What's worse is that in order for most people to camp (Saturday nights only, because they have a full-time job), they make you buy TWO nights. AND there's an $8-$10 reservation fee. So by time you book your reserved site, you're paying $60+ for one night, at a primitive campground. You've got the right idea with dispersed camping. You can get better spots with million dollar views, with privacy instead of a crowd of people and noise, for free. Unfortunately, as campgrounds raise prices, more and more dispersed areas are being closed due to full-time squatters (homeless) or just general slobs dumping trash, beer cans, and sewage.

@EM-mi5yj

16 күн бұрын

@@jeffharrison6059 I noticed the two nights only. When that happened. I was so surprised. And another thing, people staying forever like it’s their private property. They just park their mobile home like it a permanent vacation spot. I can’t afford that.

@user-lb9sp1gi1m

14 күн бұрын

Yup yep an yssirree. You are so right.

@LaoSoftware

14 күн бұрын

After a long week at work, I want to go camping and get away from the rat race. I want to be alone and recharge my battery. I'm tired and exhausted from daily life.

I do car camping as well but I’m not as courageous as you. I’d rather pay knowing I’ve got people nearby. Camping in an isolated area creeps me out. Be safe!

@CampingTherapy

18 күн бұрын

I totally agree.

@kriskabin

18 күн бұрын

Camping with a pitbull & a can of bear spray eliminates a lot of fear.

@tessbrown9885

17 күн бұрын

@kriskabin I have a dog too, Shih Tzu, she may bark, but that's it, lol.

Inflation has hit everything, so it's not a surprise that the prices of camping have gone up.

Prices are high everywhere now... not just in countries that carry large debit. The truth is that the dollar holds more value than any other currency. The high prices of today are more about monopolized economies. Without competition, companies can get away with price gouging. Anti-trust laws are not adaquately enforced. Corrupt governments are bought by corporate interests to keep it that way.

Good for you and Piggy for getting back out there! Looks like you had a soothing time, and hoping you get many more soon!!!

@dianeschmiane

23 күн бұрын

Thanks so much!

Dispersed camping is all I do. I totally enjoy my time in nature. Camping in a campground is not cheap any more.

A perfect video, Diane ! The bad economy , the bad behaviors and the price gouging. KOA is advertising with that slant to justify their high prices, many Rvers are leaving camping now, VanLifers are getting out of it. But, i gotta say, girl, that was one beautiful sunrise 🌄

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

There was definitely a big boom during Covid, but now that everything costs so much, I guess it's not worth it for some. Probably a good time to be shopping for a used RV... (as long as it was made before 2020, LOL)

The mattress on the side of the road. In California and elsewhere is why camping has gone up so much. Well at least one of the reasons. People simply don’t care how they ruin things. Especially California ! It is also one of the reasons i moved out of California. I came to California in 1964. It was beautiful. Now it is over crowded and so expensive and keeps getting more expensive. No reason to stay there any longer. I now live in Tenneesee. Where many Californians have moved and continue to do so. No Bueno on that part. 😢

@dianeschmiane

23 күн бұрын

Yes, it's not that big a deal to take your trash to a dump. If we all pick up after ourselves, the world around us will stay beautiful!

@sashanealand8315

11 күн бұрын

@@gabriellechilton5902 the mattress on the side of the road is allowed in California but not sleeping on a mattress inside of thf vehicle

Stunning view!! And yup … alone in nature without bugs … a dream of mine !! Glad you got your moment !!

@dianeschmiane

23 күн бұрын

Right??? The without bugs is like hitting the jackpot!

Agreed - camping USED to be a budget friendly event but lately it seems like the prices are going up and up and up! Nice information! “Keep making memories & adventure on!” ~Karen & Shannon WOY

Can’t live your life with”what ifs” or you’ll never live! Just trust your gut where you stay and leave if it feels off…happy adventures! ☮️❤️☀️

I tried to free campground which was okay and then I saw the same car go by three times with about half hour intervals so I left no one else was there I didn't know that at the time

You are brave camping out there alone Diane! What a great story. LOVED how cinematic it was. Really, great video. I miss the Sierras, so peaceful and beautiful. You said something that just hit me - alone in the woods, just nature - this is where the healing happens. That's so true. It's where you can just work thru whatever is in your mind, just get grounded, process life, recharge. Thanks for this Diane! Glad you found a spot. 😁😘🌲

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Ingrid, thank you so much. Truly that is where the healing happens, and I think there's some science behind that... Something about the megahurtz frequency given off by a forest being the same as those brainwaves that calm us down... I'd have to look it up!

