Are the rules for boondocking in Sedona changing?

[@lilricky2515]

As someone who actually went out and cleaned up 525 spots, I'm glad that they did something. There are alot of entitled RV'ers that come out here and trash the place. Coconino put out several warnings about packing out your trash, and no digging pits or burning wood directly on the ground. The same people caused Walmart and now Cracker Barrel refusing overnight parking.

[@drc1883]

entitled and selfish people. typical American attitude.

[@ginawhite3728]

During the pandemic in Colorado and in our National Parks, particularly Rocky mountain National Park, people were up there camping and destroyed vegetation, monuments and trees, took their vehicles 4 wheeling, target shooting, unfettered hunting, and and they destroyed it everywhere. so now you cannot get your yearly pass to the national parks in Colorado, you've got to have a reservation. It makes me sick that people just have to destroy everything and it's getting worse, it's like that all over the country now

[@LisaLightning]

The pandemic just ruined everything.

[@pianogirl3870]

Sadly, the slobs who dumped their litter everywhere may have ruined it for the decent campers who respect the land. These closures are happening in other parts of AZ, too. Love your videos!

[@schadlarry]

I lived in Sedona in the early 2000's for ten years. Now it's been ruined by all the Air Bnb's and boondockers.

[@patches6903]

People were also probably trashing the area. By limiting people to designated areas they can control the damage. Sad…

[@Vancaskeys]

Sad. But probably true.

[@blessedveteran]

Thats exactly what happened.

[@OverlandOne]

WTF is wrong with people? I used to clean up every site I camped in to make it better than when I arrived. ( if everyone did this there would be no issues) but the past 6 months or so I have seen so much crap left behind, it would not all fit into my van, and a trailer if I had one. Mattresses, full garbage bags, broken glass everywhere, and other crap that does not belong in a campsite. It did not use to be this way. People are acting like selfish pigs only caring about themselves and not the next people to camp there. Very sad.

[@lukem9707]

I have a very clean, newer van and all I sometimes need is a place to park and sleep. I do not set up a camp, table with chairs etc. I do see places ruined by messy campers with old , converted school buses etc and I understand why we're losing these campsites.

[@Sunshnz365]

You were actually parked at the Cracker Barrel located in Prescott Valley, Arizona. I live just a mile from there a few blocks North of SR-69. Every one of the your videos that I have watched thus far, show places that I have been. I lived there for 22 years and traveled all over the State. I would love to provide you with a list of places to see that are not listed or noted on any map. I truly am homesick seeing all of the great places that I have stayed, traveled through and enjoyed some really fantastic food. Thank you for providing those who have never been there with some really wonderful video showing just how beautiful it really is. Safe travels.

[@jancross516]

I have gone to Forest road 525 for years and at the height of the abuse there was human feces and wipes everywhere. The trashiness and disregard was beyond belief.

[@herbmanning8348]

Inspecting many of the closed dispersed campsites last week revealed how trashed they were. Fire pits, cut trees, and toilet paper everywhere. It's sad but I fully understand why they did this.

[@Vancaskeys]

So sad.

[@michellewinkler3985]

Colorado is now reservation only. 2 years back we went to our reserved we had paid for, we had to call the park rangers to kick out homeless people in a broken down bus that wouldn't leave. They left a huge mess that we cleaned up and we had paid for the site! Not ok!

[@JustKrista50]

