Caravan Awning Annex

Caravan camping can make for a fantastic getaway almost anywhere, but I think it is best in the west. In many places, you can simply just drive straight into the desert, and stay free for as long as 2 weeks. It’s true of most BLM (Bureau Of Land Management) and national forest lands, and most state forest lands too. You have to move every 2 weeks, but how far is open to interpretation, and mostly yours will be accepted.

Caravan camping, or “boondocking” is increasing in popularity. In fact, the BLM has started to create special areas for lengthier stays, especially in Arizona. A permit fee is around $140 now, but this lets you stay up to 6 months, and you get pump stations, dumpsters and water. People are residing in some of these locations. It’s less expensive than having to pay property taxes or rent for a lot to park on.

Caravan camping is popular in Winter in Arizona. One of the biggest gatherings of “boondockers” is in Quartzite. Several hundred thousand people spend at least part of the year in their RVs here. It’s close to the California border, on Interstate 10, only 20 miles from the Colorado River. Surrounded by BLM lands, Quartzite is well-known for gem shows, swap meets, and the multiplying of its population each winter.

Should you ask around when you are in the desert southwest, you will find there are Caravan communities that form every winter. Some of these temporary towns like “Slab City” in California, have bookstores, food markets vendors, and various otherbusinesses run by caravaners. When summer returns, these boondock communities vanish, and reappear again the following winter.

Just look around, and you’ll find “hidden” sites where you can park your RV for a week or a month in the desert southwest. Some are cheap, other’s free. The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, for example, north of Bowie, Arizona, costs $3 per night, and has great hotsprings and lots of wildlife. An annual permit costs $30, but you’re restricted to 2 weeks per month (permits are sold at the BLM office in Safford). You can stay outside the fenced area free, but then you don’t get the hotsprings and shaded picnic tables.

For information on other areas, contact the Bureau of Land Management. They can tell you what’s available under their jurisdiction. Also, the Woodall’s campground guide lists campgrounds that are free. Keep your eyes open for other RVs parked out in the desert or forest. Finally, ask around. Other caravan camping enthusiats will give you the best information on Caravan camping.

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