Boondocking
Arizona and Colorado boondocking guide: power, water, waste, and arrival checklists.
🏜️ Arizona Boondocking Resources
Rule Framework
| Rule | Details | |——|———| | 14-Day Stay Limit | BLM & USFS: Maximum 14 consecutive days in any 28-day window. After 14 days, must relocate ≥25 miles (BLM) or ≥5 miles (most forests) before resetting the clock. | | Water Buffer | Arizona state law (ARS § 17-308): No camping within 1,320 ft of any natural water hole or livestock tank. | | Road Setbacks | National Forest “corridors”: Keep RV within signed pull-outs or ≤300 ft off open MVUM roads. No cross-country driving on desert crust. | | Fire Restrictions | Stage I = fires only in metal rings; Stage II = no wood/charcoal anywhere. Always verify daily bulletin before lighting flames. | | State Trust Land | Requires recreational permit (~$15/yr individual). Total: 14 camping days per calendar year statewide. Different from BLM 28-day cycle! |
Free BLM Dispersed Camping (No Fee)
| Location | Cost | Stay Limit | Best For | Notes | |———-|——|————|———-|——-| | Saddle Mountain BLM (Tonopah, west of Phoenix) | Free | 14 days / 28 | Easy big rig winter base off I-10 | 50 miles west of Phoenix; classic Sonoran desert; fire rings at established sites; cell: T-Mobile/AT&T better than Verizon | | Quartzsite Free Areas (Plomosa Road, Dome Rock) | Free | 14 days / 28 | The classic winter scene | Plomosa Road: north off Hwy 95, dirt spurs; Dome Rock: west near Sugarloaf Peak; drive extra mile for quiet | | Kofa National Wildlife Refuge (near Yuma) | Free | 14 days / 12 mo | Scenic, quiet near Quartzsite | 600K+ acres; Palm Canyon Road dispersed; keep wheels ≤100 ft of numbered roads; camp ≥¼ mi from water | | Coconino Rim Road (FR 310) (Grand Canyon area) | Free | 14 days / 28 | Grand Canyon on the cheap | Kaibab NF; first ¼-½ mi rough, then opens; high country, cold nights; snow possible shoulder season | | Cinder Hills OHV Area (near Flagstaff) | Free | 14 days / 28 | OHV riders near Flagstaff | Off FR 776; Coconino NF; currently open (some Flagstaff NF closed May 2025–Apr 2027) | | West Sedona Designated Areas (FR 525) | Free | 14 days / 28 | Red rock views (designated sites only) | 8 designated areas only; charcoal/wood fires banned always; propane stoves OK; 200ish sites fill fast cool months | | Ironwood Forest NM (near Tucson) | Free / Permit | 14 days / 28 | Close to Tucson | BLM + State Trust; Public Lands Trust permit $20/yr may be required | | Sycamore Creek Recreation Area (Tonto Basin) | Free | 14 days / 28 | Desert hiking with dogs | Some sites have potable water spigots; leash required; wildlife: coyotes/javelinas |
Paid LTVAs (Long Term Visitor Areas)
| Location | Cost | Stay Limit | Amenities | |———-|——|————|———–| | La Posa LTVA, Quartzsite | $40/14 days or $180/season (Sep 15–Apr 15) | Up to 7 months (seasonal) | Water, dump station, toilets, trash | | Other LTVAs | Varies | Varies | Similar amenity packages |
Arizona Boondocking Quick Reference
| Spot | Land Type | Cost | Stay Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saddle Mountain, Tonopah | BLM dispersed | Free | 14 days / 28 | Easy big rig winter base off I-10 |
| Quartzsite (Plomosa, Dome Rock) | BLM dispersed | Free | 14 days / 28 | The classic winter scene |
| La Posa LTVA, Quartzsite | BLM LTVA | $180 season / $40 14 day | Up to 7 months with water+dump | |
| Coconino Rim Road (FR 310) | Kaibab NF | Free | 14 days | Grand Canyon on the cheap |
| Cinder Hills OHV | Coconino NF | Free | 14 days | OHV riders near Flagstaff |
| Kofa NWR | Wildlife refuge | Free | 14 days / 12 mo | Scenic, quiet near Yuma |
| West Sedona (FR 525) | Coconino NF | Free | 14 days (designated only) | Red rock views |
| Ironwood Forest NM | BLM + State Trust | Free/permit | 14 days | Close to Tucson |
🐕 Arizona Dog-Friendly Boondocking
- Leash required at most developed/dispersed sites with amenities
- Voice control often acceptable at remote BLM sites
- Always carry water for dogs (desert = no natural sources)
- Watch for: cholla cactus, rattlesnakes, scorpions, coyotes (keep dogs inside at night)
- Best dog-friendly free spots: Alamo Lake, SB Cove, Kingman Wash, Roosevelt Lake dispersed, Kofa NWR
- Areas to verify: Some LTVAs have specific pet rules (check Quartzsite La Posa policies)
📱 Arizona Boondocking Apps & Resources
- Campendium: 500K+ sites; reviews + photos; cell service info
- Dyrt: 27K+ sites; paid vs free distinction
- iOverlander: Free camping; community-sourced; works offline
- Boondock app: $35/yr; BLM/USFS/NPS sites; offline maps + cell coverage
- RigSense: Tank/battery/solar countingdown; public land overlays; free tier available
- Allstays Camp & RV: Walmart overnight parking + comprehensive campground data
⛰️ Colorado Boondocking Resources
Note: Colorado boondocking search returned 403 error; data compiled from prior research + general resources.
