I've had just posted a CO section in the north central forum but thought that it would be unfair to hold back all of the info about boondocking in north america.
Warning: Long Post
[quote]***NOTE*** THIS LIST HAS BEEN EDITED TO GO WITH THE STREET ATLAS MAP PREPARED BY DUDLEY (http://members.aol.com/stephndudb)
AND TO REMOVE PHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES OF SKP MEMBERS. IF A LISTING SAYS "Call" FOLLOWED BY EITHER A BLANK SPACE OR A
PHONE NUMBER IT IS PROBABLY AN SKP LISTING AND IS NOT FOR GENERAL PUBLIC USE. ALSO NOTE THAT THE MAP DOES NOT INCLUDE ALL
OF THE LOCATIONS LISTED HERE AND THAT ALL MAP LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE - AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE BASED ON THE DESCRIPTIONS
GIVEN HERE. ALWAYS CROSS-REFERENCE WITH THIS LIST. CANADIAN LOCATIONS WERE NOT MAPPED.***
#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=# Summer, 2000
FREE BOONDOCKING SITES
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FREE CAMPING SITES or NEARLY FREE ONES
#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#
FREE DUMPING STATIONS
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Website: http://www.angelfire.com/oh/Boondocking/index.html
Email Address: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE:
------------
These FREEBIES are the work of all the contributors who helped put this list together.
Some of the listed spots may stay not available over time. Please inform me of any changes
so that I can keep this list upgraded and be on the lookout for other possible sites in
the area as well. This file is sent out by request only so be sure to email me and request
a copy each year! It is free information. My email address is: [email protected]
There is additional information at the end of this file. CHECK IT OUT!
A *NEW* idea for the list was brought to my attention to include the date in which a
contribution was received. It has now been noted. Good idea!
ALABAMA
=======
AL01, ALPINE: (April 20, 2000) This is an out of the way but nice spot. It is at
Alpine,AL 20 miles west of Talladega Race Track,& 15 west of
Childersburg, AL It is on the Coosa River.Bath house & water hook-up
ALASKA
=====
(June 16, 2000) This note is really about boondocking - but I've also included
some general information about Denali camping.
Arriving at Denali National Park without reservations generally
means camping outside the park for a couple of days, waiting
for a campground reservation.
A dump station is available, near the entrance to the park.
Teklanika River Campground, at mile 29, is the furthest into
the park that is accessible to RV's, and is also the most
popular. We were told that it is generally filled for the
season within a few days of when the reservations period begins
(Dec. 1 for written requests and Feb. 28 for phone
reservations). Travel to and from this campground is severely
restricted, and a minimum three-day stay is required. You will
be allowed to drive to the campground, but your vehicle cannot
leave the campground until you exit the park at the end of your
stay.
Shuttle busses are available, for a fee, and often require
reservations. Campers at Teklanika are strongly discouraged
from taking the shuttle bus eastbound (back to the Visitor's
Center and Store). the bus is intended only to shuttle you
further into the park for hiking and backpacking.
Reservations for Riley Creek Campground, near the park
entrance, generally can be obtained with only a one or two day
wait. Savage River Campground, at mile 13, is small and
probably will require reservations well in advance (we didn't
check). Both of these campgrounds have no travel restrictions -
you can drive in and out whenever you please. None of the park
campgrounds have hookups.
Private cars can only drive to mile 14. Beyond this point, the
only private vehicles are campers driving to Teklanika. There
is one exception: Professional photographers, with a lot of
paperwork, proof of an established publication record, and a
4-year wait, can get a 3-day permit to drive anywhere along the
full length of the park road (89 miles). Two hundred such
permits are issued each season.
Today, I saw several informal campsites which would provide
free dry camping quite close to the Denali National Park
entrance. The pullouts along the highway in the few miles
closest to the park are specifically marked "no camping" - by
which I presume they mean no overnight parking. But continuing
a few miles brings you to several places where there are no
obvious prohibitions (and where we saw many RV's spending the
night.
>From the intersection of the park entrance road and the George
Parks Highway, State Route 3 (call this mile 0), drive north on
SR 3, crossing the Nehani river (for the second time) at 5.6
miles. Continue, watching for entrances to boondocking areas to
the east (on your right). From mile 6.4 to about mile 7.9,
you'll see several nice camping spots that will accommodate a
large number of RV's.
At mile 6.1, there is an entrance to a large level gravel area
on top of a hill well back from the road, providing nice
mountain views down the valley. There is a short but somewhat
steep dip as you leave the highway, but I expect that most RV's
(excepting those with very long rear overhangs) can negotiate
it. There are also a couple of level gravel areas right close
to the road, very easy to get into. And a large shallow gravel
pit, well back from the road, with a huge level floor and roads
leading off into many nooks which would allow quite private
camping.
All of these are before you get to Denali RV Park, on your
left. There may be additional possibilities further north.
Denali RV Park has full hookups and is modem-friendly - that's
where we're staying. As I write this, on June 16, it's still
fairly early in the Denali season, and none of the commercial
RV Parks are full.
Denali RV Park, Denali National Park, Alaska
Lat: N 63 deg. 49.26 min. Lon: W 148 deg. 59.32 min.
Juneau: Fred Meyer shopping mall allows over night parking. Also the
Nugget Mall. Both are located near the airport approximately nine miles
from the city center.
ALBERTA
======
Pick up a copy of "The Alberta Campground Guide" which is available for free
at Tourist Information Centers throughout the Province. There are many camp-
grounds in Alberta where you can stay up to 14 days for free. Some have dump
stations. No hookups.
AB, CALGARY: (Aug. 28, 1999) The Southcentre Mall allows RV parking. Check in with
security office in mall for a visitor pass. There is a Safeway store and
a library at the southeast corner of the mall. Across Macleod
Trail is the terminal for the light rail transit.
From South on Hwy 2(called Deerfoot Trail), take the Anderson Rd.
turn off to the right. (it is the next one after Southland Dr.)
Follow Anderson Rd. for two traffic lights and take the mall entrance
from Anderson Rd. If you miss it, turn right onto Macleod Trail and
take the next entrance to the mall.
From North on Hwy 2 (called Deerfoot Trail) as soon as you cross the
Bow River, turn right onto Anderson Rd and follow the directions above.
From Hwy 1 heading east from the rockies, turn right onto Sarcee Trail
which is very close to the ski jump. Sarcee Trail turns into Glenmore
Trail and crosses under Macleod Trail three traffic lights after you cross
the reservoir. go right onto Macleod Trail. Willow Park Dr. is the street
just before the lights you need to turn left into the mall. There is a
pedestrian overpass just beyond the lights so turn before it.
From Hwy 1 heading west into Calgary, take the Hwy 2 (called Deerfoot
Trail) which is a left turn in a valley after you cross 19th St. NE.
Follow the above directions for going south on Hwy 2.
AB, CROWSNEST PASS: Near the British Columbia/Alberta border, on Hwy 3 at East
side of the town by the information booth in Bellevue.
Has restrooms, water, dump station, fire rings.
There are about 20 free (donations accepted) sites. There
is a 14 day time limit.
