BEST Van Life Camping: HOW TO FIND PUBLIC LANDS While Living in a Van

[@Technomadia]

We just noticed a HUGE spike in app sales for US Public Lands and tracked down this video. Bob, you absolutely humble us with your review and detailed tutorial on how to use the app to find amazing lesser known boondocking spots. Exactly why we created it so many years ago. Thank you thank you thank you!!

[@JoDo777]

NO, THANK YOU!!!!!

[@hiddengemsliteraryemporium]

This is beautiful to see. We love seeing how genuine spirits lead to moments like this♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

Thank you! I will be downloading your app very soon 💕

[@BSerrell4]

Please can you tell us how to edit the label on a pin?

[@lonestarlaurel]

@@BSerrell4GOOGLE 🎉

[@catinahottinvan5012]

AWESOME Bob. I think almost everyone beginning this life has been baffled by this subject at first. Thanks so much for such DETAIL in your instructions, rather than leaving it for others to try to figure out by themselves.🤔 You are such a kind man.

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Very Very Much!🛣🏞⛅

[@AdventureVanMan]

I love this app. Been using it for years. Just be aware there is often privately owned land within public lands. I have found this app doesn’t always show the separation of private land. In short, the app will show you are on public land when in fact you are on private land. ✌🏼

[@babsann8463]

Its posted, isn't it?

[@Wes1487]

Awesome tip! Getting good info from the pros! My neck of the woods too!

[@AdventureVanMan]

@@babsann8463 sometimes no, this is what makes it confusing.

[@homelessnomad101]

Thanks, Brian, always good to know. Guess if a sheriff shows up banging on your door telling ya yours on private land guess that would be my answer. Rock on!

[@duncdunc76]

Good point AVM👍 I think however if there are no signs posted, no trespassing private property, then you are unlikely to get into trouble if you accidentally trespass. However you could still be subject to the owner of the property showing up and informing you and telling you to leave. Which in my few experiences in WY in the past isnt too much of an issue if your polite, appologetic, and eagerly agree to move on. It would be a great vid if one of you super seasoned Nomads did a vid on how to assess making sure your not on private land in those types of cases if you've got some wisdom on the subject.

[@HerSoulVacation]

I just left that area. What a beauty it is! Don’t forget to pack in/pack out. We had to remove a canopy structure somebody had left on a site! (Along with a lot more trash)🤦🏽‍♀️

[@happycook6737]

Maybe the canopy was someone who drives to work everyday and then returns to that spot?

[@HerSoulVacation]

@@happycook6737 no. That wasn’t the case or we would have left it alone.

[@raybrensike42]

If you are ever in WA after the 4th of July, try going south of Randle, WA and take the fork to the left and you will be in the Gifford Pinchot national forest, and there are so many nice places to camp just off the roads or off of the smaller roads that resemble jeep trails. You will be in deep forest of tall Douglass fir, where there is plenty of shade. The mornings in summer are usually cool, the sky usually overcast, and then the sun comes out before noon and you usually have blue sky. It's quiet and peaceful with wildlife. There are smaller roads to explore and more places to camp. I used to have a favorite place to camp during the spring, summer, and fall, and there was never anyone there. You can be the only camper there. I believe you can stay there for 30 days before you have to move, but from my experience, you likely won't even be bothered by a forest service ranger. Mosquitos are rarely if ever a problem. It's just wonderful.

[@morphergaming0531]

As someone who lived in Arizona for 20 years and ran around country roads I never thought about checking for tire sink. I always eyeballed it but this is a much smarter and cautious way especially traveling alone.

[@FeralCatSanctuary]

What a tremendous help! I am a little over a month from going full-time on the road. I have worried I would take off, get lost, and never be found again! Thank you so much for this wonderful information. Some of my fright has subsided. You have helped so many, Bob, thank you so much.

[@Gimo76]

Thanks for this video. I finally took my first trip age 71 not fully recovered from major surgery. My first night I stayed in a campground as I wanted to rearrange my stuff to where I will actually use it. I felt totally wore out so actually dis nothing. 3 days later I was at my dearest friends home and stayed for a week and saw my son also. Then instead of going home I decided to cut over to the coast. I have this tall water bottle with push button spout works great except for if you don’t secure it well. I didn’t realize the road was so EXTREMELY winding to the coast. The bungee cord I had on the bottle would allow it to go so far and spill water on every turn unbeknown to me. Shortening story here because it was pouring rain and everything was wet. Then I decided to stay at a KOA because they have a little store to get bread n milk etc. not much choice but I was exhausted. Anyway to sum this all up on day three I was at a rest stop an some gal was rearranging her gear in her car. I asked her if she wanted a Van. She looked scared and got in her car. So back home trying to recover and won’t sell it yet but if I find a bigger Van it will be a possibility. I have never had a mini van before and with my mobility issues it is a bit tough to get into. But the gas mileage blew my mind. 6 hrs driving and I still had half a tank. Maybe when I get over this exhausted feeling from three surgeries at once I might find it a lot easier. Oh n I traveled with my cat. She has more stuff than me. Again thanks for video. I am close to Bend OR so will have to check out this app.

