Finding boondocking sites

[tx2sturgis]

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.

I have made use of this website many times over the years, I've even posted a few campsite reviews:

https://freecampsites.net/#!(35.15614,+-107.17319)

It's not a dedicated 'boondocking' resource, rather, it is focused on places you can stay for free or nearly free. And many of those ARE somewhat remote locations that qualify as 'boondocking'.

I have centered the map on the Albuquerque area just to get you started, you will need to drag the map around and hit the + and - buttons and wait for it to populate for your area of interest.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I have seen signs saying camping in designated sites only, also no camping within “X” feet of a roadway.

I think the term 'roadway' here in that context might mean a paved road. But the forest roads that lead into, thru, and around dispersed campsites are generally well maintained dirt or gravel roads, and are the roads that are referred to when the 300 foot rule is mentioned.

You can not camp more than 300 ft on almost any National Forest now.

This would mean not going 'off the dirt or gravel road' with your vehicle, as far as the context of BLM and National Forest land, and does prohibit taking your vehicle more than 300 feet, on terrain that is not already being used for vehicular travel.

I read over the links that twomountainlions provided and they seem to be valid, but again, they are not just referring to paved surfaces. Using the term 'roads', means any maintained and/or regularly traveled surface being used by motor vehicles, including dirt, gravel, caliche, etc.

Within 300 feet from a dirt or gravel road is kinda normal boondocking practice for most of us, but staying within 300 feet of a 'paved road' would not be the 'normal' way most of us boondock.

I realize there are exceptions, but those who drive over terrain that is obviously NOT any kind of road may end up in violation of the rules that twomountainlions has linked above.

 

[bullfrog !]

I think the term 'roadway' here in that context might mean a paved road. But the forest roads that lead into, thru, and around dispersed campsites are generally well maintained dirt or gravel roads, and are the roads that are referred to when the 300 foot rule is mentioned.





This would mean not going 'off the dirt or gravel road' with your vehicle, as far as the context of BLM and National Forest land, and does prohibit taking your vehicle more than 300 feet, on terrain that is not already being used for vehicular travel.

I read over the links that twomountainlions provided and they seem to be valid, but again, they are not just referring to paved surfaces. Using the term 'roads', means any maintained and/or regularly traveled surface being used by motor vehicles, including dirt, gravel, caliche, etc.

Within 300 feet from a dirt or gravel road is kinda normal boondocking practice for most of us, but staying within 300 feet of a 'paved road' would not be the 'normal' way most of us boondock.

I realize there are exceptions, but those who drive over terrain that is obviously NOT any kind of road may end up in violation of the rules that twomountainlions has linked above.

I think some may be missing the point. Roads are defined, identified and either open or closed by the BLM or National Forest Service. Maps are available and contacting them may save you having problems. Recently more roads are being closed or limited in use so current information is important to check usually with local offices or headquarters.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yes and it depends on where you are and what the rules are.

In 2017 I 'boondocked' with about a hundred others in an open pasture on a mountain range in Wyoming and we were ALL more than 300 feet from any defined roads that vehicles would use.

We were all there for the total solar eclipse.

The rangers that visited our temporary 'city' never said a word about the fact that we had all driven our campers and RVs on terrain that had never before even seen vehicular traffic.

 

[twomountainlions]

For those who claim that they can trash public lands by driving cross country:

ALL OFF ROAD TRAVEL IS ILLEGAL ON ALL NATIONAL FOREST AND NATIONAL GRASSLAND LANDS

This is a consequence of USDA Travel Management rule implemented earlier.

By the way, legal definition of off highway vehicle by USDA is any vehicle that can drive off road, including your truck, look it up so same rules apply

It is $5000 fine or 6 months in jail, but there had been cases charged as felony too due to nature damage.

I will take your plates and call the ranger myself if I see it done and I have really good binoculars

300 feet max drive to your camp off roads that alow that, based on MVUM maps. Wildfire concerns here among others.

