We attended a social gathering last month. With the exception of Al and I, all the attendees owned homes here in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. About half also owned some form of RV, but none had ever lived in their RV full-time. These were RVing part-timers and some-timers.
During the ebb and flow of normal social conversation, we discussed RV travels and exchanged a few of our favorite places. Somewhere during the conversation, I mentioned how much I was looking forward to boondocking at Lake Powell at the end of the month. My comment was met with cocked heads and wrinkled noses.
Definitions
For those unfamiliar with the term boondocking (aka dispersed camping) it generally means, camping in the “boonies” on public lands where permissible with no fixed sites or services … meaning no electric, water, restrooms, or a designated campground. Boondocking is usually free, but not always. National Forest land along with BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) are the most common places RVers like to boondock. One might even boondock for a night in a retail parking lot like Walmart, Cabela’s, Cracker Barrel or a Casino. When we overnight in a retail parking lot, we usually make a purchase making it a win for both parties.
Dry camping is camping without hook-ups in a designated campground for a fee. Stealth camping is also a form of boondocking, but usually in a big city. Stealth camping is most popular with Van dwellers. They are able to park on any street where street parking is allowed, and overnight. Because they don’t look like a RV, they’re able to overnight ‘under the radar‘ so to speak.
Back to that conversation …
I found the cocked heads and wrinkled noses perplexing. As the conversation ensued, their common attitude became clear.
Since there’s a fair amount of BLM Land to the north and south of Lake Havasu City, during the winter months, the open land is dotted with RV’s boondocking.
Most of these RVers are like Al and me and living in their RVs full-time (or part-time) by choice, but some are not as fortunate, and I’ve heard these folks referred to as “sketchy people”. It’s this later group that these homeowners associate with boondocking; people who can’t afford to stay in a RV park or campground.
I tried to explain why “I” like to boondock, but sadly my words fell on deaf ears. And that’s fine by me … means there’s more land for me to enjoy without neighbors. We wouldn’t want every RVer out here boondocking.
Through the eyes of a photographer
Photography has helped me ‘see things‘ and given me purpose in our travels. As such, I love immersing myself in beautiful landscapes. When I can sit in the comfort of my RV enjoying my morning coffee while watching the sunrise, I’m in my happy place.
When I’m surrounded by stunning scenery, landscapes adorned with wildflowers while wildlife drifts about, I feel alive and grateful. Boondocking gives me a sense of freedom, a sense of living on my terms, by my rules. Ah, don’t get me wrong, there are government rules and unspoken etiquette amongst fellow boondockers, but that doesn’t overshadow the overall sense of feeling alive and freedom that I experience when I immerse myself in nature.
Boondocking is hard work
I love RVing and I love boondocking, but it can be hard work, and it certainly isn’t for everyone. While boondocking, there’s the constant concern of electrical usage, water usage, and monitoring tanks. Boondockers are a rare bunch willing to give up conveniences for experiences. We know what it’s like to carry our crap around physically and literally.
Boondocking with a RV is one step above tent camping in my opinion. The RV does provide a fair amount of conveniences not available with a tent, but there are still things to consider. If the idea of sponges baths or baby wipe baths in lieu of a regular shower doesn’t appeal to you, then most likely RV boondocking won’t either. (I won’t even begin to talk about my boondocking squat and hover talents because that would just be T.M.I. 😆)
I grew up camping and feel the beauty I see and experience while boondocking usually can’t be fully replicated while staying in a private RV Park.
Most state and regional parks come the closest to the outdoor boondocking experience with the added conveniences of some amenities.
Our Havasu friends are totally fine with private RV Parks and feel they get a very similar nature experience to what I get boondocking, although I might beg to differ.
Don’t misunderstand, I love the comforts of full hook-ups, and we spend 75% of our time camped in either a private RV Park or public Campground, but there are times I’m ready to give up the comforts of normal living for a secluded picturesque spot in the hinterland.
