What is Boondocking and Where Do You Find Spots?

Check out our first podcast on this topic, recorded while we were boondocking outside of Winnemucca, NV, at Lake Canyon Recreation Area.

A change in plans lead us to plan a long road trip to Texas, where we would eventually work at our fourth SOWER project. We had a month of time to fill as we traveled from Medford, OR, to Spicewood, TX. We keep a tight budget, so we knew boondocking would be required as we made our way to the Lonestar State.

Boondocking is dry camping (no hook ups – water, sewer, electricity) and usually at a free for public use site. This can include recreation sites on BLM land or Army of Engineer campsites or dispersed camping along forest service roads. You may also be able to camp at rest stops in some states, like Nevada, but at most stops you will need to limit your time to sleeping only.

We use boondocking to make travel more affordable. We have learned how to conserve our resources so we do not require hook ups for at least a week. At which point, we simply have to find a dump station to empty our tanks. Some states, like Oregon, offer free dumping at some of their rest stops.

Before you go, do your homework. Use an app, like FreeRoam or AllStays, to find free spots that other users have reviewed. Look at the date at which they were last reviewed and see if there are any pictures. Then look them up on Google maps and zoom in using the satellite layer. Look at the spots close up and determine if the road conditions are suitable for your rig.

Many boondocking spots will not have phone service, so it is important to take screen shots of the directions and possible parking spots. Go prepared and always be flexible. These spots are first come first serve, so be aware that the site you want may be taken and you will need a back up plan. Try to arrive by 3 pm to avoid this. Some locations may require an arrival closer to noon if they are popular.

We try to choose locations that aren’t too far off the main highway, but typically the best spots are quite a few miles off the main road. These hidden gems offer peace and quiet, beautiful scenery, and a true vacation type experience.

Some of our favorite spots include Lake DeWeese in Westcliffe, CO (1.5 hours from Colorado Springs). We also enjoy Dugway Campground in Sinclair, WY (10 minutes from I-80). As for coastal parking in Oregon, there are plenty of pull off rest spots along HWY 101. However, state rules say you should not park longer than 12 hours. That’s enough to see sunset and sunrise in early fall!

Busy rest areas are our least favorite place to park, but they do provide a safe place to get some shut eye before moving on to that gorgeous camp site. The constant traffic noise from stopping vehicles, or from the highway, will make it hard to sleep for some. Know the state rules for time limits at some rest stops and be careful to adhere to local guidelines or you may get a knock on the door. Most RV’ers report few problems sleeping at rest stops.

Stop at a forest service office to ask questions about local camping for free. When we turned off to see the Jedediah Smith Redwoods, we ran into a forest ranger who directed us toward some dispersed camping along the sides of a forest service road close by. Smaller rigs will most likely fit into these spots, but over 30 feet will have trouble most times.

Boondocking is an adventure. You never know what you will really encounter, so stay flexible. If you’re patient, you may just find that hidden gem that you come back to over and over again.