Roam Free: 5 Incredible Boondocking Destinations in the U.S.

August 4, 2023July 20, 2023 Lisa Conant 0 Comments Boondocking, Campgrounds, Camping, CURT, Off-Grid, Outdoor Recreation, RV, Towing

From serene lakeside spots to secluded mountain hideaways, discover some of the best destinations for boondocking in the U.S.

Whether you’re just discovering your newfound love of camping or you’re a seasoned RVer with plenty of miles under the wheels, you’ve likely heard of the term “boondocking”. Boondocking is a camping practice that’s been gaining some serious traction in recent years. It’s also referred to as “Dry Camping” or “Dispersed Camping”.

Essentially, boondocking is the practice of camping on public lands outside of RV parks or campgrounds without access to sewer, water, and electrical hookups. Not only is it an excellent way to circumvent the crowded and often overpriced campground, but it’s a great way to truly experience the peace and rawness of nature, travel with pets, save money, and really step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Boondocking is usually free, but there are some spots that do require a permit or a small fee, so always double-check prior to heading out. While parking your tent, camper, or RV in the middle of the boonies may feel somewhat sketchy, it’s actually encouraged by most state and municipal governments. You just have to know where you can and can’t go.

While many states allow boondocking in public parking lots or privately owned business parking lots like Walmart, Denny’s, Cabela’s, etc., to us, that’s not really the point of boondocking. So, in this piece, we’re focusing solely on epic secluded spots in nature that are sure to push your reset button and give you a break from the usual hamster wheel everyone else is running on.

Check out some of our favorite boondocking destinations in the U.S. and enjoy some of the best camping of your life. (You can thank us later.)

1. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

National parks offer an abundance of boondocking opportunities, each of them unique and impressive. Those looking for something really special will find it at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

Home to the largest archaeological preserve in the United States, Mesa Verde provides visitors a chance to step back in time – like way back. The cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people highlight a rich cultural heritage that offer a fascinating window into the tribal people of the region. Not only do you get to see a World Heritage Site, but you also get to experience International Dark Sky Park, which is home to over a thousand species, some of which exist nowhere else on Earth.

Situated in a scenic canyon off US 160 approximately 4.5 miles from the park entrance, Morefield Campground houses 267 campsites, many of which remain vacant much of the year. Since all but 15 sites are for dry camping and none of the sites can accommodate an RV greater than 45 feet in length, this campground is a dream for boondockers.

Several excellent hikes leave directly from the Morefield Campground. Each site features plenty of space between you and your neighbor, as well as a table, bench, grill, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets you can imagine. What each site conspicuously lacks, however, is shade. A distinct lack of trees means you’ll need to get creative to provide a shady reprieve from the strong sunlight.

Operated by Aramark, the campground is open from spring through fall and sites can be reserved online through www.visitmesaverde.com.

2. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan

For an almost complete about-face in terms of climate and landscape, there is the Presque Isle Rustic Campground inside the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which is ideally situated on the shores of Lake Superior.

Quirkily referred to as “the Porkies,” the park features 60,000 acres of untouched waterfalls, old-growth forests, peaceful lakeside shoreline, rivers, ridges, and trails that offer endless opportunities for exploring. Stunning vistas, including a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the famed Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak observation tower, are reason alone to visit the park. You can also hike, swim, fish, hunt, boat, go horseback riding, and snowmobile to your heart’s content.

Presque Isle Rustic Campground offers 50 sites with a wide variety of camping options, including modern, rustic, and even backcountry sites. With nominal fees and an easy-to-use online reservation system, booking your ideal site is simple. While the park itself is open year-round, the campground is open May-October.

3. Canaan Mountain Backcountry, West Virginia

On the northeast side of West Virginia, you’ll find a special place tucked in between Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State Park. Part of the vast Monongahela National Forest, the Canaan Mountain Backcountry features some of the most pristine and untouched dispersed camping in the country. It’s a high-elevation plateau that ranges from 3,100 to 4,145 feet and encompasses 13,532 acres of semi-primitive wilderness.

There are multiple trailheads near the access road that will provide you with hours of hiking, exploring, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and so much more. This area of the country is densely forested and can be very wet and muddy, so come prepared at any given time of the year. Camping is free of charge for up to 14 days and the limited number of sites are rarely filled. They’re spacious and offer a decent amount of privacy between you and your neighbor. Most sites feature a firepit, but that’s about it.

The park does ask that you do not build camp within 200 feet of rivers or streams, that you practice Leave No Trace camping ethics, purify your own drinking water, and be sure to wear bright colors during hunting seasons. Pets are always welcome. If you’re looking for solitude and true immersion in nature for your ideal boondocking destination, then this is the place.

4. Dixie National Forest, Utah

Looking to visit Red Rock or Bryce Canyon, but can’t get a reservation at any of the campsites or RV parks inside Dixie National Forest? Tom’s Best Spring Dispersed Camping site is the answer to your prayers. Just outside the park, you can stay for up to 16 days free of charge in this hidden gem of soft dirt and towering pines. Sites can accommodate anything from a tent up to a 40-foot fifth-wheel trailer. They’re also surprisingly numerous and relatively easy to access while offering coveted privacy.

With almost 2 million acres to explore, the Dixie National Forest truly offers something for everyone in terms of outdoor recreation, not to mention stunning scenery and wildlife viewing. You can fish, hunt, hike, swim, UTV, ski, mountain bike, and ride horses to your heart’s content.

Be sure to use conscientious Leave No Trace camping practices, and set up camp at least 300 feet away from any stream, water source, or livestock corrals.

5. Picayune Strand State Forest, Florida

While it is without a doubt one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, Florida is notably lacking in boondocking opportunities. This is likely due to the fact that an impressive 29% of the state is wetlands — not exactly prime real estate for parking your RV, travel trailer, camper van, or tent.

Thank goodness for Picayune Strand Horseshoe Primitive Campground, located approximately 8 miles east of Naples. Named after the largest of several cypress strands that were once abundant on the property, this pristine and secluded stretch of land provides an unadulterated sanctuary that draws many nature lovers looking for seclusion. The Belle Meade Tract offers a 22-mile trail that is perfect for equestrian lovers.

Enjoy horseback riding, bike riding, bird watching, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and hiking. There are 17 uncovered horse stalls, and each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Most sites are tent access only and cost around $10 per night.

Where to Find Boondocking Sites

Obviously you can’t just pull your rig up to any old scenic overlook and set up camp for the night. While the state and national parks encourage and welcome boondockers, it’s important to make sure you’re going about finding a site the right way.

Here are some resources to explore when finding your ideal boondocking spot:

Campendium

Campendium offers a massive database of free camping sites throughout the U.S. and Canada, including photos, reviews, pricing specs, Q&A, cell service information, and much more. It’s probably the boondocker’s greatest online source for navigating the ins and outs of boondocking safely and legally.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

BLM is an agency within the US Department of the Interior that offers plenty of info about dispersed camping throughout BLM land as well as national forests.

The Dyrt

The Dyrt is a very comprehensive website that provides a plethora of information about camping and boondocking in the US. It offers a free-of-charge version as well as a paid “Pro” upgrade that gives you access to discounts at campgrounds, alerts for availability at sold out campgrounds, specialized maps, and more.