Boondocking or driving blind?

[crofter]

It would seem to be a healthy lifestyle, boondocking and maintaining distance from others. But many places have been closed to fulltime RV living, unless you are local or were already camped there when stay home orders were put in place. 

Please post open camping in your area, and other services available if there are any. I will link this to an older thread on the subject.
-crofter

Description: article, WHO on driving blind.
https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2020-0...D-19-lockdown-WHO-chief-QredHSi8CY/index.html

 

[crofter]

Link to older thread on camping areas opening.
-crofter
https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=40076

 

[DannyB1954]

Most BLM land is open if you are lucky enough to be in the West.
I heard several reasons for closures, so don't know which is more correct.

Oregon says due to litter and human waste.

Others say we don't want people using this time as a holiday and taking their families camping. It is about impossible to travel and not come in contact with others. Fuel, groceries, laundry, all can bring you into town.

Another version is Rangers and other LE would be coming into contact with people from different areas increasing the risk that they will pass it on to people in town. If you got injured in the boonies, the rescue team would be taking a larger risk helping you.

Places to disburse camp are getting harder to find. The more people that are doing it, the more problems it will create due to a small percentage of them being selfish pigs leaving a mess.

 

[crofter]

Our pool was closed by the health department, after about 10 residents were swimming in it. Yet here is official guidance on pools and water parks in AZ (see link). Sounds like they could be open safely.
-crofter

Description: article on safety of water parks in Az.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/ent...-public-swimming-pool-water-slide/3088745001/

 

[crofter]

Some casinos and pools in AZ may open on May 13, with more regulations, more cleaning, more social distancing, and limits on occupancy.

Description: article on opening pools.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/new...n-reopen-may-13-heres-what-expect/3121055001/

Description: article on casion openings set for Friday May 15.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/new...pen-coronavirus-covid-19-measures/3112405001/

 

[crofter]

Boondockers Welcome is offering extensions ( no not those extensions). 3 months free. 

Camping availability is case by case, depending on whether the area is open and travel is safe.
-crofter

Description: link to their site and policy during covid 19.

https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/blog/2020/04/29/membership-extensions-due-covid-10/

 

[maki2]

I would most certainly not take a child to a public pool or water park at any point in time in the next 6 months. Way too risky for the household. Little children are not constantly cognizant of where they put their hands in regards to their faces. It is hard enough for us adults to remember not to touch our faces with our hands, pretty much impossible for kids of all ages to be that constantly vigilant especially when they are playing.

 

[MotorVation]

There's plenty of free camping around Williams AZ. On top of that, the weather is beautiful. I traveled up here after it got too hot near Kingman. I'm in the Kaibab National Forest where there is a 14 day limit. I know of three 14 day areas within 10 miles of here. I may explore the Flagstaff area next.

I haven't had any hassles at all with Park Rangers or police or for that matter BLM officers anywhere in Arizona. I keep a clean, quiet camp and mind my own business.

I left Florida before the Covid-19 deal started. Once it did, I figured I'd be much better off in nature than in a county with over a million other people so I take it day by day and at this time, I have no plans to go back to Florida unless circumstances warrant it.

Edited to add:
There is a Safeway in Williams and a couple dollar stores. I've had to go to Flagstaff a couple times but that's only forty some miles away. I refilled on propane at the Williams KOA today. Pricey but available. Water machine at the Circle K.

freecampsites.net is your friend

 

[LERCA]

MotorVation and Crofter,
Thanks for some great information! Much appreciated.

 

[rvwandering]

We've been boondocking in Nevada since mid March. Since Nevada has large areas with low populations it's a fairly safe state. Most of the state is public land so finding boondocking sites is pretty easy. Head higher in elevation for cool temperatures. 

Free campsites is great - https://freecampsites.net/#!Nevada&query=region
Set the maps to public lands (map stack on right side) if you want to find your own spots.

Public Land Interpretive Association has good maps too. Be sure to check Land Status so that all of the public land shows. http://publiclands.org/Get-Books-and-Maps.php?plicstate=NV

 

[crofter]

Thanks for sharing, sounds like some good spots out there for camping.  

Cooled off last night and I had a great night in the van. Hope it stays cooler.

"Thermal trespassing" is a new one for me. Remember there is that hot magma under there, even when the park is open. But for now, Yellowstone is closed, still.
-crofter

Description: article on "dont's" at Yellowstone NP AND ITS CLOSED.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/12/us/woman-burned-fell-yellowstone-trnd/index.html

 

[crofter]

I would most certainly not take a child to a public pool or water park....

Thanks for the heads up maki, but it's a 55 plus child at heart so ya can't stop em. Those under 55 crowd can't make it thru the gate check here.

You will need your hand sanitizer and flip flops when you get out, along with a shower at the outside spigot. Chlorine kills the virus, much like soap or bleach does, and the San Diego hats keep people 6 feet apart.
-crofter

 

[crofter]

Forest camps are opening. Here is the link to check your fave destination.
-crofter

Description: link to National Forest camp reservations site.
https://www.recreation.gov/

 

[crofter]

This site lists dispersed camping areas in Washington. There is no alert posted on the site and campsites are first come basis.
-crofter

Description: link to dispersed camping results located  in National Forest in Washington state.
https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Dispersed camping WA

 

[notsosure]

Are you all seeing those new to the road, due to inability to pay rent?
I am paid in full on time and I still may have to go due to a sale of the property.
Very bad timing. Many need to come through to see it, and I am afraid I will get sick.
Not too many jobs paying a living wage and the rents are not going down, yet.

 

[crofter]

This link is to Malheur National Forest in Oregon, says campgrounds closed but dispersed camping is open. With dispersed camping you should be bringing everything with you, and of course leave no trace. This link is an example, you can search the forest you are going to thru the link.
-crofter

Description: link to National Forest site in Oregon posting camping closed but dispersed camping open. 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur

 

[crofter]

Are you all seeing those new to the road, due to  inability to pay rent? 
I am paid in full on time and I still may have to go due to a sale of the property.
Very bad timing.  Many need to come through to see it, and I am afraid I will get sick.
Not too many jobs paying a living wage and the rents are not going down, yet.

Sorry to hear about the unwanted visitors. If you are serious about dwelling full time, start out in the driveway overnight or for the weekend. Make a list and a few plans for what to bring and where to camp. Don't be too concerned about upgrading your vehicle right away, work with what you have. Good luck! 
-crofter

 

[crofter]

BLM responded to email inquiry about dispersed camping in Washington with these links. Looks like some camping areas are open, others not. They did not give a direct answer about dispersed camping specifically in Washington.
-crofter

Description: links provided by BLM in response to inquiry. Goes to their site.
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-spokane-district-restores-access-some-recreation-sites-day-use

Description: link to BLM, More campsites open.
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-increases-recreational-access-sites-washington-state

 

[crofter]

Here is some information on dispersed camping in Utah, and what is opening up.
-crofter

Description: link to May 13 press release BLM in Utah.
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-will-reopen-little-sahara-recreation-area-may-13

 

[crofter]

BLM in Alaska is open, dated May 11.
-crofter


Description: link to press release dated May 11.
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-alaska-recreation-sites-open-summer-season