“Self-contained” has a variety of meanings. Despite many RVers’ penchant for full-hookup camping, some motorhomers do enjoy being unplugged. See what FMCA members had to say about this month’s discussion topic:
Describe your favorite place for dry camping.
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Our favorite spot for FREE dry camping each year in January is Quartzsite, Arizona. The population of this small desert community swells sometimes to more than a million people during January and February when snowbirding RVers swarm to visit its many swap meets, rock shows, handmade craft displays, RV accessories tents, gemstone and jewelry exhibits, RV sales lots, and antiques vendors. In other words, the fun is free — it’s in the looking. Oh, and they have plenty of good restaurants and bakeries, too! Anything you’ve ever thought of and lots you haven’t can be found in Quartzsite at this time of year. Plus, services such as dumping and water wagons are also offered.
Sonny & Carole Gillespie, F192819
Hemet, California
About 10 years ago during an RV trip, we found a little gem for dry camping in Arizona. Set in the beautiful ponderosa-pine Kaibab National Forest, just 2 miles from the tiny village of Tusayan, and only 10 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Ten-X Forest Service Campground is the ideal place to dry camp. No hookups; just quiet and peaceful, away from the crowds, but still close enough to enjoy the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. A perfect setting to relax with a good book, to perhaps see elk graze nearby, and to join friends around an evening campfire. Gas, groceries, and restaurants are available in Tusayan. On our annual pilgrimage to the Canyon, we most definitely look forward to “roughing it” there — our favorite spot. (Golden Age Passports are accepted.)
Don & Lee Layton, F78701
Lubbock, Texas
Upper Michigan has a number of national and state forest campgrounds that do not furnish electricity and water. Since that area is halfway between our home and that of our son, when we make the trip to see him, we always seek out one of these campgrounds. They usually are right next to Lake Michigan or a beautiful inland lake. The view is always worth the lack of amenities.
Carl & Helen Marschner, F307274
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Since we dry camp almost exclusively, this is a hard question for us to answer. There are thousands of places to park for free, and finding them isn’t too difficult. Several publications have partial lists, and some states provide handouts. FMCA has its “Stoppin’ Spots” (24-hour stay as guest of an FMCA member; listed in this issue), which generally come with conversation — a nice benefit. Personally, we like National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, although our favorite spots are generally in small towns with city parks, and some of these come with electric! A beauty we checked out this past summer was public land 1 mile west of U.S. 24 and 2 miles south of Granite, Colorado. It had a stream, a nearby lake (with fishermen), and was cooler because of the higher elevation. There were shade trees, a vault toilet, some spots mere feet away from the river (these went fast), lots of places to park all sizes of rigs, plus an immense open area for as many as 40 large RVs.
Steve Ault, F106024
Green Valley, Arizona
We have gone to the Green Dragon Farmer’s Market and Auction in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, for years. Thousands of people have visited this attraction since 1932. It is open year-round on Fridays only, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. With 20 acres of free parking, RVers dry camp and are welcome to stay overnight. Browse through thousands of bargains and eat at family-style restaurants. Shop for meats, antiques, flowers, crafts, clothing, toys, coins, fresh fruit, vegetables, and baked goods from local farms. At 10:00 a.m. watch as hay is auctioned off the local farmers’ trucks. Shop indoors or outdoors in seven large market buildings and shops. Meet Amish families who arrive in their horses and buggies to sell baked and canned items. Visit the 400 merchants, craftsmen, and local growers who attend, and tour the many specialty shops and furniture stores. Spend the afternoon at an old-time auction, where you can sit and bid on items.
Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694
Florham Park, New Jersey
Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Ocracoke Campground is my favorite spot for dry camping. Accessible only by ferry, it’s a bird and wildlife sanctuary just a dune away from the most pristine, unspoiled, uncrowded swimming/surfing/fishing beach in North America. One area of the campground is reserved for quiet tent campers, and three areas will accommodate RVs. The clean, paved, open parking areas have no hookups, but there are flush toilets and cold showers in buildings throughout. A dump station and a potable water supply to fill tanks is just across the road. Holders of a National Park Service Senior Pass pay half the usual camping fee. Ocracoke ferries to and from Hatteras, Cedar Island, and Swan Quarter will accommodate any vehicle that can legally travel on public highways. Campground reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
Lewis A. Edge Jr., F426797
Princeton, New Jersey
Future questions:
1. Describe a memorable pizza place you’ve discovered during your motorhome travels.
2. Have you ever “rescued” an animal while on the road that became a member of the family?
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