Advice for new full-timer

H

henry david

New Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2012
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6
Hello everyone,
I'm brand new to this forum although I have been a reader/participant in truck camper forum for over a year. I am grateful to be able to learn a great deal from others' experiences. I have a plan in mind that needs some critique from those who know the lay of the land and the climate.

This summer I will begin my full-time truck camping adventure in my Ford 4WD 350 and Northstar Adventurer camper. I have had both about a yesr and have used them extensively, including a one-month boondocking trip to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

My major concern (and I know that this is really planning ahead...but I always prepare as thoroughly as possible) is about locations to over-winter at the end of this year.

Now, my plan is to stay in Anzo-Borrego State Park. There seems to be unlimited boondocking possibilities and no "time limit" on length of stay. I can boondock for three weeks or so before I need resupply. Is this a feasible plan? I know the nights will be chilly/cold but are there any serious flaws that I am overlooking?

My alternative sites are either the BLM LTVAs around Yuma/Quartzsite or perhaps in southeatern Arizona in the Sierra Vista/Bisbee/Douglas area. Are there any parts of Cleveland NF that are suitable for winter use?

There seems to be a great deal of expertise and insights offered from this forum's participants. I will surely appreciate any advice that you can give me.
HenryDavid
 
<snip>
My major concern (and I know that this is really planning ahead...but I always prepare as thoroughly as possible) is about locations to over-winter at the end of this year.

Now, my plan is to stay in Anzo-Borrego State Park. There seems to be unlimited boondocking possibilities and no "time limit" on length of stay. I can boondock for three weeks or so before I need resupply. Is this a feasible plan? I know the nights will be chilly/cold but are there any serious flaws that I am overlooking?

My alternative sites are either the BLM LTVAs around Yuma/Quartzsite or perhaps in southeatern Arizona in the Sierra Vista/Bisbee/Douglas area. Are there any parts of Cleveland NF that are suitable for winter use?
<snip>
I will surely appreciate any advice that you can give me.
HenryDavid


Welcome to the board, HD. I don't know 'bout them places, but I do know people winter over on the beach at South Padre. Have a good time, wherever you end up.
 
Hello Henry david,
There are hundreds of places to spend the winter in the Southwest. Depends a lot on what you like. The BLM areas near Quartzite are good, the farther you go out of town the less people. KOFA Wilderness south of Quartzite has some great spots. There are many places along the Colorado river north of Yuma. There are some good places near Parker, AZ, Swansea Ghost Town being one of them. The Huachuca Mtns next to Sierra Vista and the Chiricahua Mtns to the east near the NM border are both very good winter camping places. Parker Canyon Lake State Park west of Sierra Vista on the other side of the Huachucas is a great place to spend some time. Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mtns north of Sierra Vista is another place.
I could go on and on, but I won't, OK?
Best deal would be to plan on coming down here and start working your way around, there are many places to discover.
BX
 
Hello everyone,
I'm brand new to this forum although I have been a reader/participant in truck camper forum for over a year. I am grateful to be able to learn a great deal from others' experiences. I have a plan in mind that needs some critique from those who know the lay of the land and the climate.

This summer I will begin my full-time truck camping adventure in my Ford 4WD 350 and Northstar Adventurer camper. I have had both about a yesr and have used them extensively, including a one-month boondocking trip to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

My major concern (and I know that this is really planning ahead...but I always prepare as thoroughly as possible) is about locations to over-winter at the end of this year.

Now, my plan is to stay in Anzo-Borrego State Park. There seems to be unlimited boondocking possibilities and no "time limit" on length of stay. I can boondock for three weeks or so before I need resupply. Is this a feasible plan? I know the nights will be chilly/cold but are there any serious flaws that I am overlooking?

My alternative sites are either the BLM LTVAs around Yuma/Quartzsite or perhaps in southeatern Arizona in the Sierra Vista/Bisbee/Douglas area. Are there any parts of Cleveland NF that are suitable for winter use?

There seems to be a great deal of expertise and insights offered from this forum's participants. I will surely appreciate any advice that you can give me.
HenryDavid


My major comment would be to make sure about the Cal parks fee structure, used to be cheap, now it's $25/35-a day, not a good rate for the winter, so as several have said look to the feds like BLM or USFS for cheap or free places to stay or use as base camp! Plenty of places to stay out here!