But let’s get real! The visual appeal, as seen in the photo above, as well as reading blog posts about folks having a fabulous time free boondocking in stunning locations is enticing, but the realities aren’t always fully disclosed. Do you know why we had this amazing slice of land almost exclusively to ourselves? That’s because Al and I, along with three other RVs, were the only crazy insane idiots hardy folks willing to brave the elements.
It was November of 2012, and the weather turned cold and windy. During our stay, we experienced winds gusting in the 30-60 mph range. At one point there was sleet blowing sideways and the sand on the beach was being whipped into the air. The RV was rocking and rolling and not in a fun way! It was actually scary at times, and we had concerns about possibly blowing over. We questioned our decision making.
When we arrived at this location near Page, Arizona, two days earlier, the weather was warm and sunny. People were swimming and boating. There had to be well over twenty other RVs scattered around the area, but once the weather forecast predicted high winds, snow, and plummeting temperatures, the place cleared out quickly, leaving behind only us adventurous RVers.
It was quite the adventure, not one I’d care to repeat too many times. But that scenery and the ever-changing skies were like nothing I had ever seen before. It was a truly amazing experience and sight to behold. It made boondocking at Lake Powell totally worth not showering for three days. Hmm, maybe that’s what our friends meant when they used the term sketchy people …. perhaps the name Pig-Pen might be more fitting 😏 But that certainly wouldn’t pertain to us! Baby wipes are the best. We always stock up before heading out on any extended boondocking excursion. Sponge baths work too, but we’re usually concerned about water conservation.
We have friends that love boondocking and do it exclusively. We have friends that hate boondocking and joking say roughing it to them means not having a sewer connection, and then there’s us. We fall into the group who enjoys a combination of camping options … a little bit of everything, but we totally understand the realities and what we’re signing up for. There’s a lot more forethought, planning, sacrifice, and physicality to boondocking. Some folks love it, and some folks hate it!
Would you be willing to give up comforts for scenery?
“The greatest fear in the world is of the opinions of others. And the moment you are unafraid of the crowd you are no longer a sheep, you become a lion. A great roar arises in your heart, the roar of freedom.”― Osho
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Hi Ingrid, I was referred to your page by Marc and Julie Bennet because of your fabulous photos. My husband and I are amateur photographers and we just bought a 36 foot Tiffin so we can travel more of the country with our two dogs and photograph. I love your blog and your photos are amazing. We head out next weekend on our very first trip and I am so excited. We are just going an hour away for the weekend to make sure we have everything working and we know how to work it since we are newbies. l My husband still works from home so he will be working on the road. Therefore, we will probably stick mainly to campgrounds where we can get good cell coverage. However, I love the thought of boondocking and having fabulous views to wake up to. I look forward to more of your work and look forward to seeing you on the road.
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Congratulations on the new RV. We too have to stay connected and these days it seems easier than it did 5 years ago finding strong internet connection. RVing is certainly a fun way to see the country. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I always keep our current location noted in the sidebar. So keep me posted if you’re ever nearby. We’re always ready for a little socializing. Have fun with the new adventure!
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Hi, I love your blog and pictures. Hubby and I bought our truck and are just waiting on our 5th wheel RV to be delivered mid April. It’a a smallish one at 29’7. Anyway, in a post a little ways back called RVing in the Big City, you are wearing a cross body bag that I have been looking for. Can you tell me what it is? My husband and I can’t believe how much there is to learn about RVing, but also we are so excited to finally be able to “see” things. We haven’t traveled much outside of Michigan in the past 25 years.
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Hi Christy, how exciting. You’ll love the 30′ size of your 5th wheel. Ours is 31′ and we’re very happy with it. My bag is called “Baggallini”. They are designed for travel. I happen to find that one at TJ Max but they can also be found online.
I’m originally from northern IL and there’s a learning curve to travel in the west. It’s all about elevation. If I can be of any help, feel free to email me anytime. In the meantime, congratulations. It’ll be an adventure!
