Ep. 181: How to Find Great Boondocking Campsites | RV travel camping DIY tutorial

The RV industry projects that by the end of 2020 they will have shipped half a million new units to dealers this year, setting a new record. The industry also estimates that there are 9 million US households with an RV. Most of those new units are being snapped up by first-time buyers as a safe way to travel during the coronavirus pandemic. That means that we can expect at least a 5% increase in campers looking for a campsite, and things are already busy and crowded.
Our camping preference is for boondocking, and while it's getting tough to get a reservation at RV parks and campgrounds in many areas, the same holds true in popular boondocking locations. In this episode we share the methods we use to find our own incredibly scenic and uncrowded boondocking locations for terrific free camping!
Filmed: December 8, 2020
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
2:09 The current situation -- why is it so crowded out there?
4:14 What is boondocking?
5:57 Identifying the land manager
8:42 Finding boondocking on US Forest Service land
15:34 Finding boondocking on BLM land
18:57 Enjoying our results
19:30 Wrap-up
FOR MORE INFORMATION
* USGS Protected Lands Viewer maps.usgs.gov/padus/
* Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps by State www.fs.fed.us/recreation/prog...
* Campendium.com
* TheDyrt.com
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ABOUT US
Welcome to Grand Adventure, a KZbin channel that focuses on RV-centric outdoor activities including not only of course camping, but also mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing and more, always filmed in stunning 4K.
We're based in Salt Lake City, Utah during the winter months, and invite you to come along as we travel all around the U.S. My wife Patricia and I, and dog Zoe are avid boondockers, so while you'll occasionally find us in RV parks or even dry campgrounds, we're usually camped in some of the most remote and beautiful spots that you could ever pull a travel trailer into. We're now transitioning from "long-timing" for six months a year, to living and traveling in our RV full-time.
We'll provide beautiful travel videos, as well as some tips and insight on trip planning, and equipping and maintaining your RV to make your next adventure a grand one indeed! So, subscribe to make sure that you catch every episode, and remember...life is nothing but a Grand Adventure!
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#RV #camping #boondocking #dispersedcamping #freecamping #freecampsites #publiclands #publiclandscamping #camp

[@xyrw236]

Absolutely the best RV video I've seen yet on ANY topic. So glad I watched this, your camping spots are always so amazing. Thanks for sharing your methods with us. Subscribed!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! We're thrilled to have you along.

[@slaviapolandia7541]

Actually, let me rephrase that. This has been one of the most informative rv videos I have ever seen!

[@GrandAdventure]

Wow! You're very welcome Slavia! Thank you so much.

[@carolynmoore5299]

@@GrandAdventure where are the links though? :D

[@GrandAdventure]

@@carolynmoore5299 Right in the KZbin video description. You access that differently depending on how you were watching KZbin. If you are using a mobile device, click the downward pointing carat next to the video title. If you are using a PC, click on "more" after the first few lines of the video description. If you are using a smart TV there is no video description available, you need to use either a mobile device or a PC.

[@carolynmoore5299]

@@GrandAdventure Thank you

[@pauldean3935]

Whoa! Just grabbed my laptop and a notepad to watch this a 2nd time. You just did a lot to ease my worries about my plan to go full time next fall. Thanks sooo much!

[@GrandAdventure]

That's great to hear, Paul -- thank YOU!

[@stonecoldcougar]

This is a really incredible tutorial for using maps to find locations to camp! I've never found an explanation as thorough and helpful as this one! Thank you so much!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU and thanks for watching, SCC. It's a system that has served us well for many years.

[@ouRVisionnomadicliving]

Dangit Marc your giving away all the secrets!!! But seriously what a great informative video. We are certainly blessed to have the vast amount of pubic lands out here in the west. Take Care and Safe Travels!! 👍🍻 Sean

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you, and same to you Sean! If I look at the glass half full, I can hope that this video will spread people out a little bit more.

