Boondocking help

Spower · 03-03-2020, 02:32 PM

I prefer boondocking over campgrounds. I am getting ready to head out full time. I am looking at Idaho and Montana, near towns that have decent shopping.
I'm having a hard time finding places to boondock for any amout of time. I would like to find a nice spot and stay awhile.
I have several apps to help find places but not really finding what I am looking for. Not too far out, quiet, open, scenic. I have a 30' TT.
What do you all use to find these kind of spots?

gladecreekwy · 03-03-2020, 02:49 PM

Forest Service maps for the ranger district you’re in. Most national forests allow dispersed camping usually with a 14 day limit.

tbwill · 03-03-2020, 09:37 PM

I use the Campendium app or look at their online site campendium.com. You can filter for free campsites, govt., private, etc. Lots of reviews of boondocking sites.

DonaandDon · 03-04-2020, 08:30 AM

Have you previewed Bureau of Land Management? Just a thought.

Duke4857 · 05-03-2020, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonaandDon

Have you previewed Bureau of Land Management? Just a thought.

Most BLM land is only 14 days also. Move ten miles and 14 more days. You might not get called out for a longer time, but they would get your plate numbers and keep a eye on you.

Spower · 05-03-2020, 10:45 AM

Yup, I used BLM places as much as possible since boondocking is my thing! I joined Escapees, we'll see how that goes. I looked at Passport America, I think it's a joke for the price! Most places the discount is only good for a night or 2 and then a lot of them have no discount during "peak" season. Guess it's ok if you are mostly on the move....it's not for me.

Jdbuck · 07-26-2020, 01:16 PM

We have never boondocked, but it is something I would like to try. Regarding these forest service maps, how much info do they provide? We will be taking delivery of a 41' Jayco Pinnacle in the near future and I am very apprehensive about taking it to a spot and getting in a tight jamb with bad roads, no turn around space, etc. What suggestions could you offer or resources in that regard?

Spower · 07-27-2020, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdbuck

We have never boondocked, but it is something I would like to try. Regarding these forest service maps, how much info do they provide? We will be taking delivery of a 41' Jayco Pinnacle in the near future and I am very apprehensive about taking it to a spot and getting in a tight jamb with bad roads, no turn around space, etc. What suggestions could you offer or resources in that regard?

Use freecampsites.org, BLM website, when you find a site look for reviews, people usually say how the area is or how big a rig can fit. Also go on google maps, use satellite view and then you can look at the area.

curver900 · 07-27-2020, 08:11 AM

if in doubt unhook where you know you can get back out.. then drive your truck in and scope it out.. may take longer but at least you can get back out and know for sure if you can get your trailer out...

I would do it especially if there has been any substantial weather in the last 30 days or so too...

Jdbuck · 07-27-2020, 08:24 AM

Thank you fornthe great tips! I will use the resources and ideas for our venture into boondocking

tbwill · 07-27-2020, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdbuck

We have never boondocked, but it is something I would like to try. Regarding these forest service maps, how much info do they provide? We will be taking delivery of a 41' Jayco Pinnacle in the near future and I am very apprehensive about taking it to a spot and getting in a tight jamb with bad roads, no turn around space, etc. What suggestions could you offer or resources in that regard?

The Forest Service maps you want are the “Motor Vehicle Use Maps” (MVUM). They show all of the roads and what type of vehicles are allowed as well as showing where dispersed camping is allowed. If you have an Apple or Android phone with GPS you can get the Avenza map app that lets you download maps to your device and use it offline without cell or wireless service to navigate. Most of the MVUM maps are available and free.

ChiToones · 07-27-2020, 12:15 PM

I think it's freecampsites.net

Dgibbster · 08-25-2020, 01:37 PM

We go to places most would not even think of. Our secret with our 32’ redhawk and a 16’ enclosed trailer is get to area’s we know there is dispersed camping allowed, removed toy from trailer, sometimes after already in forest deep, and explore for a prime spot. This shot was up in Mammoth lakes Ca area a month ago. About 900’ above hwy 395 on forest road, found a huge spot that would accompdate multiple large rigs.

Edutron · 06-06-2022, 10:59 PM

campendium.com

Semix-Hex · 06-10-2022, 08:13 AM

What's cool about MVUM's is that more of them are showing where they allow dispersed camping. Exercise caution when driving down a dead end road though, you might not be able to turn around. I often drive my truck for a look see first. Also, not all of the marked spots are compatible with boondocking. Look for the roads with dots on the sides.

Duke4857 · 06-10-2022, 09:32 PM

Lots of good info. Just commenting to follow.

Onyrlef · 06-11-2022, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dgibbster

We go to places most would not even think of. Our secret with our 32’ redhawk and a 16’ enclosed trailer is get to area’s we know there is dispersed camping allowed, removed toy from trailer, sometimes after already in forest deep, and explore for a prime spot. This shot was up in Mammoth lakes Ca area a month ago. About 900’ above hwy 395 on forest road, found a huge spot that would accompdate multiple large rigs.

That's one advantage of a class C, you can get into a lot of places an A can't access because of height. Even on city streets I have to be careful to stay out of the right lane to avoid having the A/C, vent covers, etc., wiped off the roof. Looks like you found Valhalla in those pics.

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