Helping Others Enjoy Boondocking

Yesterday was the last day of the Tucson Life On Wheels RV Conference. Because of the economy, gas prices, etc. the turnout was below last year, which was saddening. However, the students and instructors were as enthusiastic as any previous year, reinforcing the importance of the program and its superb educational classes and seminars. One point that struck me was the interest in boondocking, which seemed to be at a high level of interest with the students, many–if not most–of them new to RVing.

Three boondocking seminars were presented, one by the solar guru, Greg Holder, of AM Solar, which was the more technical side of boondocking, another by Nick Russell, Editor, Publisher, and owner of The Gypsy Journal, and mine, titled Boondocking and Camping on our Public Lands, which looked at the more fun parts of boondocking, places to stay, how to find neat boondocking spots, and the joys and freedom of the un-tethered life.

It’s not surprising that with the climbing prices of campgrounds, fuel, and it seems like everything else, the concept of boondocking to these new RVers was NOT just a way to save money, but also seemed to be at this high level of interest because of the aesthetic features of boondocking.

Yes, these RVers were interested in the technical side, like installing solar panels, wind turbines, instant hot water heaters, and all the technical tools that make extended boondocking possible. But they were also interested in finding a quiet spot by a mountain stream, a place under a palo verde tree in the open desert, or a nose-in spot in a forest service campground on the coast just feet from the ocean.

I gave this blog site address to all my students as well as telling them that it was OK to approach other boondockers if they needed help or had questions, and I ask all of you experienced RVers out there, whenever one of these “newbies” asks you a question, give them the value of your experience, passing on to them that boondocking can be as isolated or as communal as one desires, it can be a techie adventure or a simple lifestyle, whatever one desires.

With all of our help, our community of boondockers will grow with the kind of environmentally sensitive, nature appreciating people we all like to be around. Happy travels and keep boondocking.

Bob Difley