Van Life Essentials Where to Camp for Free in the Summer While Living in a Van

[@VagabondMango]

“Colorado you can stay high and be comfortable all year” lol.. I had to chuckle at that 😂😮

[@mikestone9129]

Sounds like a John Denver song.

[@b.savage8953]

I've been to Colorado several times and their always on fire somewhere in the summertime 👍

[@briank3564]

Been camping in the east for many years. Many Great places to camp and stay cool. Follow the Appalachia chain and find the high elevations and camp in the abundant shade provided by the leafy trees, if you do get hot in the afternoon,, jump in one of the many rivers,, creeks or lakes to cool off. Night time gets cool and comfortable in the mountains back east.

[@thepatsyfamily]

Found this on the internet. Helps explain why the sun is more intense or why it feels so hot at high altitude when it's 80 degrees. "The closer to the equator you are, the more intense the sun's rays. But also, the higher up you are, the more intense the sun's rays. Your UV exposure increases by 10% for every 3,280 feet in altitude; at 6,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, you're exposed to 25% more ultraviolet radiation than at sea level."

[@Kwiltedpony2]

After, 5 years, is all that you say in this video, true? I have learned so much already from watching your videos, but I believe this video is the best one yet. Thank you for all that you do and share with us.

[@nneichan9353]

Thank you for mentioning the heart and lung issue at higher elevations. It is very important info for those of us with health problems! Great video.

[@ketoauntie7301]

Yes it is a good point, my brother moved to Oregon in November 2020 & passed away on 12/23/2020 & he was complaining of headaches & shortness-of-breath out there jyst from the change from living in Wisconsin. It is very serious for those more effected by elevation changes.

[@jimmcmichael911]

@@ketoauntie7301 hi

[@jimmcmichael911]

In the spring I'm sell ing my house and travling

[@williamklein6749]

Really nice video. So helpful. One thing to keep in mind - some places in Ut., Col., Wyoming MT., etc. can be 85 degrees in the afternoon at @ 8000 feet BUT will get down to the 70's and then 60's after the sun drops. That 2000 ft. between 8000 and 10000 can make a huge difference for folks with breathing problems. I've found 8000 in the shade of some Ponderosa pines to be a great middle ground. Cool enough during the day and perfect at night. Doesn't really warm up until the afternoon and cools right off late. Just something to keep in mind for folks who have some breathing difficulty and still want to be free.

[@caroldodson237]

August 2011 we boondocked for two weeks at the South rim of the Grand Canyon and two weeks on the North Rim! Absolutely beautiful spots for FREE!!! We used our tent and van. The heat was never an issue for us. Ahh... Can't wait to do it again!

[@janetkoball44]

Thanks Bob for this info. I learned alot.

[@jorgejelicic8525]

I cannot begin to thank you enough for all the great information you share with us !

[@MonicaLeader]

I can speak to Wa State for the summer....I lived on Whidbey Island for 3 years. Most of the years for the summers it was mid 60's to 70's. Be prepared for rain especially on 4th of July. My last year there 2016 was the first year it didn't rain on 4th of July. Added bonus if you have children there's a fair in Oak Harbor the week of 4th of July.

[@luanntexascitizen4345]

Monica Watson , I lived in Langley for 2 years. I moved back to Eastern Washington because the rain made me even more depressed. It's beautiful on sunny days which indeed are few.

[@kaylabrewer8748]

Looks like we’re headed to flagstaff next. Thanks, it’s so hot in Tucson

[@sandradugan7513]

You are an inspiration!! I will be doing this when my daughter graduates from college I can't take her home from her. Thanks for all you do,,your videos make living and working and planning a little less painful. I NEED to do this soon good luck with everything Imlooking forward to meeting you all!!!

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Well Bob , I did it . I finally convinced my wife to go full time RVing . We've already started selling off all our stuff and paying off all our debt . Then we'll buy a Travel Trailer ( a Ourtoors RV MFG. Titanium 24 RKS . And no , we don't work for them ) and sell our house . We should be on the road no later than spring of 2019 . ( or sooner we hope ) . JT

[@Halakah7]

Just checked your channel for an update and sure enough you guys did it... Congrats guys!!!!