I have taken my children to Sedona multiple times. On a strict budget. We were able to enjoy so much. Sedona is one of my favorite places. IMO, you get what you pay for. If you expect free, you won't get much. Especially in our natural spaces. People have gotten too spoiled and entitled. They expect to be handed things for free. I'm a little angry that people dumped all over such a beautiful part of the USA. What the heck!? Instead of being upset that rules were made to protect the land and animals that rely on it, be mad at the disrespect people have. I'm glad they are making the rules harder for people to just park their eyesore anywhere they please. I live in southern AZ in another gorgeous spot, and people literally pull their RVs into the fauna and just set up camp. Destroying what took the desert years to create. Causing animals to disperse. If you can't afford an RV spot, you can't afford an RV. Period. That people bought them planning on free space was completely irresponsible of them. Could you imagine someone buying a mobile home w/o any land because they decided they'd just plop it in some "public land"? Some of those RVs are over 30ft with multiple slides. May as well be a mobile home. I say respectfully to those people, AZ has TONS of RV parks. Get one. If you can't afford that, get a tent. AZ has TONS of camp sites for tents. Can't afford that? Then you can't afford to travel. ** If you are homeless and forced to live in your vehicle, my heart goes out to you. Use parking lots. They're safer for you. If you don't leave a mess or cause drama, no one will notice. Stay safe❤❤ **

[@joecutro7318]

Bummer, albeit an understandable one. Staying tuned as always. Thanks for being scouts for other campers! 👍🏼🙏❤️

[@blessedveteran]

Yes, they've been that way for a while now. People were leaving trash everywhere and cutting the trees. When I last went, there was still a lot of trash. They are going to take it all away soon because people suck.

[@roythomas3221]

Up by Flagstaff, walnut canyon dispersed camping is now closed. So check before you go.

[@CraigPeer]

Unfortunately overuse is a problem since Covid. The same thing has happened in the Alabama Hills below Mt. Whitney.

[@Vancaskeys]

Yeah…we noticed this in a lot of places.

[@CraigPeer]

@@Vancaskeys of course now that we have our camper van, we aren't helping lessen the use.

[@Halfpace52]

Welll, we were there two years ago and found a nice site. After setting the tent, saw a giant poop pile on a dry wash. Some people have no respect for nature environment and trash wherever they go. Its people disrespecting and trashing beautiful areas are responsible for the closure.

[@darcyandtess]

thanks for doing this video! we were just about to head down into that area and now we at least know what to expect.

[@Vancaskeys]

Oh yay!! That’s what we wanted. To give people a real look at what to expect. Still great spots but just have to get there early to get a good spot probably.

[@martykong3592]

:) THANKS MUCH for sharing! Not surprised that it had to change, just too popular, and people abusing rules :( Its been over 5 years for me and I though it was crowded and nuts then. ALL the BEST and hope Plan B works! Cheers! :)

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks Marty! Oh plan B worked! We can’t wait to share it!

[@williamsnyder4484]

I was there in the sprinter van in the spring of last year, and it was exactly like you find it now. There are no limits posted on how many people can pull back on those areas so I suppose it could get pretty crowded. One of the last pull out is pretty big, and really can handle quite a few rigs, I am building out a Ford transit all wheel drive and plan to go back soon. Thanks for scoping it out.

[@williamsnyder4484]

… PS, campsites, inside Sedona itself, are enormously expensive

[@TomandLoriRVLife]

Too many people leaving trash all around. We've seen this happening more and more in Arizona and Nevada. Is it needed? YES. We are fulltimers so we just move on and try to find another spot...it's all part of OUR adventure!

[@johnlewis2624]

I think people are being more priced out of housing and are resorting to an RV as a residency now.

[@birdlady2725]

Very true. That does not give them the right to leave trash, broken glass etc around! Leave No Trace is a campers creed that many are not following. The few are ruining it for all of us 😢

[@Rjhaack]

Never been to Sedona but there is an area up in Washington that I went to pre-covid and I was able to park in a popular area. I went back in Summer last year and that entire area is now by reservation only for what sounds like the same reasons you guys are running into. I had to drive about a mile further up the road. The good news was the park ranger was nice enough to give me a free parking pass but I was a bit disappointed that people over crowded and trashed that section which was probably the most beautiful section.

[@johnthomson5730]

Thankfully, we did Sedona a few years ago and do not plan to come back any time soon. It was getting too crowded anyway. Shame but areas like these got alot of use, and unfortunately, alot of abuse from inconsiderate people, so not surprised the Feds got control of it.

