Wandering With Bill

It matters little whether it’s city or country, simply scout the area for suitable free camping locations. If you have a smaller, stealthier RV, all the better for residential city streets, some parks and parking lots.

While scouting an area, be sure to look closely for any “no trespassing or no overnight parking” signs. My RV is a cargo van that I’ve built out into an RV and it’s totally stealth; nothing on the outside to give it an RV appearance. I can park it in any parking space, even underground parking lots. Because of this, I’ve been able to stay overnight on residential city streets without ever being harassed. Not all RV’s can do this, however. So, as long as overnight parking is not prohibited, you should be fine in an RV.

Walmart comes to mind when parking in lots. Walmart, for the most part welcomes RV’ers to spend a night in their parking lots as long as you do not interfere with customer traffic. Some Walmart’s request getting permission from the local manager. Some Walmart’s prohibit overnight parking and signs are usually posted in these lots indicating so. I would highly recommend heeding any signage and respect the owners of the lots. Some Cabela’s welcome RV’er and some even have dump stations. Cracker Barrel also comes to mind as a welcome place to park for the night, but a call to the manager of that store would be in order and ask for permission. I’ve never been turned down.

I would recommend you be honest with the manager and let them know your intentions. Take time for a friendly chat. I might also recommend that you not use their welcome to their lots to turn your overnight stay into a “camping” stay. By this I mean, do not let out your roll outs out and don’t set up your lawn chairs and portable grill. Leave the place cleaner than it was when you arrived. During my travels and overnight stays in parking lots, I have seen many RV’ers set up a table, chairs and cook in these parking lots. Not a good idea and it leaves a bad impression on the lot owner for the RV’er that just wants a place to park for the night.

It’s also a good idea to keep yourself and your RV in presentable condition. I think we’ve all heard that first impressions are important. People will judge by your appearance. If the lot owner sees that you make a good appearance, he (or she) will know that you will be considerate of their property as well.

Stores and casino parking lots that are open 24 hours usually have security guards on duty, especially during the nighttime hours. If you have an opportunity, talk with them and let them get to know you a bit. Tell them of your plans to shop the store and spend the night in their lot. Perhaps offer to bring them a cup of coffee and show them your RV and where you’re parked.

Try to be as inconspicuous as possible. Don’t park there with interior lights on and music blaring into the night. Don’t overstay your welcome and spoil it for others. If you have not asked for permission to stay the night in a store or casino parking lot, don’t be surprised if you get a door knock after dark and are asked to move. If that happens, move right away, don’t argue. Again, be friendly and ask if them if they know where you might go for the night. Chances are good the person asking you to move will know where you might go.

Be positive and pay it forward. If someone has helped you along the way to find free campsites, show your appreciation and pass it along to others.

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Don’t just make a mental plan, but sit down and take some time to insure everything is well thought out. Put your plan on paper, so it has more of an impact on you. Think of what you will need on this trip, taking the terrain into consideration. Most important is water and food. When you think about the amount of water you will need – double that amount and you should be okay. Speaking of water; it’s a good idea to carry a small survival water filter straw in your gear. These can be purchased online for about 20 bucks and could save your life. Layer your clothing because you can never predict the weather. Be sure extra socks are included as there’s nothing worse than hiking with wet, cold feet. As the old saying goes; hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Your list should also include an extra blanket, waterproof matches, flint and a flashlight with fresh batteries. A good compass is essential because you can never rely on cell phones when back in the wilderness. I know it’s not a pleasant thought, but think “survival” and give thought to having to spend a night in the wild.

When planning your hiking route, check for any alerts in that area for flooding, fires, trail closures or bears before you head out. And speaking of bears, it’s also a good idea to always keep a can of bear spray in your backpack.

Make sure to let at least one family member or friend know where you will be hiking, when you’re planning on leaving and returning. Give them your vehicle description and tag number, if you’re going to an area by vehicle. Keep in mind that solo hiking can be dangerous. If you can get a hiking partner to join you, that would be best.

Should you get lost, your best plan of action at this point is to stop!