[@PhenomenalWorld]

the dream of the 90s is alive in Portland. 7:23

[@TheMan-wg8xm]

Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are great places in the summer. Those few days when it is very hot, you just head to one of the many lakes. If you need cooler yet, well it is always cooler by the Great Lakes. The downside are the ticks (lyme disease) and the mosquitos. These northern areas are covered in National and State Forests. Free dispersed camping can be found.

[@philcapling8268]

Great info, Bob! Living in Charlotte, North Carolina, you are absolutely right on your comments on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Outer Banks of North Carolina; they are beautiful spots. I’d also add that following the coast of North and South Carolina (other than in the latter part of June and in July, August, and first half of September)-during the day it gets warm, but at night close to the beach area, it is quite cool. (upper 70’s). Great info on staying out West. Thanks for all you do for all of us.

[@LeeHur_Low]

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the state of Maine are good places to go to escape the heat of summer

[@Sewspcl]

I love your series on camping throughout the year on as a snowbird. You are truly inspiring Bob. See you at the next RTR! Have a wonderful summer.

[@mikestone9129]

Can you do a video on how snowbirds get their mail while moving about, especially for us who get our meds from the Veterans Admin etc.

[@Always_sojourning]

As always, very informative video. Keep 'em coming.

[@cryptocruiser4179]

I'm bin watching all your snowbird videos! Priceless information! Thank you so very much !

[@patricklondon6006]

Michigan's upper peninsula is nice in the summer. Winters are brutal. Great fishing!

[@robertallen231]

..U.P. is great in summer..mosquitos might be bad tho'..

[@bigyingadventurestoo9916]

Not many fishermen among the permanent nomads I see on KZbin. In fact, pretty much none of them that I watch. If I was a full timer that's what I would be doing a lot of. Can't fish in the desert though. That's why I would prefer Florida in the winter.

[@bigyingadventurestoo9916]

Just need to buy fishing license. No registration required for Kayaks or canoes

[@bigyingadventurestoo9916]

They were required in Minnesota the last time I was there. Even for an inflatable Kayak. A real hassle.

[@jaimhaas5170]

Big please tell me you are kidding...I thought it was nationwide that all people powered water craft are free? In WI I am pretty sure that is how it goes.

[@bigyingadventurestoo9916]

I never hear anyone talk about northern Minnesota in the summer close to Lake Superior. Superior National Forest has free and reduced fee camping scattered around. Occasionally reaches mid 80's to 90, but usually in the 70's or less. Beautiful camping on lakes in remote locations.

[@raybrensike42]

Mosquitoes.

[@bigyingadventurestoo9916]

June and July. Almost gone in August. They don't generally come out until dark anyway. And dark is like 10:00 to 10:30.

[@VagabondMango]

What’s the altitude there. I need a really low altitude cool place if that even exists. Lol

[@bigyingadventurestoo9916]

As I recall, it's never more than about 1500 feet. Usually lower.

[@lonestarlaurel8620]

Mosquitos!! They stay out of sustained direct sun, moving air and the rain. So doI You will find few mosquitoes in dry / arid areas with no underbrush around.

[@waltertodd4479]

Bob you get that same 3.5 degrees cooler by either going up 1,000 feet in elevation like you said, or, by moving north 1 degree in latittude. 😊

[@Aspengaming-12345]

You are 100% correct I have been from coast to coast MANY MANY times and the west is the best always . The East does not begin to compare to the west

[@CharlieM-l2h]

Michigan has alot to offer Bob .

[@redwoodrivers]

I can't get enough of these kinds of videos, Bob. Thanks for sharing the knowledge of your years of experience. It helps to put my mind at ease as I head into uncharted territory. Join us in Sedona?

[@pattycakecrochet1]

The Mindful Nomad do you have a channel or website or even a fb page? We will be heading out in the next year or ao and I am the same way about the nerves on where to go and who to meet up with. We are hopeing to start around next years RTR so we can meet otjers like us and get some more training from the experts. Lol. Good luck & God Bless. Happy trails

[@redwoodrivers]

Patricia Conley I do have a KZbin Channel. Search for The Mindful Nomad and my podcast that covers mindfulness and the nomadic life will come up. We have a gathering in Sedona coming up in March.

