Where Are The Best Places To Go Boondocking In The U.S.?

Are you looking to unplug, immerse yourself in nature and explore the outdoors on a budget? Then boondocking is the perfect type of RV camping for you! Boondocking is an amazing experience that many RVers love and that every outdoorsman should experience at least once. This type of RV camping is not only a great way to save money, but it’s also one of the best ways to avoid crowded campgrounds and discover new places.

What Is Boondocking?

If you’ve never heard of boondocking, it’s similar to dry camping (or camping without any hookups or amenities outside of your RV) but in a remote, undeveloped location. Because you’re basically parked in the middle of the great outdoors, most boondocking destinations are free. However, finding these hidden gems can sometimes be tricky. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best boondocking campsites across the country.

Top 6 Boondocking Destinations

Valley of the Gods – Utah

Utah is a state with beautiful wide-open spaces and a variety of natural landscapes to explore. The Valley of the Gods is a great place to go boondocking because it has easy access off Hwy 163, epic sunset views and a lot of open land to park your RV. It’s also nearby Monument Valley, Natural Bridges National Monument and more.

Twin Lakes View – Colorado

Did you know that Colorado is one of the top states for free camping? In the heart of the state, you can find Twin Lakes View which is one of the most scenic places to boondock. Park your RV here for epic views of the Twin Lakes against a stunning mountain backdrop. Just make sure to wear layers because the weather can be unpredictable.

Loy Butte Road – Arizona

Arizona has over 200 free camping spots, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and so much more to explore. Who wouldn’t want to go boondocking in this fiery state? Head toward Sedona to find Loy Butte Road in Coconino National Forest. Discover dreamy desert landscapes and unique red rock formations. You’ll be close enough to visit Sedona and you may see some hot air balloons float over the valley if you’re lucky.

Cook’s Chasm – Oregon

Cook’s Chasm is known for Thor’s Well, an unusual seawater sinkhole, and Spouting Horn, a spouting ocean geyser. Both are unique and stunning to see, making this boondocking destination one of the most magical places. You’ll be parking your RV in a simple pull-out on the side of the road, but the views and sounds of the ocean make it totally worth it.

Clark Dry Lake – California

You might assume that California is too expensive and too crowded for affordable and fun RV camping. However, the state has many hidden boondocking gems. One destination is Clark Dry Lake, located in Anza Borrego State Park. The area is popular because of its colorful wildflowers that bloom in the spring, but there are also badlands, canyons and trails to explore. This makes the area vast enough to avoid the crowds and find a beautifully secluded spot to park your RV.

Blankenship Bridge – Montana

Located near Columbia Falls, this boondocking spot is great for travel trailers and campervans. Anything bigger, like a Class A motorhome will have a pretty difficult time accessing the area. It’s nearby Glacier National Park making it a great free camping location with epic scenery right on the riverbed. There is sometimes an overflow of people during peak visitor season at the National Park, but the area will still be an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Boondocking Tips

If you’ve never been boondocking before, you might want to try dry camping in your RV at a developed campsite first. That way you can experience what it’s like to live without any amenities besides your own RV, trailer or camper while still being close to some civilization. If dry camping turns out to be a piece of cake, go boondocking for a weekend next! If that’s fun, too, then you can start planning out longer boondocking trips.

Here are some boondocking tips to keep in mind:

• Conserve water. Water is probably the most limited resource when boondocking. You can really only boondock until you run out of freshwater, so learn how to conserve it as much as possible. Take short showers, use wet wipes and catch dishwater in a tub and use it to flush the toilet.
• Practice RV etiquette. Make sure you’re always courteous of fellow boondockers. Never park too close to another RVer, keep your noise level to a minimum after sundown, keep your area clean and always put out campfires correctly.
• Respect wildlife. Boondocking usually takes place in the middle of nature, so don’t disturb the wildlife! You can do so by not leaving out food or trash that may attract wildlife and always photographing animals from a safe distance.
• Leave no trace. This one is really important and basically means to leave everything as you found it. Remember, you will have to haul out any trash you make while boondocking since there’s no way to properly dispose of it out in the wilderness. So, keep your trash to a minimum.
• Be prepared. Anything can happen in the great outdoors, including accidents and injuries. A first aid kit and emergency roadside tools are essentials to have in any RV.

RV Insurance

We have one last tip for you and that’s to make sure you have Specialty RV Insurance. A standard Auto Insurance policy will not be sufficient in covering your RV in case of an accident. Do you want peace of mind that you’re properly covered while on the road? Get a free RV Insurance quote by calling (866) 601-7335 to speak with an RV Insurance Specialist. They will help you find a low rate from a reputable carrier in minutes.

The information in this article is obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and it does not represent contractual agreements. It should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.