[@dandydan2037]

We are always quick to criticize but slow to give praise. So for what it's worth, I find this to be one of the best in depth, detailed instruction on how to use an APP I've seen and it is most appreciated. Thank you!! I think the intro is great too!

[@budgetbudz]

Well Yoda, thank you again for teaching us the ways of nomad! I love your channel stay safe

[@Kaufeetimevideo]

I'm thinking Papa Smurf

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another great video. One caution, you want to keep your drive wheels on the road. If you have front wheel drive this means you will to back onto the spot you want to check. I know I am being picky but not everyone knows how to keep from getting stuck. Thank you again for the video. Safe travels.

[@anitasimmons3599]

@@Zymurgest yea, I have not stuck a vehicle to the point, I have needed those in over 50 years of driving. I did get to watch a great comedy act with a group of off roaders trying to get 2 vehicles unstuck. The traction mats they tried first were rotten from sun exposure.

[@ArtsyLadyCrafter]

Thanks, I was thinking about this. Just bought a minivan and it's FWD.

[@danceswithbears2521]

The problem is that sites are being closed and restricted for camping. I used to camp for two weeks at a year-round ACOE campground right next to the Columbia River. Now it's closed for half the year and camping is restricted to one week. The reason? The ranger told me campers are trashing the environment. Other sites are now only open for day use.

[@nmr6988]

It will always be true that a small portion of selfish jerks will ruin it for everyone else.

[@igorshravljevic7784]

Who else but my own kind who else. Most of the people out there I don't care for. Let me see them trashing the place in front of me when I'm out there in the wild. They will remember me.

[@danceswithbears2521]

@@nmr6988 I always pick up around my campsite. Other people's trash. They ruin it for good campers like us.

[@mikewhitney2147]

I absolutely loathe littering

[@MannyWC]

It is control over the land. Big daddy wants us to stay home in stack and pack housing. Just wait, the cost of campsites will soar soon. and other restriction will be made for public lands.

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

what an incredibly helpful and potentially life-saving video! Thank you Bob and your staff for all you're doing to help so many people. Homeless, helpless, all the way to us old retired ones just looking to go out to some of these spectacular places of natural beauty. Again, such vivid beauty in the background of your great video! Thanks to you and your amazing team.

[@wrylife57]

Bob and team, this may be the best video you have ever produced. A detailed tutorial, great camera work for the useful screen images and showing your movement in the app while driving--just outstanding. I am currently east of the Mississippi so no BLM land for me but now I know how and can use this app with confidence to find national park camping. Great work! TY

[@jessicawoodard6466]

Ah! Bob! You are a TREASURE! 🥰 Thank you so much!!!!

[@michellestratford9753]

Great video! I'm in British Columbia and our public lands are usually leased out to timber companies, so the only access to the back country is via private forestry roads that are frequently gated. I'm jealous of your access, and desperately jealous of your data access! Thank you for this! 🚙🇨🇦

[@lonestarlaurel]

🇨🇦Same! Envious re Wonderful information access available, and on a handy dandy app. And this informational video quality is second to None! 🎉

[@rayne7340]

Love you Bob. Please keep sending videos. They keep me hopeful and willing to try.

[@karlflohrschutz6897]

Hi Bob, my name is Karl watching your videos on KZbin for a long time I'm about to step into a 26 foot motorhome and attempt to do what most of these people are doing in a much smaller one nevertheless I want to thank you for all the information you provided you truly are resource to the country. We plan to spend the next two years, working on my masters in American military history, on the road. I've lived in phoenix most of my life and just downloaded your public lands at suggestion it works beautifully. Hope to see you out there somewhere.

[@ChrisW228]

The advice about parking in a sandy area… “Your back wheels will pull you out.” Isn’t that only if you have four wheel drive? If you have front wheel drive, shouldn’t you back in?

[@mikecorpus1267]

Yes, you are right. Bob should clarify this.

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Bob, thank you for all you do!!! You are a FANTASTIC TEACHER!!!

