🇺🇸 United States

I was sitting in Tucson during June 2017, trying to work on some Zennie projects in temps that reached 115 degrees. :( Eventually, I came to my senses, and realized that I shouldn't be there!

It was definitely time for a US road trip! My first thought was to get to some mountains, FAST, in search of high elevations, tall pine trees, and brisk alpine air... ...

I didn't even know this place existed until I saw it on a map. How did I miss this for so long? I think there's just so much competition from the spectacular places in southern Utah (Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Escalante, ...), that the northern part of the state is overshadowed. But way up north lies Flaming Gorge, and it's a super cool canyon, too! ...

If you want a pretty lakeside camping spot in Wyoming, and one that is free!, then check out the Ring Lake campground. It's one of several in the Whiskey Basin Wildlife Habitat Management Area, and it's an excellent choice if you're passing through the area ...

If you're traveling through Wyoming, and looking for a boondocking spot for a night or a week, then think about the free camping along Robbers Gulch Road. It's BLM land, and a nice place to enjoy some solitude and the wide open spaces! ...

Montrose may not have the eye-popping scenery of Ouray, but this farming community near the end of the Million Dollar Highway makes a good place to stop for a night.

The town provides free RV campsites by the trail along the river, and it's also easy walking distance to downtown. If you're passing through, it's an easy place to stop and make use of the town's facilities ...

The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. It winds through the Colorado Rocky Mountains, crossing 3 passes over 10,000 feet. It's a narrow, twisting, two-lane road with hairpin turns, steep drop-offs, and no guard rails.

When Zennie and I drove the Million Dollar Highway, I was afraid she was a goner... :( ...

A lot of free boondocking campsites are great for a night or two, but occasionally you find a prize spot that's glorious enough to be a destination in itself!

In my book, this free campsite at East Fork Road qualifies. It's stunningly beautiful, between towering cliffs and a lovely river. There are also plenty of cool things to do in the area. I didn't want to leave! :) ...

Who ever heard of a free campground that even provides free electrical hookups? It's a rarity for sure!

Now let's add a few other things... Nice campground with good facilities, short drive to the Great Sand Dunes, view of the lake and mountains, plenty of space and privacy, quiet nights, and good cell service. All that, and it's free? ...

For free camping near the Great Sand Dunes, here's one good option. This Colorado boondocking spot along Lake Como Road is near enough to the National Park that it's easy to visit. But here you get a free campsite with wide open views, and hiking access into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness.

Those who are energetic can use climb the three local peaks that are over 14,000 feet. Or if you're like me, there's a cool old ghost town to explore! ...

If you're looking for a lovely free campground while you're exploring the O'Keeffe country of New Mexico, here's a great option for you!

Just over 10 miles north of Ghost Ranch is the Echo Amphitheater campground, and though they used to charge money to stay here, nowadays it's free. :) ...