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My answer to your question: yes, yes, yes! While we aren’t living in our RV full-time (yet), we have only spent two nights in a basic NP campground (Zion). All the other nights since owning Zesty were free and boondocked. I guess that would make us 95% boondockers for now. 🙂
While, in the wide range of RV things, boondocking and dry camping might be only one step above tent camping, I think it is a big step. The comfort and convenience of our little van is heaps and bounds above an air mattress, tent, wood fire for cooking and no table. Since we were used to being careful with electricity, internet and fresh water when living on our sailboat for eight years, this is an easy adjustment to make as well. As long as we do something about our battery bank and are able to fill up with water and dump once in a while, we will be fine. But, we will stop at NP campgrounds once in a while. A full hook-up RV Park? Mmmm. Not sure about that.
Oh, those photos are spectacular by the way! Utah is an amazing and visually pleasing state!
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That van of yours is such a perfect fit for the two of you and will open up endless possibilities. I look forward to seeing where your adventures will take you. Since we’ve been doing a little house/doggie sitting for our friends in Havasu, we’ve enjoyed the comforts of a ‘real’ house, but are now ready to get back on the road. There’s a nice balance between the two worlds that I’m sure you guys have perfected.
And yes, Utah is an amazing state with unbelievable beauty that I need to explore more of.
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I dream of boondocking in some of your fabulous landscapes! We are “roughing it smoothly” in our motor home (the manufacturers slogan)! Hubby is a bit of a worry wart-enough battery power to keep our residential fridge running? We just want to get out West, boon-docking or not. Just want to get out there!
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Yes, those residential refrigerators can be an issue if you don’t have solar. I’m sure one day you’ll make it out west. The land will wait for you, but those adorable grandkids will grow up before you know it. So they are definitely worth hanging around the east!
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We have been full-timers for nearly two years and have boondocked a fair amount during that time in our 37′ Pace Arrow Vision. We can usually stay out in the “boonies” about 10 days. Nearly always, the reason for pulling up our jacks after 10 days relates to a need to dump our tanks. We have solar, 6 storage batteries equalling 660 amp hrs., a 5500 amp generator , a 3000 watt invertor and a AC/Propane switching refrigerator. All combined, it keeps us boondocking. This past winter, while in Quartzsite, we spent a month boondocking (free) and nearly two months in a nice RV park with full hook-ups @ $325 per month ($10.83 per day).
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That’s some Awesome solar you got there and a nice RV park price. We’ve toyed with adding solar … someday. It just hasn’t seemed cost effective for us just yet. We usually need to head to the dump in about 7-8 days, so 10 is great. Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
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Ingrid I think for me a balance of boon docking and convenience of hook ups and electricity would be the way to go. I do think the peace and tranquility of being out in the wilderness would be be superb.
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That’s exactly how we like to roll. Boondocking is fun, but it’s also a lot more work. Variety is the spice of life!
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I am once again amazed by the beauty of your photographs boon docking. We spent several years camping, but I always wanted the convenience of hookups and the safety of a campsite with neighbors. We all have our comfort zones, and I applaud your adventuresome spirit. 🙂
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Thanks Judy. Twenty years ago, I would’ve been very uncomfortable camping in some of these places that we now love. Fortunately there’s a little something for everyone 😊
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Our family favors dry camping in State and National Parks, National Forests and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. (Here in the northeast, the availability of public lands for boondocking is very limited.) When faced with the choice between scenery and amenities, we’ll choose scenery every time and enjoy nothing more than waking up in the forest or on the shore of a lake, river or ocean. The peace and solitude that nature provides warm my soul and recharge my spirit. We’ll stay in private RV parks when the situation dictates (love that A/C when the temps in Utah are over 100!) but, given the choice, you’ll find us soaking up the peace and quiet that our public lands provide.
By the way, Ingrid, I’ve been enjoying your blog – and your wonderful photos – immensely!
