On the other hand, maybe you’re into camping. Camping is something the entire family can enjoy together. So maybe it’s time to shake the dust off of the tent or roll out the small camper or get that big RV road-ready.
We’ve all seen the ads that encourage us to “Go RV’ing.” It seems that more and more folks are taking to the roads and heading out to the mountains, the ocean, desert or just using the RV to take a road trip to visit relatives or places or interest. We are living in the RV age. It seems like RV sales lots are popping up just about everywhere I look.
This all begs the question. Can RV’ing really be this good, or are the ads so powerful to cause us to rush out and make such a huge purchase. Personally, I think the ads are spot on, especially if you have any wanderlust at all. I purchased an RV years ago and never looked back. Now that I’m retired, I find myself heading out in my RV often, sometimes for weeks at a time.
And for those of you who are new to RV’ing or camping, and some of you seasoned types as well, may be surprised to know that the best and most scenic camping sites are those that are free.
When I began camping with my family many years ago, camp sites typically were those found at KOA’s, Jellystone Park’s and the like and the cost ran from $15.00 to $35.00 or more per night. These days, if staying at such parks, be prepared to pay $60.00 to $75.00 and upwards per night.
Now that I basically travel and camp solo, I look for the free sites… and they are plentiful. I recently returned from a trip to the Sonoran Desert in beautiful southwest Arizona where I camped free on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land for several weeks. Of course I was off-grid, but that’s the way I prefer it. I don’t lack for anything. My solar panels capture the sun which provides all my electricity needs, so what else is there? Now that my kids are grown and on their own, I don’t need a swimming pool, I don’t need the game rooms, I don’t need all that goes with that camping lifestyle. If I wanted that, I would stay home…
So where are these free scenic campsites?
Try the National and State Parks, mountains, deserts, etc. In my opinion, the most scenic areas in the western part of the USA are not included in parks. Public lands, such as BLM that I mentioned above are awesome. Remember, these public lands are just what the name implies, “public.” We, the taxpayer own these lands and are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. When visiting BLM lands, be sure to ask for free maps of the area, directions, road conditions, etc. Most BLM lands have some inexpensive campsites available, but the amenities are minimal. I have found that the free dispersed camping is normally where the best scenic camping sites are located. Usually, dispersed camping is not shown on maps, so you’ll need to ask. Be prepared to drive on dirt roads and boondock (camping off-grid). Keep in mind too, that you will be limited as to where you can go by the size of your RV. A van, truck or 4-wheel drive vehicle will give you more options than the larger RV’s and 5th wheels.
And remember this. Plan on staying longer than you intended, because once you experience that lifestyle, you’ll not want to leave.
Me? Well, I never want to leave either. I’m one of those guys that wants to check out all the backroads I come across. In doing so, I’ve found some absolutely beautiful off the beaten path campsites with killer views. And the best part? They were free…
Until next time…