[@MaryAmesMitchell]

Thanks. Great, useful video. A few things to add. AAA puts out Public Land maps that show all the public lands including State Parks. They include amenities, elevation, and all sorts of useful information. For California, there is one for Northern California and one for Southern California. Also, if you have the premium AAA membership to cover your RV, be sure that it covers you if you go deep into backroad country. Sometimes it doesn't.

[@MaryAmesMitchell]

I have a video about using the AAA map called "Planning an RV Road Trip Using AAA Maps"

[@markfults1693]

@@MaryAmesMitchell I looked on your page and didn't see it..do u have a link to it?.. thx Mark

[@FidoHouse]

Excellent orientation, Bob! I've had this app but not used it effectively. That will change. Thank you!

[@edwardbeck]

by dropping a pin on google maps at the location you want to go will show you the off ramp you need to take

[@johnschottler1424]

When you said two ninety nine, I thought $299, so was pretty happy to see it's actually only $4 lol. Fantastic! Thanks, Bob!

[@lorid2092]

Born in Phoenix, moved to Oregon at 2 years old. I camp from the Ochocos to the coast, once in the Blue Mountains. Mostly I camp in the western Cascades and hike in a 100 mile radius from Eugene. I still use my atlas that shows topo and backroads, plus old foldable maps they don't make anymore. I use Google maps and USFS or BLM online maps to supplement or plan. Thanks for the app and tips, Bob!

[@cc-camper-lady]

Thank you Bob! This is the best tutorial for this app that I have ever seen!

[@earnestdavis2820]

I have been in the caravan at Parump since Friday. Enjoying it very much. This is my 1st nomad experience. Met some nice people, and they were very welcomeing. Thanks Bob, for all your information, would like to shake your hand some day. Just when I needed to know something else, about boondocking, your video shows up. Just what I needed for my next experience. Thanks

[@sharongeving4292]

We started watching CheapRVliving a few years ago. We have been to AZ many times and attended the rally in January. We are from Rhode Island. Sold our two houses and in the process of unloading all our stuff. Our large home and commercial welding business collected tons of stuff over the years. I will feel lost without our beautiful "stuff" but the freedom will be well worth it. We purchased a mobile RV (41') and will head out to Arizona in the fall. Heading to Quartzite public land for the winter. We want to buy an acre of land somewhere. I like Pahrump but maybe AZ would be better. Thanks to you Bob, a million times over.

[@kelkilkat]

This is just fantastic information, makes finding a place so much easier, and it is not difficult to do

[@K9_NINA]

You are such a life saver, mentor and just a wonderful human who is giving hope to those ( myself included) who have to go nomad 🙏💙

[@jhemnes1]

Adding the app to my phone right now. Thanks Bob!

[@BlackDogDesigns]

Great video, I downloaded the app and followed along with you, we live in the Eastern Sierras in California and we plan to do a lot of boon docking this year. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@rboydsmith1]

Ranger Bob. I like your matching truck and shirt.

[@billangelo2190]

Hi Bob, just wanted to say your truck looks good, didn't know that was a wrap and the color is outdoors perfect. Take Care and safe travels friend

[@janchapman3746]

Super bob. Your wonderful. Thank you for everything. Jan a fan from texas.

[@rbeckyr]

This was sooooo helpful! I live in Tucson so it was fun to see the BLM land nearby. Thank you Bob!

[@kelliwainscoat6516]

I have tried to identify BLM land AND how to get to it from older videos on this channel: bewildering. THIS video did the trick. Thank you!!

[@mrkim5644]

That area of Marana has some beautiful BLM land. I highly recommend checking out the biosphere 2 aka bio dome. I’m surprised this is bobs first time in camping in the area.

[@oldermanvanner4026]

Thanks Bob this nomadic life is a continual leaning process and you helped making it more easier. Keep up the good work!

[@yoyojoe9240]

Liked the App., getting it to supplement what I already use. Thank you Bob.

[@mikeg-yh5ey]

Just bought the app in 2024, because of your stellar review, Thanks Bob! see you at the next RTR!

[@bobl9993]

Thank you so much Bob for this video, because when I finally go with my little no build minivan "home" I was worried about where I can set up and park over here on the east coast heading west

[@lillybelle4638]

Thank you Bob! I’m full timing in less than a month and this is a god send! I’ve been looking for this exact resource! Thank you!!! Found two spots ready!

[@joycenuckels2773]

Thank you so much! Just downloaded the app, this is exactly what I needed.

[@robertstein3770]

Thanks Bob. I just rolled into the Phoenix area for work as a first time nomad, I very much appreciate this.

[@MrGottaGo]

Love how you have patience with explaining instead of be so quick & vague like most ppl. Actually seeing what you're doing makes all the difference.👍

[@scottchapman9632]

great job bob! thanks for the detailed info and how to use it and actually showing us, it is sooo clear anyone can do it.

