Boondocking on Military Bases

Larry, with respect, let us not forget that we, as taxpayers, own these places - albeit, we?re not going to convince anyone on the installation of that fact. I don?t think that ?getting away with? is the appropriate phrase for using one of them to boon dock. I certainly don?t feel guilty of getting my tax money?s worth by using an isolated spot to quietly park the rig for an RON.

A few months ago I boon docked for three days on a vacant parking lot that was in front of a closed shopette on a very small installation. There wasn?t a MCG available and it was an isolated part of the installation. However, it was within walking distance of the golf course, which I frequented every day. Being isolated, with absolute peace and quiet and having the stars to ourselves, it was one of the best places I have boon docked in a long time. I am not going to name that installation because if we go back, we would like again to have it to ourselves. Sorry!

This particular place wasn?t one of them, but there are numerous National Guard/Reserve installations that are available for boon docking. Usually, the security staff is minimal and have more productive things to do than hassle RVers who have valid vehicle stickers.

We have also done RON boon docks in the parking lot of PX/BX facilities. Never once have we been accosted by security, but then we don?t look like squatters by deploying the awnings, lawn chairs, and BBQ grill. It?s the same procedure that I would use if I were in a Wal-Mart parking lot.

I have not asked permission to boon dock and don?t intend to. The old military adage that ?It?s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission? is true. If I every get hassled by an over zealous security guard, then I?ll ask for the OOD. Worse case scenario is that I will have to pack up and leave. If you are timid and concerned about that issue, then park in front of BOQ/BEQ. No one will give that a second thought.

I agree --- not exactly the best wording ... ?getting away with?

It seems to me that security would be concerned with security -- and have a legitimate reason to ask who you are ... a base sticker and ID card should answer that question. And, if you have a right to be on base with a vehicle, that should end it, and like Skyking says, don't roll out all your gear.

I'm guessing here it would be the attitude of the base commander whether or not to hassle "stop-overs", but also could be "attitude" of the individual security person sometimes -- some MP - SP take the job too seriously and push the "power of the badge" too much, as many civilian LEO's do as well.

Our experience has been positive - ask at the gate if there is a particular spot that we could stay in for a night rather than drive x# of miles; thought there was a campground here; weather is bad; several excuses work with the same thought in mind: be nice, ask nice, small nice and say thank you! It has worked at several bases - EXCEPT don't try to 'get away' with anything at good ol' Camp Murray - we were there, went for a little ride in our truck on a dirt road...the security guard called everyone out to catch us; including McChord....he was on the verge of arresting us when an actual military person stopped him!!! He was absolutely craaaaazy...all sorts of staff, etc came by the next day to laugh!!

My first time at this.   I work on Vance AFB OK, and just talked to the SF about staying on base with a camper.  The base has no camping areas.  They mention that if one was to asked about parking overnight (maybe even a day or two) they would put them in the park area.   Also there is a place to get water and use the dump station.  Only thing is not a lot of people know about the water/dump spot.  The place they would park one, has no hook-ups.     Would be a good place to stay overnight are a day.   Thier is a  plan to have a Fam-cam here in the future from what I hear..
SORRY I forgot to add where one could fine the dump and water was.. it is on the west side of the picnic grounds and should be near the area they park you. It is pass base housing and just before the turn that is in front of the clinic. The turn off for the picnic is blocked off, so just got the next turn to the left (east), looks like a parking area, and the area for parking is the old trailer park. Still a few trees around.

I'm making a guess here, but if I put myself in the Base Commander's position (HA!!) --

I'd wonder if the possibility of allowing overnight "stop-overs" as a courtesy and convenience eventually would become abused by some individuals that would "set up", open slides, and develop the campsite for longer term. There are certainly some RV'ers I've seen and met that would do that, selfishly, and then hurt the potential for anyone that wants a simple overnight.

Seems like almost without fail, a courtesy eventually turns into a "right to do it" and then the abuse begins.

My first time at this. I work on Vance AFB OK,

Good news about the permission for staying overnight AND with a nearby dump. So where's this hidden dump?

I didn't know Vance AFB was still open. :

Welcome to the forums!