How to Find Boondock Locations-Part 3

view from Junior Point, Wenatchee National Forest

Boondock Information- How to Find Boondock Locations- Part 3

Talk to everyone about possible boondock locations.  As you can see from this picture, even when scoping out an area from above, boondock locations are difficult to find.  However, there are many folks who will help point out those special locations if you are willing to investigate.

Talk to everybody, the Forest Service, BLM and local residents.  Talk to people camped next to you in campgrounds.  Most people will share locations they find special and off the beaten track once you strike up a conversation.

Learn to read, and more importantly "interpret" maps.  If you ask a Forest Service or  BLM employee about cool places to camp and give them a map from an area a thousand miles away, they will quickly circle the areas that look "interesting".  You can learn that skill easily.  In this blog, I have tried to give some clues on how to interpret maps.  But, the way to get really good at it takes practice.  Look where you are camping and see if you can learn what makes it special by studying the map.  Compare the map to what your seeing.  Soon you will be able to spot cool spots easily.

Each BLM and Forest Service office has a map of Visual Management Inventory.  See if they will share those areas with you.  The Landscape Architect, Outdoor Recreation Planner or Recreation Staff will know what your asking about.   Ask them to explain the map.  Circle those areas on the Forest Service or BLM map and explore those areas to learn what makes them special.

Many people are afraid of getting stuck on Forest Service or BLM lands.  Here is one way to avoid this fate.  Get a good map.  Fill your gas tank.  Contact the Forest Service and find a "safe" place to land in an area that looks interesting.  This can be a Forest Service campground or a location you know.  Then get a Forest Service map.  Drive the PAVED roads.  There are lots of boondock locations off the paved roads.  This will get your started.

As you get more experienced, start traveling the gravel roads and then onto the dirt!

When bird hunting, I always spend the morning hunting an area I know.  In the afternoon, I drive around with my maps and look for new areas to hunt.  You can use the same strategy with looking for boondocking locations.

My favorite boondock locations have good fishing, good bird hunting, or good viewing with my telescope.  Your interests may vary.  Your boondock locations may feature ghost towns, hot springs, rock hounding areas, and even bird watching areas.

In a later chapter, I will explore bird watching areas and the unique boondocking opportunities they provide.  Next, I will talk about free fishing areas throughout the United States.  Yes, there are many places where you do not need a fishing license.

These folks found this boondocking location for the motorcycle and jeep trails in the area.  What are your interests??