Free boondocking

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K

kforrest

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I am interested in information about places in northern and central California where one can boondock for free.  I know about the Bureau of Land Management sites and other government land and parks where one can camp.  However I would like to find places near the coast of California, and also in the foothills of California. I don't see those on those sites.  So any inside information anyone has is appreciated.  Also, any places where one can dry camp that is near a river or lake for free or nearly free would be good!  Thanks in advance!
 
The problem is the coast of California is either privately owned our owned by the state.  The is no BLM land right on the coast. Check

http://publiclands.org/

for parks and state beaches.
 
How far north do you want to go?  Lassen NF foothills between Chico and Red Bluff has lots of opportunities.  The northern and eastern portion of Lassen NF is all one huge boondocking site.  It is all flat to rolling with lots of road access.  Just drive off the highway until you see a spot you like.

Lakes and creeks are all dry now, late summer in a drought year.  Next Spring will be better.
 
Right now there are so many fires in California, Oregon and Washington that you need to be careful where you boondock.  Many areas now have fire restrictions with campfires allowed only in specified places.  You might also consider the smoke which has been quite bad in a few places.  That, of course, is if you're planning this for the near future.

ArdraF
 
The best place I have found for free boondocking information is Overnight RV Parking. It costs $25 for a years subscription and one free night repays that cost. They have a data base of over 12,000 spots you can access.

http://www.overnightrvparking.com/
 
Try http://freecampsites.net/
http://www.boondocking.org/
http://www.rv-camping.org/freervcamping/
http://freecampgrounds.com/

Accessing the websites are even free.
 
Check out the website Campendium. We have used the site extensively and found wonderful boondocking sites.  We haven't camped for free in Cal. yet, but I do know sites exist. Immediately coming to mind is the eastern side of the sierra Nevada mts. around Lone Pine, Mammoth etc.  If you go to their website there is a place to search and just type in California, then a screen comes up where you can click on price range, just click on free...and the possible options come up.  It is a site that is fairly new (2-3 years old is all.) They list all possible sites, but many of them haven't been reviewed yet, so if you find one and go there please type in your review so the rest of us can benefit from your experience.  They also provide photos of the sites, even if they haven't been reviewed yet, and the website for each site for additional information.  I really think this website is going to be huge when people start becoming aware of it. Let us know what you think of it!

Regards,
Beth Ingberg
 
If you park outside my house, you can probably talk me into doing some service tech labor in exchange for BBQ.
 
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