blw2 said:
so JD, i found your blog post useful as food for thought. I'm most interested in you very low camping fee budget. We have been mostly used to visiting state parks and the like.... more of a weekend and holiday recreation thing. from that perspective, about the cheapest ballpark i can imagine staying is roughly $30 per night, with an occasional free dry "camp" or two while en route to a destination.
I'm guessing you are out West, is that right? It seems that wilderness boon docking is much more available and common out there, so is that how you are doing it for $7 or less?
Hi Brad. Yes, I am out West - mostly AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT & WY. For full-disclosure - I am a full-time employed software engineer (working via the Internet) as well. I consider last year's average to be just under $5/night (excluding two business trips that were expensed).
Firstly, my lifestyle is not for most. My family thinks I live under a rock. I do... sort of, and I enjoy it! That said, I am very comfortable and feel mighty blessed! All of my hobbies (mountain biking, road cycling, kayaking, fishing, and hiking) fit nicely with this lifestyle.
There is a huge amount of National Forest Service (NFS), BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, etc. managed land on which dispersed camping is allowed - this is "free" boondocking (no per-night fee). There are some rules and limits though (two week max stays and such). Of course, finding spots that I can get a 40' DP into is more difficult than a smaller rig but they do exist. Some of the states have some really killer deals on state park passes. I take advantage of these but not as much as I'd like. I do not qualify for the "senior" passes but that also helps those that do qualify. Some like to argue that a "free" stay is not "free." Of course it's not - everything costs something. Ignoring your federal and state taxes, how comfortable do you want to be? I am mighty comfortable with lots of solar power in a 414 square foot home. I have hot water, microwave, refrigerated/frozen food - I even have ice cubes!
Additionally, I've lived out here my whole life so I know a few people. Some of these folks own chunks of land that they don't get to very often - I am more than happy to go check them out and report back on them! The trick is not overstaying your welcome if/when they are around.
Finally, having some in-demand skills can be useful. I've only used this approach a couple of times but I'm a flight instructor and a computer guy. The former is occasionally of value at small airports, the latter almost everywhere!
There are a number of free dumpsites out here too (if you look for them). An occasional night at a state park or similar usually results in a dump/fill and chance to do laundry (onboard) for $20 or so.
Other than business trips, I don't think I've ever paid over $25/night for an RV park/campground site. Mostly these are the result of "having" to be somewhere (a wedding, reunion, business, etc.).
Not a lifestyle for everyone and I am not suggesting that everyone should do it. In fact, please don't - that would ruin it!!
Not sure if I answered your question... I kinda started rambling... :-X