Road's End Workshop, with Paige and Corey: Travel Log No. 6

For the past six months, Paige and Corey have traveled across the country. Here are some of their key tips, takeaways, and travel lessons.

What is boon-docking?

Boon-docking typically refers to off-grid camping, most commonly done in a vehicle or trailer. When boon-docking, you have few common luxuries, live respectfully off the land and pack out anything you brought with you. You have no electric hookups, no plumbing, and usually no Wi-Fi or cellular service. Boon-docking locations vary, some being easier to access than others, so always plan ahead!

How do you find free campsites?

There are dozens of ways to locate free campsites, established boon-docking locations, and campgrounds. BLM campgrounds (Bureau of Land Management, or dispersed campsites, are always free and typically lack the luxury of other established campgrounds (no toilets or Wi-Fi service). National Parks and National Forests will all have ranger stations you can contact—just ask for a map of their dispersed camping sites! If you’re looking for online or mobile resources, we suggest using websites like www.freecampsites.net and phone apps like Park Advisor or iOverlander to narrow down your choices. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the majority of BLM sites are not listed online, on apps, or in blog posts. Keep your eyes open and looking for the BLM icon on passing signs! Some of the most incredible campsites are undocumented, and still protected from the destructive hands of the outside world. As for parks and forest land, we always make sure to contact local officials beforehand, not only to get verbal permission, but to also confirm that the Airstream will fit at the campground and make it down the unmaintained roads. All dispersed campgrounds are marked by campfire rings—don’t build your own and only use established locations.