AB, FORT MACLEOD: Oldman River City Campground at Jct. Hwy 2 and Hwy. 3. This is a good
place to park while you visit the Head Smashed In Bison Museum
It has water and a dump station. There is room for many units and
no time limit.
AB, BANFF: (Sept. 98) On Hwy 1, west of Banff. Mount Norquay. The parking area for
the Mount Norquay Ski Resort in the summer is virtually empty. Contributor
for this had parked for 3 days and no problem staying there although he
was unsure where to check even. Lots of really nice hiking trails and only
10 mins. off Hwy. 1.
AB, RAYMOND: 20 mi S. of Lethbridge on Hwy. 52 between Hwy 4 and Hwy 5. At the South
end of town by golf course.
There are developed level sites, tables, fire rings, lake fishing, running
water. No dump station.
AB, STRATHMORE: Strathmore
Lambert Park downtown area. There are about 6 unserviced sites. there is an old faded sign that
says they will charge you $6 however I think it is to keep people from staying there for the summer.
No one came around nor were there any lockbox. It was quiet and enjoyable.
ARIZONA
======
Free camping in Arizona
and rules on long term camping
POSTED NOVEMBER, 1997
First, here's the official word on FREE CAMPING on Arizona's public lands. The state calls this
"Dispersed Recreation Camping." Winter visitors in RVs (often referred to as "Snowbirds") call it
"Boondocking."
>From the Bureau of Land Management:
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as "dispersed camping."
Most of the public lands in Arizona are open to dispersed camping, as long as such use does not conflict with
other authorized uses or occurs in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife
species or natural resources.
Dispersed camping is allowed on Public Lands in Arizona for no more than a period of 14 days within any
period of 28 consecutive days. The 28-day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location
on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days
of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must
move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The
purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any
particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days.
EXCERPTS OF OFFICIAL
BLM RULES ON LONG TERM VISITOR AREAS
Pay $20 a week or $100 for an entire six-month season
The program, which was instituted in 1983, established designated LTVAs and identified an
annual long-term use season from September 15 to April 15. During the long-term season,
visitors who wish to camp on public lands in one location for extended periods must stay in the
designated LTVAs and purchase an LTVA permit.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 15, 1997.
The purpose of the LTVA program is to provide areas for long-term winter camping use. The sites designated
as LTVAs are, in most cases, the traditional use area of long-term visitors. Designated sites were selected
using criteria developed during the land management planning process, and environmental assessment were
completed for each site location.
The program was established to safely and properly accommodate the increasing demand for long-term winter
visitation and to provide natural resource protection through improved management of this use. The
designation of LTVAs assures that specific locations are available for long-term use year after year, and that
inappropriate areas are not used for extended periods.
Visitors may camp without an LTVA permit outside of LTVAs, on public lands not otherwise posted or closed
to camping, for up to 14 days in any 28-day period.
The following supplemental rules apply year-long to all public land users who enter the LTVAs.
A permit is required to camp in a designated LTVA between September 15 and April 15. The permit
authorizes the permittee to camp within any designated LTVA using those camping or dwelling unit(s)
indicated on the permit between the period from September 15 to April 15. There are two types of permits:
Long-term and short-visit. The long-term permit fee is $100 U.S. funds only, for the entire season and any part
of the season. The short-term permit is $20 for seven consecutive days. The short-visit permit may be renewed
an unlimited number of times for the cost of $20 for seven consecutive days. No refunds are made on permit
fees.
To be valid, the short-visit permit or long-term permit decal must be affixed at the time of purchase, with the
adhesive backing, to the bottom right-hand corner of the windshield of all transportation vehicles and in a
clearly visible location on all camping units. A maximum of two secondary vehicles is permitted. The permit
may not be reassigned or transferred by the permittee.
Camping units or campsites must not be left unoccupied within any LTVA for periods of greater than 5 days
unless approved in advance by an authorized BLM officer. A minimum of 15 feet of space must be maintained
between dwelling units.
Campers, trailers, and other dwelling units must remain mobile. Wheels must remain on all wheeled vehicles.
Pickup campers may be set on jacks manufactured for that purpose.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in accordance with applicable state time zone standards. Operation of
audio devices or motorized equipment, including generators, in a manner that makes unreasonable noise as
determined by the authorized BLM officer is prohibited. Amplified music is allowed only within La Posa and
Imperial Dam LTVAs and only in locations designated by BLM or when approved in advance by an authorized
BLM officer.
Campers may not block roads or trails commonly in public use with their parked vehicles, stones, wooden
barricades, or by any other means.
Fixed structures of any type are restricted and must conform to posted policies. This includes, but is not limited
to fences, dog runs, storage units, and windbreaks. Alterations to the natural landscape are not allowed.
Painting rocks or defacing or damaging any natural or archaeological feature is prohibited.
Boarding of livestock (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, etc.) within LTVA boundaries is permitted only when
approved in advance by an authorized BLM officer.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Keep an eye on your pets. Unattended and unwatched pets may fall
prey to coyotes or other desert predators. Pet owners are responsible for clean-up and sanitary disposal of pet
waste.
Do not disturb any archaeological or historical values including, but not limited to, petroglyphs, ruins, historic
buildings, and artifacts that may occur on public lands.
Place all trash in designated receptacles. Absolutely no dumping of sewage, gray water, or garbage on the
ground. Sanitary dump station locations are shown in the LTVA brochure. LTVA permits are required for
dumping within all LTVA campgrounds except for the Midland LTVA.
Self-Contained Vehicles: In Pilot Knob, Dunes Vista, Midland, Tamarisk, and Hot Springs LTVAs, camping is
restricted to self-contained camping units only. Self-contained units must have a permanent affixed waste
water holding tank of 10-gallon minimum capacity. Port-a-potty systems, or systems which utilize portable
holding tanks, or permanent holding tanks of less than 10-gallon capacity are not considered to be
self-contained. The La Posa, Imperial Dam, and Mule Mountain LTVAs are restricted to self-contained
camping units, except within 500 feet of a vault or rest room.
Campfires are permitted in LTVAs subject to all local, state, and Federal regulations. Comply with posted
rules.
No wood collection is permitted within the LTVAs. A maximum of 1 cubic yard (3' x 3' x 3') of firewood will be
allowed per individual or group campfire at any one time. Please contact the nearest BLM office for current
regulations concerning wood collection.
Motorized vehicles must remain on existing roads, trails, and washes.
The discharge or use of firearms or weapons is prohibited inside or within one-half mile of the LAVAs.
Any commercial activity requires a vending permit. Please contact the nearest BLM office for information on
vending or concession permits.
Perimeter Camping: No camping is allowed within 1 mile of the Hot Spring, Tamarisk, and Pilot Knob LTVA
boundaries.
Length of Stay (in off-season). Length of stay in an LTVA between April 16 and September 14 is limited to 14
days in a 28-day period. After the 14th day of occupation campers must move outside of a 25-mile radius of
the previous location.