[@melissavought2214]

Thank you for your thorough step by step process. My husband and I are heading west for the first time in a 29 foot toyhauler. We are adding solar and power system to venture into the boondocks..however it’s quite overwhelming to plan as this is all new to us but it’s what we envision rving should be. I continue to come back to your videos time and again..giving me a better understanding and feeling more confident that we can actually do this!

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, Melissa. Have a wonderful trip, and we're pleased that we could help make the process just a little bit easier for you.

[@cloudpiper9056]

This is by far the best boondocking video guide I've ever watched. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@GrandAdventure]

We're so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for watching.

[@Grandma7T7]

It looks like for me, the best reason for boondocking is to allow my dog to roam without a leash! What a treat that would be, both for her and for me. Thank you for these videos. 🐕🐕‍🦺🐕

[@GrandAdventure]

Our pleasure, T S! Aside from the solitude and sheer natural beauty, our dog is one of our biggest motivators.

[@mwgill1]

Excellent lesson Marc. Thanks!

[@GrandAdventure]

You are most welcome, thank you very much for watching and for commenting.

[@sbgenovese5268]

Very informative!! Love your videos, Mark!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you SB!

[@JoshuaParks]

This video is incredible. Super high value!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Joshua!

[@lizlamade9205]

You, and your information, are terrific. Thank you.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Liz! Happy to hear that you found it useful.

[@najruqwi7008]

Love your video. Very informative and helpful. Thanks 👍

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you very much, we sincerely appreciate that!

[@vy4648]

Excellent job, thank you for sharing.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome Vincent, thanks for watching!

[@mlsanthem]

I loved the detailed instructive video! Best I’ve seen!

[@GrandAdventure]

That's wonderful feedback, music to our ears Mitzi -- thank you.

[@slaviapolandia7541]

What an excellent video! Thanks so much!

[@joemanthei695]

That was extremely insightful and helpful! Thanks a million!!

[@GrandAdventure]

We're thrilled to hear that, Joe. Thank you for watching!

[@larryvincent1083]

Thank you for your labor in putting this video together. Very helpful.

[@GrandAdventure]

We are thrilled to hear that you found it useful, Larry! That's the kind of comment that keeps us going, we sincerely appreciate it.

[@keithwilson8235]

This video is a game changer! Thank you!

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome Keith, thank you for watching!

[@davidspenneberg8769]

Great update Mark!! Enjoy your new rig!!! 👍

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you David! We're sure that we will, everything has been peaches and cream thus far.

[@fwagoner]

Thank you so much for this information! Well done!

[@GrandAdventure]

You are so welcome, thanks for watching and for commenting!

[@bradsmith1441]

You sure do a great service to all of us. Thank you for all your time.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so much Brad! Comments like yours mean the world to us.

[@rvliving4life740]

Fantastic video and great information! Thank you!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU!

[@wcrvadventures9489]

Thank you for the update, new rig looks great!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so much! We're really excited, full-time date now T-minus 5 days. It's crunch time!

[@TerryX2Explore]

We really appreciate how you show everything as opposed to just saying use this and that, etc.... 😀 Also, love the terrain option on GM - didn't know they had that! Thanks for all the helpful info!! 👍💗

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, and thank you very much for watching! we've been thrilled by some of these comments that show that even old hands at finding boondocking spots were still able to find new nuggets of information to take away.

[@ericswild]

Thank you. You did a great job putting this together.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you very much! We sincerely appreciate that.

[@evolusd]

You are such a PRO, great content. Stoked to find your channel!

[@GrandAdventure]

Stoked that you found us, thank you so much!

[@krank3682]

Amazing informative video!! Thank you!

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, Tim, and thank YOU!

[@robinkrause123]

This is so helpful. Thank you for sharing.👍❤️

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad it was helpful Robin! Thank you.

[@MrMozartsMom]

GREAT educational video! Thank you for making this video. So helpful.

[@GrandAdventure]

We're very pleased that you found it helpful. Thank you very much for watching!

[@shaikatarivas5833]

Man that's one of the greatest, most informative videos on the topic. Thanks so much!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much Shai! Happy to hear that you found it useful.

