The Lahr Family spent the last eight years traveling through North America and all of the lower 48 states in a Heartland Torque toy hauler. They have recently branched out to explore the world and use their RV as a home base in the States. When they come "home" they have the freedom of their home on wheels and the ability to escape into remote, wild landscapes together.
When it comes to finding the perfect camping spot, prioritizing epic views is often at the top of our list. The serenity of a mountain vista, the tranquility of a creekside retreat, or the beauty of a desert sunset can elevate your RV experience to new heights. There is simply nothing like enjoying a campfire with your family under the stars without another human in sight. The bonus of these beautiful campsites is that they are free!
The allure of finding “million-dollar views” while camping is a driving force for many RVers, but finding boondocking locations with perfect views and enough space to roam isn’t always a walk in the park. There can be a learning curve to locating these destinations, so we’ve compiled the tips, resources, and personal considerations we’ve learned over our eight years of free camping to help you learn the art of finding breathtaking camping locations.
When researching boondocking locations, choosing the right site involves more than just the view. Ensuring that your RV is equipped to harness solar energy and stay connected to the digital world is important when you are working from your RV like we do. If you have Starlink for internet and a roof full of solar, finding a campsite that isn't tree-covered is ideal.
Additionally, being close to your intended destination can save time and fuel. You will likely need to run to town for fresh water and a place to dump your tanks, so consider how often your family would need to do this when looking for a spot.
When searching for a campsite, we always start by using Campendium. This is our favorite app because it has cell signal data by carrier, user reviews of the locations, and photos. We have a large toy hauler, so it is very helpful to read the reviews to see if the campsites will fit our size RV and if there is a place to get turned back around.
While we are looking for campsites that meet our needs, we are also looking at the photos to see which campsites have the best views. In Mexico, we use iOverlander and in British Columbia, we use the government website for recreation sites.
After arriving at a potential campsite, it's crucial to scout ahead to ensure it meets your expectations and needs. Leveraging tools like Google Maps allows you to get a bird's eye view of the area and assess the surroundings. Drones are great for finding which sites are open and if we will have room to run around. Bikes are also excellent options for on-the-ground exploration, providing a closer look at potential campsites.
After the views, we scout for potholes, the size of the campsite, accessibility, low-hanging trees, and if the campsites are private. There have been times when our first-choice boondocking locations are full, so it is important to always be prepared with a backup location.
Certain states and regions stand out for their accessibility to million-dollar RV views. The vast landscapes of the American West, including states like Arizona, Utah, and Idaho offer iconic scenery that suits RVers, but especially those of us with large RVs. The wide open spaces of Forest Service and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) campsites of the Western US make for an ideal setting to find free campsites. We have ventured into Mexico for the most beautiful beach camping and into Canada for stunning mountainside views.
The last couple of our favorite recommended campsites have faced heavy regulations due to campers not recreating responsibly. Please be sure to respect the land and leave your campsite better than you found it. It would be a shame to lose these beautiful places for camping and recreation altogether.
Embarking on an RV journey with million-dollar views is worth a bit of extra planning and consideration. By prioritizing epic views, taking personal needs into account, using reliable resources, and scouting ahead, you can ensure that your RV adventure is filled with unforgettable moments and breathtaking landscapes. Happy travels!
Many people think of toy haulers as the wild-child of the RV world. Sometimes that’s true. While the toy hauler originated as a mobile man-cave complete with diamond plate walls, this popular RV type has evolved into much more. Today you might want to think of toy haulers as open-concept living spaces with multi-purpose utility.
Whether you're new to the world of RVing or you're ready to narrow your search, we're here to help you sort through it all and find the RV that's right for you. Explore RVs based off of your lifestyle and the features important to you.