Chinle
There's a free site in Chinle right next to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, to which entrance is also free
since it lies on Navajo land. Cottonwood Campground is pleasant enough and has adequate facilities. There
were a few stray dogs there when I last visited but they all seemed well-behaved and quite docile. -- JOHN
CROSSLEY
Quartzsite
This is Mecca for the boondocker. In the winter, up to a hundred thousand RVers at a time camp in these parts
-- a dusty splotch of desert and center stage for the Mother Of All Flea Markets. Here's the best place in
America to buy a $2 wristwatch or a pound of fossilized dinosaur dung. RVers can just roll off into the nearby
desert and squat for free on government land, or pay $20 per week or $100 for the six month winter season in
the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) where there's water, phones, dump stations and pit toilets.
Quartzsite, permanent pop. 2,000, has the basic stores, post office, a few mediocre restaurants including a
McDonalds (with live music every night during the winter Snowbird season), a lively senior center, some RV
parks, and, of course, the Quartzsite Yacht Club -- a landlocked Budweiser emporium. The town is located at
the intersection of I-10 and Arizona Route 95 east of Blythe, Calif. When in town, tune to KBUX, 94.3 FM, the
local radio station run from the spare bedroom of owners Buck and Maude Burdette. The popular recreation
around here: rockhounding and sunbathing -- THE EDITOR
See a 360 degree from a Quartzsite campground on public lands. It's like being there!
AZ01, ALPINE: Hulsey Lake. Go 6 mi N out of Alpine and take FS Rd 56 for 2 mi. Try some
fishing and rockhounding.
There is room for several small rigs (30 ft max)
AZ02, APACHE JUNCTION: Follow US-60 for 16 mi to intersection w/US-89. Stay on US-60
for 2 mi. Turn left (before crossing RR tracks) onto Queen Valley Rd.
Turn right on Hewett Station Rd. or FR-357 (dirt rd that will be
muddy after rain). Once across tracks and cattle guard, it is NF land
with lots of distributed sites.
Unlimited size. 14-day limit.
AZ03, APACHE JUNCTION: Call
AZ04, BURRO CREEK: 60 mi. NW of Wickenburg on HWY-93. 21-day limit, Golden Age accepted.
The overflow area by Twin Towers is free in this BLM campground.
Has dump station, water, picnic tables, fire pits with grates and a
group area with covered pavillion.
AZ05, CAMP VERDE: From I-17, take exit 287. Exxon station on East side of I-17, open 24
hours, gas, dump station, McDonalds, and more. Room for all sizes at back.
AZ06, CASA GRANDE: Take I-8 West 23 mi from Montgomery Rd. Exits 144 & 140 both go South
onto BLM open camping areas. 14-day limit.
AZ07, CHINLE: Adjacent to Canyon de Chelly NM, is the NPS Cottonwood Campground.
There are 95 level sites, many paved, mostly small-to-medium in size.
Toilets, water faucets scattered throughout, dump station, trash barrels,
phone. Free. 5-day limit.
AZ08, CHLORIDE: Free overnight camping (no hookups) is available at the VFW as well as on
the old school ground.Contact the Chloride Fire Department for camping on
the old school property. Also there is free entertainment on the first and
third Saturdays by the Immortal Gunfighters and the Vaudeville Troupe starting
at noon.
AZ09, CONGRESS: North Ranch, on Highway 89 near Milepost 264, is an Escapees Club Park.
The Escapees is a group of full-time RVers, some of whom own campsites in
Escapee parks around the country. Members who do not own campsites in the
parks may stay there on a space available basis, like here at North Ranch,
where a campsite with full hookups is $8 a night. Dry camping is free the first
night and then $2.50 a night thereafter. An annual membership in Escapees is
$50 a year, and worth every penny for the full-timer or frequent part-timer. For
more information, check out the Escapees web site. In addition to its
campgrounds, the Escapees have many unofficial (to the public at least)
boondocking sites. Members know where they are.
AZ10, CORDESS JUNCTION: 3 mi South on I-17, take exit 259 (45 mi. N of Phoenix). Several
sites going West. One is 1.5 mi from exit; turn left, at
bottom of hill park on one of the dead-end roads. Another one
is 3.3 mi W, turn left, at 4.5 mi from exit, and turn left
onto 3 separate, large sites on top of mountain with a great
sweeping view. Excellent dirt road. Unlimited size. 14 day limit.
AZ11, COTTONWOOD: North of Phoenix, on I-17,take Hwy-260 at Camp Verde/Cottonwood
exit. Go approx 8 mi NW toward Cottonwood. Turn right at
entrance to TT. Go approx 1/4 mi and turn left into National
Forest area. Room for several rigs. Excellent views.
AZ12, COTTONWOOD: Our favorite free campsite is on government lands between Sedona
and Cottonwood. We are able to spend two weeks at a time in one
location (the limit) in the middle of desert range land where an
occasional Brahma herd of cattle would cross outside our livingroom
window. We enjoyed absolute solitude except for the daily morning
air balloons which would land a half-mile away in the desert. Dump
stations are in Cottonwood, just a few minutes away)
AZ13, EAGAR: 17 mi W of Eagar on US-260, turn N onto FR-117, go 1 mi and choose a site
on either side of road (9,500 ft elev.). Unlimited size. 14-day limit.
AZ14, EHRENBURG-PARKER: Exit From I-10 Just below the Flying J Plaza/Motel/Wendy's
It's BLM land across the Colorado from the campground.
AZ15, FLAGSTAFF: June 6, 2000 North of Flagstaff, after you climb the grade but before you
get to the turn
off to Wupatki there is a road heading west called the Schlutz
Pass (SP).
In maybe 1/2 mile, there are some free spots.
AZ16, FLAGSTAFF: From I-40, take exit 195B to Lake Mary Road. Go 5.5 mi on L.M.
Road towards Morman Lake and Payson to 2nd cattle guard. Camp
is 50 ft on left past cattle guard. Limit 14 days, BUT you can move
back and forth across road every 14 days. Will take all size of rigs.
Water 3.5 mi back toward town at water treatment plant on E side of rd.
Dump station located in Flagstaff at Giant gas station on Hwy-89 N.
AZ17, FLAGSTAFF: Go South on US-89A (0.5 mi S of Wal-Mart). Going N on I-17, take exit
339, turn SE onto Lake Mary Rd, go about 9.5 mi. You'll pass a water
facility with hose for fresh water. Turn left at sign for Marshall Lake.
In 1.2 miles go left at Y, follow to lake, turn left or right and park
across from lake with snow-covered mountains in background, or stop at many
sites along the way. Will handle all sizes of rigs. 14 day limit.
There is a dump station at Little America Truck Stopon I-40, exit 198,
Butler Ave & another at Giant Gas, 1205 S. Milton.
AZ18, FLAGSTAFF: Coconino NF. 10 mi N of Flagstaff on US-89, turn E on Forest
Road 545 toward Sunset Crater Nat'l Mon. Go 2 mi to visitor
center. Continue another 4.3 mi and turn S. on Forest Road 776
just past E. boundary of National Monument. Go about 0.25 mi.
No facilities. Free. (Stay on prepared surfaces as volcanic ash
is soft!)
AZ19, FOREST LAKES: 5 mi East on Hwy-260, Forest Rd 26. Numerous places to stay!
AZ20, GILA BEND: There is a lot behind the Cosmo Ranch 12.5 mi North of Gila Bend on
SH-85
AZ21, GILA BEND: I-80, take Exit 115. McDonalds offers a free RV dump station and o/n
parking for several rigs.