[@daynacook4140]

Thank you for step by step guidance!

[@sharkcookie.YouTube]

Very cool

[@jamesepace]

To figure out how to get to your spot, you could do something like drop a pin in Google Maps on a accessible place near the spot you picked in US Public Lands and get driving directions? However, I recently learned not to trust GMaps directions to get me _out_ of a national forest...

[@gloriataruc8371]

I’m not RVing but I enjoy watching your videos! I’m 71 years old and thinking of doing this!

[@mondavou9408]

I personally enjoyed the hand holding. I found the information very helpful.

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

Thanks for the great Tip Bobby 👍 😀.

[@tomhettrick7813]

Another fantastic video Bob thanks so much👍👍🙏

[@leahharbison4932]

My daughter and I have life 360. When she went to Gatlinburg for a weekend, I could actually see she was riding a sky lift.it was wild.i called to confirm , and yes she was. It trackes in real time also . I think it's pretty cool all the things you can do with technology .I love you Bob. Bubbles too you!!!

[@bkanegson]

Tremendously helpful, thank you.

[@kristinvogt6980]

Simple instructions, thank you!

[@lola70348]

Hi Bob! We found beautiful camping between Williams and Flagstaff, AZ, right off the I-40. Beautiful forest land. The roads are still a bit wet from the melting snow. Once they dry up I imagine there will be a lot more campers out here. Not too far from the Grand Canyon.

[@happycook6737]

Monsoon season starts real soon. It will become wetter with chance of flash floods.

[@danceswithbears2521]

I can share a campsite. There are dam systems on the Columbia River. Just outside of Rufus OR is ACOE land. It's left over from when the dams were built. It's called the gravel pit because that's what it is. Its official ACOE name is Rufus Landing. It's not very pretty, but you can camp right next to the Columbia River, which is beautiful. My dog and I go swimming there. When it's windy, the windsurfers show up and it's fun to watch them. There are an amazing number of pelicans. I saw a huge sturgeon leap out of the river. I've also seen eagles. The campground is free and it's huge. Just pick a place and park. It's patrolled by rangers so it's safe. I've been there on the Fourth of July and it wasn't crowded at all. You can go on a tour of the dam in The Dalles. There is a dumpsite close by at Lepage Park. There are dumpsters just down the road from the gravel pit and there is also a restroom (I haven't used it). You can also camp a mile or so down the road at Giles French Park, also ACOE land. You can camp a week at each site because each site is part of a different dam project.

[@Gwen3344]

I guarantee you that sharing private or personal favorite campsites on the internet is the absolute worse thing you can do! Just not a wise thing to do. The more people who know about it, the more it will be subject to overuse, misuse and the very thing that makes it beautiful, safe, open and free. Think about it.

[@DanyRivard]

As always very good advise from Bob Wells !!

[@sheldonotto6130]

Mystery solved. I am new to camping and wondered how I would locate public land to camp on. You came through for me again. Thanks" Nomad Wizzard "

[@kingsamoanOG]

I love using The Dyrt and Freeroam Apps on my phone whenever I'm planning on moving locations. I've been Nomad living fulltime for over 2 yrs now and love it. Out of all the Westcoast states I've found Arizona is one of the most relaxed States for long term Boondocking. Technically 14 days is what you're allowed but I've never had any issues in Arizona. I have had issues in Nevada quite a bit but Oregon and Arizona have been amazing for Nomad Living. 1Luv and love the content!!!

[@myrnagarcia-y1x]

Ty I had to back to see this suggestion from you. I forgot what you said so I had to listen to you again . Thanks

[@janetkoball44]

Thanks Bob for the camping information. I don't like phone apps cause they usually want way too much info but this one seems ok. Hopefully I'll be able to use this is soon.

[@5tad]

Thank you so much for teaching us this Bob! I always wondered how the bloggers get to such beautiful places!!!

[@donnasloane9031]

BOB,my gracious thanks....you have been helping people(and myself) for years in order to survive....

[@peterbright8125]

Starting in my driveway and will go from there.

[@campingalan]

Great video, Bob! And thank you for sharing this app! QUESTION: Is there an offline feature to download the boundaries or maps prior to departing into potential no cell areas? Thank you for sharing the area too! I still work, so we do 1-2 week boondocking trips. We try to do them monthly; work permitting, of course. I do my annual training in Phoenix. I try to time it when my work equipment is turned in for its annual maintenance and overhauling. So, this next year, we will haul our trailer down there and stay in the greater area. For the 2 days of training, we may just do a campground on the north side of Phoenix. Otherwise, we can explore other areas. I just need to be in cell coverage so as to approve repairs, daily, as they come up. Safe travels!

