{"id":5288,"date":"2011-03-14T05:35:00","date_gmt":"2011-03-14T11:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/?p=5288"},"modified":"2011-03-14T05:35:00","modified_gmt":"2011-03-14T11:35:00","slug":"boon-docking-in-the-rv-part-2-usfs-and-other-good-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/2011\/03\/14\/boon-docking-in-the-rv-part-2-usfs-and-other-good-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"Boondocking in the RV part 2 \u2013 USFS and other good rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

This was in the original page I found but I felt maybe I Needed to split it up a little \u2013 as time goes I may update this when I find more \u201cgood rules\u201d to put in here. I really like the fly and tick home made repellant below and I will be making up a spray bottle of that to test , maybe even before we get out in the RV<\/strong>.   I found this for BLM rules (Arizona)<\/a> and I had no idea some of this applied so I would have been in trouble \u2013 always good to do your research before you get out there.  Just like you really should ask before you park at a Wal-Mart parking lot<\/strong> too.  I hate those campers that use Wal-Mart for multiple days in a row, just because they are too cheap or too lazy to find a real camping spot. Saw one<\/strong> of those in the Salida Wal-Mart lot<\/strong> several years ago.  We had pulled into one<\/strong> of our favorite private parks \u2013 one<\/strong> that is hidden and if you don\u2019t know you will pass it right by, but it is across the road and down behind an Adventure place.  Anyway we camped there with electric and water<\/strong> for not much a day.  We were going out every day while there to see things in the area and the same motorhome was camped in the corner of the Wal-Mart lot<\/strong> for 3 or 4 days.  Had the slides out and had no intention of finding anything else.  They also had a big \u201csooners\u201d sticker on the motorhome and jeep they parked there.  Just another reason to hate their (sooners) attitude.  Now for all those fans \u2013 don\u2019t get all hot and bothered about it, I have a degree from OU, do you? – WD0AJG<\/p>\n

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Official USFS Rules<\/h4>\n

The following comes from the US<\/strong> Forest Service South Park Ranger District of Colorado’s Pike National Forest. The same rules apply to RV<\/strong> camping, and finding some great campsites is easy once you get some experience finding the type of camping location you desire. <\/p>\n

DISPERSED CAMPING <\/p>\n

MINIMAL IMPACT CAMPING TECHNIQUES <\/p>\n

PLAN your trip, know what it is you wish to experience, think about the time of year and expected weather. This is part of the outdoor adventure and should always be your first step. After you have selected the area you would like to visit, contact the South Park Ranger District for answers to any questions you might have and to learn about any special regulations in the area. When planning where you are going to go, be sure you are on National Forest Service System land. <\/p>\n

CONCENTRATE your impacts in heavily used areas. Many of the areas that are easily accessible receive heavy use during the summer months. If there is a fire<\/strong> ring at the area do not build a new one, sometimes that means that you will have to clean out the old fire<\/strong> ring )don’t forget that collapsible shovel). We all have to do our part to keep these areas open for folks who prefer this type of experience. <\/p>\n

CAMP<\/strong> at least 200 feet from water<\/strong>. This practice is important for a variety of reasons. A campsite located on stream banks or lake shores can create visual impacts and detract from the sense of solitude. Accordingly, it is also important that you camp far enough from roads and trails that the site<\/strong> is screened from other campers. By camping close to water<\/strong> you risk contaminating the water<\/strong>. Remember, water<\/strong> is very important to the wildlife who live in the area, they need easy access to and from water<\/strong> sources and your presence may disturb their normal behavior. <\/p>\n

PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT. Dispersed areas do not have trash<\/strong> services and rarely receive clean-up services. Please do not put glass or aluminum (even those food<\/strong> packages that appear to be made of paper often have foil liners that do not burn) into the fire<\/strong>. This practice is unsightly and makes the site<\/strong> less attractive to the next user. All food<\/strong> scrapes and trash<\/strong> should be taken home with you, or take it to the nearest landfill if you are on a long journey. <\/p>\n

PROPERLY DISPOSE of Human Waste. This is not something you were taught in school, maybe it should have been. Human feces not properly disposed of is not only unsightly, but can actually create health hazards. Catholes are the most widely accepted method of back county human waste disposal (again, that collapsible shovel comes in handy). <\/p>\n

1. Select a site<\/strong> that is far from any water<\/strong> sources, 300 feet is a good, safe distance. The site<\/strong> should be inconspicuous and where someone would not naturally be walking. If you are camping with a large group or camping the same site<\/strong> for more than one<\/strong> night, you should spread the cathole sites over a large area. Try to find a spot with deep organic material, which will help decompose the feces. If possible, locate your cathole where it will receive maximum sunlight, this will also aid in decomposition. Chose an elevated site<\/strong> where water<\/strong> would not normally pool. <\/p>\n

2. Now you are ready to dig. Your hole should be 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. If you hit a rock or root which prevents you from reaching the correct depth, you should find another site<\/strong> (early planning comes into play). Toilet paper is a strong attractant to small rodents and should be packed home with your other trash<\/strong>. When finished, the cathole should be filled in with the previously removed dirt and disguised with native materials. <\/p>\n

CAMPFIRE BUILDING and wood collection. Campfires were once thought to be a necessity and are built in history and tradition. Attitudes toward campfires are changing. The new perception of their use is a direct result of past misuse of campfires, and the sometimes ugly and negative impacts caused when fires are built incorrectly, built in the wrong locations or left unattended. If you choose to have a campfire, you are choosing a very large responsibility. <\/p>\n