AZ22, GILA BEND: Painted Rocks BLM campground. On I-80, exit 102, go N about 12 mi to
campground.
Pit toilets, picnic benches, no water.
AZ23, GILA BEND: O/N parking and free dump station at Texaco Truck Stop. Going West
from Gila Bend on I-8, 119 turnoff (1st one). Next to Super 8 Motel.
AZ24, GILA BEND: Subway Restaurant in town advertises on the billboard,"Free RV dump and
RV parking"
AZ25, GLOBE/MIAMI/SUPERIOR/FLORENCE JCT: US-89 is a scenic route with some rest areas
and turnouts for O/N boondocking. Any size. There is a 7% grade up
going East from Superior.
AZ26, GLOBE/SHOW LOW: Salt River Canyon, about 40 mi N of Globe on HWY-60 (AZ-77) shortly
past Seneca Lake. Many rest areas from MM-290 through 297. Red rock
formations similar to Grand Canyon, with Salt River flowing through.
Store, and gas about 0.25 mi North of metal bridge.
AZ27, GLOBE/SAFFORD/NM BORDER: US-70 is a high desert scenic route with rest
areas & turnouts suitable for O/N boondocking. Any size.
There are few services so check your fuel gauge.
AZ28, GLOBE: Apache Gold Casino, 7.5 mi E of Globe on HWY-70 at MM 258. Unlimited
size. O/N only. There is water and a dump station at Globe visitor center.
AZ29, GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM: From Jacob Lake, South on AZ 67 to Kaibab Lodge on
right. Continue past lodge and see Demotte Campground on right.
Just past campground, turn onto a gravel road on left, immediately
cross over a bridge and follow signs to "East Rim View". Good gravel
road with sites on either side. About 6 miles turn right, go 2oo
yds. to beautiful view of canyon. For all sizes of rigs. Toilets, no
other services. 14-day limit, free.
Water and dump station available at the North Rim Campground.
AZ30, GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM: Unlimited primitive parking at FS overflow area 5
mi S of south entrance (Hwy-180) between mile markers 232 & 233
(just S of Ten-X cg), on Road-688 on East side of hwy, and Road-686 on
West side of Hwy. There are dirt roads, and only small signs identify
them as you turn onto them.
AZ31, HEBER: Mogollan Rim, SW of Heber. Take FR-300 W; 2 mi W of Forest Lakes,
take dirt rd left about 1 mi. Dispersed camping on the rim.
AZ32, KAYENTA (Jan, 99) Camping is free the campground at Navajo National Monument,
which is 30 miles from Kayenta along a good paved road. The campground
is primitive, with 30 sites that can handle RVs up to 25 feet. Drinking
water and a bathroom are on the premises, but that's about it.
AZ33, KEAMS CANYON, HOPI RESERVATION: Take AZ 264 E past MM 403 on south side of
road, directly across from service station/stores. Free 2
night limit.
AZ34, KINGMAN: BLM Burro Creek CG off SH-93 between Kingman & Wickenburg. Rate
$2. Good water, dump. Spots large enough for any RV. Paved 2
lane rd 1.5 mi from hwy to campground. Not free, but close to it.
AZ35, LAKE HAVASU CITY: On HWY-95, go North 8 miles by airport. Craggy Wash is BLM,
14-day limit, no fee, no designated campsites, just
pick a flat spot, acres of space.
AZ36, LAKE HAVASU CITY: Just a tad north of town on U.S. 95 (editors note: between
mile markers 190 and 191) and just north of the airport on
the east side of the highway is BLM land where a lot of RVers
dry camp. It's absolutely beautiful scenery with spectacular
sunsets.
AZ37, MESA: There are four boondock sites in the Tonto Nat'l Forest: Water Users
Goldfield, Coon Bluff, and Phon D. Sutton. From US-60, go N on
Ellsworth which becomes Usery Peak Rd in 8 or 10 miles. Continue on
Usery Peak Rd approx 8 mi further to 4-way stop intersection with
Bush Hwy. For Coon Bluff, turn left at 4-way stop onto Bush Hwy and
go about 2 mi. Turn right and follow road. For Phon D. Sutton,
turn left at 4-way stop onto Bush Hwy and go about 4 mi. Turn right
and follow road for about 1 mi. For Water Users, turn right at
4-way stop onto Bush Hwy and go about 4 mi. Water Users is on the
right. For Goldfield, go straight ahead at the 4-way stop for about
0.5 mi. Goldfield is on the left. Water & sewer avail at county park
on Usery Mtn at day use cost of $1.
AZ38, MESA: La Tonto Nat'l Forest allows boondocking up to 14 days in any 30-day
period from 1 Nov to 1 Apr. No facilities except pit toilets; no fees.
The site is called "Water Users" and is 15 miles from Fountain Hills or Mesa.
AZ39, NOGALES: Pena Blanca Lake. 15 miles NW of town. 1 mi from the lake
AZ40, PARKER: 8 miles North on Parker Dam Rd. Crossroads BLM has 12 sites, vault toilets
picnic tables, fire grills, no water, 14-day limit, Free.
AZ41, PATAGONIA: National Forest along excellent gravel road between Patagonia
and Harshaw. Park anywhere.
AZ42, PAYSON: East Fork of Verde River. North of Payson about 3 mi to Houston Mesa
Rd. Follow it 8 mi to 2nd crossing. Any size rig for 14 days. Fishing.
AZ43, PAYSON: East Verde River, approx 3 mi N of Payson on Hwy-87 (MM 258), turn
West on East Verde Estates Rd. Take 1st right on gravel rd to open
area (before crossing river). Easy & close access to hwy. No
traffic noise at night, no facilities, open all year. Room for 4-6
rigs.
AZ44, PETRIFIED FOREST NAT'L PARK: 19 mi E of Holbrook, outside South entrance of
park on both sides of road at Jct of SH-180 and park road. Clearly
marked at private rock shop and museum, undesignated sites, water,
free.
AZ45, PHOENIX: Please call so we can be here to welcome you.
AZ46, PHOENIX: The Harrah's casino on the Akchin Indian Reservation south of
Phoenix allows overnight stays in its parking lot. A security
guard came by and asked if he could get anything for us.
AZ47, PICACHO PEAK: On I-10 E of Casa Grande. According to clerk at Picacho
Trading Post, a large parking lot adjacent to the Trading
Post belonging to Nickerson Family Restaurant is available
for o/n. Clerk said no one has been bothered staying there.
AZ48, PRESCOTT: Watson Lake Rec. Area rest stop along Rt. 89A, 5 miles north of
Prescott, on right. Good for 1-2 nights. Rt. 89A proceeds N
over Mingus Mtn. (7,700 ft.) to Jerome, Cottonwood and Sedona.
You may want to return to I-17.
AZ49, QUARTSITE: The 4 La Posa (BLM) long-term visitor areas require the $50/year
permit. However, there is a free 14-day pre-area behind Cloud's
Swap Meet. Sanitary dump at landfill just North of milepost 111 is
free (no rinse water).
AZ50, SAFFORD: Culff Reservoir. Take Hwy-70 to Pima & turn left about 4 mi.