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Thank you Mary, and yes having an electric hook-up with temperatures soaring is a must even for me who’s accustomed to the desert heat. It’s great enjoying a variety of camping options. Having grown up in the Midwest, I had never heard of BLM Land until we moved out west. Interesting how the country can be so different from one coast to the other. Thanks for the comment!
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Great post on boondocking!! We have boondocked some in our first full-time adventure but not this time. However, our Oliver is made to be off grid!! I would definitely give up the full hookups for those views!!!
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Yes Gerri, sometimes there are such stunning views that it’s worth giving up some conveniences for a few days to take in the scenery 😊
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I’m trying to figure out boondocking. I have water covered but electricity is a issue. I like the refrigerator and safe to eat food.
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If you have a residential refrigerator then it could be a problem. Ours will run off propane when we’re boondocking and we use a generator to keep our batteries charge. Definitely more work and a lot to think about.
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I have a regular RV fridge. It takes propane and a little 12v power to run. I may need new batteries I have to check that all out.
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Yeah, the batteries are a huge factor!
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I’m in a 1999 Fleetwood Discovery with limited battery space. The two 6 volt house batteries pretty much fill the space.
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I always learn something when I read your blogs, and today I learned the differences in those terms, finally! We’ve called everything without hookups boondocking. I loved hearing more about your adventures off the grid and seeing your photos. We enjoy boondocking/dry camping in moderate temperatures, but now we have hubby’s CPAP machine to deal with. We “dry camped” last summer with other family members, and honestly, the machine was a problem. That alone may limit how much we can do that. Makes me sad, too. Enjoy your stay in AZ!
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Bummer about the CPAP machine, but you’ve found some great campgrounds in TX that offer electric. Sometimes we have to make adjustments. I know we will this summer, but it’s all good. Hope you start sharing your RV outings again.
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We love to boondock also! Love that we don’t have to be parked so close to another camper. Love being right on a lake, river or mountain with a beautiful view. It’s nice to be able to boondock or be in a campground. Whatever we choose we feel so lucky to be fulltimers!
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You always find the best spots near lovely scenery. I think you have the boondocking life figured out. I should take notes 😄
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Beautiful photos and interesting commentary on “boondocking” Ingrid. You and hubby are great adventurers. In British Columbia we have something similar called “Forest Service Sites” – either free or pay small fee – but usually not reservable – so you may show up and the sites are full. I like the wide open spaces you have there. Just roll up your rig and plant yourself wherever. I think it’s good to have a few neighbours though, for security reasons – especially if you have kids with you. We are considering purchasing a mid-sized travel trailer (17ft) or a campervan to do some local camping and exploring with our young grandkids. Always nice to have toilet readily available!
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There’s usually other people around when we boondock especially if it’s anywhere near beautiful scenery. I think that’s a great idea to take the grandkids camping and a trailer will make it much more convenient and fun. My brother has a small 20ft pull behind trailer that he and the wife love for weekends.
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Sweet!
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Ingrid – great photos. While the peace, quiet and amazing scenery is very appealing, especially the lack of light pollution at night for viewing the stars; sadly we are very much in the FHU camp. While we have prep for a 5.5K genny, I need the storage space and we only have a single solar panel & 1500W inverter. We also still have halogen lights that burn through power rapidly. So 1 night is the most we can survive without power.
So for us, boondocking is making do with 30 amps and managing loads to minimise tripping of the breaker. DW takes some time to manage only using 2 of – kettle, microwave and A/C.
Before having to cancel our Newfoundland trip we were booked at a campground with only 20 amps. That would most definitely been an interesting experience.
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Haha …. ‘boondocking with 30 amps’! Yeah, living off the grid isn’t for everyone. We don’t usually do it for any length of time. I like my electric coffee maker way too much and we wouldn’t dream of turning on the genny at 6 a.m. to start that coffee. So I need to resort to other coffee making options when we boondock 😏 Trying to make things work on 20 amps could’ve been a challenge for you guys, but probably entertaining.
