Using Google Earth to pinpoint RV boondocking locations

[@Chris-lc4bo]

I am viewing your video 7 years later and I find the way you present info very helpful. Thank you.

[@bobarino]

We love to boondock for all the reasons you dscribe, privacy, quiet and we travel with three dogs. Thank you for what you have done.

[@MrTommy001]

We've been boondocking for 20+ years - but never thought of using Google Earth. What a great idea! Being from Nevada, we're used to just pulling off on a dirt road and driving until we find the 'perfect' spot (of which there are MANY), but this Google Earth idea has just opened up a whole new world in places we never thought we could use. Thank you Dave!

[@davehelgeson9216]

Yes, with Nevada being nearly 90% public land there are more places where you can boondock then not, Google Earth just lets you find them without driving down a road hoping to find a spot.

[@Shashaylah]

Thanks for the great info and no loud music to compete with your information. Awesome, thumbs up and have subscribed.

[@BillSprague]

Great job! I use Google Earth for my civil engineering work but am now getting ready to boondock, initially in a truck camper. This is a very well done presentation! Thanks!

[@martinj8647]

Thanks Dave for this presentation it was very helpful. I do wish you would of showed an example of from start to finish. But from what I gather, I think this is how it works. 1) you go to public lands find the place you want to go 2) Then go to Google Earth and do close up looking around and get coordinanaces 3) Then get coordinanaces and plug into GPS That appears to be the sequence. I went to BLM's site could not find rules anywhere nor how to find a ranger station nearby. I wished you would of covered these two areas a little more too. Not complaining just suggesting. You gave us all the pieces pretty good. Just wished you would of put it all together for us new guys on how to do this whole process from start to finish.

[@davehelgeson790]

You pretty much have the sequence down. Do a online search using "BLM" the area you want to visit (ie "Las Vegas" and the words "dispersed camping" this link www.blm.gov/basic/programs-recreation-recreational-activities-nevada-camping-overview is for the Las Vegas BLM area.

[@TheShunpiker1]

Great suggestions. We also have discovered and use these tools. Only thing that you cannot tell is the road conditions. One positive sign is if you can see other good-sized RVs in satellite view. Otherwise, good idea to walk or drive a tow vehicle (something you can always turn around) down the road first. Cheers!

[@cam-bo11]

This boondocking series is fantastic and so thorough. Thank you so much!

[@mommag2959]

Thank you for educating me on using Google Earth and finding great boondocking sites!!!

[@suex9088]

Hi Dave! I'm a newbie, knew nothing about Google Earth. Love the PowerPoint format, really easy to follow. This is 1 of the most useful videos I've seen - thank you so much! Just 'discovered' you, subscribed; thanks again!!

[@toddhaser]

Fantastic information! Thank you so much for putting this video (and series) together!

[@shareholder4500]

Wonderful video; great information, I first heard about boondocking today this is the second video I found, and This one covered every question I had. Thank You.

[@lorisingels7787]

Many thanks, Dave. You've made my traveling a whole lot easier!!!

[@denthy68]

Great info and presentation. Just what a newbie like me needs. Thank you!

[@lynjameson1368]

So cool. Great presentation. So informative. Thanks.

[@Wendel22]

Thank you for all the great Information. We are new at Rving and looking forward to boondocking and exploring....

[@superckn7]

Great tutorial! Will use (all) this info for fishing this summer in Western Montana...RnMT

[@jalalanversd7834]

amazing videos bless you your videos inspire me so much to travel and save and enjoy every day

[@fredhartman1325]

So kind of you to help everyone. I am only a tent camper, and would like to know the etiquette for us when finding these sites. Do those with RV's get upset when a tent camper occupies a site that is big enough for their unit and we took the space? Should we tent campers only take spots that are small?

[@RobFomenko]

I own a 40ft class-a and I tow a jeep Grand Cherokee behind me so I'm 60 ft overall. I have come into sites and seen small RV or even a tent occupying larger sites sometimes the only site that I can fit in. Same goes with campgrounds. Came into organ pipe national cactus monument in Arizona and a small airstream was taking up the only large space on that row. I had to squeeze into a much smaller space and scratched the side of my coach. So from my perspective of someone with a large RV yeah we would prefer you to stick to the sites where you can easily pull a car up and set a tent in, and leave the bigger spots. But then you would have to be aware of that and most people are not.

[@desertcat8029]

Great info! Subscribed🛎 and 👍🏻 Looking forward to binge of your videos! Life with Ken and Jane

[@RobFomenko]

Was at koosharem reservoir recently. I use I-overlander to find initially then Google maps. Why Google Earth instead of Google maps? But as I watch the video I realize that Google Earth gives you more control. I tend to just use my phone but guess I'll have to pull out my laptop and give that one a try. I didn't watch the other videos yet but I hope you mention that if you are going to boondock you need to evaluate site very carefully. I got stuck in Boise national Forest recently and it took almost a week to get out. Site was clear and dry when I parked it and after a few days of rain my front wheels were and what's that I could not get out because my rear wheels were just getting no traction in the mud. The other thing you need to mention is that most roadside assistance will not come off of a paved road to get you. But it sure beats being in a campground or an RV park.