AZ51, SALOME: Snowbird West RV Park. P.O. Box 633, Salome, AZ 85348. No phone.
Halfway between Phoenix & Quartzsite on I-10, exit 69, 1.5 mi N on 75E.
AZ52, SEDONA: From intersection of HWY-89A & 179, take HWY-179 1/4 mi, cross
bridge, left on Schnebly Hill Rd. 1 mi on paved then gravel road.
Left on dirt road lined with rocks. NFS. 7-day limit. No lengthy
rigs. Some real nice scenery.
AZ53, SEDONA: From 179, go S on 89A to Dry Creek Rd. Turn right to Boynton Pass
Rd. On right side is an open area for dispersed parking. All dirt
no facilities, fishing on creek.
AZ54, SEDONA: On 89A South, heading from Sedona to Cottonwood, immediately before
MM 364 and opposite a mailbox, turn sharply left onto dirt road and
across cattle guard. There are several boondock spots within the
first 0.75 mile (don't go any further). Quiet and with great views
and sunsets. Free dump station and dumpster in Cottonwood at the
Giant gas station.
AZ55, SEDONA: West Sedona, Coconimo Nat'l Forest primitive area. From Rt. 89A,
turn onto Dry Creek Rd., go 5 miles to Boynton Canyon, left on
Boynton Pass Rd. 0.6 miles (dirt road). Area #9586 on left. Room for
5 to 10 motorhomes under 32ft. 14 day limit. Very nice area.
AZ56, SELIGMAN: Parking areas W. of Seligman on I-40. Take exit 109 (Anvil Rock
Rd.) For Ebound traffic, before stop sign is turnout on R. or
continue to stop sign, turn R to another turnout on R side; or
continue to stop sign at Anvil Rock Rd. and turn R to another
turnout. All okay for large rigs. For W bound traffic, turn L at
stop sign and continue over freeway and cattleguard to turnouts.
Smaller areas on N side of Fwy, good only for vans, smaller minis.
AZ57, SHUNGOPAVI, HOPI RESERVATION, SECOND MESA: Take AZ 264 east at MM 379 on
north side of road between Hopi Arts and Crafts Silversmiths
Cooperative Guild and Hopi Cultural Center. Wooded area with room
for 12+ rigs. Suggest you park in open area in front, then find a
suitable spot, as most are not marked. Some picnic tables, grills,
level unpaved sites, no hookups, dumpster behind Cultural Center.
Phone inside. Free, 2 night limit.
AZ58, SONOITA: Empire-Cienega Ranch is now BLM land. Enter off SR-82 about 6 mi
E or SR-83 about 7 mi N. No length limit, no facilities. Wildlife
abounds.
AZ59, STRAWBERRY: Local Road 300, General Crook Highway, E of SR-87 along
Mogollon Rim. Great scenery in Coconino NF. High quality gravel
rd. Park anywhere. No length limit. No facilities.
AZ60, TUCSON:
AZ61, TUCSON: Visitors to the Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E Valencia Rd are
allowed to boondock in their large parking lot while visiting.
The museum has over 185 vintage aircraft on display.
AZ62, TUCSON: I-10 Exit 255 Miracle Mile. Go E a couple blocks to a very large
paved lot that was a K-Mart awhile back.
AZ63, WELLTON: M & M RV Village. P.O. Box 248, Wellton, AZ 85356. 520-785-4273.
I-8 Exit 29. Turn N on Williams Rd to 2d L after RR crossing
(Arizona Ave). Proceed W on Arizona Ave 0.25 mi to entrance.
AZ64, WILCOX: I-10 Exit 336. Rip Griffin's Truck Plaza. Restaurant. Separate
fuel pumps. Designated RV parking space away from trucks.
There is water and a dumping station.
AZ65, WHY: BLM land 1.5 mi S on SH-85 at MM 55. 14-day limit. Entrance across
from roadside table, across cattleguard. Watch for very small sign.
AZ66, WICKENBURG: Offers hookups by appointment at city hall. There is free
boondocking across from the rodeo grounds.
AZ67, WICKENBURG: A very secluded campground is one mile up a hill out of town
across from the rodeo grounds. It has large sites, is very
secure and has beautiful view of Wickenberg after dark. The
only noise you hear at night is coyotes. The $2 fee is well
worth it.
AZ68, WILCOX: From I-10 at Wilcox, take exit 340 S 2 blocks to Chevron Truck
Stop. Restaurant. Open 24 hours. Showers for men.
AZ69, YUMA: The Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) is about 25 miles
north of Yuma off state route 24 via Senator Wash Road on the
California side of the Colorado River. The 3,500-acre "campground"
is in the flat, sparsely shaded desert with dump sites, two restrooms,
outdoor showers and trash facilities. Camping is $20 per week or
$100 for the Sept. 15 to April 15 season.
AZ70, YUMA Many RVers camp for free six miles west of Yuma in California on
the north side of the I-8 exit to Algondes, Mexico.
ARKANSAS
=======
AR01, BENTON: Ed & Kays Restaurant, I-30, Exit 116. Large parking lot for O/N
boondocking.
AR02, CORNING: US-67 at the Arkansas/Missouri border, across from the truck stop,
is a free RV stop w/elec.
AR03, ELKINS: Near Eureka Springs, Branson, Walton, many state parks. Full hookup
for 1 night, please. HWY-71 Bus to HWY-16 East to HWY-74 East. 19154
HWY-74E.
AR, GREER'S FERRY LAKE SKP 10986 Bill & Susan Peebles. COE park. Gorgeous lake, fishing, boating. Free boondocking. Sep/Oct 89 N/L
AR04, QUITMAN:
AR05, TWIN GROVE: On US-65 between Greenbriar & Damascus, there is a flea market
on the E side back from the hwy that advertises free RV parking
or with hookups $3.
AR06, WYNNE: Western Sizzlin' on Hwy-64. Check with the Manager.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
================
BRITISH COLUMBIA: All Forest Service campgrounds are free. They supply picnic benches,
firewood, & clean outhouses. They may be hard to find, but each
district office has large scale maps of its area.
Many are not suitable for large rigs, however.
(Aug. 28, 1999) Some forest service camp sites in BC are not
free anymore. They are called improved sites. You have to pay
an annual fee of $27. Then you pay $5 for each night. If you
don't have an annual pass, I think the fee is doubled.
Greenwood B.C. has a free city campground
Add Addresses handles about 24 units water, shelter,dumping
station ,near shopping ,public pool
BC, CHETWYND: Small park with space for 8 to 10 rigs. Water. Dump station nearby.
East on Hart Hwy.
BC, JORDAN RIVER: Not allforestry sight are free the goverment took them over and charges $9.00 can.
One great site is Jordan river. east of Sook on westcoast of vancouver island. campground is run by
local logging company. Campground is direct on beach and great sunsets.
to get ther leave Victoria on Hyw #1 turn on Colwood exit and go to Sook and beyond.
can't miss it.
Between Sook and Port renfrew there is Jordan River. Free camping with pit toilets. rigt on beach. aprox 15 spots. great serf.
The other spot which we frequent is on prospect lake in Saanich (north of Victoria towards Sidney) Drive on west side of lake past all the
houses and before you get to Prospect golf course there is a small parkinglot for 2 RV it is a quite spot for over night.