Rule Framework
| Rule | Details | |——|———| | 14-Day Limit | Most USFS districts: 14 days consecutive in 28-day window; move 5+ miles to reset | | National Parks | Dogs prohibited on trails (RMNP, MB, Hanging Lake, etc.); leashed only on roadsides | | State Parks | Keep Colorado Wild Pass $29 with vehicle reg; dogs allowed in most with leash | | Wilderness Areas | Varies; some prohibit dogs entirely above certain elevations |
Free Dispersed Camping Areas
| Location | Land Manager | Cost | Stay Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Lakes Basin (Silverton area) | USFS | Free | 14 days / 28 | Leashed dogs allowed on most trails below 10,000 ft |
| Great Sand Dunes | NPS/USFS | $25/7-day vehicle pass | 14 days / 28 | Dogs allowed on dunes (hot sand watch); Medano Creek near water |
| Silverton area USFS | USFS | Free | 14 days / 28 | Multiple trailheads; 4WD recommended for remote sites |
| San Juan Mountains (general) | USFS | Free | 14 days / 28 | Ice Lakes, Lizard Head Pass areas; dispersed widely |
| Eldorado Canyon (near Boulder) | USFS/County | $10/day vehicle pass | Variable | Leashed dogs required; popular day-use area |
| Chatfield State Park | State Parks | $12/day or $29 Keep Colorado Wild | Variable | Dogs allowed in most areas with leash |
Colorado Boondocking Quick Reference
| Spot | Land Type | Cost | Stay Limit | Dog Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Lakes Basin | USFS | Free | 14 days / 28 | ✅ Leashed dogs allowed below 10,000 ft |
| Great Sand Dunes | NPS/USFS | $25 pass | 14 days / 28 | ✅ Dogs on dunes; watch hot sand |
| Silverton area | USFS | Free | 14 days / 28 | ✅ Generally dog-friendly |
| Eldorado Canyon | USFS/County | $10/day | Variable | ✅ Leash required |
| Chatfield State Park | State Parks | $12/day / $29 annual | Variable | ✅ Leash required |
| Rocky Mountain NP | NPS | $35/7-day | Varies | ❌ NO DOGS on trails (roadsides only with leash) |
| Maroon Bells | USFS/Wilderness | $10-16 parking | Varies | ⚠️ Dogs allowed leash below 10,000 ft only |
🐕 Colorado Dog-Friendly Boondocking
- Best bets: Ice Lakes Basin (leashed), Great Sand Dunes dunes, Eldorado Canyon trails
- Avoid: RMNP trails (dogs only on roadsides), Maroon Bells above 10,000 ft, Hanging Lake
- Keep Colorado Wild Pass ($29 with vehicle reg) = huge discount vs $80 standard state park pass
- Arrive early — popular trailheads fill by 8am on weekends
- Carry more water — altitude + exercise = faster dehydration for dogs too
📱 Colorado Boondocking Apps & Resources
- Campendium/Dyrt: Same apps work CO + AZ; 500K+ and 27K+ sites respectively
- iOverlander: Community-sourced; good for off-grid spots
- Boondock app: $35/yr; includes CO sites; offline maps + cell coverage
- RigSense: Tank/battery counting; public land overlays; seasonal features (fall foliage, superbloom alerts)
🛠️ Boondocking Essentials (from Your Power Supply Doc)
Your Setup: 3× ECO-WORTHY Cubix100 48V 100Ah = 14.4 kWh total
- Usable (80% DoD): ~11.5 kWh
- Starlink daily use: ~0.8-1.5 kWh depending on model
- Supports 8-14 days Starlink-only use before recharging
- 300-400W solar array: Fully replenishes Starlink + other loads in 1 day
Power Management for Boondocking
| Scenario | Daily Consumption | Starlink Days on Bank | |———-|——————|———————-| | Light (email only, 4hr) | 120 Wh | 96+ days | | Moderate (video calls, 8hr) | 400 Wh | 29+ days | | Heavy (streaming+work, 12hr) | 900 Wh | 13 days | | Continuous 24/7 | 1,800 Wh | 6+ days |
Starlink Model Recommendations (for Boondocking)
| Model | Draw | Daily Use | Rating | Boondocking Suitability | |——-|——|———–|——–|———————-| | Mini | 25-40W | 0.6-1.0 kWh/24hr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best: Supports 10+ days with current bank | | Gen 3 | 75-100W | 1.8-2.4 kWh/24hr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good; supports 8-12 days | | V5 | 35-50W | 0.8-1.2 kWh/24hr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Most efficient; supports 10-14 days |
Solar Sizing for Boondocking
- Minimum: 200W panel + charge controller
- Recommended: 300-400W panel array
- Full recharge: 300-400W solar fully replenishes Starlink + other loads in 1 day of full sun
- Winterfactor: Shorter days, lower sun angle → may need 400W+ or generator backup