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Hahaha we were just looking at campers and trailers for the fun of it this weekend. I’m not quite ready yet 🙂
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I know you’ll love it (part time, of course). When you can wake up surrounded by photogenic landscapes, you’ll never stop clicking.
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True true true!
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We also like the freedom of “free camping” and intend to do more of it. I wish all travellers respected the environment though, it disgusts me arriving at a lovely site only to see toilet paper littering the area.
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Yes, that is always upsetting when others don’t respect the environment. But beautiful scenery is always worth searching out and experiencing 🙂
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Did you know that the word boondock is derived from a Filipino word “ bundok” meaning mountain ? Bet you did not know 😊 I sometimes like boondocking and we had in certain scenic places such as Alabama Hills, organ pipe np, and Q and soon at Stanley, ID.
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No, I did not know that 😃 You’ll love Stanley. The scenery in that part of Idaho is stunning. See you soon!
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Hi,
I really enjoyed reading your post and can totally relate to your struggle when telling others about boondocking. I’m currently travelling New Zealand with my boyfriend and we did some freedom camping (I think it’s the same thing just with a different term), and whenever you tell locals about it they look at you like you are crazy or a bad person. However, I agree with you, that you feel much closer to nature on a free campsite than when staying at a campground with kitchen, hot shower etc.
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My daughter spent some time in New Zealand and loved it. Looks beautiful. Seems there are similarities to camping no matter what side of the world we’re on. Thanks for stopping by and commenting ☺
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For sure – I know some people that live in RV full-time and they have all boondocked. I own an RV but we live in the Midwest and there aren’t many places for that. We plan to travel in retirement with the RV, so I’m sure I’ll be doing some boondocking. Love your photos
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Thanks! We’re originally from northern IL and never heard about boondocking or BLM land until we moved west in the ’90’s. I also didn’t understand free-ranging cattle. Ah, that’s another tale I’ll probably blog about.
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Hey that’s great. Nice to meet you – sort of. Never heard of free ranging cattle – sounds like a blog post.
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We were suppose to do a Lake MI loop this Aug/Sept but then my son informed us he’ll be getting married in Aug. That loop will have to wait till next season. My dad and sister still live in the Chicago burbs thus I try to visit when we can.
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When we were full time on the road we liked the mix of caravan park with all the facilities, free places (boondocking), and the cheap national park camp grounds with limited facilities. The national parks would be our favourites for longer stays. They’re affordable and have a few faculties. Usually water is available somewhere, although you can’t connect to it. It usually means transporting it in a jerry can, but two 10 litre jerry cans a day will keep you going. And there’s usually a long drop toilet somewhere. If it’s not a peak holiday season these places can be stunning. Sadly though no longer available to us now we have our dog as pets are prohibited in national parks. Loved that photo, the one where the winds had you rocking and rolling. Such a stunning back drop.
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The national parks here are beautiful but difficult to find an available site without reservations made months in advance. Plus many were built years ago and can’t accommodate larger RVs.
Next Sunday we’re heading back to that location and I wouldn’t be surprised if the weather will be less than agreeable just like last time. I have the flannel sheets on the bed and propane tanks are filled 😃
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I’ll look forward to some more photos. I do hope you don’t get blown away. The wind can get through cracks you didn’t know were there…
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Tell me about it! My husband already told me not to bother cleaning the RV before we hit the road (something I like to do). We plan on being covered in dust and sand after a week at Lake Powell 😎
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I was going to hit like, but not sure ‘like’ is appropriate for being covered in dust and sand. Tell me again – why are you going there Ingrid! 😆
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It is funny the different responses you get when you mention Boondocking. To us the sacrifice of no amenities is more than made up for by immersing yourself in your natural surroundings. We find we crave and need that experience to satisfy our souls. In these times that we live in “sketchy” RV folks are also in RV Parks and campgrounds. I’ll admit that we are more alert and safety conscious while Boondocking in remote areas. We decided to see some parts of Arizona we hadn’t been to in awhile and spent a couple days Boondocking outside of Safford, and an amazing night watching the Sandhill Cranes in Wilcox. We also enjoyed the back side of Pima County Fairgrounds $125 per week for 50 amp. Thank you Ingrid for turning us on to Campendium, we have found it very helpful along with Days End that Eacapees puts out. Have a wonderful time at Lake Powell!
