Hi, all. I apologize if this is posted elsewhere. Is there a reliable way to find boondocking locations without paying for a subscription or is paying for a subscription the best way to find them? Thank you in advance.
Finding boondocking sites
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bullfrog !
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Welcome! There are several sources for free camping and most are free just do a google search. The BLM and National Forest Service has “dispersed camping” areas on their maps for example. Most individuals do not share their “best” places online as they would quickly get overcrowded. You might get some general suggestions if you let us know what area or general location you are considering.
rruff
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I assume any BLM or NF land is free to camp on unless posted otherwise, and I like to just wander around and find quiet spots.
Last winter I tried a couple sites that were listed online and got good reviews, and they were a lot worse than I expected. Crowded, dusty, trashed. I'm glad people still like to cluster in groups near the roads though, as it means the boonies are still pretty nice.
I find mine using google maps while looking at the satellite view. I camp in areas where there are plenty of legal to stay free dispersed BLM and NFS lands. That makes it easy. For instance I might use the city name of “Lake Havasu City” and then add in the words “BLM camping”. Then google maps will show those areas and most likely as it is a popular area there will also be reviews with photos.
Next if I want even more public reviews about the area and more visuals I would go to YouTube and do a keyword search. For example sticking to the previous name I would enter the following keywords into YouTube “ Lake Havasu City BLM camping” there are several BLM dispersed camping areas north and south of that city and it is very popular area for nomads to stop in so there will be a plethora of videos to watch.
Next if I want even more public reviews about the area and more visuals I would go to YouTube and do a keyword search. For example sticking to the previous name I would enter the following keywords into YouTube “ Lake Havasu City BLM camping” there are several BLM dispersed camping areas north and south of that city and it is very popular area for nomads to stop in so there will be a plethora of videos to watch.
twomountainlions
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It is illegal to camp away from existing roads though, max 300 feet in most places now
Mmm, I’m not sure that’s correct, unless something has very recently changed.
I have seen signs saying camping in designated sites only, also no camping within “X” feet of a roadway.
I have seen signs saying camping in designated sites only, also no camping within “X” feet of a roadway.
twomountainlions
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One can not ride ohv or truck all over blm or NFS lands either anymore, those who do break the law, all vehicles are limited to existing roadways almost everywhere, camping is limited to 300ft from rd on most public lands and driving off road is only allowed to get to the camp, in some places even 100ft or less, though they still allow 1/4 mile from rd in some blm areas. Just because its not posted doesnt mean its allowed, same way 14 day limits are hardly ever posted
I don’t believe this information is accurate, and am only pressing the issue because this is a thread about finding boondocking sites.
A quick google search gives me this on dispersed camping from the BLM:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping
And this on dispersed camping from the NFS:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/fishlake/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831
If you have another source of information, that would be helpful.
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Source link?
twomountainlions
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I dont have time to find all the links I reasearched over the recent years. Call the jurisdictions and ask them if you can drive off road and how far.
I can assure you that driving off road is prohibbited in most places by now, or you would see these landscapes torn up to shreds by now as there are hordes of ohvs.
Now offroaders are limited to existing roads and designated ohv trails almost anywhere.
twomountainlions
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You can not camp more than 300 ft on almost any National Forest now.
Use search.
These rules are in place all over.
In many blm areas too.
Max 1/4 mile in some blm areas.
Use search.
These rules are in place all over.
In many blm areas too.
Max 1/4 mile in some blm areas.
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If you can’t or don’t care to source your personal opinions that’s fine and I think someone should do their own research as well; but when you start stating blm usfs “rules” and don’t direct people to a reliable source it doesn’t lead anyone to find any credibility with your posts.
INTJohn
twomountainlions
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Not just nationl forests which almost all have 300 ft rule in place now, many blm field offices too, just one example:
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/know-you-go-road-travel-public-lands
Seen it enforced, you can argue with the rangers if they wish but its a good rule, because of that lands are no longer torn up and no new tracks are made
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/know-you-go-road-travel-public-lands
Seen it enforced, you can argue with the rangers if they wish but its a good rule, because of that lands are no longer torn up and no new tracks are made
twomountainlions
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You cant use search?
I posted some for you above!
You clearly have no idea about new nfs and blm rules
twomountainlions
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Oh and they closed lots of forest and blm roads too now cant just ride around the gate, closed is closed. No you cant just ride off road anymore, its not 2003 anymore. Try riding there and find out, in many places they are so fed up they dont mess around. Ranger will politely ask to move ...if its the first time
National forests: you get MVU map and stick to those roads. 300 ft off to camp
National forests: you get MVU map and stick to those roads. 300 ft off to camp
Having participated in this forum and others related to camping lots of people who go camping do not bother to read through all those rules on official websites. It is hopeless, completely beyond your control, fuss about if you want to but that will not change the common human behavior patterns. Required reading? They will wait for the movie to come out and then fall asleep while watching it
Posting links and then insisting people look at them? How would that ever work if it is not required reading for a job or class? The incentive is $$$
Posting links and then insisting people look at them? How would that ever work if it is not required reading for a job or class? The incentive is $$$
twomountainlions
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For those google-challenged this is very typical regulation now, almost every National Forest has it:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coco...persed camping (or "car,look like on the map)
You camp max 300 ft from tjose roads on MVU map that allow that.
On the rest of the roads, you can only park near the road.
Applies to vehicles, on foot one can walk to camp as far as they want to setup tent.
Stop destroying the land
Won't blame rangers when they give you a big fine
These rules were adopted because lands were being torn up by offroad traffic
Motor Vehicle Use maps, MVU, are free to download
People who deny these rules are the same who camp for months in one spot and claim they only need to move 5 feet. Just because you didnt get fined yet doesnt mean theres no rule. Then they shut down the area for all use
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coco...persed camping (or "car,look like on the map)
You camp max 300 ft from tjose roads on MVU map that allow that.
On the rest of the roads, you can only park near the road.
Applies to vehicles, on foot one can walk to camp as far as they want to setup tent.
Stop destroying the land
Won't blame rangers when they give you a big fine
These rules were adopted because lands were being torn up by offroad traffic
Motor Vehicle Use maps, MVU, are free to download
People who deny these rules are the same who camp for months in one spot and claim they only need to move 5 feet. Just because you didnt get fined yet doesnt mean theres no rule. Then they shut down the area for all use
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You’re focusing on driving off road and other vehicles off established roads and on public lands, but what is erroneous is the statement “camping is limited to 300ft from rd on most public lands”.
That may be true some places, not most, and this is a thread on finding boondocking sites.
You may consider camping and boondocking as being in a tent, which I believe most here are not.
Accuracy is important, and in my years of experience important restrictions are posted.
That may be true some places, not most, and this is a thread on finding boondocking sites.
You may consider camping and boondocking as being in a tent, which I believe most here are not.
Accuracy is important, and in my years of experience important restrictions are posted.
Morgana
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Then nobody else has time to take your statement seriously.
It's up to the person who makes the claim to prove it -- until you do, it's just hot air.
(Unless of course you want to say something like "gee, I'm not sure, but IIRC ..." so people know it's tentative and they shouldn't bank on it.)
"Research" is a big word that covers a lot of ground, some of it pretty swampy.
There are all sorts of "links" out there.
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