[@ViragoBecky]

I'm a Sedona local, and 525 got pretty trashed last few years. I would call it unfortunate but necessary. Lots of 4 wheeling going on, not the best place to camp anymore, but I do like hiking the trails.

[@judylowe2688]

Looking forward to next week video 😂❤

[@Vancaskeys]

Thank you!!! It’s a good one!!! ❤️

[@timthompson8297]

Oh, they were. There’s a bunch of campsites between Sedona and cottonwood that have been blocked.

[@scottcallahan257]

We enjoyed 525 in our Class C beginning in 2018. After Covid, it starting losing it's luster due to crowds and constant dust but we never noticed it being trashed back then. Now with the designitated disbursed, it's mostly a no go for us now.

[@VanDoghies]

We had the same experience there. Just no space anymore. Many of the BLM and Forest Service spaces are following the same trend unfortunately but you are spot on, it's because people have abused the space.

[@Vancaskeys]

Oh wow. We totally agree.

[@angelusway]

It’s about time!

[@rslooby6130]

The amount of traffic around Sedona is your first clue as to how congested with tourism it's become.

[@Vancaskeys]

So true

[@liaodesign]

Just curious why the spot u had your lunch is not a spot? Do they specific have sign for each spot ?

[@LisaLightning]

I think that was just a day parking lot, not a camping lot.

[@gregoryanderson6717]

As a solo van lifer I love your guys chemistry! keep up the content

[@edwardnelson3413]

I don’t blame Sedona, way to many people, annoying “Side by sides”, trash and harsh impact on the terrain. We have a cabin in Strawberry, the city thankfully banned open camping.

[@Vancaskeys]

Yeah it definitely wasn’t taken care of the way it should be.

[@markniblett4857]

Nice rock border wall. Please vote. As patches said selfish people. Years ago we had farm and family, then they bought the land next to you. So you went and bought a camp and it got broke into when you weren't there. So then you bought a camper to be more mobile in your quest. Well it's looking like Cracker barrel folks see you there (nothing like a breakfast bowl again).

[@Blztrls]

That seems super crowded for February! Was it the weekend? I wonder if it’s better during the week.

[@Vancaskeys]

There was a lot of dirt bikes and things of that nature plus the weather is so nice right now. Maybe that’s why. 😃

[@heatherlucero2530]

Ok I’m a goober, but I was liking the music this video 😂

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! Yay! 🥳

[@martystoakes8516]

I camped out there in 2022 at a very secluded spot off 525. I also just returned from there and was disappointed that my spot is no longer legal to camp at. It's a shame that knuckleheads have ruined it by being trashy and not respectful of the land and forest service workers whom they have relied on to clean up after them. I understand why they have closed them down, since there is just not enough forest service staff to keep it clean. I subscribe to the philosophy of leave no Trace, and go further by picking up any trash I see at spots I am at. I wish all would do the same, then some of these sites might remain open.

[@brianbarbarich1401]

Maybe because leaving litter around and long period of overstaying.

[@mikepetet111]

Tons of spots in Idaho are now closed...

[@Texscripter]

I-17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff is ALWAYS a hot mess. If you're planning a trip anywhere on that stretch it's best to avoid it at rush hour, especially on weekends or Thursday/Friday afternoons because everyone and their mother is boiling up out of Phoenix to go to Sedona and parts north, LOL. Plus there's a lot of terrible drivers in Arizona, so all it takes is one boneheaded maneuver to cause a wreck and boom, miles upon miles and hours upon hours of wait time. The last time we went up I-17 to Sedona was a couple of months ago and we planned our trip to be Monday-Thursday, which made traffic MUCH better. Though Sedona itself can be kind of crazy too even during a weekday. It's a shame people can't leave places the way they find them. Totally understand why it's all closed off now. A shame but completely understandable.

[@loganmckay3194]

Nothing to do with this video but omg I love your hair! So long and healthy looking!!!