Look around you, take your backpack off and find some place to sit down and relax. That may be easier said than done at this point, but you must. Then, close your eyes and take several deep breaths. This will help you relax and you must be relaxed so you can think clearly. After you get your breathing normalized, take another deep breath and hold it for 7-8 seconds and exhale slowly. Do this several times in an effort to clear your thinking. Listen to the sounds around you and continue trying to relax by flexing your shoulders and arms to get your blood flowing properly.

Repeat this for a few minutes and you’ll be able to better assess your situation. You will be in a better position to think your situation through with a clear mind and not in panic mode.

Think about what you have with you. Any items for erecting a shelter?

Any edible plants for a supply of food. Is there a stream or river nearby for water? Remain at this location until you have clearly thought your situation through. As a last resort, check to see if there is a stream or river nearby, if so, follow it downhill.

Your best chance of survival is to have your head clear and you’re thinking straight. Then take action by building a fire, insuring you have sufficient water and building a shelter. Do not just sit there hoping to be found soon. If you do that, you could die.

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Dogs love the outdoors, so rest assured, they will enjoy the trip and time with you. I have a couple of Dachshunds and they love road trips and getting out. I suppose a good part of that is the Dachshund breed is related to the hunting dogs. These little guys get out and their noses go to work immediately, sniffing out anything and everything and I have to be careful they don’t dart off after some critter.

So if you decide to take your dog camping, you may find these tips useful.

Make sure your dog’s papers are in order

Most camps and RV parks are dog-friendly today, but do yourself a favor to save grief later and call the camp site or RV park where you’re planning on visiting to make sure your 4 legged friend is welcome. And, even though they may be pet friendly, some will require that your pet’s shots are current. Be sure to bring their collar, ID tags (license) and vaccination papers from your vet. Just make a copy of everything and stick them in a folder and you’re all set. By the way, these papers could also come in handy in case of any unforeseen emergency.

It may be a good idea to visit your vet with your dog before heading out to make sure they are protected from flea and or tick infestation. If not, your vet can administer a shot to insure your pet has a good camping experience. A heart worm check may be in order as well. Remember that you are responsible for your pet’s well being whether home or on a camping trip.

Make sure your destination camp or RV park is dog friendly

It’s just a good practice to do research on the camp or RV park that you’re planning to visit in order to check their rules, especially regarding pets and children as well if you have children with you. So, best do your homework so as not to be disappointed when you arrive.

Make sure to pack a first aid kit for your dog

Packing a first aid kit for your dog is just as important as packing one for yourself. And don’t forget their leash. When you’re in the woods, forest or desert with your dog, many things can happen… and quickly. Dogs’ curiosity is heightened in places where they have not been previously. He or she may decide to dart off on the trail of a rabbit or worse. They are also prone to want to bite on certain weeds or berries and then sickness, choking or even poisoning is possible. Having a pet first aid kit can be very helpful in situations such as these.

Make sure to bring the basic essentials

The obvious items to bring for your dog is food and water. But, give this some thought as dogs will drink more water in the outdoors, especially if taken on hikes and other forms of exercise.

In addition, don’t forget their favorite blanket and toys. Also bring enough plastic bags to clean up after them. Every park I’ve been in requires that dogs be on a leash, so make sure that is in your pet’s equipment bag as well.

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Those people who are staying overnight in parking lots for free are boondocking. You can also boondock by lakes, in the forest, on BLM land and anywhere that you can park overnight.

If you’re a camping or RV enthusiast and not familiar with the term, “boondocking”, not to worry because sooner or later other RV’ers will introduce this time honored tradition to you. Boondocking is also referred to as dry camping or dispersed camping and offers many of us the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of our homes on wheels while still enjoying nature. Sure, campgrounds offer modernization and amenities, but who wants to get away from the everyday hectic life to drive to a crowded campground and sit in an RV and watch TV? Campgrounds have gotten to the point that they stack RV’s in side by side where you can hear all that goes on in all the RV’s around you. That isn’t my idea of getting away for the weekend or a vacation.