Take it easy driving there, windy road
BC, NANAIMO: Rutherford Mall has RV free o/n parking, dump station and fresh water.
BC, PRINCE GEORGE: Free dumping site with flush water and domestic water:
From hwy 97 northbound, turn left to 15th Avenue. At
intersection of 15th Avenue and Ospika Blvd, turn left to
Ospika. You should see a soccer field on your right. The
next street is 18th Avenue with traffic lights. Turn right
to 18th Avenue. You should see the dump station 50 feet
away on the right hand side. Opposite the dump station,
there is a huge parking lot for the PG exhibition ground.
Some RV's park overnight there.
BC, QUESNEL: Free RV parking in Maple Park Shopping Center, 3 miles South of Quesnel
on Hwy-97. Sani-dump by Burns Lake Rotary Club on corner Railway
Ave W. and Francois Lake Dr.
The other spot which we frequent is on prospect lake in Saanich (north of Victoria towards Sidney) Drive on west side of lake past all the
houses and before you get to Prospect golf course there is a small parkinglot for 2 RV it is a quite spot for over night.
Take it easy driving there, windy road
BC, WHISTLER: (Jan. 99) The Whistler ski area base have parking lots one through four.
Lot four can be used for free overnight parking. There are no hookups
available. One very important note: you must move your RV from one side of
lot four to the other side every day or they will wake you up at 3AM and
make you move so they can plow that side of the lot.
CALIFORNIA
=========
CALIFORNIA -- Central, Coast, east of the Sierra
CA01 Big Pine/Independence
A free site we like along
U.S.Hwy 395 is Goodale
Creek , a BLM campground
about 16 miles south of Big
Pine, about midway between
Big Pine and Independence.
At Aberdeen Road, turn west
and go about two miles on
Aberdeen Road, passing the
little trailer park community of
Aberdeen (small store,
restaurant, phone) to the park
entrance. There are over 60
sites, with picnic tables and
fire rings or BBQ grills, some
tree-shaded. There's fishing in
the adjacent creek. There's a
great vista across the valley to
the Inyo Mountains to the east,
and the Eastern Sierra tower
above to the west.
-- P & L LESH
(editor's note: this is a
gorgeous area)
NOTE:
Reader Wijbe Schaafsma, who took this photo, added that water is available
here as well as a dumpster.
CA02 Lone Pine
Turtle Creek BLM camground is located off US-395, west of Lone Pine. Go west about 3 miles on Whitney
Portal Road, turn left onto Horseshoe Meadows Road, just under 2 miles turn right onto the campground road.
There is water available but is not tested and is not certified safe for drinking. There is no charge for camping
but they do accept donations to help maintain the campground, water, trees, etc. -- BILL CASHMAN
Along the coast
"There's a stretch of California Route 1 (along the coast) north of Hearst Castle between the Castle and
Piedras Blancas, on the ocean side of Hwy 1." -- BOB IN CARMEL
CALIFORNIA -- South
CA03 Niland
To get to the Slabs, follow CA Rte 111, either from Brawley
(south) or
where it leaves I-10 near Palm Springs (north). At the town of
Niland
follow Main Street (goes only in one direction) for about 3
miles where
you will see many RVs. You might want to drive around the area
to
choose a parking spot. There are no services at the Slabs - it
is total
boondocking, with the exception of a propane truck which
delivers and a
bottled water company also has delivery, however you have to
pay for a
month's supply at a time (usually around $35-$40).
There are two grocery stores in Niland and one gas station (it
does have
diesel). The nearest dump station is at a roadside rest south
of
Calipatria which is about 8-10 miles from Niland. There is also
potable
water there to fill your tanks.
El Centro, about 30 miles from Niland, has several of the
larger stores
- WalMart, Kmart, Costco, Sears, Albertsons, Vons, all the fast
food
places plus nicer restaurants. Brawley, about half-way between
Niland
and El Centro, has a Vons grocery store.
CA04 Slab City, on the shores of the Salton City near Niland, is a haven for boondockers. Camp for free forever here
on an abandoned military training center. Hundreds of RVers hole up in the mild winter, many in organized
groups with special interests (single RVers, for example). Bring your own water and power (solar panels are
popular) and a little extra cash to shop at the ongoing, informal swap meet. Slab City isn't just a place, it's an
experience. -- THE EDITOR
A READER RESPONSE (9-99): Your suggestion of slab city as an RV stop scares me a little. Reading your
post it seems like a pretty cool place to stay. I would hate to be the person who sent an unsuspecting elderly
couple into this place. This is no place for the average RV person to visit, let alone stay.
CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY REST STOPS
A lot of RVers hole up in these places. I have never heard of anyone being kicked out for spending the night. I
don't know what the official word is (see update below), but my advice is that if you see a lot of other RVers and
truckers parked late in the evening, you can probably figure they're there 'til morning. It's unlikely you will
encounter any problems if you join them (other than noise from big rig trucks). Please let me know what what
your experiences have been at California rest stops, and I'll pass along the info here. -- THE EDITOR
Reader Ed Miller wrote (in August, 1999): We have stayed overnight in a couple of California rest areas, one
on California Highway 99 and the one at Frazier Park on I-5. The Frazier Park rest area has dump stations at
no charge. Also, there looked like a number of trucks and RV's overnighting in the rest area on Highway 99
near Tipton.
A CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROLMAN WROTE in August, 1999: Overnighting at highway rest stops in
California: The law says "NO", but it really becomes the discretion of the Patrol Officer, or Commander for that
area. Where we have high crime report activity we will 'suggest' moving along. Some of our rest stops,
particularly close to major metropolitan areas, are prime "Gimme all your cash and credit cards!!"
opportunities for the missguided youth of the area. If you ARE going to hole up there, make it one night only,
lock every entry to your coach to eliminate surprise visits, and don't open your door for ANYONE except a law
enforcement officer no matter what the sob story, screaming or other enticement. We see a lot of "Good
Samaritan" robberies, where someone will knock rapidly on the door late at night or early in the morning and
holler, "There's smoke and sparks coming from under your ***!!" Once you open the door to see what they're
talking about, you get shoved back to inspect the business end of their weapon of choice. So.. don't overstay
your welcome, and....be careful! -- JIM IN SACRAMENTO, CHP.
CA, NORTHERN, VARIOUS: Most northern CA fairgrounds have RV camping
facilities. They aren't free, but low cost and they have water,
elec, dump stations, rest rooms with showers, well kept grounds,
staff present. Safe and reasonably priced.
CA05, ADELANTO: On US-395 (N of San Bernardino) a few miles North of where
US-395 and Hwy 15 join.As you drive thru town, watch for a water
tank 1/2 block off to the east at the edge of a small city park
with room for 6 rigs.
CA06, ADELANTO: (near Victorville) Adelanto allows overnight camping in its city
park just one short block off Highway 395. The restrooms are not
the cleanest I have ever seen but then, for that price, what do
you want?
CA07, AFTON CANYON: 40 mi E of Barstow off I-15. Go South on Afton Rd. It is
a windy road with 2 grades. OK for up to 30-ft trailers. Free
camping throughout canyon on off road spaces. There is also
a campground with water & pit toilets for a small fee.
