Boondocking in your RV can be a great way to break away from the crowds, immerse yourself in wild landscapes, and save money on campground fees. What boondocking sites lack in amenities, they make up for with their remote locations and peace and quiet. However, when boondocking during the summer months, staying cool can be an adventure on its own, since you’re camping without electricity. Watch More on YouTube Here are a few ways you can keep your rig (and yourself) cool while boondocking in warm weather. Location. Search for campgrounds with higher elevations, shade, and near bodies of wate ..read more

Early mornings in the summer can be peaceful and relaxing when you’re camping, but once 10 or 11 a.m. rolls around, the sun can turn any slice of paradise into a blazing abyss, especially if it’s humid.  Since most RVs don’t have enough battery storage to run air conditioning for extended periods of time, you have to get creative when boondocking in hot weather. One solution is to head for the hills or coastal regions. Sites on the beach often bring cooling breezes, while higher elevations offer more pleasant camping temperatures. However, running away from a problem isn’t always the sol ..read more

Located to the east of Las Cruces, New Mexico, the Organ Mountains rise above the Chihuahuan Desert, serving as a beacon for those looking for adventure within its pine forests and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. To the south, the landscape changes to one of ancient volcanic upheaval. Photo: Robert AnnisHighlights Along its 5 miles, the Pine Tree Trail in Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks rises steeply, traverses a high ridgeline with great views of the surrounding area, and then drops back down. It gets rocky in spots, with the occasional rock scrambling to keep things interesting. Th ..read more

Most U.S. national parks aren’t known for welcoming boondockers, but there are exceptions.  The parks and nearby public lands that do permit boondocking typically have a 14-day camping maximum. Campers should also keep a few things in mind when staying at these properties like:  Camp at least 0.25 miles from developed campgrounds and trailheads. Camp at least 200 feet away from water sources, like lakes, ponds, and streams. Only use established campsites.  Always adhere to Leave No Trace principles.  Avoid disrupting the natural landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems near y ..read more

Planning a camping trip out west? Check out these five amazing locations where you can camp for free near some of the most popular attractions in the U.S. Watch More on YouTube From Glacier National Park in Montana to Arches National Park in Utah, these campsites provide epic views and put you close to it all, without breaking the bank. Here are five locations where you can camp for free in the Western U.S. 1. Flathead National Forest. Located near Columbia Falls, Montana, the Blankenship Bridge dispersed camping area puts you within proximity to Glacier National Park. Just be sure to pay at ..read more

There is something particularly peaceful about waking up to a silent winter landscape and watching the morning sun gradually melt frost from the trees. One day we saw minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit and the air sparkled with ice crystals. Other winter days are better enjoyed from the inside of the van, under a blanket with a good book.  Regardless of what winter throws at us, it’s wonderfully peaceful because there’s usually no one else around. But that’s also one of the dangers. Since winter weather is unpredictable, preparedness is key for safety and comfort.  Here are a few things we ..read more

For some, dispersed camping on public land, known as boondocking, is their default camping style. For others, it’s new and sometimes intimidating territory. Campendium’s community includes many experienced boondockers, and we asked a few of them to share what they wish they’d known when they got started. Related 9 Boondocking Hacks Even Seasoned Campers Might Not Know 1. Do a Dry Run Our very first RV camping trip was in a newly restored Airstream. We went to the Cinder Hills OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) area in Flagstaff, Arizona, and had to leave after one night because our batteries were wire ..read more

The California Crest Trail spans 2,150 miles through unique landscapes in the Golden State. From scorching deserts to towering sequoia forests and foggy oceanside villages, the trail connects the Basin Ranges, Sierra Nevada, Cascades, Klamath Mountains, and the Coast Ranges. It’s also one of the best overlanding routes in the U.S. The route is manageable for most vehicles, although all-terrain tires are ideal. Are you looking to put your overlanding vehicle to the test? There are alternative routes along the way with technical terrain for high clearance, four-wheel drive rigs.  Other con ..read more

Between towering sandstone cliffs, playful Joshua trees, stalwart saguaros, and boundless night skies, deserts draw curiosity like no other landscapes. But while their remoteness and varied geology is alluring, it also makes them challenging and potentially dangerous places to camp. Whether it’s the canyons in Utah, the forests of the Gila, the backcountry in Baja, the craggles of the Sky Islands, or the emptiness of the Great Basin, no two deserts are alike, and as such, desert boondocking is an ongoing process of trial and error, luck, and wisdom. Here is some advice, born from camping mish ..read more

Overlanding is a way to see less-explored areas of the world. People who overland equip their vehicles with all-terrain tires and off-grid features, allowing them to venture to and stay in remote places for longer periods.  Overlanding combines travel, camping, and off-roading, taking the quintessential road trip to the next level. An Introduction to Overlanding  When you set out to overland, you most likely want to see and explore isolated landscapes. This means you need a vehicle that can accommodate self-sustained living and navigate forest service roads, unmaintained stretches ..read more