Van Dweller's Stay Free in National Forests

Van dwelling comes with it's share of obstacles. You can do your best to become invisible within the urban community, or you can head out away from civilization and stake your temporary claim in areas of public land that allow you to camp at no charge.

The most common of these areas is BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) in the south west part of the country. What you may not be aware of is that most National Forests are also open to dispersed camping at no charge. If you choose to make use of an established campground, there usually is a modest fee, but if you head out into the wilderness there are plenty of spots you can setup short term housekeeping that will be a heck of a lot more comfortable than the Mojave Desert in the middle of July.

This weekend we took a day trip into the Superior National Forest in north east Minnesota. With a picnic lunch and our trusty van we wandered down numerous forest roads that provided us easy access to any number of ideal spots to set up camp for a couple weeks. All without the bother of dealing with other members of the human species.

Our standard rear wheel drive van, or for that matter the family sedan, would have no problem negotiating these roads because other than the fact they are not plowed during the snow months, they are quite serviceable.

Of course for those with 4 wheel drive, there are endless logging trails branching off these better quality forest roads giving access to the true wilderness. We left those for the more hearty adventurer because the point we aimed to make is that without undue stress to body or equipment, comfortable and scenic camping can be had within a reasonable distance of civilization in many parts of the country. And it's always FREE!!

We were a mere 25 miles north of Duluth Minnesota, a bustling great lakes shipping port with a population of about 90,000. Need to run to Walmart for supplies, it was but 30 minutes away.

For the afternoon we enjoyed beautiful blue skies, a mild but comfortable breeze through the pines, and of course the required number of butterflies and bumblebees flitting across the grassy field. One lone white tailed deer spooked and trotted across the road as we drove in.

In years past another spot we've stayed at is the LBJ Grasslands north of Decatur Texas. Again, both free and easily accessible by any vehicle. I must say though, it gets mighty warm in those parts come the middle of summer. I would definitely recommend the more northern National Forests for summer camping, and head south during the winter months.

These days the one expense that adds up quick for the true van dwellers amongst us is the cost of fuel. Being required to relocate on a daily basis because big brother doesn't take kindly to squatters will eat up your monthly fuel rations in a hurry.

Do some research, plan for months down the road when the seasons change. Then stake your temporary claim to some FREE camping that's open to everyone in the National Forest System. These areas are spread out all over the country and are available for anyone to use. Just remember, leave no trace is the standard. What you bring in comes back out with you.