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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:09:19 AM EDT
[#1]
Move to the southwest if you want to camp for free
 Lots of BLM land in AZ, NM etc
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:16:30 AM EDT
[#2]
My wife & I travel the country with an F350 & camper on the back. We've stayed at one campground for one night in the past 9 years. When we're on the move, most Walmart & Cabelas parking lots welcome travelers to stop for a night's rest. We have camped on BLM land, state land, small town parks. There is a city park in Stanley ND with electric hook up and hot shower FREE or leave a donation in the box as you choose.
Check your state regs. You may be able to pitch a tent on any state owned land. It's a big country, get out there and explore the two lane roads. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:17:02 AM EDT
[#3]
Yeah, I don't camp In state parks.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:17:11 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Move to the southwest if you want to camp for free Lots of BLM land in AZ, NM etc^this. I lived off my motorcycle for about 2 years....I NEVER paid for camping. NM, free camping on BLM land, as MT, ID, WA, OR,...there is always stealth camping. You can also usually get a cool farmer to let you set up a tent for a day or two. Some places in TX can be a bitch. Whats the OP's AO? |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:25:11 AM EDT
[#5]
I often avoid state parks in the east due to the cost. If you are over 65 you can camp in Corps of Engineers or National Forests for half of the fee, and that is a bargain.
After Labor Day here in WV seniors get half off on camping too. Also dispersed camping in National Forests is cool. Free!
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:30:30 AM EDT
[#6]
Keeps the riff raff out, or at least less prevalent.
Strap on a pack and hike in a few miles, usually way more peaceful, and cheaper. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:34:40 AM EDT
[#7]
Seriously dude, do you do anything but bitch?
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:36:27 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Seriously dude, do you do anything but bitch? You know, theres this feature available on this forum... It's called "Ignore"..maybe give that a try? |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:41:13 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
^this. I lived off my motorcycle for about 2 years....I NEVER paid for camping. NM, free camping on BLM land, as MT, ID, WA, OR,...there is always stealth camping. You can also usually get a cool farmer to let you set up a tent for a day or two. Some places in TX can be a bitch. Whats the OP's AO? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Move to the southwest if you want to camp for free Lots of BLM land in AZ, NM etc^this. I lived off my motorcycle for about 2 years....I NEVER paid for camping. NM, free camping on BLM land, as MT, ID, WA, OR,...there is always stealth camping. You can also usually get a cool farmer to let you set up a tent for a day or two. Some places in TX can be a bitch. Whats the OP's AO? Eastern PA... Probably about once every 2-3 years I'll schedule a trip out to the west. Last time was in N.M. (Socorro area) and spent a few days there. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 8:06:49 AM EDT
[#10]
National Forests and State Forests are normally free and you don't have to camp at established camp sites. They are usually much more fun because their rules are so lax.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 8:58:18 AM EDT
[#11]
If you come out to central PA there are several (72 to be exact) free, drive-in, campsite in the Bald Eagle State Forest. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 9:11:01 AM EDT
[#12]
I googled " PA free camp sites " this was the first link
free campsites I'm sure there's more but it's a start. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 9:18:26 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you come out to central PA there are several (72 to be exact) free, drive-in, campsite in the Bald Eagle State Forest. hmmm... are they first come first serve or do you need a permit from the state forest service? |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 9:33:05 AM EDT
[#14]
If you want state park camping, you're going to pay for the conveniences, Showers, electric, restrooms etc. If you are looking a just car camping, check out the PA DCNR website. There are plenty of cheap or free campsites in the State Forests. You may be required to get a permit, but they are usually just an email away.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 9:35:28 AM EDT
[#15]
Heading to Garner next weekend. First time. I think it's $15 a night plus entrance fee.