[@yolandav2784]

Thank you Bob. Useful info.. As i will be hitting the road as a Single Woman. ☺. I will get a resuce cat in 2 years .Thats my Plan. You Always i inspire me to Take that Step with No Fear!! Sending Love and Blessings🐾☺🐾. Hugs to Coty.

[@joanhebert5420]

We ladies should keep in touch so that we could join up somewhere in the summer!

[@ChanelThomas248]

Bob Wells, you are an awesome human being!

[@twolvefan8]

I've never heard of anybody using elevation to their advantage. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@sandrawray542]

always informative Bob!

[@danpocian9286]

Thank you thank you thank you Bob ive been using your advice and tips for the past 4 years all over southwest and southeast downtown to keywest and back to suburbs of Milwaukee Wisconsin... again thank you for all the knowledge and information safe travels this summer during the world events. Stay far out beyond the Grid

[@patsikora5169]

I agree the west is the best in the summer !!!!!

[@christineesser8826]

Hope. What a beautiful message. Thank you.

[@MARKCANEER]

Good video, solid information 🙏👍

[@thryce82]

Of anyone geta up into maine area o suggest checking out Burlington vermont region. Absolutely gorgeous there

[@cherylanderson3340]

This was very helpful. I've spent my whole life In MA, which has many very lovely scenic areas - in all seasons - with only brief periods of humidity. Any one who visits her must include spending time on Cape Cod, with ferry visits to Martha's Vineyard, & Nantucket. I haven't known much about the seasons & various characteristics of travelling through the western states, so this talk gave me some insight. The scenery behind you in this vid is spectacular!

[@b.savage8953]

I'm from Connecticut, my Dad from West Virginia , my Mom from Indiana and 2 half sister's fron Chicago Illinois 😊

[@PACERGIRL68]

Bob thank you for this info. I was wondering how I can stay in Arizona year round and “bam” your video came up. Thank you for the information on the higher elevation and heart issues.

[@LorE_aka-midwestmemaw8555]

I'm really concentrating on getting solar before January 2023, I really want to go to Arizona for my 59th birthday, and every birthday following.

[@kenhuth1762]

Thanks Bob, that was terrific. If that doesn’t inspire my wife I don’t know what will. I have just had enough of summers in Atlanta. Keep up the good work

[@luanntexascitizen4345]

Washington State is very diverse. Cold winter is December to March. The East is the dryer and sunnier side of the state and easy to get to Idaho and Montana in a day.

[@seancostello816]

Bob, come to Michigan’s upper peninsula. It is absolutely beautiful.

[@xstanadu]

Thank you kindly for ALL of your great and carefully thought out information ! You are a treasure SIR !! Thank You ! Thank You !! 😊

[@henrycordero8265]

Whats an amazing video!!!

[@bonitatrost1028]

Thank you so much, your information is wonderful, time saving, and inspiring.

[@paj6644]

Great video Bob you are right on the East Coast I live in Pennsylvania and finding cheap camping is really hard there are some not alot, I plan on starting full time in April going to do it out of my 2011 Ford F 150 with camper shell my bed build is almost done i am just waiting for my solar to get here so I can mount it on my camper shell over my bed I have already chatted with a few other Boon dockers and am going to meet up with them hopefully but I will be heading to Colorado stopping off along the way thanks Bob your videos are the best........

[@maddknadd9019]

Van Dreaming how did it work out?

[@Chunda8]

Thanks Bob. I want to add to your East Coast list: now I'm not sure about camping but there are beautiful areas in upstate New York @ Canandaigua, Chittenango, Skaneatles, etc. Very nice in the summer, easy to get to and from. Vermont's Green Mountains I think are worth checking into as well. Maine of course is gorgeous in summer, but gets very buggy.

[@robertpringle8498]

Love your videos! The wife and I are preparing to go nomad in the future, and your vids are helping her overcome her trepidations. I trucked most of my life, so I really miss being on the road. We live now near Tionesta, Pa. where the Allegheny National Forest is. We love it here and think that someday when you're out East, you may wish to check it out. Keep up the videos, you do a fine job.

[@quinnkdjs]

Love the videos, I like the contents at the start especially when rewatching. Thanks again.