Water Management
- Desert boondocking: Bring 1 gallon per person/per day minimum
- With dog: Add 1 gallon per dog per day (for drinking + cooling)
- Your 300-400W solar: Won’t produce enough water; must bring or filter from sources (check local rules — many desert waters are protected)
Waste Management
- Pack out everything — Leave No Trace
- Gray water: Collect in containers; dump at designated stations
- Black water: Only at approved dump stations; never bury in desert
- Dog waste: Bag and pack out (never leave in desert)
Safety & Communication
- Satellite messenger (Garmin inReach, Zoleo) — cell coverage drops fast in boondocking areas
- Share itinerary with someone not on the trip
- Check fire restrictions daily (especially Stage II bans)
- Wildlife awareness: Bears (CO), javelinas/coyotes (AZ), snakes/scorpions (both states)
🗺️ Boondocking Route Strategy (Arizona/Colorado Loop)
Suggested 2-Week Route
| Day | Location | Land Type | Cost | Dog Policy | |—–|———-|———–|——|————| | 1-2 | Saddle Mountain BLM (AZ) | BLM dispersed | Free | ✅ Leash acceptable | | 3-4 | Quartzsite free areas (AZ) | BLM dispersed | Free | ✅ Leash; watch coyotes at night | | 5-6 | Coconino Rim Road (AZ) | USFS | Free | ✅ Leash; cold nights | | 7 | Travel day | — | — | — | | 8-9 | Ice Lakes Basin (CO) | USFS | Free | ✅ Leashed below 10,000 ft | | 10-11 | Great Sand Dunes (CO) | NPS/USFS | $25 pass | ✅ Dogs on dunes | | 12-13 | Silverton area (CO) | USFS | Free | ✅ Generally dog-friendly | | 14 | Return or continue | — | — | — |
Alternative Shorter Arizona Focus
| Day | Location | Land Type | Cost | Dog Policy | |—–|———-|———–|——|————| | 1-3 | Alamo Lake (AZ) | BLM/dispersed | Free | ✅ Pets allowed | | 4-6 | Roosevelt Lake dispersed (AZ) | USFS | Free | ✅ Dogs leashed | | 7 | Travel day | — | — | — | | 8-10 | Kofa NWR (AZ) | Wildlife refuge | Free | ✅ Specific rules apply | | 11-14 | Sedona dispersed (AZ) | Coconino NF | Free | ✅ Designated areas only |
📋 Boondocking Checklist (Updated for Your Setup)
Pre-Departure
- Check BLM/USFS current orders — some areas closed seasonally (e.g., Flagstaff NF May 2025–Apr 2027)
- Verify 14-day limit compliance — mark calendar, plan relocation route
- Confirm water requirements — 1 gal/person/day + 1 gal/dog + extra for cooking
- Test cell/signal at intended spot before fully deploying
- Check fire restrictions via daily bulletin (stage I/II bans)
- Download offline maps (Campendium, Dyrt, Boondock app)
- Charge all batteries including Starlink, RigSense, satellite messenger
- Fill propane — may need for cooking if fire banned
- Print permit(s) if required (Arizona State Trust: $15/yr; LTVA: $40/14 day)
At Campsite
- Set up 200+ ft from water sources (state law + wildlife)
- Secure food in vehicle (bears in CO, javelinas in AZ)
- Leash dog or use voice control appropriate to area
- Check for hazards: cholla cactus, hot sand, snake holes, scorpion zones
- Night precautions: Bring dog inside tent/rig at sunset (coyotes active)
- Pack out all trash + dog waste bags
- Respect quiet hours — carry distance matters in dispersed areas
Departure
- Leave no trace — pack out everything
- Take photos of fire rings you use (if any) to help future campers
- Note site conditions in Campendium/Dyrt app for future campers
- Reset 14-day clock — move ≥25 miles (BLM) or ≥5 miles (forests) before restarting
🔗 Resources Link (for Your Travel Repo)
Consider adding these to your routes.md or creating a resources.md:
- Campendium (free/paid camping reviews): https://campendium.com
- Dyrt (500K+ sites): https://dyrt.com
- iOverlander (free camping): https://ioverlander.com
- Boondock app ($35/yr): https://boondock.app
- RigSense (tank/power counting): https://getrigsense.com
- Allstays Camp & RV (Walmart overnight): https://allstays.com
- BLM.gov (land status): https://blm.gov
- USFS MVUMs (motor vehicle use maps): https://fs.usda.gov
- Keep Colorado Wild (state park pass): https://keepcoloradowild.com
- America the Beautiful Pass (annual): https://store.usgao.gov
| *Last updated: 2026-09-24 | For your Ford E350 conversion with 14.4 kWh battery bank, Starlink Mini recommended (25-40W, supports 10+ days on current bank), 300-400W solar for full recharge in 1 day of sun.* |