American West: BLM land, national parks and the Pacific Coast
May to October; high-altitude roads close in winter
Short answer
This is the largest and cheapest boondocking market in the world, which is why most American full-timers size their power plans around solar plus a generator.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Best season | May to October; high-altitude roads close in winter |
| Vehicle access | Self-propelled RVs and towables; check length and height limits |
| Travel style | Scenic driving · Dispersed camping · Long distance |
Highlights
- Dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management land in Utah, Nevada and Arizona
- Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1), best in a Class B or light towable
- Designated campgrounds in the national parks; overnight parking outside them is generally prohibited
What to watch out forNational Park units normally prohibit sleeping in a vehicle outside a developed campground. Rules vary by unit and change annually, so confirm on the official park website before you arrive.