[@MickyELee]

Coincidentally, the PublicLands.org map view today shows 6 RV roofs parked in that very area you are referencing - another hint ! Google Earth also shows the same photo.

[@dwzipp]

Great delivery of very useful information. Thank you.

[@gutbucketlt]

You're a great teacher! Thanks!

[@davidgodley521]

Something that can also help is my Ford Transit van has a built in digital compass.

[@fletcher3913]

Nice presentation, I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@lisamarie879]

Awesome video, Thanks for posting it. I'm subscribing!

[@stevejohansen5373]

Extremely useful video!

[@steveleonard1227]

Thanks for this video. You showed features that I have not taken advantage of before.

[@curiousmike1044]

Very well done. I learned a lot.

[@kiwicomposer]

Great video series. Question how do you ensure that you can park and not get stuck in soft 'sand' gravel etc. One concern of boondocking for me is risking getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.

[@davehelgeson790]

Once you are comfortable using Google Earth, you will have a good idea if the road crosses solid ground or traverses a sandy wash. If in doubt, get out and walk the road first.

[@stphnalln]

Wow, this guy is great!!

[@HS-co7yi]

Great Presentation, thanks!

[@ricksilberman5884]

Well Done! Thanks for some really useful info.

[@FloridaBoyBushcraftSurvival]

Google Earth is ok just don't use Google Maps. Those maps can be as much as 4-5 years old in some cases...

[@DorkyThrifters]

hey there - GREAT TIPS!!! We just discovered your channel and subscribed! looking forward to seeing more and learning from your travels! We are a full time family preparing to hit the road soon and head for warmer weather this winter...

[@jodiemarieelectrolys]

Hi Dave, great info. How do you take/save the coordinates you've selected on GE and use them to arrive at their location? Thank you.

[@davehelgeson790]

I am old school and write them on a paper map of the area. My wife then hand enters them into the GPS receiver to navigate to them.

[@WannaBFree]

Excellent video, thank you for posting. :)

[@l.p.schulman3054]

problem I've found is that lots of other people do the same thing. I often arrive at a campsite I've found, only to find that it's occupied.

[@ruthconlon574]

L. P. Schulman Call dentist mmmmm

[@robertallen231]

..is ruth being a 'colon'..?

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Maybe to go further out? For two weeks at a time? That is what I do and you can find places where others are rarely seen. They just cannot be those spots on KZbin.

[@coryvictorgul]

So helpful, thank you!

[@annalou6675]

I need to boondock for like 2 months.

[@shemwayman1146]

GOOD INFORMATION, THANKS ALOT FOR THE VIDEO

[@SteveBachmeier]

Nice video! I don't see the elevation and gps coordinates just by moving the cursor, though. Did Google change that?

[@davehelgeson790]

What device are you using to view Google Earth?

[@davehelgeson790]

Are you on a mobile device or laptop? Elevation doesn't show on my iphone. I suspect there is a way to enable it, but I do most of my campsite finding on my laptop, so I haven't spent the time to find out.

[@tinatorres8291]

Awesome instructions!

[@klouism1]

Great information, Thank you.

[@joanhazelgrove9444]

Very helpful info.

[@thomasg5103]

Thank you very much for this great tutorial. Guess I need a new TOMTOM,mine is not supported for updates. Or can I use my phone (Moto X)?

[@Mhdogman]

Awesome video!

[@Wylv_YT]

very interesting. thank you!

[@bushwp11]

what laptop do you use that works well with the Google Earth. mine is old and out of date and I'm ready to upgrade. great video!

[@davehelgeson9216]

I use an HP.

[@JavierBonillaC]

What is the difference between Google Earth and Google Maps? I've been using both and they seem to do exactly the same. Maps is even better because I can save places.... Thanks for info≥

[@davehelgeson790]

I find Google Earth easier to navigate and obtain coordinates, elevation, photos, etc.

[@gregoryadkins2213]

I don’t get it how can boondocking be full I’ve never encountered it in 20-yrs.Are these area small,I know you’re not talking about(example)Quartzsite,Arizona,tons of open BLM land.My idea of boondocking is lots of open space,not a certain amount of spaces Available.If That’s the case,just stay in pay/KOA,type campground.

[@wherervnowusa3546]

Thank you for such great detailed information. are a lot of the areas accessible with a 40' diesel class A

[@davehelgeson9216]

The more clearance, the better chance to access boondocking sites, but yes many of the sites I shared would be accessible with a large class A.

[@bartjackson4447]

OK...when out in desolate desert areas, what is the prevalence of snakes and other critters...guess I've watched too many westerns, but to watch them you'd think there's a rattler under every step!

[@davehelgeson790]

We typically travel in the fall when a lot of desert critters are dormant. Just be aware of your surroundings and know where desert critters like to hide. Don't let it keep you from the boonies.

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

love Google Earth.

