Hello Friends!
Too Good To Be True?
What would you expect to pay for a campsite like this– $35-$45 per night maybe? How does between FREE and $20 sound? Too good to be true? I'm here to tell ya'll, it's TRUE! You can wake up to stunning views like this in campsites all across the country that cost very little money or are completely free! Where and how? Glad you asked!
How would you like to wake up to a view like this?!
BLM Land–One Good Thing About Our Government!
Welcome to BLM land! BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management–the best thing about our federal government in my opinion! It's the agency that manages public lands such as national forests, conservation/wildlife sanctuaries and recreation areas. Within these locations there are designated camping areas; some are free and some are as low as $5 per night. Some sites such as this one in VA is $20 per night.
This campsite with that view was only $20!
The super cool feature about these areas is that you can stay in the same spot for up to 14 days! –unless otherwise marked. You can then just move to another spot and stay for another 14 days. This is called 'dispersed camping,' and is a preferred method for gypsies like me.
Dispersed camping-usually up to 14 days
Luxury Is In The Eyes Of...The Camper!
I get asked the question: "How can you afford to travel so much?" Well, this is one way–staying overnight at free or very inexpensive places. If you're someone who has to have all the "luxuries," you may not like this practice. If gazing at the stars beside a warm crackling campfire while sipping your favorite beverage; falling asleep on an 8 inch memory foam mattress as you listen to the soothing sounds of nature, then waking up to a view like this isn't luxury, I guess our definitions are not the same...and that's OK, but this totally works for me!
Now these places differ all over the country. Some dispersed camping areas have no services at all, so you will be totally boondocking (dry camping). Some have water only, vaulted toilets, some have shower houses and restrooms, and some like this one, even has electric hook-ups.
Electric available here!
The BLM manages other public land too such as some community parks and rest areas. Unless there is a sign that says 'no camping' or 'no overnight parking,' it is usually OK to stay there. The largest portion of BLM land is in the western part of the US. Because that area is so vast, there are unlimited camping opportunities. These places are harder to find east of the Mississippi River, but you can still find some great ones, especially in national forests like this one at Flag Rock, Jefferson National Forest, Norton, VA.
Recreation areas are BLM land which means free or lost cost camping
Historic Barter Theater
Believe it or not, this wasn't even the destination point on this trip. My friend Angie and I were headed to Abbington, Virginia–a really cool little town in the Blue Ridge Mountains; home to the historic Barter Theater, established in 1933,http://www.bartertheatre.comwhere we were gonna see a production of the "Headless Horseman." After all, this was the last weekend of October, the perfect time for fun, fall activities–with just a little fright thrown in for good measure!
Depression era Barter Theater Abbington's the main attraction
There were not a lot of people that could afford to pay for theater tickets back in the 30's with the Great Depression going on, so the founder of the theater, Robert Porterfield, offered admission by letting local folks pay with food items, hence the name "Barter." He said "With vegetables you cannot sell you can buy a good laugh." What a beautiful theater! The play we saw however, was across the street at Barter Stage II, a smaller theater that is just as beautiful. After a great show, we started exploring this awesome little town.
Look for the wolves–Abbington's art representing their favorite native animal
Famous Virginia Creeper Trail
One of the other huge attractions in Abbington is the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail. This is what I was most interested in since it is so well known for biking and hiking enthusiasts. Man, does it live up to it's fame! The scenery is spectacular as the 34.3 mile trail winds through forests, fields, and farmlands. The iconic Appalachian Trail crosses the Creeper in several places along the way.
The famous Virginia Creeper Trail