Best RV Boondocking Destinations

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RV boondocking is secluded camping in an isolated area, away from the crowds. Quite often, it is free. Do expect to camp without hookups, as there will be no water, no sewer or electricity. It is an incredible experience every RVer should try once in their lifetime. To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best RV Boondocking destinations you must not miss.

Scotland

Scotland is one of the best places to visit with a campervan. It is the only part of the UK, where wild camping is legal. The breathtaking scenery, magnificent coastline, and open land make it a great destination to choose for RV lovers.

One of the most beautiful spots to visit in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. You can get to the island via Sky Bridge, which is free. Follow A87 road up to the northern part of the Isle of Skye to see some of the most beautiful places in the world. Famous mountain The Storr is one of the most photographed areas in Scotland.

You can park at Old Man of Storr Car Park and hike the mountain. You will enjoy beautiful views of other Scottish islands such as Raasay or Rona. For more panoramic views, drive to Uig which is set in a lovely location.

Exploring the island with a campervan is a great idea, especially in summer when it is hard to find accommodation at a reasonable price. The Isle of Skye is a very popular destination in Scotland so don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this amazing place.

Just keep in mind some of the places on the island are not recommended for visiting with a campervan. For example, the road to Coral Beach is very narrow and there are not many parking spaces. However, there are plenty of other amazing locations to visit in the Isle of Skye.

One of them is Sligachan Old Bridge which is set in the beautiful scenery. River Sligachan and the mountains surrounding the bridge create an amazing atmosphere in this place. You can stop for a great meal at Seumas’ Bar or camp there for longer at Sligachan Camping. With so many attractions in Scotland and miles of breathtaking scenery, you will want to come back there with your campervan again.

Moab, Utah (USA)

Moab (Utah) is one of the most popular sites for RVers to boondock. You can find BLM land where you can boondock for free, without the need to pay any permit or fees. Its red rock beauty is one of the highlights of this place. It is home to 2 national parks, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park which offers scenic viewpoints such as Balanced Rock and stunning landscapes which are similar to the Grand Canyon.

La Sal Loop Road in Manti-La Sal National Forest allows you incredible views overlooking Porcupine Rim and Castle Valley below. It is less crowded than other Moab campsites so you have more room to spread out. As you enter these mountains, you will feel it is much cooler than Moab itself. However, do note that some access roads can be quite steep.

Another place to check out is the Yellow Circle Road. Just drive past the “no camping for 0.6 miles sign” and you will see a large clearing with fire rings. This campsite can accommodate any RV size.

There are RV amenities nearby such as the Lion’s Park, which is positioned across the Colorado River from Arches National Park. Here you can get access to free water. There is a water station also available in Gearheads in Moab to fill a couple of water jugs. Read my other guide on 5 water hacks to save water while on the road.

There are plenty of activities to do, such as exploring its rich historical surroundings which were inhabited by the ancient Indian tribes. If you are into rafting or kayaking, Colorado River is the place to be as it offers great temperature for such activities. Make sure you check out our kayaking checklist before you start your trip.

There are world class mountain biking trails to explore such as Slickrock Trail, which is famous among bikers. And if you enjoy hiking, check out Delicate Arch, which is located at Arches National Park. Here are some tips to note before you hike.

You will find spring and fall , the most popular season to camp. In summer months, it can get up to 100 degrees and winters may have occasional snow. Allocate at least a minimum 3 days to check out Moab, as there are so many things to do.

Oregon (USA)

Oregon (usa)

If you love the ocean, then check out Cook’s Chasm in the coastal Oregon area. Just pull off the side of the road and enjoy iconic sights such as Thor’s Well, an unusual seawater sinkhole. You can also check out Spouting Horn, where there is a constant exhibition of water spouts, a phenomenon worth seeing.

One hidden gem is the Painted Hills from Bend (its closest city). It is located within John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Its hills get their name from the colored stratifications in the soil. Its hills light up in deep hues when the warm light hits in the evening. You can boondock for free on any BLM land. You can also camp at Priest Hole, at the banks of John Day River and go swimming in the crystal clear waters. Basically there are a lot of options to boondock for free, as there are plenty of BLM lands around.

You can also check out Mt. Ashland Campground situated within Klamath National Forest. It offers free spots for camping surrounded by stunning views of Mt Shasta and Mt. Lassen. It is not far from the Pacific Crest Trail, if you want to do some section hiking or birdwatching. Otherwise go on a snowshoeing trip at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area for some snow fun. Mt. Ashland is also notable for its famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival featuring Shakespeare’s productions between February to October.

Another last untouched American West is the Owyhee Canyonlands, featuring craggy red rock canyons and river canyons where you can fly fish for brown trout. A must visit site is the Pillars Of Rome, an imposing 100 foot formation of fossil bearing clay that look like Roman ruins. Follow the Owyhee Lake Road along the river, and you can camp along the stream below the dam, where you find amenities for camping.

Benefits Of RV Boondocking

1. It is a great way to save money while travelling

2. No need to pay for accomodations.

3. It is usually outside of developed campsites, so you get to enjoy the natural scenic wonders of the area.

4. Quiet and peaceful, away from campsites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there free boondocking spots?

Yes there are, and they are mostly found in Western USA. Usually state trust land, National Forest land or BLM (Bureau of Land Management) allows you to camp for free.

How to find free boondocking sites?

1. Campendium

2. The Dyrt App

3. iOverlander

How to choose a place to boondock?

1. Large space to accommodate your RV

2. Nearby attractions or great views

3. Near RV amenities

4. Quiet and peaceful

What’s Next

Are you ready to try out RV boondocking? If yes, we have an amazing RV cheat sheet for you to check out before you start your journey.

Jules and Ken

We are outdoor lovers, travellers, and writers all rolled into one. You have seen our posts here reviewing lots of different types of outdoor gear, camping equipment, RV equipment, kayaking, to cycling. Our reviews are guided by our years of experience being outdoors. We are happy to share our knowledge with you to make a better choice when you are outdoors.

Jules and Ken

We hope you enjoyed this article and if you have questions about Best RV Boondocking Destinations or want to leave your own personal comments, feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!