24’ EVO 180SS, F250 6.7 - single mid-30s guy with a 3yr old border collie mix.
Just took the plunge into full-time RV’ing, getting everything prepared/tested before I take off from northwest Oregon for the winter. Hoping for some ideas on where to go!
Some details: busy freelance software engineer, have Starlink RV up and running (custom rear bumper 25’ flag pole mount), WIP solar build (Bluetti AC300 system, ~6kW capacity). First-time RVer, experienced camper - 10k miles, no freeway solo motorcycle trip around NA couple years ago.
Need to find a route/area that’ll get me through the winter until I make my way to Montana to coach 10U baseball in April. Initial dream was Baja, but scared off with my rig size and no knowledge of the area. Love the SW, but haven’t done it in the winter yet and nervous about the mountain weather. Looking around Mojave now, but haven’t gotten a great gauge on dispersed vs park long-ish term setups.
Would prefer quieter boondocking, but okay with smaller parks/campgrounds if I can bounce around.
Any areas and/or specific parks you’d recommend? Thoughts? Thanks!
I am submitting my suggestions a little late thus I am not sure my reply will be relevant but just in case, here goes anyway.
Your route is fairly simple. Head south to the desert either along the coast or I 5. You can spend the winter in the warm then head back north along I 15 through Salt lake, over the mountains to the Great Falls area of Montana. The main roads are all Big Rig friendly and there are Campgrounds and RV Parks open to service your needs along the way. The mountain passes to Montana should not be an issue in April.
You don’t mention what kind of rig you will be using but it sounds to me like a Motorhome. That sometimes matters depending on how you will dump and fill your tanks, get supplies and groceries when boondocking. There are benefits and liabilities to what types of rig you have but I’ll not address any in this post.
Depending on when you begin your journey, and how quickly you expect to reach warmer temps, You may wish to follow the snow and ice free coast south. You will be travelling much slower than if you jumped onto I 5 but you can find “free” camping along the way plus some excellent scenery. Casinos can be a good source for a free night. On our last trip we stopped at Three Rivers Casino just outside of Florence Oregon. They provided free 30/50 amp power for the first night (we only stayed one night) plus, when we got our “Rewards Card” we got $10.00 each of playing the slots for free. We got lucky and won enough to pay for dinner at their restaurant and of course we got our night stay at no charge too.
There are a couple of apps available to find “Free Camping”.
Free Camping Near You | Go Camping for Free! RV Parks, Caravan Parks and unique RV Camping locations - Campendium are just two of many.
There are areas where you can boondock along the California Coast too but be aware, the few that we found listed were quite distant from highway 1. We tow a Jeep behind our motorhome and it uncouples easily. We always take the Jeep to check potential sites before we attempt to take the coach into the back country. We found none between Monterey and Santa Barbara that we would consider driving our motorhome to. Campgrounds/RV parks along the coast fill quickly. Reserving a site is seriously recommended.
Once you hit the desert, boondocking becomes very easy. In many cases there are signs along the roads letting your know where dispersed camping is allowed. Again, be aware, some roads leading to these places can be not much better than Jeep Trails. There are nice areas near Joshua Tree, Borrego Springs, Winterhaven, along the Colorado River between Needles and Blyth (very nice ones near Havasu and Parker). Quartzsite is a Mecca for boondockers. (We found Quartzsite to be a bit crowded and dirty.) I should mention that many boondockers like their space so try to keep a good distance from your neighbour. Personally, I don’t ever want to hear your music (unless you invite me to share your campfire). One very important thing to remember is that you will need to buy groceries and supplies as well as be able to dump and fill your tanks. Some places are free and some will cost you. It’s good to know what is available before you set up a long term camp. Be a good camper and please do not dump your tanks just anywhere (not even your grey) and please pack out your trash! Many BLM areas have been closed because of their being abused.
You may want to choose your location depending on temps. If you like heat, the Yuma area seems to be the warmest. More moderate temps can be found around the Tucson and Phoenix areas. The desert landscape changes as well. Yuma tends to be pretty barren where as Tucson is a little more lush.
Sedona is a lot cooler. But it seems no matter where you are, desert sunsets are beautiful and the night skys can be spectacular.
You mentioned Mexico but were not comfortable down the Baja. On the inside of the Sea of Cortez about one hour south of the border on US 85 (Mexico 8)is the village of Puerto Penasco. If offers a range of RV opportunities from free, inexpensive basic to full service. The area is very safe and friendly. The water is good and the beach is amazing.
My apology for being long winded but I am hoping to give you a good idea of what to expect.
Safe travels
Darrell