[@tikilee7172]

Not seeing bottom or right side of screen on google earth on this vid. Such as elevation on bottom or guy on right. Is it because I'm watching on iPad? Kind of frustrating because this is really good information.

[@bargainboondocker3420]

I don't see it either and I'm on a desktop.

[@tikilee7172]

Okay, thanks!

[@davehelgeson6005]

The problem is not on your end, the transponder didn't pick it up correctly during production. Hope to correct it in future episodes. Thanks for watching.

[@tikilee7172]

That would be great. Excellent content.

[@MickyELee]

A user must got to View and select scale to see the scale.

[@tammyinwv1]

Is there a difference in DL google Earth and just using it from the site online?

[@davehelgeson790]

Not sure what DL Google Earth is, I just use it online.

[@tammyinwv1]

@@davehelgeson790 well that answered my question. lol. by DLdownload which i prefer not to.

[@firemarshal17]

What do you do for security all alone in an isolated spot in the middle of nowhere?

[@MtnSnowflake]

Dennis Goebelt You carry a gun

[@davehelgeson9216]

We will cover that in a future installments

[@johnstevens8362]

GUN

[@allantorkelson13]

Hey Dave just starting to get into this Boondocking. Would it be safe to say that if it BLM property and if I can find a safe place to park off of some little access that I can came there unless sign posted? I went through and found the ones you have stayed at but its kind of hard to find boondocking sites or its just that I am being to cautious if it is a site

[@motherterezzza3466]

Dog to alert you and gun

[@littlefarmerette123]

Good information, unfortunately you spoke so fast and zoomed through the material even faster! I rely on captions a great deal and if you watch this video with cc feature on, you'll see that the typist had a very difficult time with your speech as well. This is so frustrating, as I am eager to learn about your information. Maybe you could do series of demo tutorials where we can follow along and really appreciate your lessons. As it is, it left me frustrated, I tried to rewind several times and paused the video even more , all to no avail. Thank you for considering this request from the hearing impaired.

[@JMMGarza]

Fabulous! Now I know.

[@SkylinersYeti]

What version of google earth? I have google earth pro and does not look at all like your screen,

[@davehelgeson790]

When that was filmed I was using the standard edition of Google Earth. I now have pro on my computer, but don't find it to be that much different

[@brendaenglish7003]

how can I find public lands in New England or Eastern US?

[@davehelgeson9216]

Check with forest service, state DNR offices and state fish and wildlife.

[@waynesworld2014]

Thank You !

[@olddawgsrule]

Have you found something similar for Canada and the Crown Lands?

[@davehelgeson790]

No yet, but I am working on a way to gather the info

[@olddawgsrule]

@@davehelgeson790 I ended up going GAIA to get Backroads Canada on a very usable platform.

[@davehelgeson790]

@@olddawgsrule Does GAIA distinguish Crown Land from private land? Where are you finding dispersed camping guidelines for Crown Land?

[@olddawgsrule]

@@davehelgeson790 Backroads Mapbooks is not as precise as the US GAIA landowners feature, yet it does show you National/Provincial/Crown owned vs... As far as guidelines go for Crown Land, unless posted otherwise, open for any Canadian Citizen to use. I'm still searching for something even better. So far, best I've found for Canada.

[@davehelgeson790]

@@olddawgsrule What if I am not a Canadian Citizen? Is anyone out there checking citizenship??

[@TruckingBiker1967]

Ever get there and find its already taken?

[@davehelgeson790]

Very seldom, but it pays to have a back up site picked out just in case

[@TSunshineful]

Do you take it with or without food? Do you put it in a drink, like orange juice?

[@jessarellanes6648]

Awesome

[@dwC4u]

Was this originally recorded on VHS?

[@keltiqrennee]

site won't show anything on the left side if you are using a cell phone...horrible mobile site...

[@NorthernExposureATV]

I cant wrap my head around how or why anyone would ever want to camp in the desert without having a purpose like hunting or motor sports involved....if I wanted to stare at dirt for days I'd just stop cleaning my floors lol....to each their own I suppose.

[@matthewronsson]

Nice info, horrid bumper musak.

[@josh3326]

Free camping. Take that over priced RV parks! $80 for a night with just electrical is insanely expensive.

[@takayama1638]

Helpful, but Dagnabbedit if y'all whippersnappers don't beat yo gums so fast I canno' tell what' you trying to say. "Washnn state...guggle rth... imergr dates..." Eh?

[@venerable3552]

San

[@tommyg.9069]

Your volume is too low. I have KZbin & my laptop volume all the way up and I have to strain to hear you. IT'S possible your mic is too far-away from your mouth.

[@kimjongryan9043]

+RVtravel More and more places I go are trashed by people, and / or closed off now because of idiots who ruined it for everyone. Thanks for showing more people how to find and ruin the remaining places. I love youtube, but this aspect of it sucks - mindless/inconsiderate people exploiting things for a little ad revenue or notoriety...

[@slickwillie916]

If I had 1 dollar for every time this guy said ah, I would be a millionaire