Boondock Camping – Lagoon Campground

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recarea/?recid=42557

My first Boon Docking experience in my Rpod 179.

The hiking trail along the Siltcoos River

I purchased my RPod 179 in April of this year (2022). I set out immediately and started “Glamping” to learn the basics of what to do and what not to do to set up a camp trailer. To say it is just a little intimidating to set up a camp trailer by yourself, is an understatement.

So camp trip #5 was set for “Boondocking”. What is “Boondocking”? It is a funny sounding term for camping without the amenities….water hookup, electricity, or the ability to hook up to sewer. I filled up my fresh water tank partially (less water to haul means less weight which equals better gas mileage) bought a generator and headed to the Oregon Dunes Recreational Area. Ok, I cheated with the generator, but why not?

Cummins ONAN Generator. Purchased at RV Corral at discount because this is where I purchased my iPod 179. They have great customer service!

So camp spot #26 became my home for the weekend. Lesson #1 – research the campsites and understand how each campsite it set up for access to the living area (picnic table, fire ring, and the grade of the site). Why does this matter? Well, my access door on my camp trailer is on the passenger side…which turned out to be on the opposite side of the picnic table and campfire ring for Site #26.

Not a total spoiler….but it definitely meant more walking steps. Even though I had this small hiccup, the site turned out to be excellent for privacy and situated perfectly to the campground restroom and water access. Additionally, the site had shrubbery which concealed my site from walking pedestrians. I give site #26 a 4/5. (See site map attached in photos for the location of the campground sites.).

The hiking trails along the lagoon and the Sitcoos River were great! I hit the trail early (6:00 – 7:00 AM) both days. Zeus (my dog) and I had the whole trail to ourselves both mornings. I was able to spot an Eagle and a few deer on the hike. The Siltcoos River was perfect for Kayaking and paddle boarding, Access to the river can easily be made from entry to the Lagoon Campground as well as Waxmyrtle Campground. I even walked the 1/2 mile to the beach along the main access road. There is plenty of shoulder to step off the road if cars drive by.

The beach had a fresh supply of fetching sticks!

The generator purred like a kitty. I had plenty of power to run the waffle maker, the water pump, water heater, and the water kettle for a nice hot cup of coffee made in my French press each morning. I highly recommend this generator model (I’ll add more details on generator in the Recommend Gear section of this blog. And…No judging for having waffles while camping!