Finally Bought my RV

[kdmac]

Hi Ladies, I doubt many of you will know me or remember my name and situation. But I've been waiting for a check from The Boeing Company and it finally arrived, 90 days later; in all that time I have researched trailers until I was blue-in-the-face. Today I bought a Zinger T26rl by Crossroads/Thor. Funny, I just knew it was the one. Anyway, I will be heading out by the end of next week for my 4-year odyssey (and likely more years if all goes well). I have some things I need to order online and was hoping to get a FANTASTIC book on boondocking sites. I wonder if any of you could suggest a good "Boondocking Directory" that gives directions to actual sites on BLM land, Federal Forest and Wild LIfe Refuges, etc. I don't want a book that tells me only of Walmarts and urban type boondocking. So far I have found some internet sites with general references to wilderness places but nothing with specifics.

I just glanced at PhotoBucket so I could send photos of the new RV and I thought it indicated that you have to pay for the site, is that true?

Hope all are well.

[BarbaraRose]

Sounds like you've got some exciting adventures down the road (pun intended!). Have you checked for books on Boondocking at Amazon.com? Seems to me I have seen something like that. Hopefully, someone on here will know more and can suggest something.
Photobucket is free. There may be upgrades that you have to pay for, but I've been using it for free for quite awhile. There are instructions on the Tech thread here for posting photos.

Good luck on your new adventure with your new rig! Can't wait to see photos!

[kdmac]

Thanks, Barbie. I will check out Amazon and like you say, maybe others will know of a really good directory then I could order it on Amazon, most likely. I will take some photos of the new rig in the next few days and do my best at getting them uploaded on photosbucket. I won't send any of me, I am waaaaaayyyyy too yucky looking.

[ali1257]

Congrats on your new rig! I am sure you will have lots of fun adventures. Keep us updated on your whereabouts as many of us like to meet up when we can.

Take care and drive safe.

[Bethers]

Photobucket is free- but they do have a paid version, also.

Boondocking books - there is no one book. And many, many sites that aren't in any of them. I use lots of advice/recommendations from others, and some books here and there. The more I travel in the west, the more I can find places on my own without books, etc. Now, the best book I have for the SW and places is a Terri and Mike Church book - Southwest Camping Destinations. It covers, AZ, NM and UT. They cover all the campgrounds, too - but I find lots of good places using it. I don't always agree with them, but they wrote the book I consider my "bible" of AK and also of Baja, MX. Would go to either place without their books (mainland MX too if I finally get there) I do believe in finding out what their latest edition is - and I'd pay the full price to get it, if necessary, as they really, really update when they put out a new edition. A link to their SW book: http://rollinghomes.com/Southwest%20Book.htm - I don't have their NW book - will get it one day, also.

Then, I use websites over books for most others - and info from people. And out west, sometimes I just drive onto property and hope no one comes and tells me to leave Those places can't make it into a book - they are unofficial and if too many start using some of them, the owners might stop it from happening. Some friends of mine found a really nice lake they could drive their 5er to - but didn't know who owned it. They were sitting on the side of the road discussing whether they should just "do it" when someone stopped by to see if they were ok. They explained they were just drawn to the lake but didn't want to go onto someone's private property without permission, but didn't know who to ask. Ha- the person who stopped said it was their property and go stay as long as they'd like. They did!

Oh, congrats on the rv - how exciting. And isn't if funny how you step inside one and just know?

[Liz]

This is one of my camping bibles. These are campgrounds; not necessarily boondocking, but cheap. You can pretty much boondock anywhere in a National Forest. If you stop at the forest ranger station, they will often suggest good places.

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-National-Campground-Recreation-Directory/dp/0762726954/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291380741&sr=1-2

By the way, congratulations on your new RV. I'm looking forward to hearing about your travels.

[asirimarco]

Congrats on the new adventure about to begin. Glad you found "just the right RV" that's always exciting. We've been RVers since our first motorhome in 1971 and have loved every minute of it - even the bad at the time funny now ones. We are not full timers - have a home to go to but spend winter in Mexico. Care to join us?

[Nasoosie]

CONGRATS, KD!!!


I can't wait to see some pics of your new home on wheels! Have fun getting used to it, and making it all yours! I am still working every day on something that changes how my trailer looks and accomodates me, and it's so much fun!

[mitch5252]

..

Congratulations, KD! Can't wait for the pics.

..

[BirdbyBird]

Congratulations....have fun on your adventures.....

[AlmostThere]

Woohoo! So exciting! Keep us updated on all your adventures! You go, girl!!

[Pooker]

And another gal gets her wings (actually wheels, but that doesn't sound as exciting). Congratulations!

As for boondocking: There's a directory that's been around for years and is available in Camping World - called "Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds". There are two editions: Eastern and Western. Not all the places are free because sometimes there are assorted fees, permits, etc., but everything listed is under $12. Here in the west, a lot of public land is open for free camping, but you do have to adhere to rules and regulations. I can't tell you specifics off hand, but you have to be a certain distance off the road; they prefer you camp where others have already camped before you. It preserves the public lands and also might give you a fire ring that someone constructed. By all means, check in with a ranger station at a Nat'l Park Service, Corps of Engineers, BLM, etc. office.

My directory is a few years old, but here's the info on publisher:

Cottage Publications, Inc.
PO Box 2832
Elkhart, IN 46515-2832
(800) 272-5518

WEBsite: http://www.cottagepub.com e-mail: info@cottagepub.com


Hope this helps.

[kdmac]

Thank you all so very much for your helpful comments. I will check into each and every suggestion.

Yes, "asimarco" or "Carol" (don't know which you prefer). I have wanted to go to Mexico in the winter of 2012 (spending 2011 winter in Arizona/New Mexico) and figured I would travel with someone else in case of "issues".

I have a feeling I will have a million questions in the months ahead...sure do appreciate the help and good words. All Be Well

[Getupngo]

HOW EXCITING!

Of course I remember you. You are brave brave brave and will have many wonderful adventures and gather memories along the way. Wish I could join you full-time on the road.

But in the meantime ... we ladies want PICTURES of your new trailer. And yes, finding the right trailer is like coming home.

[flick4411]

Congratulations KDMAC! I will be picking mine up tomorrow. Can hardly wait. I am green with envy about your being able to take off now for the next four or more years. I hope to follow in your footsteps a few years from now. By then I'll hopefully be a pro at running my rig around! HAHAH! Good luck! And if you find any new boondocking links, please share. I'm starting to collect the links too! Look forward to seeing your pics too!