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I’ve been trying to keep up with Brian’s Tumblr posts and you have found some sweet spots. I loved our stay at Whitewater Draw camped amongst thousands of Sandhill Cranes.
We used to use the Days End Directory, but now we predominantly use Campendium. Glad you like it as well. Keep me posted on your route to MN.
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Great post and comments by all. We’re equipped for boondocking with solar panels and generator. Just not too sure about the safety or even the locations. Your post eases my mind some. Now we need to find places to venture into the boonies. I see research in my future.
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A couple of my favorite spots are near the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell. Have never felt uncomfortable at those spots. Sometimes it just takes jumping in and trying. It may or may not work for you. There’s lots of places bloggers will highly recommend, but when we check it out, we’re not comfortable either with the condition of the road, the trees, or the people in the area. We always have a backup and a backup to the backup 😁
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Good to know. Thanks for the information.
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Now that we’re finally in the west, I am building in more time to take advantage of the public lands. I do have concerns about how much we’ll have to run our generator because we have a residential fridge and no solar, but we really want to take advantage of all this space. The water conservation is not a big deal to us, but if we have to run our generator 5 hours per day, that’s gonna take away much of the benefit of being out in the middle of nowhere. We’ll see. Having spent our first year on the east coast, this wasn’t even an option, so we’re looking forward to seeing what we can do.
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The places to boondock out west are endless. Idaho is a boondockers dream and the scenery is stunning. You’ll just need to give it a try and see how things go. Have fun exploring!
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I think Boondocking is similar to the question of why do people become Full Timers. I believe the desire to boondock or go fulltime depends proportionately on the quality of experience they have which has to do with putting in the work to find the most interesting and most beautiful geographical locations. We have spent anywhere from $8-$80/night for different RV parks and there often is no correlation between the cost and the experience. For example last year we stayed along the Arkansas River at the Army Corps of Engineer Pine Bluff River Area Rising Star campground where we watched barges drift up and down the river, built an enormous bonfire of dry wood left behind, friendly visits with a Forest Ranger, beautiful old trees, boat ramps, wide country roads with wild flowers on either side, sunny skies and helpful campsite hosts. Then again we paid $1100/month for Lazy Days KOA in Tucson for November and had a great stay as well. Of course, one of our ideal stays is where we met Al and Ingrid at the Yavapai County Fairgrounds RV Park…great stay, great friend and only $300/month!!
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Awe, thank you. Seriously, you paid $300? We paid more, so I’ll be looking into that. There is definitely a vast array of camping experiences. A little something for everyone’s needs and tastes. Glad you’ve found some nice places that you’ve enjoyed 😊
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Beautiful post full of gorgeous photos.
When we began full timing, we boondocked a ton. You are so right about the beauty that comes with boondocking. Now that we have been at it for nine years and nine years older, I find that I am becoming a bit spoiled. I do miss FHUs….at least the electricity. I like to just hit the button and something happens. That doesn’t happen when we boondock. But if it is for a couple of days, so be it. I will just suck it up and be in awe of God’s beauty.
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I’m right there with you Marsha. The longer we live this lifestyle, the more I enjoy full amenities, but then it’s fun to change it up with beautiful scenery and a few inconveniences. 🙂
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Totally agree. Enjoy the journey.
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We enjoy boondocking as much as possible, and spend the (25%) balance of time in state parks. We, like you, do it by choice and not need. We love being close to nature, and our boondocking teaches us conservation of resources and respect for our environment. I have great respect for those who boondock by need, as well. They have found an intelligent way to live independently and within their means. No shame in that.
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Nope, no shame! The beauty of RVing is there is a little something for everyone …. diversity is wonderful. BTW, it’s probably just me, but I found your blog theme difficult to read. Your previous one seems more pleasing.
