UTTransplant said:
/rant on I really do hate YouTube RV advice. Nothing against the OP, but I am sitting in a campground where I am lucky to be able to do text based internet. YouTube is out of the question. Why do people put advice about boondocking (the primary places without good data service) on a medium that cant be accessed without good data service? /rant off
Sorry. Pet peeve of mine. Can someone write what these ideas are in a text based medium, like here?
I totally agree, I don't mind watching the odd video but everyone seems to be using them instead of just typing something up which is quicker to read than having to listen to a 10 minute video for something that can be said in one minute. Gee I am turning into an old grump!
The video was pretty basic: leave plenty of space between your site and that of others, drive on existing roads, put your fire out, be aware of your noise, put lights out so others can see the stars, watch your dogs and their barking, know your length of stay limit, leave your campsite clean etc. etc. nothing that was ground breaking.
I did watch their Boondocking 101 though which gave useful advice about how to find a Boondocking spot. So basically checking BLM websites or the Forest Service ones. You can download decent maps from the forest service which shows where you can disperse camp. From there you can then go and check google maps using terrain to see flatter spots and satellite to view the actual location, sometimes seeing other rigs parked there and if a big rig this might help you know whether or not you will fit.
It also mentioned national recreation areas, state lands and national parks (very few have dispersed camping).
Also said to check with ranger stations if in any doubt.
Here is an example of a map page from the Forest Service and you can see the downloadable pdf MVUM (Motorized Vehicle Use Map) maps.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/uwcnf/maps-pubs
I have attached screenshots of sections from one of the maps to show the symbol and what it looks like on the map.