[@Nikki-bp1hj]

Following Grand Adventures! We love your videos. Very informative. Great job!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you, and thanks for watching! We're very pleased to have you along.

[@ricksplace55]

Thank you for sharing, love your site.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks for watching Rick! We sincerely appreciate your viewership.

[@trevorkinzer7918]

We thank you. Great information and presentation.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU Trevor! We appreciate you watching.

[@rvpilgrims]

Thanks, Marc! Great info that we've never seen elsewhere!

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad that you found it helpful!

[@BillSprague]

Thank you so much for the links. What a great set of resources.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, Bill. We use this same process weekly to come up with some wonderful boondocking spots that you'll see on the channel over the next few weeks.

[@dorlu510]

What an absolutely easier show and tell, much appreciate you sharing your knowledge in layman’s terms

[@GrandAdventure]

You are most welcome, thank you so much for watching and for sharing your feedback!

[@bethsmith6347]

You make it easy to understand and locate

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Beth! We sincerely appreciate that.

[@rehrerrobin6025]

Wow! This newbie says THANK YOU!

[@GrandAdventure]

You're very welcome!

[@texmcs9588]

Excellent video Marc.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Tim!

[@roseanncorbin4245]

Thanks so much for this information!! I haven't found another that explained this in so much detail, which I definitely needed.

[@GrandAdventure]

We're very happy to hear that you found it helpful, Rose Ann! Thank you so very much for watching.

[@kevinhanley3023]

Excellent video with great tips!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Kevin! Glad that you found the information useful.

[@rickmurray5345]

Great job as usual Marc! Hope your close to enjoying your new digs. Merry Christmas & Happy New Years!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Rick, same to you and Deb! We started loading the trailer today, tomorrow's the big day.

[@brianvandervelde3873]

The BEST concise efficient explanation to find boondocking sites, and makes it easy to understand! Much appreciated!

[@GrandAdventure]

Our pleasure, Brian. Thank YOU!

[@allenupdegraff3161]

Great information Marc! Thank you so much

[@GrandAdventure]

You're so very welcome Allen, thanks for watching!

[@perettelear6603]

Thank you for sharing great information!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU for watching and for your comment, Perette!

[@josephmills3864]

This is what I've been looking for. You are a genius

[@GrandAdventure]

Don't know about that, Joseph 😊 but we're happy that you've found this useful.

[@tomwalker3553]

Awesome explanation of the maps. Thank you

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad it was helpful Tom, thanks so much for watching!

[@crzyruskie86]

You made the incredibly complicated land system we have simple. Thank you so much.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome! Glad that it helped.

[@gtj2020]

Great vids as always. No matter what episode or how old they are, always informative, and love watching

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so much!

[@paulmcneil2362]

Great video. Thanks. Learned a lot.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Paul, we're thrilled that you did! We sincerely appreciate you watching.

[@DanyRivard]

This morning my coffee was so great with my new Grand Adventure Mug (happy camper) ..., the best of old time !!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Mercy Dany! That must be an extra special coffee.

[@escapedtheratrace3408]

Thanks Mark, what a great informative video. Much appreciated.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, Roger! Thanks for watching.

[@PapaDrewsRV]

Dig dig school is in take notes because this is gold pure gold great job. I love the step by step great job

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you as always Drew!

[@Anza_34832]

Thorough, detailed and easy to understand explanations 👍🏻

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! We're very happy to hear that you found it helpful.

[@Anza_34832]

@@GrandAdventure Most definitely so. You’re not only an avid RVer but also a thinker 👍🏻

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Very informative video Mark! Thank you! Happy Holidays to you and your family!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Chris, and same to you and yours from both of us!

[@thomfisher1100]

Great stuff! Thanks for letting the RV-ers know about these great map systems.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Thom! We sincerely appreciate that.

[@kennethmoore5629]

Great insight to finding less known boondocking spots. Thanks for the tips

[@GrandAdventure]

You bet Kenneth! Thanks for watching.