[@Vancaskeys]

Aww thank you so much!!!

[@robinsykes748]

Please repeat name of Boondock App thanks

[@Vancaskeys]

IOverlander 😃

[@williamgildea8348]

A cliffhanger, oh no. See you next Wednesday ❤

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks William!

[@coppertom1967]

If you need a better place, just head up I17 a bit farther past the Sedona turnoff. Not sure how far, 10-20 miles, take the Stoneman Lake turnoff, go right. Follow the road to the T intersection. Go left, and go in a few miles. You'll thank me. :)

[@arizjones]

Don't tell people or that will be ruined too.

[@sandydemars8100]

More people can always mean more problems and there needs to be some control to keep places nice. I'm wondering about your GPS on your stereo screen. Is that the original stereo? Pioneer 1500 NEX? Just want to know how your getting the maps on there.

[@Vancaskeys]

It is the original I think. At least it what was in it when we bought it. I have maps on it because it connects to my phone. Hope this helps! -Hillary

[@JoshuaMartian-go3tm]

This has been happening in other states including my own (Cali) If I'm not mistaken other parts of Arizona have been revamped like this as well like a year ago. It was bound to happen with the influx of van lifers/campers who overstay and or trash these areas. This is why humans can't have nice things. 😜

[@angelusway]

I agree. You see it everywhere and don’t understand, when they say boondocking-camping for free: Somebody is paying for the cleanup and maintenance.

[@davidthomson5183]

Mr Lemon has the front lounge and dedicated bed layout. We actually may sell our PW OnTour 2.2 and acquire a Panoramic that has this same layout. You have had challenges with your model, but what do you say about the layout? I’m 6’1” and the bed does seem long enough (barely). BTW, we have touched a Panoramic.

[@heatherlucero2530]

Bummer 😢

[@Vancaskeys]

❤️

[@3BLADZ]

Were there side by side atv’ers? When we were there a few years ago it appeared to be a hot spot for them.

[@Vancaskeys]

Yep!

[@tomburke1960]

They took away hundreds of spots for boondocking, saying they are protecting the land, but there are still 90 pink jeeps driving all day kicking up dirt and driving off road. Jeeps bring in money!!! Boondockers don’t!

[@Vancaskeys]

Oh wow. I didn’t even think about that. You’re so right.

[@traveldreamer4616]

The problem stems from individuals not keeping things clean. A few have made it difficult for the rest.

[@JoshuaMartian-go3tm]

@@traveldreamer4616 Yeah, I think many RVers, campers/vanlifers have been leaving trash and human waste. Hence the addition of porta potties. lol

[@aubrey8092]

@@JoshuaMartian-go3tmso what the difference from everyone leaving there dogs shit all over the trails city of Sedona it’s disgusting! The human waste you pump thru your septic is leaking into the water & earth sorry to tell u.

[@arizjones]

Pink Jeep people aren't cutting trees, making fire pits and pooping on the ground. And Pink Jeeps dive only in designated off road areas, the others were just creating new roads and camp sites.

[@Grogeband]

What’s app do I use for boondocks camping

[@arizjones]

Well it got abused. So since the Forest Service doesn't have the resources to clean up tons of trash, and police all the people making fires when there is a fire ban, they had to put a stop to it. If you want to do dispersed camping, go somewhere else. I live near there, and there were HUNDREDS of people camping along those roads every day. They just trashed the place.

[@hippiechick_fl]

Were there actually defined spots in those designated camping areas? I couldn't see how you could even tell, so even if you got a "spot", who's to say some person (with no sense of personal space) pulls up in what you'd consider "your" space? I think I'd rather take my chances at a Cracker Barrel!

[@Vancaskeys]

Not there wasn’t. And we saw spaces where that happened. I agree with you!

[@MorusUS]

Hello sir， i am your channel follower and i watched your all Vlog. I really love them. But now, i decide to purchase a RV, can u tell me why u do not set a washing machine or dryer in your vehicle? Especially the machine which can combine both of the functions and the size is compact?