@IngridBlackburn

9 күн бұрын

@@dianeschmiane well now you have my interest piqued even more....lol

The region 5 of the national forest often contracts out to Vista the management of campgrounds and rec. sites. The minimum wage in CA is $20 an hr. making the cost of campsites more expensive Vista has to make a profit too

That road looks super sketch on camera! Glad your out there having adventures! Looking forward to more.

I was looking at going to Tahoe last week but I was having the same problem you were. The campgrounds were either booked, overpriced or dispersed spots were further away than I wanted to stay. I’m only 2 hours away from South Lake Tahoe, I will get over there to camp one of these days. Remember the days when motels were the price of these now no amenities camp spots? Now we pay the same price to just park a rig yards from another rig. 🙄

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

100%, it's crazy up here! There are some primitive campsites around Markleeville and along the backside of the Eastern Sierra that are still relatively reasonable and last summer weren't packed at all... Just a longer drive, though.

Just found your channel in May. You and Ms. 🐖 are funny 🤣. My homemade window cover slip also; so I bought a plastic cutting board from Dollar Tree. I cut it into card size pieces, and wedge the reflectives behind the card. The card is just enough support to keep the covers in place. I hope I explained that okay 👍🏽 Happy Camping

@dianeschmiane

23 күн бұрын

Interesting, I think I'd have to see a picture to see how that works, but it sounds innovative.

Thanks Diane for sharing. It’s always a blast to just leave the house and go to the woods. Mike from Chicago. ATB

I enjoyed your video. And I appreciate you not naming the exact location. So many places have become overrun by tourists because of this.

So glad you’re posting again Diane! I love your content!

I am a senior on soc sec, with some other income. I cant afford to camp! Single people are screwed! It is an unfair way to price!

@MountainGirlwIPA

12 күн бұрын

you should look into discounts for seniors and limited income. California has the option, not camping but day access. ❤

Camp grounds here in Ontario is 55 to $60 dollars per night 😢

Dianne, I solved my problems with my reflective that I made by using large silver or black paper clips. It clip on your reflective and then slide into the grooves on the top and on the sides of the windows gap / frame and it will hold it in place beautiful

@vlynn8816

23 күн бұрын

P!ease send photos

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

That's a great idea, thanks!!

Yes and for a bus and a gazebo and two cars and extra tense it's the same price

So glad you back-ish.. missed your video's. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us!!

Its California where life is too expensive to live. You don't need a permit for a campfire in free America. Get the hell out of that crappy state.

@vlynn8816

Күн бұрын

Hey California really is a beautiful state. We have amazing state parks (you ever heard of Yosemite ), the drive down Hwy.1 is truly breath taking. We can get any kind of fruit and vegetables year round. We just have stupid people here and a corrupt government, don't get me started on the voting fraud.

the best cheap campsite is your own home or house a fan from Europa,Hungary ,Budapest. may i ask you :how many costs a canoe trip on the great lakes ,an fishing outhere??

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

I have no idea what canoe trips on the great lakes cost, but I'll bet Google does... :)

I'll be adopting a gypsy lifestyle in 10 years from now. I enjoy the great outdoors.

The way the economy is going makes me nauseous. The way people dump their trash makes me sick, too. I’m glad you’re finding lovely places to camp & think there have to be more, but they will require some effort (and luck) to find. Am hoping to take a road trip later in the summer myself. Meanwhile I’ll ride along with you & enjoy the scenery.

@dianeschmiane

23 күн бұрын

Christine, that's awesome that you're getting out there. It will be worth it!