I really want to go back to Big Bend. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 9:55:35 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My wife & I travel the country with an F350 & camper on the back. We've stayed at one campground for one night in the past 9 years. When we're on the move, most Walmart & Cabelas parking lots welcome travelers to stop for a night's rest. We have camped on BLM land, state land, small town parks. There is a city park in Stanley ND with electric hook up and hot shower FREE or leave a donation in the box as you choose. Check your state regs. You may be able to pitch a tent on any state owned land. It's a big country, get out there and explore the two lane roads. Also one in Wheatland,Wyoming but I don't believe they had showers.....It was COLD when I stayed there so showers may have been closed for the winter....... |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 9:59:42 AM EDT
[#17]
Yeah, car camping in state parks has gotten ridiculous. I spent last weekend in the Hoosier National Forest. It took me 4 hours to get there, but the end result was a free campsite with no neighbors, and essentially free run of the land. Contrast to the state parks where a primitive site with no electricity and vault toilets is around $20/night ($35 or so with electricity and modern community bathroom and shower facilities), but you have neighbors, are only supposed to use the trails, no shooting, etc.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 10:07:19 AM EDT
[#18]
Camping, the only hobby where you spend a small fortune to live like a homeless person.
 I do a bunch of multi-day backpacking trips with a wife and 2 dogs. I had to buy an 80 liter pack for all the shit I have to bring in...feel like a damn pack mule. Surely you can get enough gear in for a couple day trip.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 10:38:01 AM EDT
[#19]
You're going to pay for the convenience of a drive-up spot.
Look at the cost of a decent car campsite, and multiply that out over a couple of trips, and then think about, instead, putting that money into lighter gear that will offset the weight of your photo rig. And you'll likely have better photos with the latter, too. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 3:31:52 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: hmmm... are they first come first serve or do you need a permit from the state forest service? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: If you come out to central PA there are several (72 to be exact) free, drive-in, campsite in the Bald Eagle State Forest. hmmm... are they first come first serve or do you need a permit from the state forest service? You need a permit from the state forest office, the BESF office is in Laurelton/Millmont. Bureau of Forestry 18865 Old Turnpike Road Millmont, PA 17845 (570) 922-3344 [email protected] Get one of the maps, drive around a little and pick the one you like. #7 is nice. #3 is good. I haven't been to even half of them. They're called 'Motorized Campsites' just about impossible to find them in the internet, at least I can't seem to find them. You can get your permit 90-day out from the outing. 30-days free camping per year. You can stay in each spot no more than 7-consectutive days. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 3:58:55 PM EDT
[#21]
National Forest is what you want. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 4:24:33 PM EDT
[#22]
My wife and I just bought a small travel trailer for camping and vacations.
Now I price the nightly rentals for a site, its outrageous. Most are normal $20-$30 a night for power, sewer and wifi. Some like resorts near the gulf and in Florida can reach $80-$100 a night. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 4:27:30 PM EDT
[#23]
I dunno. There are about a zillion places to camp for free here. I haven't ever paid for a camp spot.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 4:29:34 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I dunno. There are about a zillion places to camp for free here. I haven't ever paid for a camp spot. That. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 4:36:28 PM EDT
[#25]
Yes, prices to pretend you're homeless have gone up. Not only that but you have to get a reservation sometimes as early as 6 months in advance. Kinda takes the fun out of it. There are a few places here in CA that I'll jump through the hoops for but usually we just go to our cabin up north. No res, no fees, just fucking pot farmers every fucking where.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 4:43:36 PM EDT
[#26]
I love camping in state parks. Just got back from one about 2 hours ago. $30 for 2 nights for hike in camping. Had a blast. I figure that if you just look at it as an entertainment expense then you're fine.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 4:45:55 PM EDT
[#27]
They are $22 to $26 for most of the state parks in FL and I don't care.
Ever see hotel prices in FL? We go almost once a month to one of them and have been on 40 trips in State and have no plans to stop. I am grateful for the State and County parks we have and have no issue paying for the use of them. We use it as a base camp and take day trips to the local site. This is what we did one our last trip.     |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 4:46:11 PM EDT
[#28]
BLM - shooting, wheeling, camping and damn few rules or neighbors!
