Long-term boondocking--only moving 2-4 times a year ?

[Ken in Anaheim]

Just wondering if there are many (any) folks that DON'T do a lot of traveling and instead stay at just a few spots throughout the entire year ...?  Preferably we're talking free spots.
KinA

 

[Van-Tramp]

There are many people who do it, but the real question is, "is it legal?"

Most public land gives you 14-16 days of stay (per year? per month? they differ for each), then you have to move. Not just move sites, but move OUT of that public land all together. Staying 3-4 months would be in violation of the law and could just cost you more in tickets. Of course, you can move every two weeks to different free areas and be well within the law.

Now, there are places (Quartsite, Arizona) where you can purchase the permit for long term stay in the public lands and for a very reasonable price. Slab City is in a limbo when it comes to who owns and who's jurisdiction it is. So, you can live there for very long periods without much risk of the law. There are other places like that (limbo places) that people can stay for very long periods, but I'd say only if you keep a clean camp. Leave belongings laying around, and expect to be chased out pretty quickly... someone.

Then there is be elephant in the room that always goes un-asked.
Are there LEGAL places to do this near my place of work?  Simply put, no. Free long term camping is only going to be "allowed" in the most out of reach places (like Slab City) which is no where near anything of value. Expect to drive long distances to get any groceries or water. It is the cost of "free".

So, if you want work online then you can live pretty much free-ish in some remote places without having to move too often. I am one of those folks, boondocking most days but I move often so never run into the stay-limit. I have boondocked in places up to 3 weeks, but never any longer.

 

[jimindenver]

I have our trailer set up to support us comfortably for up to two weeks with the two of us. After that we have to come out of the hills to dump the tanks and take on fresh water and food. That normally is the longest we stay out but in a full time basis, it would be time to move anyways. I call it our cabin on wheels with many views and sometimes I'm ready for a new one after a week. With the way it is in Colorado, we could easily stay out all summer moving from area to area every two weeks.

One thing that has worked out well for us is NOT setting up camp. We can't because unless it's heavy, the wind will blow it away. It keeps me from setting up the outdoor kitchen, tables and screen tents for longer than they are needed and then they are put away. The up side is there is very little to do when it's time to pull up stakes and move to a nicer spot.

 

[Sameer]

I have had fantastic luck and fortune in Arizona staying for the long term. Flagstaff, Winslow, Cottonwood, Ehrenberg. I use Flagstaff during the Summer for a home-base and make side-trips to the places I want to see. I do the same with Ehrenberg during the Winter. You will hear of these places where there is no Ranger enforcement thru the 'grapevine', so to speak. With the exception of a side-trip to Southwestern Colorado, I have been in Flagstaff since the middle of May. I am 4 miles to Walmart and Home Depot and have been in this spot for 5 weeks. I never advise anyone to do as I do. But you goal of not moving around much can be done.

 

[eDJ_]

I was laying off to start a subject on this subject and glad to see someone else do it.

As a Kid my Dad had a small Class C and this was all before the Internet.  He would visit
the News Stands (remember those ?)  and pick up magazines related to RV's and Van's.
I remember finding a box of his favorites that he kept dreaming of the day he could go
"Cowboying" as he called it. (Dad was a Texan through and through)

But I found this one Car and Driver Magazine, I believe it was, where they were were in Europe.
reviewing the Van Camping that was going on in the mid 1960's.  This was primarily with VW
Camper Van's. 

The article denoted something I'll never forget. They called it:

Camping A

Camping B

Camping C

Each of these was a different orientation.

Camping A was touring constantly.

Camping B was moving moderate distances to stay a month or two weeks through the summer at two to four "Resorts" or Parks.

Camping C was a combined Touring with multiple week long or over the week end stays between several
days of touring. 

The idea of Camping C really appealed to Dad, as he could fish, bicycle, engage in photography, cook,
and prep for the next few days of travel with food provisions in the cooler so that touring could be
driving, eating, and then relaxing.   As Mom was involved in School,  Dad had his times off from work
where Mom couldn't go along.   But Mom was never much of a Camper anyways.   She was happier at home or at a Motel with a pool. 

So when I was in College,  Dad set out to see the USA in his Ford Van.   He learned much and I know he would absolutely have loved this forum for what he could learn here.   Much of what he learned he passed on to me.

I owe much to my Dad for my training in boondocking, traveling, and love of Vans. 

Before summer is over I hope to be doing some Camping C.

 

[highdesertranger]

I am torn between if I should or shouldn't even post this. basically because people have abused this. you know there is a legit way to stay on blm/fs land for longer than the 14 days at one spot. obviously there aren't any prospectors here or this would have been brought up. I have thought about this ever since I joined this forum but have bitten my lip and kept my mouth shut on this subject. so I have given a few clues, anybody want to do the research or is everybody on here looking for the easy way out . the easy way out is exactly why I have kept my mouth shut. I am very hesitant about posting this info. basically because of the a**holes who have abused this and so much else of our western lands. btw I am not referring to anybody here as being a**holes but we are not the only ones that read this forum. highdesertranger

 

[buckwilk]

Going to the well known areas, a little research will tell you where I'm talking about. The more an area is used year after year the higher on the radar it goes. A lot has to do with locals who can't get into there favorite campsites because someone has taken up residence. They complain to the authorities and you get a visit. This primarily happens in desirable spots. The less high profile an area you find the less problems you will have. Here's a tip, one of the easiest places to stealth camp is in National Park hotel parking lots. The big hotels have giant parking lots and with a little savvy it is quite easy to camp in their lots undisturbed.

 

[Sameer]

I think you are absolutely correct. Especially here in Flagstaff. I usually camp at the BLM or State land near the Naval Observatory. Or I did last year...That area is an absolute mob scene and the amount of trash is unbelievable. The Ranger visited twice in one week...it is a perfect spot because right down the road is Wally's and Home Depot just 3 miles. I moved to another area (which I will keep secret...hahaha!) and I have been here 3 weeks, and haven't seen a Ranger. There are only three camping in the vicinity. The area is pristine. I like your parking lot idea, but I am not stealth camping. I look like just what I do. I think Arizona has more of these problems that other areas. It seems that there are more 'seedy' people trying to live in the Forest than last year. May be it is the Economy. I don't see these problems in Colorado. I spend August and September in Colorado and then return to Flag in October to prepare to head South. I can camp in Colorado in the same area and it doesn't change. Even finding last years camp site. Rangers do nothing but wave 'hello' if they drive by my campsite.

 

[highdesertranger]

Sameer I agree with you about not sharing spots. I have made that mistake before. if anybody wants to tag along, that is another story then they get to see the double super secret spots. highdesertranger

 

[buckwilk]

You're secret spots will be revealed due to the gps tracking devices secreted on your vehicles by Bob Wells at the RTR.

 

[akrvbob]

Buckwik--SSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Bob

 

[Sameer]

highdesertranger...I was sharing spots...on social media...big mistake...I will message or email a good spot to someone but that is it...The places I have returned this year are a disappointment. I am trying not to drive the miles that I drove last year. I will not return again to many of these places ever. That is why I am not a fan of Summer. It is hard to find a long term spot near a good size town. This year I see a lot of trash left on the land and seedy people. I feel sad about that. Well, I am not going to be sad...When I leave here to go to Colorado...I will find beautiful places again...Hahahaha. Only about 90 days and Mr. Pico and I will head to Southern Arizona and be in the 'Great Desert' and at peace once more.

 

[highdesertranger]

I hear you Sameer, my bad experiences were before the internet. I learned my lesson. highdesertranger