Many blm areas, most state lands, probably all wildlife refuges and all national parks, monuments and rec. areas banned cross country travel too, with exception of certain beaches

They reason they keep banning it even in barren deserts us because those have very fragile complex "living soils"

Go ahead trash that land and break the rules. Don't forget to kill every coyote or other animal in sight. Don't forget to leave that trash you dump everywhere and that toilet paper you leave behind all over. But areas will just get closed or you will get fined. You think you won't get caught because you park right in front of peoples homes to sleep where its prohibited and dump urine on their sidewalks, and call it stealth, well everyone is fed up with that. Good they banned off road driving in most places now we only have to pick up your trash where we can easily find it by the road.

 

[rruff]

I will take your plates and call the ranger myself if I see it done and I have really good binoculars

Weren't we just talking about Karens calling the code inspectors about septic systems, and the general annoyance of rules and regulations that serve no purpose?

I like to drive about 1/2 mile off the road, so I can hide, and also not be dust enshrouded when the hordes of SxSs go by...

 

[twomountainlions]

Also, new to camping should learn Leave No Trace principles
These are separate from cross country driving bans that most agencies luckly had implemented by now (remember, its a crime to drive off road on any National Forest land and on majority of public lands now)

Leave No Trace encourages the use of existing campsites, though its not a law but mere recommendaton. Use of already compacted and cleared areas, not over live vegetation. While you can technically camp within say 300 ft from road it is discouraged to vehicle camp in untouched areas even where its allowed. Creation of new campsites combined with driving off road had caused severe camping restrictions in many popular places now.

Should keep in mind that merely driving a vehicle over dry grass here in the West can be a cause of devastating wildfire and one can be potentially charged with serious crimes if anyone dies in it if fire was caused by illegal offroad travel, because vehicles can produce sparks and exhaust heat can ignite it too

 

[WandringKnight]

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.

Freecampsites.net
Avenza app. Download free MVUM for National Forest

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.

https://webmaps.blm.gov/program_apps/BLM_Natl_Recreation_Opportunities/
Freecampsites.net
Avenza app. Download free mvumaps for National Forest

"Drive" the area of interest with Google maps satellite view. I'm notice designated sites lately. Lovell Canyon has numbered sites now. Mogollon Rim has some designated as well (not all). Sedona, Moab, some Colorado National Forest.

There is research you'll have to put in, and always have a plan B... C and D sometimes.

 

[Ferretz]

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.

Yes, I noticed that in the Sedona area.

 

[rruff]

Yes, I noticed that in the Sedona area.

I haven't been there in awhile, but I've heard they are much more restrictive than they used to be.

IMO, exploring and finding good spots to camp is part of the fun! Definitely harder than it used to be, though.

 

[Ferretz]

Freecampsites.net
Avenza app. Download free MVUM for National Forest

https://webmaps.blm.gov/program_apps/BLM_Natl_Recreation_Opportunities/
Freecampsites.net
Avenza app. Download free mvumaps for National Forest

"Drive" the area of interest with Google maps satellite view. I'm notice designated sites lately. Lovell Canyon has numbered sites now. Mogollon Rim has some designated as well (not all). Sedona, Moab, some Colorado National Forest.

There is research you'll have to put in, and always have a plan B... C and D sometimes.

 

[Ferretz]

I haven't been there in awhile, but I've heard they are much more restrictive than they used to be.

IMO, exploring and finding good spots to camp is part of the fun! Definitely harder than it used to be, though.

I have made use of this website many times over the years, I've even posted a few campsite reviews:

https://freecampsites.net/#!(35.15614,+-107.17319)

It's not a dedicated 'boondocking' resource, rather, it is focused on places you can stay for free or nearly free. And many of those ARE somewhat remote locations that qualify as 'boondocking'.

I have centered the map on the Albuquerque area just to get you started, you will need to drag the map around and hit the + and - buttons and wait for it to populate for your area of interest.

Thanks!

 

[Ferretz]

Thanks, WandringKnight!

