![]() But I can say this: There are ample options for fuel, including diesel, for large vehicles along most of it, save for probably the western section along the coast between Forks and Montesano or Aberdeen. There are numerous access points around that ring, and the route you take will be defined by where you are going and where you're coming from. And the mountain portion is effectively ringed by Highways 101 and 12 totaling 300 miles. Where in the park are you going? Understand that ONP actually has two non-contiguous sections: one in the mountains, and another along the coast. With a light overcast layer, there was no moonlight whatsoever, and you couldn't see 6" in front of your face. One thing that caught me off-guard the first time I did it was how absolutely, completely, pitch dark it was at night. Some spots have absolutely fantastic sweeping views that can't be rivaled by any traditional campground. Most of all, it's a camping experience like no other. ![]() And top off your fuel tank before you leave the highway.īut the reward is a night sky like you've probably never seen in your life, and the space and freedom to be as loud or unruly as you want, which my kids really appreciate (and helps keep the bears away). Jump packs live in all my vehicles anyway, but make extra sure it's charged up and ready before you head 20 miles up a dirt road. Also, you absolutely need to have some way of starting your engine in case of a dead battery. Don't let the kids run wild out of your sight. 45 will scare a bear off if you miss, but only make 'em mad if you don't. You are VERY ALONE up there, and around these parts, if someone has a body to dump or something else that requires ultimate privacy, there's no better place than in the national forest. ![]() We eventually settled on one below some power lines. I once went up in ONF on a holiday weekend without scouting ahead and spent several hours on dusty, bumpy roads looking for a decent site. I HIGHLY recommend scouting out spots on a day trip in your 4WD ahead of time, and picking 2-3 that you want to target. There are tons of suitable sites out there, and they're usually not occupied, but they are often up roads that have tight corners, rough terrain, and steep cliffs on either side, where backing a trailer is out of the question. The roads are designed for logging trucks, so there's usually a turnaround at the end, but you never know if there'll be a washout halfway up, or just how far it'll be. The hardest part about dispersed camping is finding a good, desirable spot that isn't down a road you'd rather not take your RV or trailer down. Just search the forest you'll be in plus "dispersed camping" and you'll find the rules right away. The rest of the rules are common sense stuff like making sure your campfire is out, etc. For example, in Olympic National Forest (where I sometimes go), they essentially amount to no fireworks, no fires above 3500', bury your poop at least 6" deep (if you don't take it with you), and you can only stay for two weeks at a time. They call it "Dispersed Camping" and there are rules, which vary slightly by the individual Forest, but generally are pretty minimal, and it's usually free. Where I am (PNW), your primary (only?) option for this is National Forest Service land in/around the mountains, and probably some scattered BLM land east of the mountains. To date I have never stayed at a walmart/Crackerbarrel/Truck stop. I have pretty good ground clearance with the camper, and my tow vehicle is a lifted 4x4 diesel Excursion. I am towing a 23 foot travel trailer (27 overall). Sometimes we do this while traveling to find spur of the moment spots. I try to find two or three possible locations so there are backups. I am also looking for good spots to turn around if it does not pan out when I get there. Assuming no, I trace the route back on a zoomed in map to look for obstructions and significant obstacles. First I look at the whole area: does it appear full of tweaker sites or hobo villages. Once I find an area I like I navigate to it with google maps, then switch to satellite view. Forest roads are always a good bet out west. At the least this will usually bring up a few blogs like the dyrt that can get the ideas flowing. If there is nothing convenient or nothing available I will google search "dispersed camping" and the area I am interested in. I still lump that in with boondocking because they mostly do not have power or water. They are always accessible, and they are usually level enough that I do not need all my camco blocks. ![]() Those sites run 15-20 a night at most usually. If I find something semi-established that I like I will book it. First I check national park and national forest sites, also Corps of engineers.
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