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Posted: 10/23/2016 4:48:20 PM EDT
[#29]
Camping. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 4:58:01 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Eastern PA... Probably about once every 2-3 years I'll schedule a trip out to the west. Last time was in N.M. (Socorro area) and spent a few days there. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Move to the southwest if you want to camp for free Lots of BLM land in AZ, NM etc^this. I lived off my motorcycle for about 2 years....I NEVER paid for camping. NM, free camping on BLM land, as MT, ID, WA, OR,...there is always stealth camping. You can also usually get a cool farmer to let you set up a tent for a day or two. Some places in TX can be a bitch. Whats the OP's AO? Eastern PA... Probably about once every 2-3 years I'll schedule a trip out to the west. Last time was in N.M. (Socorro area) and spent a few days there. Plenty of free places to camp in PA. State and National forest. I've never paid to camp in PA. Well.....maybe if you count gas in my tank to get there.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:03:52 PM EDT
[#31]
About the only time I get out "camping" is dragging the travel trailer with the family to a state park. Yeah, it's getting expensive.
Also expensive are the Hennessy Hammock products I recently bought with the intention of doing some solo camping nights just to break up the "work-->home-->bed-->work-->home-->bed" hamster wheel.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:07:34 PM EDT
[#32]
If I remember right it costs me $17 a night (if you don't have an annual vehicle pass) to camp at a primitive campground here in KS. $5 for a vehicle pass for a day and $12 for a campsite. Something like that.
I remember when I was in high school (about 8 years ago) I could go for about $10 a night. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:11:43 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I remember right it costs me $17 a night (if you don't have an annual vehicle pass) to camp at a primitive campground here in KS. $5 for a vehicle pass for a day and $12 for a campsite. Something like that. I remember when I was in high school (about 8 years ago) I could go for about $10 a night. I have never paid to camp, but I only camp in a tent. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:14:53 PM EDT
[#34]
Back in the early 1990s when I was a young man and doing a lot of cross-county road-tripping state park campsites went for as little as $4 to $6. Of course, for that money all you got a spot to pitch a tent and a fire ring. We would camp and then find a McDonald's and take a sink-bath. Nowadays, as others have said, $20-$30 is to be expected but for that money you get field houses with hot showers, flush toilets, washing machines, playgrounds for the kids with jungle gyms, and stores where you can buy food, clothes, camping gear, souvenirs, etc. State campgrounds were a cheap alternatives to private sites like KOA that had all of those amenities.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:17:28 PM EDT
[#35]
One other thing is that we have to book months in advance
to get sites. There is a high demand and we are lucky they don't raise the prices more. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:18:13 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nowadays, as others have said, $20-$30 is to be expected but for that money you get field houses with hot showers, flush toilets, washing machines, playgrounds for the kids with jungle gyms, and stores where you can buy food, clothes, camping gear, souvenirs, etc. the tom haverford approach to camping. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:23:20 PM EDT
[#37]
26 a night with a view like this.   and a few steps to see this.  |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:23:25 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They are $22 to $26 for most of the state parks in FL and I don't care. Ever see hotel prices in FL? We go almost once a month to one of them and have been on 40 trips in State and have no plans to stop. I am grateful for the State and County parks we have and have no issue paying for the use of them. We use it as a base camp and take day trips to the local site. This is what we did one our last trip. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0093_zpsh9uks91p.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0071_zpsijzsvz6s.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0040_zpscaqkkfcw.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0055_zpsacwwkzbb.jpg Looks like wekiva |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:24:22 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Looks like wekiva Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: They are $22 to $26 for most of the state parks in FL and I don't care. Ever see hotel prices in FL? We go almost once a month to one of them and have been on 40 trips in State and have no plans to stop. I am grateful for the State and County parks we have and have no issue paying for the use of them. We use it as a base camp and take day trips to the local site. This is what we did one our last trip. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0093_zpsh9uks91p.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0071_zpsijzsvz6s.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0040_zpscaqkkfcw.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0055_zpsacwwkzbb.jpg Looks like wekiva Close, rock springs run. We have really become fond of that area. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:28:57 PM EDT
[#40]
You pay to camp? Lol