Boondocking is also an alternative to stopping for the night in a campground while traveling from destination to destination. Many RV’ers find Walmart parking lots and truck stops to be the answer. Cabela’s also opens their parking lots to RV’ers for a night’s stay as do some other companies. Companies that open their parking lots for an overnight stay know the value of catering to the RV community as they provide a solution to your camping supplies and other outdoor needs while on the road. If you are boondocking in these parking lots for convenience while heading toward your camping destination, there are certain boondocking tips and camping protocol to follow; the first of which is courtesy and common sense. If you are boondocking in a Walmart parking lot, it’s a good idea to check with the local manager to make sure it’s OK to spend the night there. It used to be that Walmart welcomed RV’ers with open arms. In the last few years, Walmart has left this policy to the local managers. Some Walmart’s now have signs prohibiting overnight parking. The last thing you want after settling down for the night is a knock on your door at 3:00am from your local police department.

This is due to in part to local city ordinances prohibiting overnight parking, which could be due to local campgrounds losing money to companies like Walmart that allow free overnight parking. And some is due to RV’ers not respecting Walmart by leaving their trash and garbage in the parking lots. I’ve been in some Walmart parking lots and seen campers pulling out the lawn chairs and camping equipment and setting up a campsite. Doing this will quickly ruin the boondocking option for others and sour the reputation of campers in general. Any overnight RV stay in public locales should be treated as a privilege and not an entitlement.

The same holds true for boondocking in remote locations. Campers should always honor the environment and leave it cleaner than it was when you arrived. When RV camping without hook-ups, there are other considerations as well that will make your boondocking more enjoyable. Water and power utilization and conservation is always at the forefront of concerns among dry campers. With experience comes planning and RV’ers readily adapt to conserving both. Water conservation while boondocking boils down to paying attention to details. You must keep an eye on your water supply so it doesn’t run empty. You quickly learn you’re not home with an endless supply. For example, you learn to brush your teeth without letting the water run continuously. Another good habit is to remember to always shower using the wet and rinse technique. There are many other water conservation options available for dry campers as well and the RV industry has a wide variety of electronics and accessories available to help you. Power and electrical needs follow the same laws of conservation and require paying attention to detail as well. Inverters, generators, and solar panels are all options and in combination can extend power usage. Just remember, planning is paramount when dry camping. You must consider all your electrical needs. Most people in the RV community I run into on the road are either full-time or most full-time RV’ers or Van dwellers and as a result and out of necessity have become minimalists. Therefore, their electrical needs are not nearly what they were when living in a traditional home. I spend a great deal of time in my van traveling throughout North America and I do not have a TV, satellite dish, or microwave. I gave all that up to get out and enjoy nature. I travel with only a few electrical items; namely a laptop computer, smart phone and refrigerator. I have solar panels that provide all the electricity I need to run my laptop, keep my phone charged and my refrigerator cold. Verizon is my provider and my smart phone can be used as a “hot spot” to provide Internet access for my laptop. I can always visit a McDonald’s or some other establishment for free wi-fi if needed.

Boondocking can be intimidating at first, but with thought and planning it can provide you with places to visit and see that typical RV’ers never get to experience. When I retired and decided I wanted to travel this great country in an RV, I bought a large RV. Big mistake. Since I travel alone, I found this large RV was just too big for me and what I wanted to do. I found that I was limited in my desire to do “real boondocking”, that is, totally off-grid and far back off the beaten path. This large RV simply was not made for that. Not only that but the cost of gasoline was hurting my budget. I was getting something like 9 miles per gallon. You do the math. I took 2 trips in that RV before deciding to sell it. I was lucky to break even when I sold it. I had done a lot of research online about vans and found some great ideas for traveling in a van. So, I bought a cargo van and had it built out to my specs. This van is all that I had hoped it would be. Other than driving it and sleeping in it, I spend very little time inside my van. I cook all my meals outside unless the weather is not cooperating. My van has forced me into becoming more of a minimalist than I already was. I found out I don’t need all the clothes I was carrying. I don’t need that big bathroom with a home-like shower. I have a portable shower that fits my needs very well and I also have a gym membership with a national chain and I can stop at any of their locations for a shower when on the road. If one is not available where I happen to be (which is rare), I can also stop at a truck stop and rent a shower for about $8.00, just like the truckers do.

