Getting High in a Bitterroot RV Boondocking Camp in the Montana Rockies!

I don't know if a week goes by that I don't get an email asking how I find good RV Boondocking camps. Every once in a while, I run through it again. I've written 'bout it in my RV Boondocking Tips section and The Book ... at one buck 75, I think that might be worth your time. ;)

Then, as we were preparin' to make this last move, yesterday, it hit me. "Brian I said", I call my self Brian... well, at least when I'm not kickin' me and using bad words and dirty names for some fool mistake...

anyhoo, "Brian" I says; "Ya'll just got that spankin' new video camera. Whyn't you just SHOW 'em how you go 'bout it?"

"Geeze!" I replied to my self... "Ya'll shore is a smarter Cowboy then your looks give ya credit for boy!" :)

So... here is the RV Video Show of Moving camp. We moved from a paved, pay to play, National Forest Campground, that we've shared with other folks; To the Solitude of a shining, high above the Valley of the Bitterroot, genuine, unadulterated, double rectified, motorcycle equipped, RV Boondocking, Long Camp, site!

Just like Cowboy's... the good camps are out there, you just can't see 'em from the road!

Still learnin' the video deal... My accompanyin' music runs out a lil' too soon... but it's kinda nice while it lasts!... least I like it :) see what ya think...

There's a few "Rules" you'll want to keep in mind;

1. Never just start pullin' a big rig up a narrow forest road... you don't want to have to have to back your rig down the road in this video if you find no where to turn around... Do You? Always scout the possible roads on foot, in your tow rig, or in your toad. Play it safe. That's why we use "Organized" National Forest/BLM or other camps, first, in unfamiliar areas... and then, pull out to the camps we've found on our scouting trips.

2. Take it easy. There's no hurry... Take your time pulling up those narrow roads. You'll get there! I was in first gear most of that lil' haul. Bust an axle 'cause you come zippin' around a corner and couldn't stop in time to avoid that big rock that fell down, and you drug a trailer axle over it... and it ain't MY fault! :)

3. Watch your tire position on those narrow roads and tight turns. You don't have to watch so close going down paved roads... but, if you hang an 8' wide rig... off an 8' wide road... and find a big ol' rock... or worse... a deep, deep ravine... you'll be wishin' you'd paid better attention! :)

4. Never pull out into a meadow, without stopping and walking it first. Make sure the ground is clear of big, axle busting rocks, and that the ground itself is firm and dry enough to allow you to pull in... and back out again, without doing damage.

5. Keep a clean camp. There's nothing worse then pulling into an area that people used before you... that's cluttered with beer cans, broken bottles, a fire pit full of plastic bottles and other assorted bits of junk and camper detritus... Not to mention... though they are your neighbors up here... having a 900 lb. Grizzly grace ya'll with an up close and personal experience... 'cause your camp put out such a stink to attract him... is not going to improve your Boondocking memories.

6. Chock your wheels, and pad your jacks... It's a good idea to distribute the weight of your jacks... so they don't sink into the ground... which kind of says you pulled out onto Too Wet ground anyway :) but even on dry ground they can sink in... or if it rains hard while you are in camp...

7. Which brings up; If it does rain... IF... it rains hard and the ground goes soft on you while you're boondocked... The right thing to do... is stay put. Wait a couple extra days if necessary, to let the ground firm back up, before you move... and don't go runnin' in and out tearin' things up in the interim... like some recent neighbors of mine... Be Responsible... Take the time to come and go PROPERLY... and leave nothing but
some transient, shallow, and temporary tracks...

8. Pull into camp with your waste tanks empty and your water full.

9. Use only places that you'll not do damage... Don't pull too far off the road... and for the most part, try to use sites that have been "Traditionally" used in the past... Increasing population puts increasing pressure on everything. We need to do the best we can to minimize our impact.

10. People are always asking where we dump... and the answer is; all over the place. Many Wyoming rest areas have dumps. A LOT of  National Forest Campgrounds have dump stations. Most, if not all, National Parks do. I use sani-dumps website to locate Dumpstations... and... I use the individual National Forest websites as well (every one we  travel thorugh is bookmarked on my laptop), to locate nearby Dumpstations
in the forest. Basically, we just keep our eyes open and dump almost whenever we have the chance.

Truthfully, especially if we've been moving (and the "Stuff" is well sloshed around! :) ... I'll dump if I only have a quarter black tank full. I've never had an issue... but I know some recommend you only dump if you're at least 3/4 or so... I want to hit the bush with that tank empty... the grey water... ummmm..... Think "Tent Camper"... and use your imagination! :)

Well... that's a quick run through of how I go about it... Make your preparations... Remember the 7P's I've mentioned before. P-roper P-rior P-reparation P-revents P-athetically (cleaned up for general audiences!) P-oor P-erformance!

Make your scout... Take your time... and find the best camps you've ever lived in.

Montana Boondocking on the Bitterroot
Brian

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