[@LisaLightning]

Those guys are living in a van. There's not room.

[@cdlund2840]

More and more dispersed camping will be closing from overuse. Just the reality of so many full time and part time vehicle living.

[@John_Duh_Vader]

Looks like the few that didn’t take care of their waste ruined it… or at least made it harder for the rest of those that were careful.

[@arizjones]

It wasn't a few, it was hundreds every day.

[@abe7]

Sounds like people overusing the area. Seems like that is how Sedona is handleing people that do not take care of the land areas also with adding porta pottys.

[@bevn362]

Ocala RV Show 2024 40 Class Bs Location: Florida Horse Park 11008 County Road 475 Ocala, FL 34480 Dates: February 29 - March 3, 2024 Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Thursday - Saturday) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Sunday) Admission: Adults - $ 5.00 Children - 16 and under are FREE Discounts: BOGO - Thursday, February 29th (ONLY) $ 2.00 Off Admission: Military / 1st Responders - All days of the show Not valid with other discounts Parking: FREE

[@candycornett5061]

In my opinion, it's for safety for you and other.

[@MrMarkx7]

. I am not a fan of change at all and land should be free to enjoy .. but change happens

[@Vancaskeys]

Same. It does.

[@kenuber4014]

Yep, people are tired of people trashing the place! Lol

[@annanoelle7083]

I feel like I got Gypped what is short video😢

[@Vancaskeys]

Sorry! The next one is going to be long!

[@annanoelle7083]

@@Vancaskeysthank you I think you guys are great

[@Vancaskeys]

@@annanoelle7083 awww thank you! ❤️

[@jim-uu2db]

When will they cut back on the off-road business?

[@MrMarkx7]

Noooooo❤

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha ❤️❤️❤️

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

I get it if the idiots dump there garbage that is wrong, so people stop leaving garbage or staying to long.

[@stephencrossett565]

It's because all the people that made a mess of the area.

[@jim-uu2db]

Could they be afraid of a future quartzite?

[@georgec2562]

the problem is people are living in the park. That makes the park look like crap. Blame homelessness>

[@johnhouchins3156]

I live local to the area. This was purely a selfinflicted wound.

[@pantsonbackwards]

enjoy everything while you can.this is the begining of the end for rv and vanlife, open your eyes to what is going on in the world, you will own and be able to do nothing, and they say we will be happy...buzz off

[@kurkgarro2341]

There is always fungus among us

[@user-vm3yd2rp7f]

Can you spell FUTURE DEVELOPMENT! Just like lake tapps.

[@janicecrockett1400]

That's what happens when inconsiderate campers leave their garbage for 'momma' to clean up the mess. I do not blame Sedona for doing this. Too many newbies out there think they can just stay anywhere and trash the area.

[@lyfandeth]

I think you've all been pranked. If those were all official US government rocks, they'd have been PAINTED WHITE. 😮

[@brianr3424]

Its bc people suck ! Give people a finger, and they will take ur whole body. There r always people who will destroy something great !

[@conchscooter]

Personally I don’t see boondockers dumping trash. The trashed spots are always closest to town of easy access to locals who need relief from their dreary work weeks. And then there are the parked trailers taking space all summer long with no one around. But trash is a fine excuse to regulate the freedom to boondock. And boy , public lands are closing.

[@pattyswitzer4063]

7 properties listed for sale in that area. How could they sell all these beautiful properties if everyone can camp for free? It all comes down to the Almighty Dollar

[@DarrenHebert-fk4eb]

living on the surface of the sun with traffic and no trees... pass

[@LisaLightning]

The problem with requiring reservations is that it's way too easy to make reservations and never end up using them. I'm sure there's people who make reservations for entire summers, and the cost, if they have to pay upfront, is so insignificant that they don't care that they took that space away from other people who actually need it. I hate the reservation system so much. This country is becoming so much worse, so unlivable.