Further, don’t feel as if you’re all alone out there in the great outdoors when it comes to boondocking. A simple online search will show other RV camping enthusiasts who share boondocking tips, routes, locations, and many other valuable pieces of information that only the experienced boondocking camper would think of. Also available are many apps that will show where free campsites are located, campgrounds and national and state parks, etc. There is also a huge assortment of LTV (Long Term Visitor) Areas in California and Arizona, and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Information available detailing designated wilderness areas, regulations, and amenities. Other experienced boon docking RV campers have put together huge online lists of creative ways to boondock, camping and boondocking forums, travel blogs and other valuable resources. So if boondocking is in your future RV camping plans, you will find you are in good company.

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A big advantage of RV (including vans) travel means no more sleeping on the ground in a tent and having to deal with rain, soggy sleeping bags, mud and all that goes with that. With an RV or van, all your camping gear is with you inside your RV and basically all you have to do is pull over, put your vehicle in park and turn your key off. Practically any piece of ground, parking lot and some city streets can become an instant campsite for a night. I think the temptation to dry camp or boon dock appeals to that free spirit in most of us that enjoy camping in the great outdoors. Being around other campers in an RV park setting is a feeling of security and a sense of community to some, but for others, the crowded conditions on busy weekends and holidays with campers parked on top of each other, not to mention the noise does not make for an enjoyable time camping. Setting up camp along a quiet river or the furthest point back in a thick forest is what it’s all about to most. Hardly any of us want the sound of an idling diesel motor home or the drone of a generator breaking the silence of our chosen campsite as we throw that fishing line into the rushing waters of that trout stream.

It seems that today, more and more people are joining the ranks of campers and buying that motorhome, van or popup camper and heading out. Well, because of all this interest in the great outdoors, you may be surprised when you pack up that new motorhome and head out to the mountains in the fall to enjoy the changing colors. You arrive at your destination thinking that you’ll just pull into a campground and set up camp. Oh, you didn’t think about making a reservation? You find out quickly that others have the same idea and the park is full. What to do? It’s getting late and everyone’s exhausted. Any experienced RV’er knows full well how quickly campgrounds can fill up. In situations such as this, you may be forced into dry camping in a Walmart parking lot or deserted field.

RV parks, even the lesser known ones are becoming quite pricey; even as much as a moderately priced motel. If spending a night at a state or national park appeals to you, you’ll find they are usually cheaper than RV parks and usually have some terrific views as well. But again, it’s best to check with that park for reservations. Most of my friends that I’ve met over the years, rarely pay for camping. They opt for the wide open spaces of the deserts or mountains or other free dry camping areas. I’m talking about areas, some of which are so remote that the expensive satellite dish on that million dollar diesel pusher won’t even work. I’m talking about generating your own power with solar panels, carrying fresh water in, eating food from tin cans and fresh trout from that rushing stream you’re parked by. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a converted cargo van, an old used truck camper or a million dollar diesel pusher, free camping can be found throughout the millions of acres of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land.

However, contrary to popular belief, the world is not your oyster. There are laws and rules you must follow and obey. Safety is another issue and must be factored in. Many of the smaller, towable RV’s on the market do not have generators, inverters or even solar power. When deciding to dry camp, all of this has to be considered. And, don’t forget to carry enough water to sustain you and your crew for the duration. Have you considered hygiene, showers, toilet requirements and the like.

