Written by: Chuck Hayden
Some mornings I’ve woken up to waves crashing outside my van. Other mornings it’s been the silence of the desert, the smell of pine forests, or the sound of ravens circling high above red rock cliffs. Those moments are why I chose this lifestyle.
One of the greatest joys of owning my Pleasure-Way XLTS is the freedom to camp in places that many larger RVs simply can’t reach. Over the past four years of full-time travel, I’ve boondocked on beaches, beside rivers, in the desert, on mountain overlooks, and even in a few friends’ driveways
Some campsites have been spectacular because of the scenery. Others stand out because of the people I met or the unexpected adventures that came with them. These are some of my favorite boondocking spots across North America.
Beach Outside Galveston
There’s something magical about falling asleep with the sound of waves just outside your door. Camping on the beach near Galveston offered wide-open views of the Gulf of Mexico, unforgettable sunrises, and plenty of room to simply relax. It was one of those rare places where time seemed to disappear, and I completely forgot what day of the week it was.
Borger, Texas
This was one of the biggest surprises of my travels.
I found this free camping area on iOverlander, and it turned out to be one of the best overnight stops I’ve ever experienced. There were about ten back-in sites with free 30-amp electrical hookups, potable water, and even a dump station—all completely free. Best of all campers could stay for up to a week.
Shortly after I arrived, a local police officer stopped by—not to check on me—but simply to welcome me to town and recommend a restaurant for dinner. That kind of hospitality reminds me that some of the best destinations are often the ones you’ve never heard of.
State Trust Land Near Tucson, Arizona
Just south of Tucson, Arizona’s State Trust Lands offer miles of peaceful Sonoran Desert scenery.
Wide-open spaces, colorful sunsets, and plenty of room to spread out make this a wonderful place to spend a few quiet days. You’ll need a State Trust Land permit before camping, but it’s inexpensive and easy to obtain online.
ATV Area North of Phoenix, Arizona
Friends of mine belong to a local ATV/OHV club near Phoenix and shared access to one of their favorite riding areas.
While it’s a paradise for off-road enthusiasts, it also provides plenty of room for dispersed camping. Even if you’re not riding ATVs, it’s a peaceful base camp for exploring Arizona’s beautiful desert.
Quartzsite, Arizona
Quartzsite is the granddaddy of all boondocking destinations.
Every winter, tens of thousands of RVers migrate here to escape colder weather. I’ve spent four winters in Quartzsite and have made lifelong friends around countless campfires.
Whether you prefer complete solitude or enjoy circling the wagons with other RVers, there’s room for everyone. Every year I reconnect with friends, meet new ones, share stories, and enjoy another season under Arizona’s endless blue skies.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park and one of the finest boondocking destinations anywhere in the Southwest.
The rugged desert landscapes, endless open spaces, and remarkably dark skies make it a photographer’s dream. I was fortunate enough to visit during a spectacular wildflower super bloom, transforming the desert into a sea of color that I’ll never forget.
Goosenecks State Park, Utah
If someone asked me to pick one place that captures the magic of the American Southwest, Goosenecks would be near the top of my list.
I’ve written about Goosenecks before, yet every visit leaves me just as amazed as the first. Standing high above the twisting San Juan River at sunrise or sunset is something every traveler should experience at least once.
On a clear day, you can even spot Monument Valley in the distance.
Camping costs just $10 per night, making it one of the best bargains in the American West.
Friend’s and Family Driveways
Sometimes the best boondocking isn’t in the forest or the desert, it’s in someone’s driveway.
I’ve been fortunate to have friends and family across North America who have welcomed me to park for a few days. Those visits have become some of my favorite memories from life on the road.
Reconnecting with people you care about, sharing stories over dinner, and enjoying a long hot shower never gets old.
Drinks Canyon Campground, Moab, Utah
Located along the Colorado River just south of Arches National Park, this BLM campground quickly became one of my favorites.
When I stayed, camping was only $10 per night, and the only amenities were a pit toilet and picnic tables. None of that mattered.
Towering red rock cliffs surrounded the campground, and every sunrise and sunset painted them with brilliant shades of red and orange. It makes an outstanding base camp for exploring Arches National Park and the many other incredible places around Moab.
National Forest Outside Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Sometimes the best campsites are the ones you never planned to find.
When I arrived at Bryce Canyon, every campground inside the park was full, and the nearby private campground was more expensive than I wanted to pay.
A quick look at Google Maps revealed a nearby forest service road. About a mile down the road, I found several legal dispersed campsites tucked into the forest. I spent three peaceful nights there surrounded by tall pines, and honestly enjoyed it more than staying inside a crowded campground.
Sometimes the unplanned campsite becomes the one you remember most.
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
This was my second experience beach camping—and it almost became my last.
A friend and I enjoyed two incredible nights parked on the sand. Around 3:00 one morning, he knocked on my door and told me to come outside.
The tide had come in much farther than expected, and seawater was flowing underneath both of our vans. We stayed awake until sunrise, waiting for conditions to improve before carefully driving off the beach.
It was an unforgettable reminder to always check the tide charts before camping on the sand. And unforgettable reminder that Mother Nature always gets the final say.
Sugar Hill Fire Tower, New York
I found this place completely by accident.
After climbing the fire tower for the incredible views, I discovered overnight camping was allowed for up to fourteen days. The quiet forest setting, hiking and horseback riding trails, potable water, and vault toilets made it one of the most relaxing places I’ve stayed in the Northeast.
Maces Bay Lookout, New Brunswick
This ranks among my top three favorite boondocking locations.
Perched on a small peninsula overlooking the Bay of Fundy, it offers sweeping ocean views, incredible sunsets, and wonderfully friendly locals who always seem eager to share their favorite hidden gems.
Every time I leave, I wish I had stayed one more day.
Cape Saint George’s Cliffs, Newfoundland
This was my very first boondocking location in Newfoundland, and what an introduction it was.
Perched high above the Gulf of St. Lawrence near Boutte du Cap Park, the views stretch for miles. Listening to the waves crashing hundreds of feet below while watching the sun disappear into the ocean is an experience I’ll never forget.
If you’re planning an RV trip to Newfoundland, don’t miss this one.
Honorable Mentions
Some places are simply wonderful no matter where you stop.
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland all offer countless scenic opportunities for quiet coastal camping and incredibly welcoming communities.
Utah and Idaho remain two of my favorite states for dispersed camping thanks to their vast public lands, stunning scenery, and nearly endless opportunities to explore.
A Few Things to Remember
Before heading to any boondocking location, always verify that overnight camping is still permitted. Regulations can change, seasonal closures happen, and some areas now require permits.
Leave every campsite cleaner than you found it, respect local communities, and follow Leave No Trace principles so these incredible places remain available for future travelers.
What’s Your Favorite Boondocking Spot?
These are just a handful of the amazing places I’ve discovered while traveling full-time in my Pleasure-Way XLTS, and I’m always searching for the next hidden gem.
If you have a favorite boondocking location, let me know in the comments. It just might become the destination for my next adventure.