Welcome to The Village Square, the series that answers common RVing questions with tips, tricks, and camping hacks from RVillage community members just like you.
As campground reservations are getting harder to come by, some RVers are turning to public lands with dry camping and boondocking options to score a place to park for the night. Others simply prefer the peace, quiet, and scenery that comes with camping in more natural landscapes without the crowds.
The Ultimate Guide to Boondocking
While RVers can be reluctant to share their favorite “hidden” spots, these camping locations are too good to be kept secret. Here are 10 RVillage recommendations for boondocking and dry camping on public lands throughout the U.S.
RVillagers Share Their Top Boondocking Locations on Public Lands
Great free boondocking on the Nevada and Utah border at Bonneville Salt Flats. —Diane Z.
BLM land in Dammeron Valley, Utah. Very quiet and beautiful out here. —Trippin’ Turtles
Boondocking just outside of the Badlands (near Wall, South Dakota). Best campsite ever! —Michele S.
Bannister Wildlife Management Area in the Angelina National Forest near Broaddus, Texas. Exceptionally quiet, with only two other visitors …. —Habadabeer
7 Epic National Forest Boondocking Locations
Awesome views across the Missouri River at White Sandy Recreation Site (BLM land) in Helena, Montana. —Erik A.
We stayed on BLM land in Alabama Hills. We love this spot and it’s free! —Hariven C.
We’re back at Plomosa Road BLM Camping Area near Quartzsite, Arizona, which is great for boondocking —Lonnie H.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park in Dog Canyon, New Mexico. —Autumn R.
… Blodgett Creek in the Bitterroot National Forest in Hamilton, Montana. The camping was free! No hookups, but they did have vault toilets, fires were allowed, no water or trash, but absolutely stunning views! —Angie M.
9 Boondocking Hacks Even Seasoned Campers Might Not Know
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is quite amazing. Lots of sagebrush and rolling hills. We stopped here for a quick night, the higher elevation helps with the extreme summer heat. —Jesse A.
Thank you RVillagers for sharing some of your favorite hidden camping gems with the rest of our RVing community. If you want to see your advice featured on “The Village Square,” be sure to share your favorite RVing hacks, tips, and tricks with the community, and keep an eye out for questions from RVillage Camp Hosts.