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Posted: 10/23/2016 5:32:34 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You pay to camp? Lol If you pay taxes you are paying to camp. If you don't pay taxes you need to get out of the free shit army.  |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 6:01:56 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Close, rock springs run. We have really become fond of that area. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
They are $22 to $26 for most of the state parks in FL and I don't care. Ever see hotel prices in FL? We go almost once a month to one of them and have been on 40 trips in State and have no plans to stop. I am grateful for the State and County parks we have and have no issue paying for the use of them. We use it as a base camp and take day trips to the local site. This is what we did one our last trip. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0093_zpsh9uks91p.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0071_zpsijzsvz6s.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0040_zpscaqkkfcw.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0055_zpsacwwkzbb.jpg Looks like wekiva Close, rock springs run. We have really become fond of that area. Love Rock springs also. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 6:03:39 PM EDT
[#43]
Nevermind
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Posted: 10/23/2016 6:05:12 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Love Rock springs also. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Looks like wekiva Close, rock springs run. We have really become fond of that area. Love Rock springs also. Wekiva falls, Wekiwa Springs SP and Kelly park and a few hours at Wekiva Island. Hour and half away. Cool clear water. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 6:20:07 PM EDT
[#45]
My parents live in a neighborhood that borders wekiva, only 20 minutes from my home. They have a neighborhood launch area on a small tributary to the river, so we can canoe whenever we want. We pay to camp on the several canoe in/out spots on the river. Buffalo Tram is one of our favorites. It's been a while, but this thread makes me want to get my two-year old son up to speed in a canoe so we can get back there. Maybe we'll run into each other out there soon.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 6:37:16 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They are $22 to $26 for most of the state parks in FL and I don't care. Ever see hotel prices in FL? We go almost once a month to one of them and have been on 40 trips in State and have no plans to stop. I am grateful for the State and County parks we have and have no issue paying for the use of them. We use it as a base camp and take day trips to the local site. This is what we did one our last trip. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0093_zpsh9uks91p.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0071_zpsijzsvz6s.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0040_zpscaqkkfcw.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0055_zpsacwwkzbb.jpg Agreed. Just two weeks ago I finally (for the first time in a long time) got down to a state park in FL. Power/water/sewer hook ups. Three nights for less than $100 was amazingly cheap for the amount of peace I got redfishing the flats in my kayak. $300 would not have yielded one night in a beach hotel. BTW, Banditman, what state park were those pics taken at? I'd love to kayak one of those crystal rivers like that. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:10:51 PM EDT
[#47]
$100 gave me three days of this. Money, well spent. If I was closer, it'd be there every weekend. |
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Posted: 10/23/2016 7:18:44 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Agreed. Just two weeks ago I finally (for the first time in a long time) got down to a state park in FL. Power/water/sewer hook ups. Three nights for less than $100 was amazingly cheap for the amount of peace I got redfishing the flats in my kayak. $300 would not have yielded one night in a beach hotel. BTW, Banditman, what state park were those pics taken at? I'd love to kayak one of those crystal rivers like that. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
They are $22 to $26 for most of the state parks in FL and I don't care. Ever see hotel prices in FL? We go almost once a month to one of them and have been on 40 trips in State and have no plans to stop. I am grateful for the State and County parks we have and have no issue paying for the use of them. We use it as a base camp and take day trips to the local site. This is what we did one our last trip. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0093_zpsh9uks91p.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0071_zpsijzsvz6s.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0040_zpscaqkkfcw.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2016/DSC_0055_zpsacwwkzbb.jpg Agreed. Just two weeks ago I finally (for the first time in a long time) got down to a state park in FL. Power/water/sewer hook ups. Three nights for less than $100 was amazingly cheap for the amount of peace I got redfishing the flats in my kayak. $300 would not have yielded one night in a beach hotel. BTW, Banditman, what state park were those pics taken at? I'd love to kayak one of those crystal rivers like that. Those are at Rock springs. Wekiva springs, rainbow springs, blue springs, silver springs, etc all have crystal clear spring water paddling. I'm sure there's more that I've paddled I just can't think of them are the moment. |
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