in flying fox sessions or cooking BBQs and enjoying them on picnic tables. The Dyrt was the #1 camping app in 2020, and this user-friendly resource might just be the best boondocking app around! (This is NOT the pinned spot. Campervans | RVs | Tiny Homes | Sailboats, April 30, 2021 by Nicholas Marshall| Leave a comment. Required fields are marked *. Join me on this journey and let's make some unforgettable memories. There are so many ways to find free camping spots, and we hope that this article helps you find the best boondocking app for you. Boondocking here is sure to be an experience as you would enjoy the rusting camping bins while watching your kids having the fun of their lives in the inviting river. Jenny Lake is admittedly not one of the biggest boondocking locations on this compilation, but it surely gets the job done as far as outdoor thrills are concerned. They guarantee that their product is 100% all natural & offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. To aid your search, we've compiled a list of the best Pacific Coast RV boondocking locations. Boondocking ("free camping") - How to find free RV campsites Are there Alligators in Colorado? Average RV Park Rates (With 48 Popular RV Parks), How Much Does An RV Cost (With 85 Examples), Full Time RV Living: Costs, Lifestyle and Things to Know, 13 Best Lightweight Toy Haulers With Pictures (Floor Plans), Average Tire Pressure When Towing a Travel Trailer. Depending on how far out youll be going, youll need to consider safety factors, as well as comfort. Still, I have my 'secret' spot there that I always go to. Public land is color-coded and easy to find on a Delorme map, and most forest roads are marked. Scout your campsite first because you can easily get stuck. Make sure you know how to drive and the limitations of the camper. Freecampsites.net is a fantastic community-driven boondocking website thats completely free to use. There are tons of benefits to boondocking. Theres a search function for specific locations, and you can switch between standard and satellite maps. Compostable toilet. Get out there. Whether youre looking for a remote spot to spend a few days or just need an easy and convenient place to spend the night, youll be sure to find the information you need with one of these boondocking apps or websites. 9 of Our Favorite Boondocking Locations - Adventures with TuckNae Undoubtedly, we will not be forgiven for omitting the illustrious Snake River when mentioning Wyomings best boondocking locations. Many Campendium users call it their favorite RV camping site, and its easy to see why. These locations incredibly match elegance, adventure, and freedom, giving beautiful memories you would cherish for a lifetime. When you are done and ready for a pint to wash the meals down your belly, there are some nice cocktails at the bar to be savored around the firepit. Alabama Hills Recreational Area Dispersed Camping | Lone Pine, CA Photo by: Kathys outdoor adventures. This comes in really handy when you need to stock up before heading for the hills! Emergency kit. This location is exquisite for its collection of rocks (with exciting boulder formation) strategically situated easterly of Sierra Nevada, not far from Lone Pine. Wanapitei River (Canada) Eastern Canada, much like the eastern U.S., has fewer places for boondocking, with the Wanapitei River in Ontario being a notable exception. The Top 10 Places to Boondock in the US - Campendium Aug 18, 2021 | News The Top 10 Places to Boondock in the US By Campendium The United States is home to some truly majestic landscapes. Just above the recreational section is a terrace where you can easily get a hotel, tore, and pottery store. Unlike camping in developed grounds, boondocking makes life much easier as you dont get to pay nor go through the bureaucratic reservation process. Now that you are poised to be a model camper, we'll let you in on our favorite apps for epic boondocking. So go on. Frequently when youre on a long trip you need to just stop and rest overnight before the next day. Remember the pre-internet days, when we had to rely on actual paper maps? What's that?". Another go-to website that has RV campsites listed by state. If you are a total newbie/beginner RVer wanting to dip your toes into the world of boondocking, you have 5 great picks to choose from. There are plenty of handy filters, including a free filter for Boondocking sites. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Aside from this portion, only legal vehicles can explore the remaining part of Navajo Road. The best boondocking apps are fantastic resources for locating free camping spots, but there will be times when youll need a few other tools in your arsenal. Campendium users can fill out a form to review a site, so theres constantly updated content. If you go in January, you can hit the big Quartzsite RV show. Want to learn more about boondocking? Campendium is a camping app that helps traveling families, couples, and soloists find an ideal campsite, verified by an entire community of campers. When you are done with all that, you could take the track through the tunnel, exploring some exciting bushwalking around. USFS regions. We won't send you spam. Many that head to the Rim tend to congregate around a few of the major forest service roads. Big Bend National Park (Paid $10 Per Night) This national park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas and provides breathtaking views of the Rio Grande. Get instant access and bi-monthy Travel Hacks. This site is furnished with an impressive collection of plant species and animals some of them even threatened. This campground has your sanitary affairs taken care of with vault toilets. This road takes you north, all the way from the peak points separating Durango from Cortez. Plus, its always a pleasure to spend time with new people and hear their van life stories! You can choose to go spotting American Dippers or, better still, roasting some delicious marshmallows while feasting your eyes on the beautiful rushing river. When researching new areas for potential boondocking locations, I hit up several websites for information. The local BLM will have paper maps, they have an accurate map online and we use the OnX app. Each of these specks is fitted with an impressive gazebo area. The camping party can enjoy walks or watching the birds flying around merrily. As long as youre well-prepared, camping off-grid without hookups is easy, and best of all its completely free! There are apps for boondocking, RV camping, and finding dump stations, as well as a website that anyone can use. iOverlander has a wide range of filters that you can use to tailor your search for a great