Boondock Camping

Frequently podders on the site mention boondock camping. I live in central PA and have ample wooded area all over the state to camp. The forest areas open to the public are state forests mostly and many parks have been built providing facilities, trails, swimming boating etc. The parks are beautiful and the campsites come at a cost of around $25 per night.  The parks for the most part are a deal when using everything provided but can add up if you just want a place to park the camper for a week or so.  They are also full on the holiday weekends and elbow to elbow camping isn't my idea of getting away from it all.  I'm sure there are alot of unknown, out of the way camping areas in the woods but how to find them???

My question is what does the avid boondock camper do to find a secluded spot?  What is the edicate for staying on public land without permits, fees etc?  I.E. do you have to notify the ranger station, what about gray water disposal. Are there any other things to consider?
 
 Also, are there any websites or apps available  that podders have used to aid in finding a campsite  while traveling?.  walmart has provided many nites for weary travelers but I'm looking for an alternative to see some of the "off the beaten path" local attractions.   

I also would like to hear what podders idea of what boondock camping is all about and what has been your favorite experience boondocking. 

Decades ago we camped in a secluded campsite near the Oregon coast.  We were in a small trailer.  No other campers around.  

Try Googling "dispersed camping" along with local NF's etc..

You should get some hits like THIS..

there is a free smart phone app called"BoonDocking"

We have done a lot of boondocking over the years.  Most of the BLM and open government land is further west than NC.  We have done most of the boondocking in campgrounds that have closed their services (elect/water/dump) for the season, but still allow self contained rv's or primitive camping.  the key is to look for 'primitive camping".  there is a lot of info available on the web regarding State , county, and local parks as well as National parks. The government has a lot of different agencies that has control over the lands, rivers and forests.  Try looking at the US Forest Service, the US wildlife service, the state Game and fisheries dept. etc.
all of them have different areas with different rules.  but there is a lot of good camping areas available if you have the capability to be away from services for a couple of days.

Vann Evans