[@headbangerministries6845]

Interesting, early October I'll be looking for an RV and leave Can.

[@raybrensike42]

There are some real beautiful places in Washington state. If you like dense, tall Douglas fir, with narrow roads and pull out camping (hunters often make some of these sites) with lots of shade, or some sunshine if you like. How about overcast cool mornings every day, and then watch those clouds give way to partly sunny, or clear days, while you enjoy your shade? It's nice. No mosquitoes, no snakes, no scorpions, no problems. (July 5th through Sept) Mt St Helen's area.

[@mjpeterman833]

Just got back from Rangely Maine. Lots of pretty places. We did go to Arcadia National Park. So beautiful and a magical place to see.

[@mjpeterman833]

But getting up there was nuts. Traffic was horrendous and people just plain drive crazy. No more traveling northeast again for us. We love the west.

[@CP-nz1yb]

@@mjpeterman833 Thanks for the info., want to avoid crowds.

[@alchristensen8121]

If you want to avoid summer heat, the alternative to higher elevations is sea level - along the Pacific Coast.

[@campgoerOne]

Thank you for another great video Bob! I didn't get around to chatting with you this year..But it was sure nice of your sweet dog Cody to say hello to me and come up for me to pet him! 😊 Love watching your channel! Be well my friend!

[@planetprospector5872]

great info, Great Job Bob! Looking forward to seeing you out in the Wild.

[@tikoy1955]

I know a nomad who spent most of the summer in West Virginia and Virginia before heading to Florida for the winter. He said it got chilly in the mountains at night.

[@gloriaa5861]

You are always the man with a plan! TY Bob for sharing. Take care.

[@GregoryWJohnson]

Heading to Michigan in the summer to see family. Hope to stay in a National Forest.

[@skyl4rk]

Thank you! Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula Michigan National Forests are worthwhile in Fall, Spring and Summer.

[@cubey]

Good info. I think I may spend all of summer 2021 around Flagstaff since I want to keep costs way down and not travel too much still due to covid. Plenty of things to see around the area, all within about an hour or less from town. Moving around mid-week means I can settle into a good spot before the weekenders show up. And with the money I save on fuel while there, if I get sick of it or have to leave due to wildfires or something, I can head elsewhere in a hurry if I need to suddenly.

[@robertallen231]

..alright Bob...you just made a comment that just might influence me for the rest of my life...Utah, Colorado and Arizona would make me happy for the rest of my life...maybe my life plan from here on out...thx

[@chuckmiller5763]

Around Big Lake Arizona, it get to 11,000 feet. I have witnessed august temps at night down to 39 degrees.

[@cathymiller3086]

Hi Bob!! Thank you!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@yvonnedavis2271]

This has been a great series! It makes me more confident and ready to try it out for myself soon!!

[@jaimhaas5170]

Bob it was completely by accident that I ended up camping in Nat Forest just outside of Grand Canyon (south side) ...I assumed I was doing it illegally but I am glad I never let stupid rules stand in the way of stealth camping. This was pre internet so now it would be easier to check.

[@tonik2734]

Very informative but I need to stay below 5,000’ as the Rabbit Brush causes allergic reaction. And yes, I do use allergy Med and cannot increase it. Hate it as much of the beauty is at the higher elevation. Saw that driving Hwy 70 through Colorado 2 weeks ago with trees changing colors!! We had decided that we needed to go north when we needed ac and south when we needed heaters but cost can be a big factor for sure so staying in a smaller area is a good option, just go up and down in elevation. And thanks for the 3.5 deg per thousand feet info.

[@MarkTarsis]

These were a fantastic series of videos. Thanks for making them.

[@SaintSolitaire]

You're so generous Bob

[@veevanvoom5863]

So good to know you are in touch with what is improtant

[@1951Roy]

Where can I find the names of your camping areas in the high country, it's hard to tell where your camping with the map you posted. Keep up the good work Bob.

[@denisewittman975]

Love the way you explained this. so helpful

[@CherylFlynn1]

I’m back. This series is so engaging and inspiring.

