confessions of a non-dispersed camper - help

Alan

boondockers, I need guidance. While my wife and both tent camped with kids long long ago, we are not lifelong campers.  We have a new T@B Max S, currently in Alde repair, pulled by a Tacoma. We are planning a mid-May thru June western trip. NC thru TN, AR, OK, NM, Az then north thru UT to ID, Wy, MO, Dakotas, MN, WI, UP then back south to home. The appeal of boondocking is there, but it scares the bejeezes out of me. I have barely learned to dump the tanks at a full hook up place. Any guidance you avid boondockers are willing to provide would be most welcome. Other than an attitude adjustment what do I need? We are beyond retirement age and I am none too agile.thanks

Verna

Camping without electricity is actually easier, except you learn to watch your battery voltage meter more. You don't have to get out the water hose or the electrical cord and surge protector, but, you need to keep enough water with you for your use, unless there is a nearby source of potable water. I carry too much water with me, but I've never run out, either. Out West, there are vending machine that will give you water for .25/galling of 5 gallons for $1 (4 quarters). 

Boondocking/dry camping/dispersed camping may be in a designated campground, or out in the middle of government land. You can go as far away from people as you want, or you may want to stay closer to your nearest neighbor. 

Costs vary from free to $40/2 weeks, $8 or $9 or $10/ night. I'm sure I spent more time without electricity than I did with electricity in 93 days of camping in the Southwest this winter.

There is a sigh of relief for not being so close to neighbors, but you do realize you're on your own. That's just fine. I'm a female solo traveler and I've only been bothered by one guy who came up to my campsite and demanded I take him to the next town. I stood my ground and refused, and called his bluff, he walked away...thank goodness.

You'll never know you have neighbors at other places, and if a generator bothers you, just move further away from it.  This is the freedom of not having a specific campsite. 

My my advice is to walk softly and always carry a good sturdy walking stick with you. Remember you're having fun, and saving some money. Be sure to look up at all of the stars--there are s lot of them when you don't have all the town street lights around. 

Tabaz

Start by Boondocking in your driveway or at a camp area nearby for a few trips. You'll find out what works and what doesn't in short order.  For example, I know that I can take three showers and make coffee for three mornings with my full fresh water tank before it becomes empty.  Regarding electricity, you'll need solar and/or a generator.  Lots of useful information here on both those topics.

jkjenn

Alan, finding boondocking and dispersed camping sites in the SE might be difficult. They greatly diminish east of the Mississippi. You might find some small community parks and there is overnighting at Walmart in some spots. Also, having lived in TN for a couple of years, unless you are up in the higher elevations of the Smoky's, it can be miserably hot and humid, even in May. You might find some spots outside of the National Park in Cherokee National Forest. The National Park campgrounds can be very nice there, though. Cades Cove near Maryville in TN is nice as is the Cosby campground. Once you hit the west, you will find a lot more options.