campsite. This organization focuses on people who have farms and me for RVs which room for RVs to camp on. This is another community-driven resource, and there are over 1,300 identified locations, with more being added all the time. Making friends while on the road is one of the best parts of van living for so many reasons, and youll soon learn about the latest special boondocking spots. Its a little more geared toward car campers and 44 vehicles, so make sure find road reports in the reviews before committing to a site. Subscribe to start planning an EPIC Family RV trip! And if you're a first time boondocker, you'll probably feel a little more secure having phone access. Hi Jolly camping area is located just north of the tiny town of Quartzsite in southern Arizona. Bootjack Dispersed Camping - Island Park, ID. Theres also an awesome list function, which allows you to compile your favorite spots in one place, as well as gear discounts and camping discounts at hundreds of U.S. campgrounds. Most Famous Boondocking Locations in the US and Canada Best if you pick up one of the best portable solar panel (or two) to chase the sun with. You probably won't find specialty groceries if that's your deal. It's the Grand Canyon! 21 Favorite West-Central Utah Boondocking Camp Sites Plus Maps Unless youre really committed to taking your shovel and communing with nature, a compostable toilet is a great addition to your boondocking setup. We have learned from experience on the trip in the photo above. Spots are not ENDLESS on Yellow Circle, but when we went, there was plenty of room for a BUNCH of us to park (Probably 15 RVs- photo above) before an Xscapers convergence we were attending in Moab. They offer RV Appliances, Water Heaters, Air Conditioners, 3-Burner Cook Top, Cabinets, Interior Doors, Awnings, Windowss, Wheels and Hubcaps, etc. Do you have a favorite boondocking site you would like to share? In mid-2020 Nicholas quit the Seattle rat-race and moved into a '97 VW Eurovan with his wife and young daughter. Always follow all applicable laws. Off-roading abounds here. When summer revs up, you may struggle to get a space in the remote campground as Graves Creek is usually stacked up with teeming explorers. It offers free and easy camping with astounding surroundings. Using this website couldnt be easier. Unsubscribe at anytime. - Drivin' & Vibin' Is There Free Camping on the East Coast? The duration you can camp for depends on the region that you are in. You can unsubscribe at any time. Here's a fantastic water station in Gearheads in Moab. Well theyre still available and they still work! Given how coveted this location is, it is advised that you reserve your spot say six or seven months beforehand. The Top 5 Ultimate RV Boondocking Bucket List on the West Coast One of our favorite things about this boondocking app is the social component. Lake 13, Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge - Maxwell, NM. This means youll always be able to access the maps, no matter how deep into the woods you go! Mike Wendland June 19, 2023 Here's a HUGE list of Free or Cheap RV Sites & Camping Locations and how to book them! What we really love is that user reviews include a cell coverage report, which can be really helpful if you know youre going to need service. Search for an RV here on Outdoorsy (+ use our $50 off discount.). This free dispersed camping in Western Colorado is amazing. You can stay in the fields near the alpacas with a beautiful view of the Colorado River Valley. After boondocking as a stopover and spending days at dispersed free campsites, I have a system that I am going to tell you about. The Dyrt 6) 4. Not all states are very "boondocking friendly" though. Therefore, boondocking is like second nature to me now. 5 States with Incredible Boondocking Camping Spots Will going through a city or on a highway through the mountains? One of the coolest features of this best boondocking app is the map filter function, which is available in the pro version. Located on Lavaca Bay, which leads to the Gulf of Mexico, this beach boondocking site is a gorgeous place for overnight camping. 26 Best Boondocking Locations for RV Camping With Pictures This awesome boondocking app is available for iOS and Android devices. Maps are available at the local Forest Service office or we use the OnX app. These points won a spot on the best boondocking spots for beginners list. (Access is easier if you are coming from the north.). Call or go inside a business and let them know you are there, Do not disconnect your trailer or car and leave to visit other places, Use a security camera system to watch the outside around your rig, Travel with a big dog (or at least pretend to), Place a sticker on the outside to warn of a security system or guard dogs, Know your exact location and be aware of your surroundings. I hope to help you craft a new version of the American Dream. Boondocking is a great way to find a quick place to stop for the night on a long trip or scout a beautiful camping spot for free. This just shows you what much of the camping areas look like. Clicking on sites allows you to see detailed information as well as user reviews. Please do your own research on road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive to these or other locations. You can find free camping near you, GPS coordinates and reviews, and notes from other campers. Here youll find level parking spots, room to spread out, and plenty to do. For the roads, they cut across dirt, gravel, and pavement. If you want to be able to charge your devices and power lights, fans, and whatever else you might need, youll need a way to get power. Each one of these camping sites has something special about it, and these are the sites you wont want to pass by. While boondocking, you can enjoy the fabulous sea stacks as they rise from the untiring sea waves. If you need a simple solution for finding free camping, then this might just be the best boondocking app for you. . There almost surely will be others parked there, so you will also have that feeling of security among others. This enables you to use the boondocking app without annoying ads, and youll also be able to access some extra filters. Maybe you can find a few other things to check out around Carlsbad. This may be particularly helpful when you just want to park and spend the nights in parking in free lots. Each will show in the description or you can message the owner. Most notable among this is a trail starting from Taggart Lake Trailhead parking area, spanning almost 3 miles. You wouldnt be starved of fun here are you get a lot of crags and rock formations to browse through. Below, youll find our list of the best boondocking apps.