well actually to sleep out like he did. Here's the deal. My daughter is having her first ( my first grand kid ) kid in late July. I am planning a road trip out there to see and spend time with her, then continue up the PCH. up to Oregon to see my Dad and then return some way ( undetermined as of yet ) back to Western Colo.. So my mapping will take me through the four corners and angle down to Flagstaff, Ariz. then to the famed Laughlin area. I want to camp around that area or probably the Mojave area that first night. I don't really want to pay for a camp ground spot. spoiled that way living in Western Colo.! Has anyone done that or know of any good area's around there that wont get you hassled by big brudder for camping on our own land? mainly interested in Mojave area. and my worst fear would be waking up with mister sidewinder in my bedroll. Is that just in the movies???? thanx for any help, Brian

 

juast usse your own best judgement if it looks safe than do it

 

There's public land everywhere , what it's called is different for every state and most have camping allowed with some basic common sense rules to follow . Days of just tossing it down in a field somewhere have been gone for a while now particularly in desert area's and all the border issues we've had the last 10 yrs .

 

Yups I agree. Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission. It would be pertinent to give any potential big bro a nice smile along with a good story about how late in the night it was when you had to set up camp, and not being familiar with where the campgrounds were! (-;
My $0.02

aka Bob

 

There is free camping on the desert at Jawbone canyon and Dove Springs area n the 14 fwy. About 20 miles out of Mojave toward Ridgecrest. It is a Off Highway Vehicle area, (OHV) I have never seen a sidewinder but lots of Mojave Green Rattlers. Check with the Ranger Station at Jawbone Canyon for a free map. T

 

not ever been there I don't know what to expect. but guess I will find out!! does anyone know how far of the hiway you can ride or are there dirt roads leading of the hiway you can follow without drawing much attention?

 

thanx T will check that out on the map

 

Contrary to what some have said I threw down just about anyplace that looked like a good spot to crash last summer and had no problems at all. Behind some bushes on the side of the road, in a road side pullout, on a dirt side road, or in a corner of a truckstop.

I also found that if you ask, many gas stations or convenience stores will not have a problem with you crashing in a corner of their property as long as you are out of the way. Even had camp grounds that let me throw down my bedroll in their area as long as I didn't ask to do it in the main camping area they were fine with it.

If you are wanting to get some sleep in the Flagstaff area just drop by Grand Canyon Harley-Davidson at the Belmont exit. I think it is exit 180 on I-40 but not sure about that exit number. It's right across the freeway from the Pilot truckstop. They will let you throw down next to the "Road House" in the grassy area with all the trees and you can also get a beer and something to eat in there.

 

The snakes don't care where you camp.....

Don't be afraid to ask locals if you can camp on their land. I've had many a free meal from friendly landowners who were seemingly flattered that I asked to camp on their property. Here's a picture of one of them by Eureka Springs, Ark.

 

There is a camp area at Red Rock Canyon, and he is right about the Mojave Green ..