My recent trip to Sonoran Desert
Back to boondocking. To me, life is about enjoying the time I have, to enjoy the freedom to travel as I please, when I please and take in the beauty of everything nature and this great nation has to offer us all. It’s also about the people I meet in my boondocking travels, especially like-minded boondockers. You never know who you might meet in the far reaches of the Sonoran Desert, the Rocky Mountains or on the shores and beaches of our 2 oceans and Gulf Coast.
Boondocking in Florida
Why Do You Boondock?
When the subject of boondocking comes up, usually the first question I’m asked is this:
Why would you boondock, especially in the wilds when you can simply camp in organized campsites that offers all the amenities such as electricity, water and sewage hook-ups? Typically, my answers are:
Economics
The majority of people I know are on a budget of some kind and like to save money when they can. Campsites today can be very expensive and the space you get is tiny and campers are parked so close together you can hear TV’s and music 24/7. Boondocking is free!
Freedom and Independence
I love the freedom from park rules and knowing that I can make is as a boondocker without relying on a park to provide my water and electricity. Not having to depend on anyone. I don’t mean that to sound unkind, it’s just that I enjoy my independence and believe in myself enough to know that I can take care of myself and others if necessary.
There’s no better feeling than getting up in the morning, sitting outside my van with my coffee and watching the sunrise
Sunrise while boondocking
and maybe be lucky enough to see some wild animals moving about. I can then stay where I am or be on my way to more adventures and not have to check out or pay anyone anything for my stay.
The Adventure of It All
We all have a sense of adventure in us and boondocking provides that. Have you ever experienced being totally isolated miles from your nearest neighbor and any kind of town or village? For the past 5 winters, I have traveled from my home in Georgia to the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. Parts of that desert turns into an almost city-like atmosphere during the winter as northern ‘snowbirds’ go south to escape the harsh winters up north. I do not boondock near those crowds but travel miles beyond any human life (that I’m aware of) to enjoy the solitude. Normally where I camp, I hear no one and see no one for days. There is no light pollution, so I’m able to see all the stars in the heavens. It’s absolutely breathtaking. The Colorado River is nearby, so now and then if the urge strikes me, I’ll break out my fishing pole and enjoy some fishing as well. One’s survival instincts kick in and that makes boondocking all the better. I’m always out exploring new territory, finding good places to camp, keeping an eye on my supplies to ensure I’m not running low on anything. When I need fresh supplies, I simply drive out to the nearest town or village and restock. I have no TV, but I do carry books and I have my laptop as I’m usually able to find signal enough for checking to see if anyone is trying to locate me.
Where do I Boondock?
I’ve boondocked in many places. BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land is my favorite.
Road through the Sonoran Desert
That’s land that belongs to the Federal Government and is free for all of us to use for camping, off-road vehicles, etc. BLM Land is plentiful out west, not so much on the east coast. Arizona alone has millions of acres. I’ve also boondocked in some primitive camping areas (where allowed) in some National Parks.
Grand Tetons National Park
Walmart parking lots, Cracker Barrel parking lots and other big box store lots, all with permission of management of course. You can always ask fellow RVers or van lifers about places to park. Rest areas on the freeways come to mind as well. Plus, there are many apps available that will provide tons of places to boondock. Some that come to mind are:
Campendium
iOverlander
RV Parky
FreeRoam
The Dyrt
RV Life
I’m sure there’s more, but these are some that I use. My favorite way to find free camp sites is not an app but a web site and it is:
www.freecampsites.net – Simply open the site and input a location and you’ll get all kinds of suggestions.
Just writing about this has made me anxious to hit the road again. I just returned from Arizona last week, but ready to head out again.
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Until next time, Happy Boondocking…
