the whole journal, in order

  1. 00Home
  2. 01Start Here
  3. 02The Real Budget
  4. 03Paperwork
  5. 04Routes
  6. 05Public Lands
  7. 06Community
  8. 07Solo After 60
  9. 08Meet the Nomads
  10. 09Merch
  11. ☰All deep dives
Deep dive 05 · Boondocking and Public Lands

Free camping, with house rules.

How public land works, the 14-day shuffle, and the pass that rewards you for turning 62.

Boondocking means camping without hookups. No water line. No sewer. No power pole.

Just you, the rig, and a lot of sky.

On a lot of public land, it costs nothing.

It does come with rules. Learn them once, and the country opens up.

What's free, and where

Dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management land is free. National Forest land is another popular option.

Boondocking on BLM and National Forest land is a big part of how retirees stretch a fixed income.

The 14-day shuffle

BLM's general rule:

14 days

within any 28-day period.

Then you move more than 25 miles away.

Local rules can be different. Colorado, for example, uses 14 days in 30 and a 30-mile move.

So check the local rules every time you settle in.

No hookups. No neighbors. No nightly fee.
No hookups. No neighbors. No nightly fee.

The long-stay exception

Near Quartzsite, Arizona, BLM runs Long-Term Visitor Areas. You buy a seasonal permit and stay put for the winter.

At La Posa LTVA:

$180

for the long-term permit, good September 15 to April 15.

$40

for any 14 days in a row during that season.

Permits are good at all BLM Long-Term Visitor Areas.

That's a whole desert winter for one permit.

Source: BLM, La Posa LTVA page, checked October 17, 2026.

Your reward for turning 62

US citizens and permanent residents 62 and older can buy the America the Beautiful Senior Pass. It comes in an annual or a lifetime version.

$20 a year. $80 for life.

It may also take 50% off some amenity fees, such as camping.

Source: National Park Service, checked October 17, 2026.

Bill and Deb, full-timers in their early 70s, stay mostly at Corps of Engineers campgrounds "to take advantage of our America the Beautiful Senior Pass."

If it has wheels and you call it home, you're welcome here.Homes On Wheels Alliance

The apps

Finding a free spot is easier with a phone. A few popular options, with prices checked October 17, 2026:

  • Campendium: a free plan covers 70,000+ campgrounds, including free and dispersed sites. RV Pro is $59.99 a year (one-week trial) or $19.99 a month.
  • The Dyrt PRO: $59.99 a year after a free trial.
  • iOverlander: free with ads. A paid Pro version is also offered.
  • AllStays Camp & RV: a paid app, with a Pro version.

Prices change. Check the app store before you subscribe.

Fourteen days here, then 25 miles down the road.
Fourteen days here, then 25 miles down the road.

Is boondocking for you?

The good

  • No nightly fee on most BLM dispersed sites
  • Space between you and the neighbors
  • Views you can't book

The trade

  • No hookups. You manage water, power and tanks yourself.
  • You move every couple of weeks.
  • Pick your site carefully, and trust your gut.

Good habits

  • Check local rules before you set up.
  • Know your exit route.
  • Keep a "knock" plan: what you'll do if someone knocks after dark.
  • Leave the site better than you found it.
  • Mark your arrival date, so the 14 days don't sneak up on you.