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Thanks Ingrid…I’ll check it out when I have access to computer. Works well on phone but perhaps there are cross-format issues.
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Ahhh, to be out in the wild. I can imagine how all that beauty makes you feel. We always tent camped when our daughters were young and they learned a lot of skills from those outings. Not surprisingly they are independent thinkers and when they became adults both bought their own tent!! We need to get a generator yet so we can get back out in the wild. Filling our water tank onsite and dumping our tanks is as rugged as we’ve gotten so far on our voyage.
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That’s awesome. We camped and traveled a fair amount with our children, and like yours, they’re independent and flexible individuals. I wish we had explored more of our backyard when we lived in Colorado, but alas, work seemed to take precedence. We love our Honda 2000 generator, but we’re also looking at portable solar panels. First we need to decide how much boondocking will be in our future. Thus far, we haven’t boondocked or dry camped enough to justify the cost ☺
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We have a port for solar, but not ready for that expense yet. Maybe down the road. Hahaha. (Punny) Want to go back and find or build a house before we make plans for our next voyage. But we do have campsites all the way through Labor Day so we’re covered for the summer in Colorado. Just in case!
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Yeah, at the moment we can’t justice the cost of solar. Maybe one day! So you’ll be looking for a place in Co. Springs again? There are worse places to live 😉 We lived off of Briargate Pkwy with nice views. Ah, there are times I sincerely miss CO.
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Yup. We are thoroughly enjoying our 8 months on the road. But we decided we do want a home in Colorado to spend part of the year, to spend time with our grandson and soak up Colorado summers. We are mostly looking out towards Falcon. We lived south of the Academy for almost 30 years. The market is so tight we have no idea when we’ll find what we want, so it’s a good thing we have our house on wheels!
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I’m sure the growth out toward Falcon has been crazy. Hopefully you’ll find something and be able to park the RV on the property. We loved our acre of land in Pueblo West. Real Estate everywhere seems to be at a high price point with low inventory. Good luck!
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I love that we have a choice to live this lifestyle on our terms. Can’t wait to see you two on the 26th, Lake Powell here we come, T-8.
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Looking forward to it and counting down the days 😁
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Well said, Ingrid. Great post.
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Thanks Russ … have loved your emails showing me your awesome spots!
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Really fine post, Ingrid. I prefer boondocking camping, for sure. Love the freedom and space! I can’t believe I have lived here in AZ for almost six years and STILL haven’t been to Lake Powell. I noticed you were in UT. In AZ, everyone loves to head up to Lake Powell for the summer. I want to rent a houseboat one of these days and go out and explore for several days.
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You MUST go! The boondocking location is literally on the Utah/Arizona border and we do our shopping in Page. The best way to explore Lake Powell, if you don’t have a boat of your own, is rent a pontoon boat and take your camping gear. The houseboaters only take the boats out to a cove and beach anchor them for the weekly rental. The fuel consumption of those big guys is $$$$$. So hardly anyone explores with them. They use them to live on and then explore with wave runners or small boats.
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Pontoon boat and tent. I like the sound of that. Thanks, Ingrid. : )
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Fabulous photos Ingrid!
We are probably like you in that we are about 75% state/national parks (and an rv park if we must, especially for doing laundry!) and currently have a 25′ Class C with solar which makes it easier to get into a variety of locations. Once we go full time in a year or two we will be in a 36′ fifth wheel or motorhome and that will be more limiting, so it’s good to see that there are places we could boondock with some effort! There are trade offs with everything. Thanks for your posts!
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Thank you and yes, there are trade offs. I’m glad we’re only 31′. It has allowed us the ability to still get into some national and state parks and is easier to boondock. But during those times we’re sitting stationary, it gets a little small 😏
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Hi Ingrid,
Loved your post on boondocking! We personally love it and enjoy the challenge of water/energy conservation to be off grid. Of course it helps that we have over 600 watts of solar, generator, and large grey, black, & freshwater tanks.! Loved staying at Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell.