 

[twomountainlions]

ATTENTION PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY CAN DESTROY PUBLIC LAND


Just got off the phone with Phoenix District office which is the largest district here in AZ with multiple field offices, official rule as stated by the ranger (I told him I would be sharing anything stated publicly and asked for official rules only):

- nope, you absolutely can not drive outside existing roads and ohv trails

- must use only preexisting campsites, existing well established campsites are ok if they have defined driveway road path to them this is considered valid road to reach the camp

- more restrictions may exist in individual locations

These regs are all over now in most blm districts. Its not 2000 anymore when you could ruin land all over

 

[WanderingRose]

You seem really stuck on this, twomountainlions, and appear to be interpreting those who believe and are experiencing differently our public lands as wanting to destroy these lands by driving all over them with reckless disregard for plants, terrain and wildlife.

Which is not the case.

Rather than belaboring the issue endlessly, I think it is important if one is heading out onto/into federal or other public lands in the west, southwest, southeast, etc., to familiarize oneself with the rules for that area, and that body of land.

We wouldn’t want anyone to accept as gospel an opinion here.

 

[Dirtrider]

I think the point twomountains is trying to point out, people aren't respecting rules, trashing the land, and aiding in the well founded argument for closing & restricted areas now.
Sedona was mentioned earlier and I used to love riding there but camping, not so much. Cramped camping areas and down the road, homeless over staying on the AZ trust land. I called Red Rock Station and they said if they move em out from there, they go somewhere else and trash it.
Calif areas are a total joke thanks to users that don't give a darn other than themselves. Been living there for almost 70 years and seen it be closed/ restricted/ charged high fees/trashed.
Sad I have to drive 6 hours to camp in a safer & cleaner area than the state I pay high taxes to..

 

[maki2]

You seem really stuck on this, twomountainlions, and appear to be interpreting those who believe and are experiencing differently our public lands as wanting to destroy these lands by driving all over them with reckless disregard for plants, terrain and wildlife.

Which is not the case.

Rather than belaboring the issue endlessly, I think it is important if one is heading out onto/into federal or other public lands in the west, southwest, southeast, etc., to familiarize oneself with the rules for that area, and that body of land.

We wouldn’t want anyone to accept as gospel an opinion here.

If you want to stop an endless squabble stop being a participant in it.

 

[WanderingRose]

Thank you so much, that hadn’t occurred to me.

It’s difficult to let allegations and accusations stand, in multiple threads, unchallenged.

I do use the “ignore” button on occasion.

 

[maki2]

Thank you so much, that hadn’t occurred to me.

It’s difficult to let allegations and accusations stand, in multiple threads, unchallenged.

I do use the “ignore” button on occasion.

I have a son who lives to argue for the sake of arguing from the time he could put together an argument. His passion in upper school levels was being on the debate team where he could score points. It a personality type of “thing”. Just remember that it is not about you. You have to recognize it and not engage in ongoing debate to stop the debate.

 

[rruff]

I think the point twomountains is trying to point out, people aren't respecting rules, trashing the land, and aiding in the well founded argument for closing & restricted areas now.

It's a shame how places are getting trashed, but that is very different than camping more than 300 ft from the road in remote areas.

I'm feeling the urge to go on a little segue about rules, so... any person who is aware of why public land rules are made and enforced, should realize that they are a proxy for something. They don't actually care about 14 day stays and camping too far from the road, they care about "trashing the place", dominating camp sites, leaving garbage, annoying weekend campers and nearby residents, etc.

If there are bunch of SxSs or similar vehicles going "cross country" for fun, then they can't help but cause a lot of destruction. But how do you make a simple rule that you can use to ticket people for this? After all, they can just say they were looking for a camp spot. The 300 ft rule gives the ranger a violation that can be used for issuing tickets.

The 14 day stay limit is similar. If you are camping miles from anyone else where no one is going, and you are leaving no trace, then there isn't really a problem. Who's to complain? That doesn't mean a ranger with a "rules are rules" fetish won't kick you out, but they generally have more important things to deal with.