[@mylibertyvan5650]

Thanks for yet another great video Mark. I will be using your method in the coming months!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU SuzieDee! We look forward to hearing how it works out for you.

[@inquisitivelycurious2187]

An absolutely exceptional tutorial video. Triple thumbs up to you sir!!!

[@GrandAdventure]

And a triple thank-you to you!

[@DSTigerBandDad]

Bravo, Mark! One of your best. Your drone work is absolutely fabulous, too, BTW.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much Kevin!

[@jamescopley204]

Best where to find it I’ve ever found. Inspiration for sure!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much James!

[@kamchai702]

Thank You for sharing the information. Appreciate you very much!

[@GrandAdventure]

And we sincerely appreciate our viewers, thank you!

[@elli003]

Excellent resource and presentation. Even your example of Escalante was perfect !

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you kindly Elli!

[@jaleelpasha3301]

I just wished this video never ended! This video gave so much info in 20 minutes which I wouldn't have gathered in 20 hours of research!

[@GrandAdventure]

That's fantastic to hear! Thank you, we hope that it proves helpful to you.

[@calisdad3]

Always a pleasure Marc. The first minute and a half hooked me on this one. Enjoy-

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! We figured that we'd start this episode with a little eye candy on what the whole process can deliver, before diving into the nitty-gritty of the whole thing.

[@santanarving]

Thank you very helpful. We boondock 90% can't wait to use these new resources

[@GrandAdventure]

So happy that you folks found it helpful, we look forward to hearing about your experience trying these techniques.

[@The1Creston]

That was so incredibly helpful!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thrilled to hear that Creston!

[@knappjs]

Great vid, very helpful!👍🏻

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad you think so Jeff!

[@meadowe15]

AWESOME video!! Thank you! This is so helpful as we plan our full-time rving life.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome! Glad that you found this helpful, thank you very much!

[@Shorttimer05]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@GrandAdventure]

Very happy to hear that you found it that way, FW. Thank you!

[@AFKDays]

That is a great video. Lots of information and well explained. Thanks for creating this! We have not boondocked yet. We want to, but lots of things we were not sure about. watching this makes us feel better about boondocking!

[@GrandAdventure]

That's wonderful to hear AFK, just do it! You'll never look back after that.

[@johnathanoldiges5606]

really great video. Incredibly informative and well put together. Thank you for putting in the work to create this!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you for watching and sharing your feedback, Johnathan!

[@phoenix3780]

Outstanding information!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you, glad that you found it helpful!

[@doncanaday6406]

Marc, this episode is priceless. Will be using this information next Spring after we undoubtedly will be finding campsite options dwindling. Thank you for sharing your secrets! If we see you circling our boondock wishing you had arrived before us we will gladly give it up to thank you. Or, not!😎

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Don! We certainly hope to see you out there.

[@bethsmith6347]

Thank you for all the great information. We still have 1.5 years before we head on the road but this is exactly what I'm looking for

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad it was helpful Beth! Thanks so much for sharing your feedback.

[@vanphillips1514]

This is GREAT! Thanks for putting it together. It recreates the "old days" of going to the Forest Service and purchasing an actual map to spread over the hood of your truck and the orienteering to your spot! I did this mostly back in the day for hunting spots, understanding the terrain, any accessible roads, etc. Thanks again for posting! Great to know the resources are still there and FAR more advanced!

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, Van. Thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your feedback!

[@ironman0917]

Well done Sir. These will become invaluable tools when I get my RV someday. Thank you!

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you very much for watching.

[@HaulingDonkey]

Thank you for this video Marc. It has helped immensely with finding places that my family and I can stay in order to enjoy out wonderful planet alone.

[@GrandAdventure]

Well then, it served its purpose, Matthew. Thanks for your comment!

[@roxlee1]

Great video. Super helpful tips and very clear technical navigation! Thank you for this.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, Rox. Thanks so much for watching!

[@carlpop2324]

This is full of useful information, and our generous host shows how to use the recommended resources. This is fantastic.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Carl! Glad to hear that you found it helpful.

