RV Camping

RV camping can make for a great trip almost anywhere, but I believe it truly is greatest inside the west. In a lot of areas, you’ll be able to just drive into the desert, and stay cost-free for up to two weeks. It’s true of most BLM (Bureau Of Land Management) and national forest lands, and quite a few state forest lands too. You’ve got to move each two weeks, but how far is open to interpretation, and mostly yours will be accepted.

Long Term RV Camping on BLM Land

RV camping, or ‘boondocking’ is growing in popularity. The truth is, the BLM has begun to establish unique areas for longer stays, particularly in Arizona. A permit fee is around $140 now, but this enables you to stay up to six months, and you get pump stations, dumpsters and water. People today are living in some of these areas. It is less expensive than paying property taxes or rent for a great deal to park on.

RV camping is widespread in Winter in Arizona. 1 of the largest gatherings of ‘boondockers’ is in Quartzite. Numerous hundred thousand men and women spend at least part of the year in their RVs here. It is near the California border, on Interstate 10, only 20 miles from the Colorado River. Surrounded by BLM lands, Quartzite is famous for gem shows, swap meets, and the multiplying of its population every winter.

Should you ask around once you are within the desert southwest, you will find there are RV communities that form each winter. Some of these temporary towns like ‘Slab City’ in California, have bookstores, grocery vendors, along with other businesses run by RVers. When summer returns, these boondock communities disappear, and reappear again the following winter.

Other RV Camping Opportunities

Just look around, and you’ll come across ‘hidden’ locations where you are able to park your RV for a week or a month within the desert southwest. Some are inexpensive, other’s free. The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, as an example, north of Bowie, Arizona, costs $3 per night, and has nice hotsprings and plenty of wildlife. An annual permit expenses $30, but you’re limited to two weeks per month (permits are sold at the BLM office in Safford). You could stay outside the fenced area cost-free, but then you don’t get the hotsprings and shaded picnic tables.

For facts on other areas, contact the Bureau of Land Management. They can tell you what’s out there under their jurisdiction. Also, the Woodall’s campground guide lists campgrounds which are free. Maintain your eyes open for other RVs parked out in the desert or forest. Finally, ask around. Other RVers will provide you with the best info on RV camping.

The InterCaravan.co.uk site gives caravan advice and information on folding caravan types of models.