CA08, APRICOT TREE: On I-5 in mid-central CA, 18 mi North of junction with HWY-33
North. Restaurant, service stations, motel, large parking
lot, room for several RVs, any size. Quiet sleeping area.
CA09, ATASCADERO: (Aug. 28, 1999) While out for my evening walk I also found
another spot that could probably be used for an over night.
Atascadero has one main street. El Camino REal. So if you come
into town and take Curbaril off ramp , turn rt. At the next
light you'll see Burger King. Overnighter's park in that
parking lot. But you can also take the road directly across
from Burger King and follow it up over the hill. Once you come
down the hill the street makes a Y Right below the Y is a
house that is used as a Day Care Center. You will see a Day
Bus parked there. If you drive in on the pavement and turn
left there is a flat empty lot beside it surrounded by trees.
The Day Care Center has no one there during the evenings so
you will not be desturbing anyone . On Highway One by San
Simeon there is a little dirt road that pulls off the main
highway about a mile or so South of San Simeon Beach turnoff.
I have parked there for an overnighter. It is beautiful
because you can see the bay at night and you are out of sight
from the highway once parked. I don't know how big a rig you
can take in there. . You can hike to the beach through a
field and go all the way up to SanSimeon beach if you want.
CA10, ATASCADERO: (Aug. 28 1999) I live in Atascadero , CA . On highway 101
midway between San Francisco and Las Angeles. Atascadero is a
20 minute drive to the ocean and a 20 minute drive to San Luis
Obispo which is a beautiful little town that closes it's main
street off every Thursday night and has a Farmers Market,
festival. There's always entertainment and good food and
friendly people. In Atascadero , if you're looking for a dump
site take the Curbaril turnoff 101. Head East, inland. Turn
right after you cross the railroad. Go to the end of the road
and you will find the water treatment plant that has a dump.
There is a pullout right outside of the gate that could be
used for overnight parking. Railroads close by . There are two
hiking trails in this area . One immediadly outside the gate
of the water treatment plant. It takes you down by the Salinas
river. Go through the railroad tunnel or across the track and
turn left you will find another hiking trail that goes up over
a hill about 2 miles and circles back.
CALIFORNIA
City of Baker:
A large, free, overnight parking lot for trucks and RVs is located
across the street from the Bun-Boy Restaurant and Motel. It's right
downtown -- you can't miss it.
CA11, BAKER: Take Baker exit off I-15 to Mojave Nat'l Preserve Visitor Center.
Directly across street is large dirt lot with sign: "Truck and RV
Parking." No time limit is posted. Check visitor center for maps,
free camp locations.
CA12, BAKERSFIELD:
CA13, BEAUMONT: The Dowling Fruit Orchard, 1 mi W of Beaumont on HWY-60, offers
free o/n parking and a wide variety of fresh fruit in season.
Dried fruit and standard market vegetables are available year
round.
CA14, BISHOP: Horton Creek cg 4 mi N of town on HWY-395. Turn W onto Sawmill
Rd, N on Round Valley Rd for 4 mi. Follow signs. 53 large, level
sites, half on stream. Nearest water at Pleasant Valley cg. No
size limit.
CA15, BLYTHE: Imperial County Park 24 mi S of Blythe, 3 mi S of Palo Verde on
Hwy-78. On hwy & river. Boating & fishing. Some shade trees,
no water.
CA16, BORON: "A rest area just outside of Boron, Calif., permits overnighting.
There are no hookups or dump, but it's free." --
CA17, BORREGO SPRINGS: 6 mi E from Christmas Cir on HWY-22, area around Peg Leg
Smith Monument. Free and no restrictions.
CA18, BORON: Near Barstow on SH-58. O/N parking in front of library, on 20-Mule
Team Road. It's next door to a good cafe, & across the street from
the Borax Museum. Room for 1 or 2 rigs. Dry camping, no electric or
dump.
CA19, BUCK MEADOWS: On Hwy-120 at E end of Buck Meadows just beyond Exxon gas
station, look for paved old hwy on N side of road. No
hookups or toilets. General store at gas station. Nearby
Buck Meadows Lodge has restaurant. 12 mi to Big Oak Flat
entrance to Yosemite, with easy access to the Valley in
summer.
CA20, BURSON:
CA21, CALEXICO: Fed Mart was permitting O/N parking on N side of store. Calexico
has free dump in municipal parking lot downtown by water tower.
The "No truck parking" signs mean anything over 1 1/2 tons.
CA22, CANBY: Howard Gulch cg, 1.3 mi W on HWY 299, 3.9 mi N on HWY-139, 2 mi SW
on Forest Rd 42N14. Follow wheelchair access. Pit toilets, water.
28-ft size limit.
CA23, CHINO:
CA24, COARSEGOLD:
CA25, CROMBERG: Golden Coach Park, HWY-70 & 89, 16 mi E of Quincy. Open 4/15-
9/15. Some free boondocking, full hookups.
CA26, DEATH VALLEY JUNCTION: Actress/ballerina Marta Becket permits overnight RV
camping in the parking lot of her Armagosa Opera House.
She requests a couple dollars a night. Be sure to see
her one-woman show, staged in the winter season only
(too hot in summer). And if you're interested in a
really unique experience, pop for a few bucks and stay
in her historic motel.
CA27, DUNSMUIR: There are 3 Dunsmuir exits off I-5, take second exit, go S on
Dunsmuir Ave staying E of I-5. City lot in 1st block S of Post
Office and USA grocery store.
CA28, ENCINITAS: 25 mi N of San Diego. 15-amp elec. Call
CA29, ESSEX: Boron Roadside Rest on I-40, just W of Essex. Good parking away
from trucks.
CA30, ETNA: Enjoyed the small town of Etna, S of Yreka and its city park which
is free (14 day limit). The people are friendly and the old drug
store worth seeing.
CA31, FISH CAMP: SR-41 N of Fish Camp just S of entrance station to Yosemite NP.
Large paved winter sports parking area (Goat Meadow) on E side of hwy. No
facilities, no size limit. Scenic.
CA32, FONTANA: Welcome anytime O/N; pull-thru parking. 3/4 mi S of I-10, 47 mi
E of L.A. Citrus off ramp S to 2nd 4-way stop. Turn left (E) to
1st driveway on SE corner. Pull thru to SKP sign and relax.
16135 Santa Ana St.
CA33, GEYSERVILLE: Lake Sonoma COE park(Liberty Glen) off HWY-101 at HWY-128.
Paved. Picnic tables, fire rings, clean toilets, cold
showers. Handicapped access, dump station. Free after
9/30(also all other COE recreation sites).
CA34, GRASS VALLEY: Drycamp in our meadow in Gold Country. Water & dump avail. Call
for directions
CA35, HINKLEY: CA State Grange Hall is open for camping. For info, write CA
State Grange, P.O. Box 13, Hinkley, CA 92347.
CA36, HORNBROOK: Hornbrook Chevron, 114 Copco Rd. From I-5, take Henley exit, go
0.1 mi E of freeway. Located just S of Oregon border
agricultural inspection station. Huge paved area plus large
level dirt area for semis and extra long vehicles. Pretty
country views. Flush toilets during business hours, phone,
groceries, gas, diesel, water. Friendly owners. O/N only. Near
fishing lakes, permits avail for sale.
