|
|
10 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
|
|
cheapskate traveller
Hi all,
I'll be whizzing round the US on a friend's 1981 Suzuki GS250, starting around April/May time from New Jersey. I'll initially be heading south and hope to do a loop around the states via Florida, Texas, Washington and back to NJ.
You've probably already guessed that I'm not a wealthy person (was the "1981 GS250" bit a clue?!) so I'll be doing the trip on a tight budget. Can anyone recommend any books and/or websites listing free/cheap campsites across the US? Last time I was in the US I used State Park campsites but getting a pitch at weekends could be a problem, plus some were very expensive.
Any ideas? Thanks.
Rich
|
10 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
|
|
If you stay in a National Forest it is usually free and you can usually camp anywhere in them without a permit etc. Many people in the US don't realize that. Also BLM many times has free camping anywhere, but not always. These are two compleatly diffrent parts of the Govt. Don't get these mixed up with the National Park service, yet another part, that tends to be more restrictive and more likly to charge a fee. Here are some links to get more info inclusing maps, rules etc
US Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us/
BLM http://www.blm.gov/nhp/index.htm
National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/
Also each state has state and county parks that charge various, and sometime outragious fees. The biggest thing to watch out for is campfires. Sometimes they are not permitted in the summer, or you need a fire permit(usually free) due to possable forest fires. Hope this helps.
------------------
John
__________________
John
|
11 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Alabama
Posts: 47
|
|
Quote:
Originally posted by straggler:
Hi all,
I'll be doing the trip on a tight budget.
Any ideas? Thanks.
Rich
|
Have you considered stealth camping.
john
|
12 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
|
|
Is that using a tent that doesn't show up on radar?
|
12 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
|
|
Quote:
US Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us/
BLM http://www.blm.gov/nhp/index.htm
National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/
Thanks for that. I'd never heard of the BLM before.
I've been told that I can get free maps from each state's visitor centre. Admittedly I only visited 5 or 6 states last time I was in the US but I can't remember ever seeing one. Am I just ashort sighted or am I looking in the wrong places?!
[/B]
|
|
13 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 45
|
|
Straggler,
Visitor centers are usually located on major interstates, if you were on backroads when you entered states before then that explains why you would have missed them. "Stealth camping" works well in the U.S., it means simply camping on private property, or restricted access government property without asking permission or paying a fee. This is almost always easily done, unless you decide to camp on some over-zealous person's land. Hint: if you do decide to stealth camp try and cover the reflectors on your bike, they can give you away when you would otherwise remain undetected.
Good Luck,
Nate Pollock
__________________
BLAME PATAGONIA
|
13 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
|
|
Quote:
Originally posted by nate:
Straggler,
Visitor centers are usually located on major interstates, if you were on backroads when you entered states before then that explains why you would have missed them. "Stealth camping" works well in the U.S., it means simply camping on private property, or restricted access government property without asking permission or paying a fee.
Nate Pollock
|
This is all good stuff, thanks. I'll have to get back onto the interstates before crossing the state lines.
By the way, think I passed through your town in the summer.
|
13 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Alabama
Posts: 47
|
|
Quote:
Originally posted by straggler:
I've been told that I can get free maps from each state's visitor centre.
|
Many states will also mail you maps. Do a search for their tourist or visitor website. They all have them.
John
[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 13 December 2004).]
|
23 Dec 2004
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Minnesota, Florida
Posts: 33
|
|
While riding back from Mexico I was very low on funds so I "stealth camped" often. I had a jungle hammock with bug screen so could keep a very low profile and not unpack the bike every night.
Having said that, I would encourage you to remember that most folks can be generous if approached openly and honestly.
Sharing stories of my travels often got me a place to stay.
|
24 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Nor.Cal and LaPaz, BSC
Posts: 42
|
|
If you are in the San Francisoc / Sacramento Ca. area drop me a line. I can put you up for a night and provide garage space and tools for any maintenance.
Glad to help,
Kevin
------------------
If you’ve never stared off into the distance, then your life is a shame
|
2 Jan 2005
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Framingham, MA USA
Posts: 19
|
|
My brother and I did a loop from boston to vancouver to LA to new orleans back to boston this summer... stealth camping almost every night.. only paid for 2 motels and 1 hostel. We had good luck with public beaches and rest stops where there were 'day use' picnic areas. Pretty universally, nobody patrols these areas... and you sometimes have a table, fireplace etc (if you are brave enough to light one). you can also go into pay campsites after the close say at 11pm and leave at the crack of dawn with no one the wiser.
Wish I had known somebody in SanFran, we slept in buena vista park for 3 nights! But at least we got to meet some bums.
|
2 Jan 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
|
|
Thanks for that. I had thought about nipping into the state park campsites just to use the showers. Most of them I think I'd get away with it. I can always plead the stupid foreign tourist defence!
I'm not sure about camping in rest areas as I'll be travelling on my own but thanks for the advice anyway. I'll certainly be pleased if I can camp for free as often as you did!
|
6 Jan 2005
|
|
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
|
|
I've been camping on the side of the road all through Australia. A couple nights ago, my bike had problems (as it's prone to do) and I slept on the sidewalk at a small town.
Rest stops are good. I should've added the gay pick up spot warning. That happens in lots of places. I'm not picking on gays, it's just that public sex is frowned upon in most areas, and gay public sex attracts lots of weirdos and cops.
Since you're on a small bike, you can pull off the road and you'll be out of site in no time. But it's hard looking for a good spot when it's getting dark.
I'd also offer you a spot in Sacramento, but that's been taken care of.
--Dave
------------------
Trying to ride (and work) my way round the world on a 1965 Ducati 250cc. Australia, New Zealand and Japan are first. http://nokilli.com/rtw/
[This message has been edited by chimpo13 (edited 06 January 2005).]
|
20 Jan 2005
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 233
|
|
A lot of small towns out west allow you to camp in thier town parks. Just ask when you get there. BLM land is a good choice too if free is what you want. If you have a hankering to stop in Chicago, drop me a line. I'm the 'community rep' here.
Kurt
|
21 Jan 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Harpers Ferry.WV 25425
Posts: 29
|
|
Cheapskate,
If you will be in the Washington DC area, give me a shout. We always have a spare bed and garage space ofr the weary MC tourer.
Also be sure to check out the communities section of this sight. Lots of folks willing to share.
Bob
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|