If you’re an inexperienced dry camper, safety is a big issue. While most campgrounds are relatively safe with their fences and lighting and so forth, dry camping has it’s own safety issues to consider. Think about being all alone in the deepest, darkest forest. When I made my first trip off-grid to such a place, every snap of a tree branch sent me into a sitting up position, thinking big foot was coming for me. After a few such trips, I no longer have those concerns as it’s all part of the experience of dry camping, but I never compromise the safety factor. On the other hand, I’ve slept under street lights on city streets and Walmart parking lots. These situations do not make for the best night’s sleep either but it does provide some assurance of safety for some. Just be prudent and insure your doors and windows are locked and your keys are close and easily accessible in case you need to move fast. In the case of dry camping, I always place my keys by the ignition and park my van headed in the direction of the road I want to leave by in case I have to leave in a hurry. I also have a can of wasp and hornet spray near by. No, I’m not afraid of being attacked by wasps during the middle of the night, but I have learned that a can of wasp and hornet spray can spray an accurate stream 10-12 feet easily and it’s strong enough to disable a full grown man long enough for me to get away. I rarely carry a firearm, not because I don’t know how to use it, I do. Being former military, I am well versed on the use of a firearm and I have a concealed carry permit, however, some states I travel through and camp in does not allow firearms… period! For me, it’s simply this; I do not want to be stopped for a traffic infraction or some other reason and have a cop find the firearm in my vehicle and arrest me for it. The wasp and hornet spray is adequate for my protection. Some I know, do carry firearms, some carry bear spray which is also a good protection agent. I suppose a Louisville Slugger would work as well, but I don’t want some would-be thief or suspicious person that close to me.

Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart started letting RV’er stay in Walmart parking lots overnight many years ago. That policy is still in effect today (for most Walmarts). It’s my understanding that the local manager makes that decision for his/her store, so if Walmart is your preference for a night’s stay, it may be a good idea to check with the local manager. I’ve seen some Walmarts that strictly prohibit overnight stays and are posted as such. A lot of this has to do with local city ordinances as opposed to Walmart’s policy. Some overnighter’s have also caused the problem by leaving their trash and worse in Walmart parking lots. I’ve seen RV’er roll out their awnings, set up grills, let out their roll-outs and place chairs outside and basically set up camp. This is not what Walmart intended with it’s generous overnight stay policy.

If you’re new to the dry camping idea, it might be best to take a dry run (no pun intended) before heading out to the desert or mountains and no hookups.

A lot of RV parks have an area set aside for primitive camping, for tents, etc. It might be a good idea to spend a couple of nights in such an environment to see how you do with no hookups to water, electric and sewer before heading out to the unknown. You’ll get an idea as to how much water and propane gas you will need to carry and how you fare without electricity and sewer. You’ll also get an idea as to how to prepare for provisions to bring with you when you dry camp.

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This article is not about Ecuador, but how my yen for travel turned into RV travel throughout the USA. If you would like to read about my travels to Ecuador, you can find all my articles on my blog about my travels to and within Ecuador on my blog at: www.wanderingwithbill.com. Once there, go to the archives on the right side of the page.

Over the past several years and after several trips to Ecuador, I decided to buy an RV and begin traveling. Within a few weeks, I learned an expensive lesson. Since I travel alone, I learned after a couple of lengthy trips that driving a huge RV around the country was just not to my liking. Oh, sure, it had all the amenities I would ever want and it was very comfortable, but, it was just too big for one person – for me anyway. It could be somewhat difficult to drive in windy conditions, in traffic congested cities and parking was difficult to find, especially if I wanted to visit a museum or some other attraction in a congested area.

Llamas in Ecuador

I had been reading about and watching some YouTube videos about Class B motorhomes which are basically small RV’s built on van chassis. I found that a Class B would probably fit my needs, but again, I didn’t need all the bells and whistles that came with them. I also discovered that Class B RV’s are very expensive, more so than some of the larger Class A’s and Class C’s. I’m told that is due to the way they are built; smaller is more expensive. I researched further and found that the bulk of van dwellers buy cargo vans and build them out the way they want them. That way, they seem to be better built.

I sold my big RV and purchased a cargo van and found a company to build it out to my specifications. That smaller vehicle forced me into becoming a minimalist. I started getting rid of things I would no longer need as I planned to spend most of my time on the road. I recently returned from my first trip in my new van and I can say, I absolutely love it and I love the minimalist way of life. I spent a good amount of time dry camping (boon docking) in the Colorado Rockies and the mountains and desert of northern New Mexico. Two creature comforts I did want in this van is a refrigerator and a fan. So, I got myself some solar panels, a charge controller and a deep cycle battery. My refrigerator works on both DC and AC. When driving, I can keep my “house battery” charged with my van battery. When parked in the mountains, desert or anyplace without shore power, I have my solar panels keeping my house battery charged and my house battery keeps my refrigerator running 24/7. I can also use my house battery to run my FanTastic Fan and keep my laptop, cell phone and camera equipment charged. I have puck lights installed for any lighting I need while off-grid and they will provide all the light I need and they are powered by triple A batteries which will last for weeks.

