JiminDenver
Denver, Co
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Joined: 09/09/2011
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Why would someone stay in a CG instead of Boondocking, well I think the list is endless. Distance, Location, amenities, socializing, it never ends.
I bet you the biggest reason is knowledge. Many people have never heard or thought of boondocking. If they do know of it, they think of it as really roughing it with back packs and tents. they envision 4x4 trails back in the woods filled with good ol boys with stills.
For many, campgrounds are camping. They did it with their parents as kids and now as parents, they do it with their kids. Near home they stay at the same ones over and over. On the road they look for a CG in the area they want to be in. It's just the way it's done. Tell some of them that they can go another mile or two down the road and save $25 a night while only loosing a picnic table and a raunchy bathroom and they may pack it up then.
Finding the areas to boondock in is easier now with the net but most don't know that. When we started, either you knew someone that knew where to go or spent years finding them by driving around. I have found more places within 2 hours of Denver to take our TT in 2 months than I knew after 5 years of boondocking 20 years ago.
We spent our first two weeks with the new TT at CG's. We wanted to try all the toys and AC was a must with record breaking heat. I didn't want a long drive the first time out and I certainly wasn't ready to drag it down ruts we hadn't been on in 20 years. I also wanted guarantied spots that we fit in as it was on a holiday. Good thing too because the areas are either closed, too small or on roads that the 25 ft just isnt going to make it down. We would have been screwed.
Did enjoy being packed in like sardines, not really but the CG's served a purpose. The SO wants one certain spot on Doudy lake for the 4th next year, other than that, we will boondock the rest of the time.
JinD
2011 GulfStream Amerilite 25BH
2007/2003 Ford Expedition
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turninghawk
Orlando, FL
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Joined: 09/11/2003
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downtheroad wrote:Trying to figure out what difference it makes to anyone else where someone decides to camp... 
You're exactly right.
Personally, I've never boondocked and probably never will.
Why? Grandkids.
I enjoy security, safety, playgrounds, swimming pools, marked hiking trails, fishing ponds, a convenient store, cable TV (I like to watch TV even when it rains!), and no generator noise.
To each his own.
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jdkd123
Northeast
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Joined: 09/15/2004
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Tom N....you were reasonable until your last two words.... Any wager on this weekend?
Go Pats!
JDKD123
2005 Coachmen CONCORD
GO SOX!
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BENT ARROW
CO.
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Joined: 02/02/2003
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We have stayed in a campground maybe 6 times in the last 20 years more from necessity than choice but otherwise almost always boondock. With my wife now needing medical equipment at night I thought I would need a full service campground since the generator noise and demand for fuel each night would cost as much as a campground. Some think people boondock because they are to cheap to pay for a campground but I spent over $650 for a small generator and a few additional things to stay out of campgrounds and continue to boondock.
Bent Arrow
99 PACE ARROW 35'
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TexasShadow
Spring Branch, TX USA
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Joined: 10/12/2003
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If it's very hot, both day and night, it can be cheaper to pay for an elec hookup.
if I'm tired of navy showers, it's nice to take a nice long one.
if there is a washer and dryer available, it's nice to do the laundry at my leisure.
and that's about all I can think of.
TexasShadow
Holiday Rambler Endeavor LE/ 3126B Cat
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Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
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dave54
Northeast CA.
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Joined: 02/12/2004
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DW and I both work in a cubicle farm under fluorescent lights where we spend the entire day on the phone, computer, or face-to-face with clients.
Boondocking is our escape. NO neighbors or phone service. The RV Park/campground social scene is great IF you want to socialize and use developed amenities. Not every one does.
We prefer the solitude, quiet, wildlife, and not worrying about if we offend a neighbor or letting a neighbor offend us.
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Log off and go camping!
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beemerphile1
I'm only 57, I'm not yet a
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Joined: 04/20/2007
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Our trailers give us the option of boondocking but they also give us the option of camping with hookups.
We belong to a camping club and there is no way that those people will camp without electric. When we camp with them we are in either state or private campgrounds. We had one member drop out of the club this year because we camp places that do not offer full hookups.
When we are traveling and doing the tourist thing we usually camp in state parks. It simply works better for us when we are spending our time sight seeing.
We also do the parking lot overnights while traveling because they save us a lot of money and time.
Occasionally we do boondock in the woods. We will be leaving few hours to spend the weekend in an Ohio state forest. Unfortunately it is our last camping trip of the year. We got up this morning to find everything covered with ice, it's time to winterize next week.
I think it is somewhat elitist to act like you aren't really camping unless you are boondocking. Our RVs give us many options.
Tim
If you aren't paranoid, you aren't paying attention! 
2006 Weekend Warrior FK1900 towed by 1998 Ford E150 4.6L = 8 MPG
2009 Aliner Sport towed by 2009 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L = 22 MPG
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Chillyrodent
On the road
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Joined: 05/23/2009
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It's great to have options. We roll past parking lots full of "campers" and shake our heads, but it's all about having one's own version of a good time.
The Good Luck Duck
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Suzanne and Brad
Oregon
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Joined: 10/06/2008
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We like both! We enjoy the camaraderie of many RV parks that offer FHU's and the unending supply of water, electric and ease of dumping, but also enjoy many aspects of boondocking - the ease, solitude and "back to basics" (as much as one can do in a 38' FW) feel.
Best of both worlds! 
Happy Travels!
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doc brown
Redondo Beach, CA,
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John & Angela wrote:We enjoy both. To each his own. We rarely stay in campgrounds of any kind while travelling or dead heading just from the sheer inconvenience of campgrounds. We seem to last 8 to 10 days without hookups from the water and effluent standpoint. Casinos, travel centres and the occasional walmart for restocking are a considerably more conevenient overnight stop. Campgrounds and resorts have their place too. Its all good.
Well said - that's how I travel.
Steve,Kathy,Josh & Morpheus the Basenji
2004 40' TSDP Country Coach Inspire DaVinci
350 Cummins, 3000 Allison
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