[@VagabondMango]

Yep, I have a muscle disease that weakens my diaphragm muscles and my swallowing, etc. and Ive been under 400 feet my whole life. I’m terrified to take a trip west. But I want to sooo bad. I’m hoping I can get over to Quartzsite thru New Mexico and be ok thru the 4,000 feet... I’ll only deal with it for a few hours. I think I’ll have to be plugged in to an RV pole thru summer. There will be so many beautiful places I will miss.

[@michellegrimm5487]

This is really helpful. Thank you.

[@decastring]

Hey Bob! I've loved the Snowbird Schedule series! You have provided an immense amount of very useful information. The Google map images towards the end of this video are very interesting! Sorry if I've overlooked something, but, are they somewhere on your website? I'd really like to explore them without having to pause a KZbin video. Thanks!

[@Romans-dz1bq]

Yaaay Bob! I feel like going all the way to the East Coast now! Great video😍

[@debbied7803]

Thanks Bob

[@1wolfpup]

Thank you, for all of the great advice and sharing the many years of experience. God bless.

[@thecountrydweller2799]

Great info Bob. Just what I'v been looking for.

[@updatedjustnow271]

FYI……higher isn’t always cooler. I live in WA state and one summer it was HOT in Olympia. We decided to go to Mt. Rainier thinking it would be cooler. WRONG. It was just as hot there as it was in Olympia. Better to go to the coast.

[@michellec4857]

You really make wonderful videos with valuable information! Thanks

[@thelazyace751]

Thanks Bob The West is the Best!!! I'm from Idaho

[@justbet0214]

So appreciate all this wonderful information. What an inspiration!

[@elsagrace3893]

God Bless you Bob.

[@rosegraugnard2168]

I just moved from lake isabella/wofford heights , calif.

[@japetsureinikka3778]

Oh papi... So informative and really like your style... Thank you again

[@sassysarina9718]

Epic inspiring talk ❤👏👏👏

[@attheranch873]

Great info. I’m from Colorado though, and there are so many people coming here that the traffic can be way too much. It’s turning into California :(

[@EricWichman]

As always, GREAT INFO! As a new nomad I look forward to visiting all those places you mentioned. Thanks!

[@mauricepowers3804]

Wow this video is really really helpful to me even though I'm not out there yet I have wondered about where to go and when,so thank you so much! I'm hoping to be out there within 2 years thanks again Bob

[@gordontamplin2905]

Thank you for all the wonderful And informative videos! You inspire many including myself!

[@patriciabandeko3842]

Hi Bob! I just recently got my tiny home on wheels, a 23ft class c. Does this type of motorhome make it more difficult to get to these spots. I originally wanted a van but realized I'd probably be happier with a little more room so I compromised and got the older class c. At my age I knew I wouldn't have the luxury of changing my mind so I took 2yrs to do some soul searching and homework. I decided on finding a rear kitchen layout after watching a video you made talking to a lovely lady that had one. Thank you so much. 😊

[@Betriska]

Great info and encouragement, Bob. As always. Thank you! Flagstaff is doable for me. I'm set up in Why because of another of your videos. I'm from the southeast and look forward to a hot dry summer. But, Flagstaff is a good backup if it gets too much!

[@frankmccleary]

This one is going in my Bookmarks !!

[@spacerconrad]

In Colorado you can stay high and be comfortable all year.... Yep, 'specially in the Boulder area. :D

[@ms_shineygreeneyes]

Great video! Very good information and that scenery in the background is amazing! How beautiful is that?

[@cristinatee1732]

Bob thank you so much for all this info on where to spend summers in our beautiful country.. I was a little dismayed to hear that the Oregon Coast would be difficult to find campgrounds because when I finally do get to go full time in my RV & leave Chicago, I was hoping to settle on the coast (preferably Newport, Lincoln City areas) but will consider moving somewhere inland closer to Corvallis, Albany, etc but I know the summers in Corvallis can get up into the high 90’s but it’s much cooler on the coast (60-70’s). Any other advice for a “Coast/Ocean” View nomad like myself?? Btw, I will have my fur babies (cats & small dogs) w/me in my class C so I’m not wanting to be anywhere that gets too hot..prefer to stay below 75 degrees..

[@patricklee780]

I think Bob would rather be in Colorado...Me too Bob.

[@thisismeumbass]

Thank you dude. Disabled, need to find cheap living arrangement.