Smoke
 
Welcome to the board, HD. I don't know 'bout them places, but I do know people winter over on the beach at South Padre. Have a good time, wherever you end up.
 
Thanks for the responses.
Mark, Southern Texas has popped up on my screen because, as of now, I am considering a Texas residency through the escapees club. But are there low-cost sites that would be available there?

BX, I appreciate your thoughts about specific sites in Arizona. I try to figure out potential winter sites as best that I can using weather data and national forest options. Obviously, nothing can replace first-hand experiences. So a bit of experimentation may be necessary. But here's a major concern: If I use, for example, the campsites in Coronado NF I will be gaining elevation. As the altitude increases, it seems that the winter will become harsher and harsher? so much so that this alternative simply won't work? It's difficult to judge the on-ground conditions from afar. Do you have any thoughts on this topic?

Smoke, I understand your point about the CA state parks' expense. But my impression is that boondocking at Anza-Borrego is not only free but had no time restrictions on length of stay. Am I missing something?

I enjoy reading this forum and I have learned a great deal already. All the best in your travels!
 
welcome to wtw henry david.

Borrego state park,you named the warmest spot to snowbird in.
we lived in borrego springs(town in center of park) and it is in our opinion the best spot to spend the winter.
you are right you can camp anywhere as long as it is near a road trail etc.
as there are a lot of dry sand canyons you are allowed to drive in them unless marked closed.
as it is a large park you can stay on the desert floor or go higher in other sections.

off of S2 (road) in the south section of the park there is a county park that has natural hot springs
you can camp or just day use sure fills good on a cold winter day to take a soak! again you can boondocks any where
and there are even a few basic camp grounds (free) that have pit toilets.

what we like about it is that only highway legal vehicles are allowed so you can enjoy the solitude.

you do not have the large amount of snowbirds that go to quartzite so if you must have a lot of people
around borrego might be a little dull (just the way we like it)

if you go there stop at the park headquarters (earth sheltered visitor center,neat!) it will give you a understanding of the park.

of course you can always vist the "famous" slab city about 60 miles away,where all the visitors are a little off center but fun.

you can buy supplies in borrego springs.gas is $$$$ so fill up before you head there.

any questions about the area ask away as we live in the lower calif desert.

drive slow and enjoy "its the journey"

Les Lqhikers
 
welcome to wtw henry david.

Borrego state park,you named the warmest spot to snowbird in.
we lived in borrego springs(town in center of park) and it is in our opinion the best spot to spend the winter.
you are right you can camp anywhere as long as it is near a road trail etc.
as there are a lot of dry sand canyons you are allowed to drive in them unless marked closed.
as it is a large park you can stay on the desert floor or go higher in other sections.

off of S2 (road) in the south section of the park there is a county park that has natural hot springs
you can camp or just day use sure fills good on a cold winter day to take a soak! again you can boondocks any where
and there are even a few basic camp grounds (free) that have pit toilets.

what we like about it is that only highway legal vehicles are allowed so you can enjoy the solitude.

you do not have the large amount of snowbirds that go to quartzite so if you must have a lot of people
around borrego might be a little dull (just the way we like it)

if you go there stop at the park headquarters (earth sheltered visitor center,neat!) it will give you a understanding of the park.

of course you can always vist the "famous" slab city about 60 miles away,where all the visitors are a little off center but fun.

you can buy supplies in borrego springs.gas is $$$$ so fill up before you head there.

any questions about the area ask away as we live in the lower calif desert.

drive slow and enjoy "its the journey"

Les Lqhikers
 
Hello Les,
Thanks for your very reassuring thoughts. The web with all of its information is a great asset but there's nothing like having someone's personal insights. As an easterner now (I live in Virginia), I try very hard to do my "due diligence" but some aspects of trip planning are hard to nail down from afar. I was at Anza Borrego about twenty years ago. I never thought at the time that one day I would have the opportunity as I do now to thoroughly explore this beautiful part of the country.

If you have the time, I have a few what may be silly-level questions with which you may be able to help me. I thought that supplies (food and gas) would be expensive in Borrego Springs. Looking at a map, I thought that my next best "big-city" supply option (especially for food) may be in Escondido. And, that way, I could head to some state parks along the coast (or perhaps elsewhere) to shake things up a bit. Is that a realistic plan? And do I have to pay a new admission fee every time I re-enter ABDSP? If so, is there some more long-term pass available to minimize that cost?

