Go find it yourself
Boondocking location information is so easily found online thanks to the Internet now-a-days, which means many more people are camping on public land then when I started my travels in 2010. Add in the hordes that make the trek out into a beautiful scene just to impress their Instagram or Facebook followers, these once-wild locations are being overwhelmed and destroyed. Sadly, we (myself included) have ruined these natural areas to the point that some are now off-limits to the public, and others are so crowded it is no longer nature at all. Yes, I am partially to blame in all of this, as I have shared locations online for years thinking I was helping others. The reality though is that I have been assisting in the destruction of my favorite places while also handicapping the true boondocker from finding their own adventures – teach a man to fish and all that.
So, I have decided to stop sharing free-camping and other ‘wild activity’ locations to play my part in reducing the crowds that are visiting these places. Sorry, but it is a necessity. However, I will offer the following advice; invest in a good map (I like Benchmark maps) and take the time to explore them. Find places off the beaten path, and then take the time to explore those roads that you find interesting. In time it will become a second nature skill and you won’t need help finding a beautiful and secluded place to call home for a night. Don’t look at social media to find your next adventure, go find it yourself. Over the years I have been on the road, it is the places if stumbled upon without any previous knowledge that I remember most. And when you find that amazing place, take photos and enjoy it, but keep the exact location to yourself and only share it with others face-to-face. Good hunting!
I think it’s more satisfying finding those spots on my own anyway. I’m going to use the free bondocking sites as a starting place, but realize I will have to look beyond those places to find solitude. Enjoying your blog.
Thanks John. Me too (finding yhe secluded spots)
For me your blog has been more of a how to find places than a where to go list. This year when we head out I have more confidence that we can find safe places to enjoy because of your posts. I have enjoyed your writing, thanks for sharing your experiences.
You only have to go to Colorado to see what overuse has done to once beautiful N.F. and BLM land. Campsites with five campfire rings full of cans and trash. I completely agree with your decision not to identify specific locations. I agree with find it yourself, my best finds and most loved spots were ones that I sniffed out on my own.
Geocaching is not helping, either. Go look at the map on geocaching(dot)com and you’ll see that the West is pretty solidly covered. One camper plants a cache during their stay then dozens, or more, follow just to find the cache.