[@HandymanKurt]

Lake Pleasant has opportunities.

[@marieliessewise]

Invaluable information! Thank you so much!

[@CheyenneRain-bh6ht]

I just ordered a couple books. They're actually really cool #1 freecamping in the west & BLM camping in 14 western states. Luv them

[@darlenehorn8337]

It's been awhile since I last watched your videos. Last two years been wintering and working in Texas. Will start traveling this coming winter. Once again was not disappointed in you video and helpful tips! Would love to meet you again going to Q next January for WRTR. Take care and safe travels. Traveling Great Grandma

[@CharlieGraceAdventure]

Thanks for the walk though on the app. I didn't have this app yet. Super cool!

[@kayperkayful]

Way to go! Tell the world that those residences are usually vacant 🤦‍♀️

[@Stay_tooned]

I too love the details. It takes a lot of the fear/anxiety out of it. Thank you Bob!!!!

[@jamsessionrecordshop8872]

Very good simple explanation.

[@JosephCompnotta]

Thanks, this was very helpful. I bought the app also going from Vegas to Ca, Or, W , ID and back to Vegas starting May 1st, so this will be very helpful in finding a place to chill in between travels

[@slewfoot6608]

Thanks for the great tips and awesome presentation! I think i met you at the slabs a few years ago. 🤔

[@GypsyJvan]

Bob, great info !! ..i too, wondered how nomads found boondocking sites, other than paper maps.. thanks bob.. please dont stop, helping others.. .....Gypsy J van...

[@victoriapennockband]

Thank you Bob! Great app, great information!

[@maehay4065]

Excellent resource for boondocking on BLM LAND. Thank you for sharing this app and how to use it, Bob.👍

[@Alpha_Sigma01]

Thnx Bob you're the man!

[@edoutdoors1457]

Nice app but this website shows you all that info plus the private land inside of public land, but only in Arizona.

[@edoutdoors1457]

Nice how the website keeps getting deleted from showing up.

[@metaglypto]

Just loaded it. Looks good. Thanks Bob, I have been looking for something simple like this.

[@keemandikotravels]

BOB!!! YOU ARE AWESOME! THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO YOU GIVE US!!!!

[@raypilot510]

Great video and good information for us who are starting our adventure.

[@ddblairco]

thank you Bob

[@manondesrochers5729]

Such a cool app. Thank you for the video. I love that you show us in real time what the road look like.

[@billraleigh4529]

on the east coast the bureau of water management is used but i think you need to register. in the seattle region of washington the state parks are usually booked way in advance unfortunately.

[@jeffvirgil8714]

Thanks Bob for this information I will be downloading this app 🙂

[@juliamarple3785]

I hope this still works! My camping/hiking roadtrip this year is going to be super budget & extended. I want to try all the tricks. So exciting.

[@BuckJones1909]

Absolutely essential information, thank you very much Bob!

[@Denniejones]

Thank you Barb that was the piece that was always missing from everyone else is videos. I often wondered how would you know if you were gonna be in sand or not other than getting out and walking around so this helped out tremendously thank you.

[@tammyburke9453]

Ridiculously cool info. Always entertaining

[@nomadWalkr]

Thank you Bob. This is so helpful

[@Lisa_J_Kidwell]

Should do a video about the goat horns and 🌵cactus needles verses tires, shoes and animals .. lol 😂

[@moregrouchy]

Cactus needle right through the leather of my heavy boot and into the side of my little toe. Ouch! Used my Leatherman tool pliers to pull it straight out. Also carry a pocket comb to scoop and remove chollas, the bristly burrs stick to everything it lightly touches, dog legs, fingers, pants. Now I wonder if rattlesnakes will pierce the leather boot, too

[@lindac7146]

Very informative. Ty.

[@mayinnlin1879]

Awesome thank you so very much for sharing Bob. 👍❤️

[@skwerl81]

Bob, you are just amazing!! Question for anyone who feels compelled to answer: Am I correct in assuming that if I have a front-wheel drive vehicle, then it should actually be my back tires that 'test' the sand and my front tires that pull me out?

[@mikecorpus1267]

Yes, you are correct! Keep your drive tires on the road. I have front wheel drive too.

[@skwerl81]

Awesome, thanks to you both! 🙏

[@keithsparling5537]

Your "drive" wheels need to be on pavement.

[@BlueSky-ff4oy]

Really liked this video thanks. 👍

[@inthekitchenwithnancy618]

Bob,I would love to see what you have done with your land,how you are getting it ready for when you can't travel as much.