National Forest trip
#196
#197
After 2 weeks at the reservoir which was extremely quiet and surprising that during the time there not one rv came. We though this was going to be just a couple day hold over spot while some scouting was done for a better location. I'm not complaining becuase we like the peace and quiet but when we first arrived there and seeing a mile loop road (nicely graveled) with 8 or so spots with metal fire rings, 1 pit toilet and a dumpster it had all the signs of weekend party spot. Maybe during the summer its a busy area. Anyways, 1 of many nice sunrises.
We watched a lot of different kinds birds in large groups on the warer possibly migrating through but the coolest had to be the pelicans , who would of thought there was pelicans in SD. Just about everyday there was a group of 60 or so and the largest group that I counted had a 150. I bet they can put a good hurt on the fish population.
Yesterday was moving day and found a nice spot in the Black Hills NF just before dark. Finding a secluded spot for alarger rig at times isn't as easy as you might think. Having a cell signal with a couple tv stations is even better.
We watched a lot of different kinds birds in large groups on the warer possibly migrating through but the coolest had to be the pelicans , who would of thought there was pelicans in SD. Just about everyday there was a group of 60 or so and the largest group that I counted had a 150. I bet they can put a good hurt on the fish population.
Yesterday was moving day and found a nice spot in the Black Hills NF just before dark. Finding a secluded spot for alarger rig at times isn't as easy as you might think. Having a cell signal with a couple tv stations is even better.
#199
The solar install really got this going, to be out and away just as if your hooked to a power pole and not having to run a generator was icing on the cake.
A couple of numbers so far this year.
Dispersed camping
2016 (4/16 - 12/31) 200 days
2017 (1/1 - 9/30) 273 days
Consecutive days dispersed camping as of September 30, 2017
Starting 12/23/16 - 282 days
Using previous 2 years (fulltiming) of rv prior to solar install (4/13/16), campground cost averaged to $25.00 a day.
443 days of dispersed needed for return on solar instead of paying a campground/ rv park. Accomplished!
States AZ, UT, WY, ID, MT, ND, SD
Miles traveled with 5th wheel 4,236.0
RV Dumps...
15 @ $93.50, 9 @ free
Average for 24 @ $3.89
Propane refills $334.75
A couple of numbers so far this year.
Dispersed camping
2016 (4/16 - 12/31) 200 days
2017 (1/1 - 9/30) 273 days
Consecutive days dispersed camping as of September 30, 2017
Starting 12/23/16 - 282 days
Using previous 2 years (fulltiming) of rv prior to solar install (4/13/16), campground cost averaged to $25.00 a day.
443 days of dispersed needed for return on solar instead of paying a campground/ rv park. Accomplished!
States AZ, UT, WY, ID, MT, ND, SD
Miles traveled with 5th wheel 4,236.0
RV Dumps...
15 @ $93.50, 9 @ free
Average for 24 @ $3.89
Propane refills $334.75
#200
#201
Glad I found this thread. I've done a lot of dispersed camping in AZ, FL (yes there is good camping here) and UT over the years, mostly in a tent. Doing it alone is a challenge, due to some of the people that one encounters. I've never had an issue, but one time gave me a scare....
Was camping in Coconino NF north AZ in the back of my Suburban - it was 17' with some snow on the ground in the AM. Decided to test fire the .45 and shot a few rounds off, when I look behind me and a guy is coming my way waving. Well, he better have good intentions as he sees I'm firing a weapon. He and his GF were camping way back in the woods and let the battery run down on his truck and they couldn't get it started, and asked for a jump. I sized him and up and it seemed legit, so we hopped into the 'burb and drove WAY back off the road through a bunch of half frozen mud holes to find a tent and a dead truck and ONE grateful GF as she was going to miss a bridal shower in town. They offered money but I declined. The guy said I just saved his whole future camping with her, so that's good enough for me.
We've also scouted NF camping areas with ring/pit and some shady looking characters that I would not care to join as neighbors.
Was camping in Coconino NF north AZ in the back of my Suburban - it was 17' with some snow on the ground in the AM. Decided to test fire the .45 and shot a few rounds off, when I look behind me and a guy is coming my way waving. Well, he better have good intentions as he sees I'm firing a weapon. He and his GF were camping way back in the woods and let the battery run down on his truck and they couldn't get it started, and asked for a jump. I sized him and up and it seemed legit, so we hopped into the 'burb and drove WAY back off the road through a bunch of half frozen mud holes to find a tent and a dead truck and ONE grateful GF as she was going to miss a bridal shower in town. They offered money but I declined. The guy said I just saved his whole future camping with her, so that's good enough for me.
We've also scouted NF camping areas with ring/pit and some shady looking characters that I would not care to join as neighbors.
#202
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Somewhere south of Denver
Posts: 18,800
Received 6,777 Likes
on
2,765 Posts
#203
#204
#206
#208
#209
I am curious about all the piles of trees where they were piled up. From clearing the areas for fireproofing?
Are they usable for firewood if needed?
Griz
#210
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Somewhere south of Denver
Posts: 18,800
Received 6,777 Likes
on
2,765 Posts
The BLM and NFS in my area are often clearing trees to make a "natural" fire break. The trees are piled up in the summer, waiting to be burned in the winter when there is less chance of the burn causing a forest fire. From what I understand, it's open season on the wood if you want it. Just make sure there isn't active commercial logging operations going on. Check with the local Ranger to make sure.