1. Your first step is to choose a location for your fire<\/strong>. If there is an existing fire<\/strong> ring, use it. If it is a bad location, move it to a better location and clean up all remnants in its original location. Never place<\/strong> a campfire within the radius of the largest branches on a tree. Fire can actually travel through the tree’s root system and cause a forest fire<\/strong>. Never build a fire<\/strong> close to a rock or other natural object where the fire<\/strong> will scorch the object and leave lasting impacts of your visit. <\/p>\n

2. Next, you will need to collect firewood. There is only one<\/strong> type of wood that is acceptable for building a low impact campfire; this is dead and downed wood. Breaking branches off of a live standing tree leaves a very discernible and long lasting impact. Firewood size is very critical. A good rule of thumb is if the wood is too large to break with your hands or by stepping on it, then it is too large to burn. Keep the firewood in its natural lengths, breaking into smaller pieces as you feed the fire<\/strong>. If there is any unburned wood left when breaking camp, it can be scattered around the forest and will blend in naturally. <\/p>\n

3. Finally, remember to clean up after your fire<\/strong>. The intent is to get other campers to use the same fire<\/strong> ring. Cleaning up the fire<\/strong> ring of any food<\/strong> waste and trash, burning wood completely and scattering the cooled coals and ashes will make it more likely that it will be used again. <\/p>\n

HELPFUL TIPS <\/p>\n

BEARS – Help keep bears alive AND in their natural habitat! When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, refuse or other bear attractant unattended. It is prohibited by Special Order. Unless food<\/strong> is being eaten, prepared or transported\/store it in bear resistant containers. <\/p>\n

KEEP THE FOREST WILD – Help the wildlife stay wild! <\/p>\n

The wild animals in National Forests are part of an intricate web of life. When we feed these animals, we alter this natural balance. Unnaturally high populations may be created. The animals, ability to find food<\/strong> in the winter–when visitors are gone–may be damaged. We can be affected too. Animals sometimes bite and some of them are infected with rabies or fleas which spread bubonic plague. Help to protect the wildlife and yourself. Show them the respect they deserve and let the animals find their own natural food<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

NOXIOUS WEEDS <\/p>\n

A noxious weed is any non-native plant that grows unchecked by natural enemies, like insects or diseases. Noxious weeds displace native plants, thereby robbing wildlife and livestock of natural food<\/strong> sources and nesting sites. They steal water<\/strong> and nutrients from native plants and disrupt the ecosystem. Some are harmful or fatal to animals. Contact your local Forest Service Office, County Extension Office or County Weed Control Office to obtain more information on recognizing, eradicating and preventing the spread of noxious weeds where you live, work and\/or play. <\/p>\n

HIGH ALTITUDE <\/p>\n

You may notice that your breathing is faster or deeper and you may feel short of breath, especially when you exercise. This is the body’s first and most effective response to altitude. Your heart is likely to beat faster also; this too is a helpful, normal reaction. Once you arrive, take it easy for the first day of two. Reduce consumption of alcohol, caffeine and salty foods. Drink more water<\/strong> than usual. Altitude illness feels very much like flu or a hangover, but is much more serious. Do not push. If you feel worse or the symptoms do not go away soon, get medical help! <\/p>\n

SUNBURN <\/p>\n

The sun has more power in the thin air, and a bad sunburn can spoil your stay. No matter how tanned you may be, use a protective cream. "Cold sores" are aggravated at high altitude but might be prevented by a medicine which your doctor can prescribe. Sunburn of the eyes is a real danger, even on foggy or cloudy days. Wear sunglasses or goggles with ultraviolet protection. <\/p>\n

TICK\/FLY SPRAY RECIPE <\/p>\n

2 cups white vinegar 1 cup Skin-So-Soft bath oil 1 cup water<\/strong> <\/p>\n

1 Tablespoon eucalyptus oil (available at drugstores & health food<\/strong> stores) <\/p>\n

This homemade spray does not contain aerosols to pollute the environment, nor chemicals to contaminate the ground and it works. We have reports of successful use on animals as well. <\/p>\n

Portions of this page printed from: http:\/\/www.fs.fed.us<\/strong>\/r2\/psicc\/recreation\/camping\/ <\/p>\n

Boondocking Etiquette by Jaimie Hall<\/a><\/p>\n


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\"Jaimie<\/p>\n

Boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona<\/a><\/p>\n


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\"Solar<\/p>\n

\"George<\/p>\n

Boondocking solar water<\/strong> heaters<\/p>\n


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\"Solar
\"George<\/p>\n

Boondocking gear: Solar oven<\/p>\n


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\"Boondocking<\/p>\n

"primitive" campsite in a national forest<\/p>\n


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"Boondocking" means camping in your RV<\/strong> with no hookups. There are two types of boondocking. One type is parking in more out-of-the-way places, usually for several days or even an extended period of time. Public lands offer many opportunities for boondocking.<\/p>\n

The other type of boondocking is often referred to as "blacktop boondocking," that is when you camp overnight on a Wal-Mart or shopping center parking lot<\/strong> or in a truck stop. Some call it dry camping since you are not in the "boonies." RVers choose to spend the night on parking lots because of convenience-they don’t have to drive miles off the highway to a campground. Other RVers boondock because of budget reasons; they can’t see paying $20 or more a night to stay in an RV<\/strong> park when they are traveling from point A to point B and won’t be using the amenities the park has to offer. Whichever type of boondocker you are, these guidelines will help you (and your neighbors) have a better experience.<\/p>\n

BLACKTOP BOONDOCKING<\/b><\/p>\n