[@royalreptiles3722]

This is one of the best RV/Traveling videos I have found so far! Thank you so much for all the useful information! I love watching your videos. You have amazing content and I appreciate all the experience and knowledge you share!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much RR! Your comment means the world to us.

[@e-square9976]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing. As always, you are the best.

[@GrandAdventure]

No, our viewers are the best E -- thank you!

[@michellegarris3143]

Very informative video. First time watching your channel and am now a subscriber. Thanks!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Michelle, we're thrilled to have you along for the ride.

[@silverscreencc]

That was great information especially for newbies. I appreciate this very useful info. Thx guys

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you, happy that you found it useful! We appreciate you watching.

[@gerrywaite5736]

Mark - I have watch most of your videos (not all yet) and you are truly a pleasure to watch. Your style (unaffected - natural) and "to-the-point" style make your videos easy to watch and learn from. You are always informative and - after all - that is what a lot of us look forward to in "RV LIFE" videos. We have pretty much been Camp Ground RVing, and are now looking to expand our adventures into dispersed camping. Looking forward to more from you and to hear about how your liking your new rig.

[@GrandAdventure]

That's wonderful feedback Gerry, thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts. Time to spread those wings and give boondocking a try! Let us know if we can help.

[@whatsmyname3237]

Great stuff, Marc.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Gus!

[@stevosUSN]

Finally found a great video on How to find great campsites

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Stevo!

[@GiantsNinerFan56]

Amazing video. I’ll watch 10 more times at least. THANK YOU!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you very much!

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, GA. that was one of the most encouraging and helpful videos I've seen. Really great help. I know many people are just hoping to find a place to camp and don't have a clue. So, now they can get a clue. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy! Peace! Love! Charity!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Jon! We tried to simplify it as much as possible and just walk folks through the steps we take ourselves. Once they feel that they've "graduated" past using sites other folks found and shared in online directories, they can branch out and try to find their own.

[@elidae2018]

Great video. Thank you for these tools. New for me. Planning ahead. 🙏🙏🙏👋👋

[@GrandAdventure]

You are most very welcome. Thank you very much for watching!

[@UntiedStatesofAmerica]

Thank you...you are a great teacher, instructor, tour guide etc. Great and informative video. I never knew dispursed camping was a thing. Happy New Year!

[@GrandAdventure]

Same to you Benny! Thank you for your compliments, and thank you for watching.

[@oceandrew]

Mark you're a fantastic teacher and this presentation on finding boondocking sites was enlightening, clear and easy to follow. Here's to hoping I can use what you've shown and get out there camping in my lil teardrop. Thanks Mark.

[@GrandAdventure]

Your teardrop is perfect for that, Drew! We are thrilled to hear that you found this video helpful.

[@fregoso1985]

Thank you very much, I am a new rv er and this info is what I’ve been waiting for, thanks

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, Grillo -- welcome to the lifestyle!

[@HOMEFORD-np4lx]

Saved as a favorite so can view again. Thanks!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! Glad that you found it useful.

[@martinas.1740]

What an AMAZING video, the most educational and informational I have EVER seen on the topic!! Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of information!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Martina! We're thrilled that you found it helpful.

[@dondartt684]

I like how you use different tools to help find your camping sites.

[@GrandAdventure]

Just like any job, Don, you use the right tool for the job. Wrenches are for turning nuts, not for screwing screws. 😁 So once you use the Protected Lands Viewer to identify the land manager, you break out that land manager's tools to find the right spot. Thanks so much for watching!

[@joemiller1158]

Great video !! Thanks for the info

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Joe! And you're most very welcome.

[@apiitg]

wow! I am amazed by the info shared in this video. Thank you!

[@GrandAdventure]

Our pleasure, glad it was helpful!

[@christineorlando2020]

Exceptionally well done. Step by step instructions to make it very easy for anyone. Thank you Marc! Hope to see you on the road some day!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Christine! Happy that you found this helpful, and hope to see you out there.