You’ve heard the saying, “6 degrees of separation”? After reading your blog, I realized you’re the Ingrid my friend Faye talks about!! And I also follow Chapter 3 travels! It is a small RV World. I discontinued my blog for awhile, but have been inspired to start up again. I enjoy your style of writing & photos!
Hope to meet you in person some day on the road.
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It is a small world. There are times I’ve taken a short break from blogging and always return because of the friendships we’ve made via blogging. Hope you start back up and if you do, pls drop me a link. We’ll be seeing Dave and Faye in about 8 days and do a little boondocking together. Fun times at Lone Rock in our future!
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Put us in the group who Love boondocking, although we rarely actually do it. We lack a few amenities that make it a bit more convenient. Your photos, as always, are spectacular. Who wouldn’t want to camp there?
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I think we would boondock more if we had solar. We’re considering some options, but for now, the generator works fine. Can’t wait to dive into that scenery.
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You know my answer. Lol We are more into being hermits, and enjoying quite, beautiful spaces. My short stint in an RV park on one of Al’s trips to Seattle was enough to last me for a while. We left before our time was up, and headed to the back of beyond. My friend couldn’t understand how I could boondock alone while Al was gone a second time to Seattle. Peace and quite, and peace of mind.
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Yeah, I don’t see you enjoying a RV park. I have enough difficulties myself when we stay in one for a few months in a row, but there are trade offs. Full hook-ups are nice when we get in a stretch of work mode, but I relish our time spent in the boonies.
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Wish there were more opportunities to wild camp in the East. We’re about 4 states away from any BLM land. And as we found out the hard way, State Forests have roads that aren’t suitable for a motorhome!
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There’s lots of boondocking spots here in the west that we too find a tad too rough even though others may rave about it. It’s all about comfort level. Trees, mud, sand and rocks are not an RVers friend and the bigger the rig, the more difficult. But we discover one of those sweet spots, aahhhh!
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Sounds like a grand time! And since I have known you and Al… I have learned so much.
And for Those people who think there are sketchy people in those boondocking RVs… oh well… to each their own.
Have fun girlfriend! Can’t wait to see your boondocking photography!!
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I still say you and RL need some little off-road home on wheels for your adventures. I know you guys would love it and I know just the couple to show you the ropes 🤗 If you feel like a get away, you are welcome to join us in Page (lots of hotel options …. or we have a tent 🤣)
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A tent?!?!?!
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Yeah, I knew you’d respond that way. Ms. Nancy and a tent do not equate! As I said … plenty of hotels 😎 Come join us for campfire tales!
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You have me pegged!!
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🤣😂🤣😂
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I don’t know why you’re laughing so hard …. yeah, I do 😆
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🤗You know me quite well! 😘
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Ingrid, I love the idea of boondocking and I’m envious every time I see the beautiful boondocking places out there. We’ve never done it but we have dry camped in a few places. We are pretty good at navy showers and conserving water. I know what you mean about getting “those looks” from RV’ers who only want full hookup parks. I’ve met a few who wouldn’t dream of going anywhere without full hookups! Fine with me, it leaves more sites available for us in the public parks!
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Totally agree … more room for us. Since we don’t have solar, we don’t boondock as much as we’d like. The generator works fine for our needs but it’s more work for hubby. I love immersing myself in a beautiful landscape as I know you do as well.
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You might be playing to the band here; suspect most of us readers boondock and experience the joy of it all. I’ve always thought of “them” as suburbanized and “us” as the wild ones! So when I meet campers, I usually can differentiate which group they belong to 🙂
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Yeah, it’s usually pretty easy to tell what category a RVer fits into. For us personally, we don’t fit into just one considering we do a little bit of everything. We’ll be spending all summer in a RV Park and there’s pros and cons to it all. I’ll have to get my nature fix by getting out hiking as much as possible, or I’ll go crazy looking at my neighbors 😉
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