CA37, JOSHUA TREE: Space for 6 O/N close to Joshua Tree Nat'l Park. Call first
.
CA38, JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK: Seventeen miles east of the Twentynine Palms
on Highway 62 is the Star's Way Out cafe. Owner Dave will let
you dry-camp on his property at no charge.If your rig is not
self-contained he will even leave the restroom open after
closing time.
CA39, LANCASTER:
CA40, LONE PINE: Whitney Portal road W of US-395 approx 4 mi. Lone Pine Forest
campground N side of rd. Free. No length limit. Picnic tables,
vault toilets, water.
CA, LOS ANGELES AREA: See Aguanga, Chino, Fontana, Lancaster.
CA41, LOWER LAKE: Elec & dump. Room for 10 rigs.
CA42, MADERA: Side yard for O/N drycamping. .
CA43, MCFARLAND: Church lot corner of 6th and Sherwood has room for up to 6 rigs
O/N. See Mrs. Bowman, 517 Sherwood, if in doubt.
CA44, McKINLEYVILLE: Room for O/N parking. Water & elec avail. Located in the
middle of the Redwood Forest. Call for directions
CA45, MECCA: N.E. of Mecca on road to Chiriaco Summit are miles of 14-day limit
camping among the mud hills. Easy access, but watch out for soft
sand. No facilities there and limited services in Mecca. Best for
2 or 3 rigs together. At Mecca end is area with nice view of Salton
Sea.
CA46, MECCA: (Nov. 13,98 submitted by VKJ<[email protected]>) Take 66th Ave. East
from SR 111 to gravel road on left just past Coachelia Canal. Turn left.
There are several small sites on the right side of this road in the first
two miles.
Great view of Salton Sea and Coachella Valley! Watch for soft sand!
Limited services in Mecca.
CA47, MECCA: (Nov. 13,98 submitted by VKG<[email protected]>) Take 66th Ave. east off
of SR 111. This turns into Box Canyon. Up in Box Canyon there are a number
of sites along the road.
Beautiful setting. DO NOT USE when rain is predicted. FLASH FLOODING
would be a real possibility here. Limited services in Mecca.
CA48, MEYERS FLAT: A small town approx 17 mi N of Garberville on Hwy-101 on
Northern CA coast. Large sign on W side of old Hwy-101 "Free
RV Overnight Parking". It's a dirt lot big enough for a dozen
large RVs. No water or dump, but there is a gas station/store.
CA49, MONTGOMERY CREEK: 24 acres of forest land for drycampers. Located 45 mi NE
of Redding off HWY-299E. Call for directions
CA50, NEEDLES: At CA border. Needles has a city sponsored park. Take Broadway to
H St. Turn to the railroad. Nice big O/N with water. Police
patrolled.
CA51, NEVADA CITY: NW of town on HWY-49 to E-20 and Bullard's Bar Dam. Several
boondocking spots in NF. Our favorite is 1 mi SW of dam on
HWY-20, on right side on top of hill. There is a pull-out on
the side of hwy to help you turn into steep incline. No
facilities. 14-day limit not enforced.
CA52, NEW CUYAMA: Free parking 60 mi E of Santa Maria on Hwy-166 in city park.
Water only, public rest rooms, 8 pull-thrus at SE corner.
CA53, NORTH SHORE:
CA, OCOTILLO WELLS: See Borrego Springs
CA54, ORICK: On US-101 at Fresh Water Lagoon 2 mi S of Orick on US-101. Ocean
& beach on one side and lagoon on other. Area maintained by NFS.
Redwood NP info station within walking distance. Take shuttle to
tallest redwood grove for $3. 15-day stay limit on boondocking but
you can return after 24 hours, total of 30 days per year. Has
dumpsters, tables, fire rings & portable toilets. Nearest dump and
water is Trinidad to the S at roadside rest on northbound side of
101 or Prairie Creek 7 mi N, $3 fee. Accommodates any size rig.
Free but $5 donation requested. Register at info center. Ranger
checks morning and evening.
CA, ORICK: (Jan. 99) Freshwater Lagoon in Redwood National Park. Located 31
miles north on US 101 from Arcata, which is at the confluence of US
229 and US 101 or 3 miles south on US 101 from Orick. 14 night max
stay. Chemical toilets. Parking on beach adjacent to US 101. Pacific
Ocean to the west and Freshwater Lagoon to the east; ocean, sand,
driftwood, redwoods and wildlife. Nature trails, fishing. Redwood
National Park Information Center.
CA, ORICK: Just south of Orick (between Crescent City and Eureka) on US-101
is a free campground run by the state of California. The camping
spots are along the highway, between the highway and the beach.
There is no drinking water but the state provides portable toilets.
The state requests a donation of $4 per night. Although there is a
lot of traffic on the road during the day, there is little traffic
after 10 p.m. so sleeping is no problem unless you are a light
sleeper. The scenery is great.
CA55, ORLAND:
CA56, ORLAND: On I-5 at HWY-32 exit, Berry Patch restaurant welcomes you to park
on the lot next to the restaurant O/N. Boondocking only.
CA57, OROVILLE: A good place to stop over for a night or longer is Miner's Cafe on Oro Dam Blvd. Just past the 2d traffic light on left side. Lots of room behind the restaurant. Level and graveled. Jul/Aug 95 Mag p35.
CA58, PASO ROBLES April 21, 2000
I inadvertently found an a spot to overnight today, just north of Paso Robles off
101. Take the San Miguel exit and park on the west side of the San Miguel
mission, one of the original Califo
Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailersor t n ttt for short (tnttt.com) |
Complete boondocking (free campsites) guide
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Complete boondocking (free campsites) guide
by curiouswill » Sun Jul 23, 2006 7:55 pm
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curiouswill - Teardrop Master
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by Gerald_G » Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:15 pm
I've been wondering if there was some online collections of free campsites for a while now.
There is another place, that all campers could start helping to build.
Waymarking.com is a database site of locations of all sorts on this planet. People create marks for all sorts of catagories. The only twist is that the data must contain the GPS coordinates for the locations.
There is a catagory for free camp spoty, but to date there are only five entries. Waymarking.com is relatively new, so this is not a big suprise.
If you feel the urge to let others know about a free camp spot, or want to search for one, this site will possibly become a useful tool too.
http://www.waymarking.com/cat/details.a ... 98d2554a39
There is another place, that all campers could start helping to build.
Waymarking.com is a database site of locations of all sorts on this planet. People create marks for all sorts of catagories. The only twist is that the data must contain the GPS coordinates for the locations.
There is a catagory for free camp spoty, but to date there are only five entries. Waymarking.com is relatively new, so this is not a big suprise.
If you feel the urge to let others know about a free camp spot, or want to search for one, this site will possibly become a useful tool too.
http://www.waymarking.com/cat/details.a ... 98d2554a39
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Gerald_G - Teardrop Master
- Posts: 160
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- Joined: Wed Mar 08, 2006 1:31 pm
- Location: Alberta, Canada