Our first trip with the camper took us to Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.

This was 2021 and we were very new to all of it. Our only experience was with a pop up. It was a lot easier to tow as it was lighter and smaller.

We also had never boondocked but we read a lot about it. It sounded like a great idea, just camping on public land outside of a campground with the typical noisy neighbors.

We decided on visiting Garden of the Gods since it was only three hours from Terre Haute. Just far enough to be comfortable with towing the new camper for a weekend trip. Searching online revealed a boondocking spot at Teal Pond.

I have since realized how unlikely it is to find boondocking east of the Mississippi. This part of the country lacks accessible public like the West has. Where it is available, the spots fill quickly.

We left as soon as possible Friday evening to find Teal Pond. When we arrived in the area, it was after dark with drizzling rain. The map coordinates failed.

I saw a gravel drive near the suspected location and took my chances. That was the first of many poor choices with the camper.

An hour later with help from a very kind local, the camper was turned around. We hit the road again looking for anything resembling an entrance. Eventually, we gave up and the night became our first Wally Docking experience instead.

We tried successfully locating Teal Pond the next day.  The original coordinates were wrong so use these coordinates instead. It was just a simple area with maybe three or four camping spots and a couple fire rings.  A short walk downhill revealed the namesake Teal Pond.

To be clear, this is dry camping. No potable water or electricity is available. The spaces will easily accommodate large tents or a camper up to 30 feet long.

If you’re looking for a basic free overnight camping spot, Teal Pond would be a good choice near Garden of the Gods.