Cuz we're not "Camping" my dear. This is the only semi-affordable legal place to live. ~ 🦋

I live in East TN. Some of the campgrounds are $70+ per night. A local state park just went to $50, and there's no sewer hookups.

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Holy cow, seriously? That's nuts! It's even harder to find free camping in the east as I understand it due to denser population I suppose... Thanks for stopping by!

"Can't See The Trees For The Fees" 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲 Read some guy's tee shirt when I worked at North Rim. !

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

I'd laugh if I wasn't so bummed about the truth in there... :)

@meljane8339

9 күн бұрын

@dianeschmiane Within the next few days, I'm going to a favorite library to pick up a California State Parks Pass. :D

Wow I’m surprised. Always thought the states was more affordable. I guess the increase in use adds to all our camping costs. Thanks for posting a video! Enjoyed it. 🇨🇦

They have privatised a lot of NF campgrounds. So the vender pays a lot of money to run the campground then raises prices to make a profit. Many near tahoe were like that. 30 bucks for no hook ups. Pay dump station on top. Boondocking is the way to go!

Popsicle sticks from the $store tucked behind your window coverings and up into window frame might hold your coverings in better. Just a thought. Thanks for bringing us along on your adventures!

I couldn't get my shades to stay up then I tried Popsicle sticks and ta da it worked. Try using them just slide them in and the shade stays. they are pretty but they do the trick. Happy camping.

Diane - I remember some of your earlier videos and I have to say overall your videos have gotten so much better not saying that your early videos were bad but you’ve greatly improved!!! I enjoy your work!! Keep it up!

I must be having a streak of bad luck on the way to the National Forest that got a tick saw a bear and when I went on a small Trail I decided to turn around because there was a van there and while looking at the map some guy with two dogs jumped out of the back all sweaty cuz he was hiding

Currently creeped out after I pulled in the guy and two spaces down has to walk by staring at my Camp to the bathroom which is farther than the other one and staring on the way back yuck

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

That's just weird... !

So glad you aren't sharing area! Great video. 🐷💗👍

Excellent footage the next morning!

I’ve missed your videos. Hi Diane!

Mystate went to all reservations online and people are booking up all the weekends for 16 bucks a night and then not showing up in bad weather and then you can't stay there were 50 sites and four people there

@EM-mi5yj

15 күн бұрын

@@naturelover1284 that’s what I have experienced

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Interesting, maybe that's another reason they're upping prices?

Thanks for sharing your adventure! You have definitely improved your editing and filmmaking skills! Keep up the good work! It’s a shame those campers trashed that site. I hate to see that. Your sunrise view was incredible! Worth every bit of that sketchy drive you took! Hey, you could have your MDX lifted and beefier tires put on if you wanted to continue that type of driving. Way to go!! 👏👏👏

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Thanks, but I think I'm going to hold out for hybrid Jeep or a 4x4 hybrid van... I'm thinking the hybrid part would be a game changer for temperature control!

I never pay, i drive, and if i spot a location that i like i pull in and do my solo camling

Hi 👋🏻 good to see you out and about again.

Glad your back...if your glad your back😊

Glad you & Piggy 🐷 could escape ⛺️ for at least one night. Yup, darn campsite prices keep jumping up. I think I get 1/2 off with my senior parks pass at most Federal sites like NPS, FS, COE campgrounds. But, as you mentioned everything seems so crowded.

@dianeschmiane

23 күн бұрын

I suppose that's one reason to look forward to getting older, those awesome park discounts, but in the meantime, yes... getting crowded out there!

@karinhart489

23 күн бұрын

@@dianeschmiane I may try some dispersed camping out your way in the Autumn after kiddies go back to school. To hot 🥵 right now.

I reserved San Simeon SP no hook ups or showers $18 per night. But, additionally, thinking about you because of the fire near Truckee. Hope you & your husband are safe.❤😘

I used to be able to buy a new car for 6K. Now they cost more than I paid for my house. Yes, camp sites used to be $6, now $32. Have you priced what a motel for a night for a family costs these days? More humans are now living on our world than back then. The ratio of campers to other type of vacationers is probably about the same as the overall numbers increase. Not many new camping facilities being built, barely affording rehabilitation maintenance on existing campgrounds. Better trash disposal support for the back country would be a good investment in camping infrastructure to serve the camping demographic.