All in all, after my first trip, I’m a happy camper (pun intended).

I had to cut this trip short due to upcoming cataract surgery, otherwise, I would still be out there enjoying life. Once the surgery is behind me, I plan on heading back out toward the end of the year. This trip will take me to the Sonoran Desert in southwest Arizona.

There are thousands of acres of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land in Arizona and we can camp on it free. The only restriction is that you can only camp in one place for 14 days, then you must move to another location at least 25 miles distant for another 14 days and that just continues. I guess one could live on BLM Land free forever by just moving 25 miles every 14 days. I was in the Sonoran Desert last January and February and met a lot of folks such as myself; that is living in vans, RV’s, etc. That’s where I first saw van dwellers for the first time. They all seemed very happy and I began thinking then of selling my large RV and buying a van. Vans just give us so much more freedom. I can park where a car can park, even in underground parking areas, so I’m no longer restricted from visiting a museum or other attractions in a city. My van is very stealthy which affords me the opportunity to park on a city street and sleep if I desire, because I fit in unnoticed. And, the greatest benefit is a savings in the cost of fuel. My big RV was getting something like 9 miles per gallon. I now get about 26-28 miles per gallon on the road. I can also use my van as an everyday vehicle if I want, where that was not possible with the larger RV.

This article will be continued.

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The purpose of my traveling now is purely pleasure. I’m heading to Colorado Springs, Colorado and then west into the Rocky Mountains for some fresh air and camping in the mountains.

I’m beginning to get excited, knowing that within a couple of hours I’ll be in Chattanooga and the traffic will subside a bit as I enter I-24 bound for Nashville.

The traffic from Chattanooga to Nashville is relatively light as the bulk of the I-75 traffic continues on toward Knoxville. My destination is Colorado Springs and I know that once I get into southern Illinois, the traffic will be even lighter. You can probably tell, I do not enjoy driving in heavy traffic. It seems that the entire eastern seaboard is just one big flow of traffic.

Once I’m west of the Mississippi River, traffic has lightened up considerably. This I can handle. Once I’m in Kansas, I notice that the speed limit on I-70 is now 75 MPH. That’s a pretty good clip even with light traffic. I was traveling in west Texas last year and the freeway system there was 80 MPH. Of course not much in west Texas but maybe an armadillo or the occasional tumbleweed; otherwise, just a lot of wide open spaces and huge wind turbines harvesting the wind for energy. The speed limit on I-70 through the Colorado plains in eastern Colorado is also 75 MPH – making good time.

I exit I-70 in Limon, Colorado and take state highway 24 some 90 miles southwest into Colorado Springs. What a beautiful city, nestled up against the southern Rockies.

After spending a couple of days in Colorado Springs, I head west again to Buena Vista, Colorado. Buena Vista is another beautiful city along the southern Rockies. I plan on spending some time here dry camping in the San Isabel National Forest.

The Rockies around Buena Vista, Montrose and Gunnison are absolutely stunning. Each time I come here, I’m in awe of these majestic mountains and peaks, towering some 14,000 feet above sea level. I also travel to some of the scenic towns in that part of Colorado; towns such as Buena Vista, Ouray, Leadville, Silverton and Durango.

Traveling to these towns, took me through several of the most beautiful National Forests one could hope to travel through, such as, San Isabel, Rio Grande, Pike, Gunnison, Uncompahgre and San Juan.

And, sooner or later, all good things come to an end. In my case, I have an appointment with my ophthalmologist back in Georgia that I must keep. I have cataract surgery scheduled and as soon as that is all behind me, winter will be nearing and I plan to set a course for the Sonoran Desert in Arizona for some great dry camping and meet up with friends I’ve met on the road.

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