Quiet and solitude are very high on my priority list. That's the major reason ABDSP looked so appealing to me.
OK...now one more thing...because I am an easterner...I don't get the reference to "slab city"...but I really do like the notion of folks who are a bit off-center! They're who make the world go 'round!

Thanks for your help! When I have sufficient experience, and sound advice to offer, I will be glad to help those who want to wander the west.
HenryDavid
 
H.D.,
they do not charge entrance fee to borrego state park anymore,a few years ago they tried it
but stopped as it was not cost effective.

for shopping it is about 75 miles to indio,la quinta area which has all the big box stores,
and most likely the best prices,also el centro is about the same distance,same big box stores.
again if you are on a budget you can always spend the night at one of the indian casino's.

both these areas do not require crossing the mountains as both are in the lower desert

another town to shop is ramona up the hill from borrego on the way to san diego,on the
way is a indian casino ,possibly a over night spot on your way,maybe pay for your trip also!

you can loop almost all these areas so you can see more of the area,lots of side trips with lots of
boondocks spots.

drive slow and enjoy "its the journey"

Les,lqhikers
 
Mark:
the differance between the rv snowbirds in the quartzite and slab city
is that people keep the quartzite area super clean where as the slab city
area has a lot of slobs no other way to say it.
a lot of the area is really trashed,but still worth a trip at least to
see salvation mountain as it might not last to long since the founder is no
longer there to maintain.

drive slow and enjoy "its the journey"

Les,lqhikers
 
Big Bend NP and that area is another option, chilly nights at most elevations (sometimes lower is colder) but pleasant days. The Chiricahuas in SE AZ is also a very nice are and again chilly nights and the elevations will be chillier there. Organ Pipe National Monument can be great, get a National Parks pass for cheap rates. Quartsite would be my nightmare as well as slab city.
 
Mark:
the differance between the rv snowbirds in the quartzite and slab city
is that people keep the quartzite area super clean where as the slab city
area has a lot of slobs no other way to say it.

OK, got it -- it's Slob City.
wink.gif

Thanks.
 
Slabs do have a hot spring to mud in and a free hot water shower. That has been nice to use on occasion. It is just beyond the outskirts of the main camping area. Also, Salvation mountain is worth a see.

The Mud pots further south are interesting as it's co2 gas that comes up from the underground and bubbles, not hot water.

~DR
 
Hello Les,
Thanks again for the great information. There's certainly nothing better than someone who has first-hand experience with an area. I very much see your point about Indio as a resupply site. That option just never popped up as a possibility...but now I see that it makes a great deal of sense to head that way instead of over the mountains.

If I may, I have a few other questions. Do you have an idea of how useful Lowell and Diana Lindsay's guide to Anza Borrego may be? I like maps and I take some small comfort in knowing where I am and how to get back to where I started. In the same vein, have you, or others on the forum, used the Benchmark series of maps? As far as I know they're unavailable on the east coast so I can't get a good idea on how good they are. When I'm out in the national forests now I always have a map for each forest or forest unit. Will the Benchmark maps show the national forest roads? That's my major concern plus it would be very handy to have only one map instead of a handful.

OK...last question for now: Is it an accurate rule of thumb to think that as one moves from north to south in Anza Borrego that one moves from generally cooler to generally warmer temps? I'm sure that elevation has to be factored in, too, but I was just curious about the overall environment.

You've been a great help, Les, I truly appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
 
have you, or others on the forum, used the Benchmark series of maps? As far as I know they're unavailable on the east coast so I can't get a good idea on how good they are. When I'm out in the national forests now I always have a map for each forest or forest unit. Will the Benchmark maps show the national forest roads? That's my major concern plus it would be very handy to have only one map instead of a handful.

The Benchmark series of state atlases are THE ones to get (i.e., instead of Delorme Gazeteer) for the states for which they're available.
I have the Benchmark atlas for each state I go to or might go to...but I also carry the relevant National Forest maps for destinations of specific trips. Yes, it would be nicer to only carry the bound atlas, but I think that the NF maps show more info and/or better scale in some areas. A folded NF map is pretty small, after all.
 
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