@sharonwilson8082

8 күн бұрын

Yeah, they pull in somewhere secluded and stay there a month or so and leave all sorts of large items to be picked up by someone else and at their cost.

Cards the size of gift cards wedged in the trim work well to keep your window covers up.

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Gwen, thanks, that's a fun idea that can provide a bit of decor too!

I am afraid of bad stuff happening but I can't stop traveling because of fear of missing out. lol

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Right???

I think they are expensive because the USFS has uses management companies to run them and everyone wants their cut.

Happy to see u going to camping again ….I love to see more like these. Love from india❤

Use binder clips on reflextix or popsicle sticks they work. Glad ur back

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Oh that's a good one, thanks!

Do you suppose the higher rates are connected with the amount of trash people are leaving their sites in once they've finished with it. It does cost money to keep cleaning this stuff up over and over and I'm not talking about paper cups and plates either. From parts from rv, to t.v. to mattress's a real problem and then you go back to the site and their signs saying you can't go there anymore.

@dianeschmiane

2 күн бұрын

Yes, I'm sure that plays into it as well. If we all cleaned up after ourselves and fully extinguished our firepits before leaving, the forest would be nicer for everyone!

its super expensive. didn't we start out camping because we love the outdoors and we didn't want to spend a fortune!

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Right? And now here we are!

Calif 45-55 per night or more

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Holy cow!

The cost of campsites may have increased, but, still, $32 would be a bargain for a family or even one person, compared to a motel or hotel room. Let's remember that even those with minimal amenities must be maintained…toilets need to be cleaned, sites maintained, roads maintained, everything cleaned up after storms, etc. Those tasks are not done cheaply. So, yes, the cost of a campsite has increased, but I would be hard pressed to call it expensive. Just my opinion. Thanks for sharing. Keep on camping!

@nunyabeezwacks1408

23 күн бұрын

It's because money printer go brrrrrrr.

I was relating and liking your video but unfortunately had to turn it off because those accordion trees got too noisy (talking for that little stuffed pig was kinda weird, too). I just wish every van life video wasn't some kind of experiment in creative editing. It's a good thing I can still tap mute and/or close caption when the orchestra trees start blowing, not in the wind, but as the wind. As an observation, I'd say that a KZreadr playing music in the background of a nature inspired video is like trying to entertain a viewer and relax them at the same time. A bit conspiring, wouldn't you say?

I just go with God🎉🎉🎉🎉that’s it. Be well and free🎉🎉🎉🎉so good to see/hear you!!

@dianeschmiane

23 күн бұрын

Thank you, good advice!

Nice.

Yes. Supply and demand. Everyone is out camping, prices go up. Glad you found a remote spot and close to home. Was really shocked to see the trash at the end. 😢Those would be the people you would need to avoid. Ugh.

@dianeschmiane

9 күн бұрын

Sigh, yes, the trash is sad... How hard is it to take your stuff to the dump and keep our forests clean? Good to see you here! 🍺💕

Ya scare me,,,take that bear spray or horn,,,Ms Piggy may not be able to save you 😊

@dianeschmiane

23 күн бұрын

Yeah, it was in the car, not the best place for it... 😂

Private companies are now working with the forest service and taking over camping areas to make $. Repukes.

@hed2410

16 күн бұрын

@@mycocoaone I guess if our administration put our tax $ there instead of billions to foreign wars .....🤔

pléase ,drop me a line about this . thank you so-so much ,Kolomanfrom Budapest

@kalmanszeles8666

9 күн бұрын

thank you so.-so much for the answear keep heath an d go.go to Donald Trump to president

Its BIDENOMICS. Life is hard. This economy is making it harder Esp for families 😢

Gee, how did I know you’d turn a nice camping video political?

@tonibauldree7862

22 күн бұрын

I think it was you that turned it political.

@tigeygirl

22 күн бұрын

@@tonibauldree7862 ???

@debbiesmith500

22 күн бұрын

@@tigeygirl whut?

Because of Biden.