Boon-docking on BLM sites in USA

[danielewilderman]

Is there a single reliable source on Boondocking on BLM land?

[John E Davies]

I sure hope there is, I really need more detailed info about access. For example, this is state owned public land in central  WA. The setting was glorious but all the spurs going back to the sites were rough and very narrow lanes, with sagebrush lining both sides. I just am not comfortable backing my trailer through that stuff.... and much of the main road going in was heavily potholed and partially washed out. It would be nice to have complete descriptions of the way in, and pics of free camping areas.

 

 

Maybe I just need to start carrying my weed whacker.....

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

 

 

[DavidS]

Is there a single reliable source on Boondocking on BLM land?

 

I don't think there is a single source, but here are some:

 

http://www.thegoodluckduck.com/p/boondocking-resources.html

 

http://www.boondockingguide.com

 

https://www.campendium.com/free-camping

 

Ultimate Campgrounds has a phone app.

 

I sure hope there is, I really need more detailed info about access. For example, this is state owned public land in central  WA.

 

Technomadia has a nifty GPS-based Phone app that solves this problem.

 

 

[John E Davies]

 

Technomadia has a nifty GPS-based Phone app that solves this problem.

 

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately the data base is fairly crude and does not show smaller public parcels under a square mile like the one I pictured...

 

I use GAIA and discovered that their Premium membership includes several useful layers such as public land ownership in more detail, and USFS MVUMs (motor vehicle use maps).

 

I always use Google Earth satellite imagery instead of Google Maps for looking around potential camping areas, it has the extra detail needed to focus on important stuff, but it won’t tell you if the track in is open or choked with sagebrush, nor does it show washouts or deep potholes. With GM the detail blurs out as you zoom in, while GE stays sharper.

 

We need a real time source with a resolution of a foot for checking potholes. Not happening in my lifetime.

 

https://help.gaiagps.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003524547-Free-vs-Membership-vs-Premium-Membership

 

John Davies

Spokane WA

[DavidS]

I just discovered a new app that lists boondocking sites called iOverlander.

 

They have apps for iPhone and for Android.

 

They also have a website: http://ioverlander.com

[KarenLukens]

Along with the ones listed above there is rvparky and park advisor. Then we always use state lines and roadtrippers. One app would be nice but... Ultimate campgrounds is still on top. State Lines tells you the driving laws in each state and they really vary.

 

Reed

[John E Davies]

Ultimate campgrounds is still on top.

I agree, it is my Go To app, but the data is really full of holes. It relies on user input to fix mistakes and from my experience, this is just not happening. Out of a dozen camp sites, one or two always have errors. I have submitted six corrections in the last eighteen months. Some are minor (mislocated on the map), some are huge (used to be free dispersed camping, now run by the State Parks at $35 per night).

 

Still, it seems to offer a lot of good suggestions, just trust and then verify. Old Internet reviews are no good at all, times change..... gates and Posted signs go up.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

 

 

[Ray and Susan Huff]

On 5/4/2018 at 6:07 PM, John E Davies said:

I sure hope there is, I really need more detailed info about access. For example, this is state owned public land in central  WA. The setting was glorious but all the spurs going back to the sites were rough and very narrow lanes, with sagebrush lining both sides. I just am not comfortable backing my trailer through that stuff.... and much of the main road going in was heavily potholed and partially washed out. It would be nice to have complete descriptions of the way in, and pics of free camping areas.

 

 

Maybe I just need to start carrying my weed whacker.....

 

We can boondock on BLM land just a few miles from our home, which got us out of the house during the initial Covid-19 lockdown.  I complained to the BLM roads manager (our son), asking him why his crew hasn't repaired some roads.  Apparently, many of the roads in our area are kept open for logging operations and are designated as "user maintained".  We always carry an ax and shovel, especially after the stormy season.  If possible, even a power saw.  The road in your picture is especially nice compared to some of ours!