Harassed at a Free Campsite - Strange Experience Full Time RVing 

Note to young people: There are folks who hate their empty lives and want to share that joyless existence with others. Don’t let them.

Okay, you need to give this location to everyone so we can all make sure to go camp right at that spot 😂😂

You should have told her your planing on buying about 20 acres in the area and moving in permanently along with all your relatives.

I can beat this. I let snowmobiles cross my land in Maine and I was out cutting dry wood and packing into a trailer behind my ATV a couple stopped and started yelling at me saying I had no right to clear brush and "steal" firewood. I just blew them off and poked fun at them. A hour later the came back with a game warden ( I know they are forestry agents) and he recognized me from high school. I told them they were never to use this section of the trail again, and they had to provide ID to the warden who gave me their names and address. It true entitled fashion they were pissed at me. Unfortunately this is happening more often due to loser from the city moving to the area as they retire.

I've always hated people trying to control access to land that they don't actually own.

I've been a federal park ranger, military police stationed on federal parks on a base, and deputy sheriff in rural areas. I've seen this before. - Normally there are drugs involved and it's usually a marijuana grow. BUT I've intervened before to find people running others off while they were dumping someone they murdered. This happened more than once. DO NOT ASSUME THEIR REASONING, because trust me, you don't understand the way these people think. - It's common to find a rotten meth monkey that was once a decent person. Often times meth labs are present and they pollute the land and water terribly. These assholes are terribly paranoid and capable of doing things you not even they can imagine. - I've also dealt with people running others off of federal land where they've been hunting illegally. Let me tell you, those have actually been the most dangerous, even over the murderers I arrested. - And occasionally there are squatters that feel like they own the place and they are usually crazy. They do all they can to run you off, and usually they resort to fear tactics first. If that doesn't work they move onto theft and vandalism. I've seen them make so much noise that others couldn't stand it and left, and often they stay where they can see me coming. Of course I knew every part of the forest there so I would walk up on them from areas they weren't expecting to watch. Usually I have to walk off trails to avoid sensors being tripped to warn them of my presence. I've even found injury causing traps and that pisses me the fuck off. - Y'all did the right thing, except I'll advise you not to push it, and don't stand your ground before getting help first. Violence comes faster than you think. You cannot make safe guesses about their intentions, and your pride isn't worth your life. - And be careful with your dog. That's usually the easiest target of their fury. I love dogs so much, and now days, after retiring due to my health, I train service dogs, police K9s, and waterfowl dogs, and I actually started not to make money, but to give these dogs great lives. So their targeting of pets makes me very, very angry. It has hurt me to see what others will do and I really don't want to remember those images stuck in my mind. I have arrested people over dogs so much that other officers said I was nicer to them than people. I told them that dogs are just trying to stay alive, but humans make bad choices. - Also be careful walking. Bear spray doesn't always work, and it does essentially nothing to big cats. Once a predatory response is triggered the ability to fight back is more than most people can handle. If you are somewhere that you can carry a gun legally, carry the thing just for defense. Nobody has to see it. If you have something against guns, and I suspect you probably do, just understand that it can't hurt anyone or anything without the person using it, and if there is a choice between you or your dog and a predator, whom will you choose? When it's too late and something happens to change your views, it's still too late. Think about it now. The forest is not an innocent place. If nothing else carry a knife. Don't leave the Spray behind, but don't put all your faith in it either. By the way, bear spray isn't nearly as effective on humans as human OC sprays. This stuff is not the same thing as so called "mace", its oleoresin capsicum. May I suggest you choose a spray with CS tear gas as well. OC spray doesn't work immediately, it has to set in, and sometimes adrenaline overrides it. But CS gas works immediately upon contact and it's still a non lethal defense weapon. Police officers are trained to spray and back up a few seconds to let it start really burning and blinding, if it will at all. We're also trained to pay attention to the wind. A fogger will blind you worse than the perpetrator if it blows back at you. When I went through academy I didn't get the little soaked Qtip under one eye as you've seen on tv , I got the full brunt on my ears, eyes, nostrils, and mouth. Then I had to stand there about 15 seconds and let it really start working. Then I had to fight 5 attackers blind for 1 minute. I never slept better than that night. I was so worn out. It's amazing how much it drains you. - Sorry if all my edited comments show up separately on your end. I don't know how that works. And please don't take my advice as being from a negative point of view. I don't walk around thinking everything is terrible, I like to enjoy nature, but I'm never incapable of switching to fight mode instantly.

This world needs more people like this young couple.

Two young people living the dream ,always someone out there that wants to steal people's dreams . never let them.

My wife and I lived in Bend for 2 years (2016-17) and we camped all over Central Oregon on Nat Forest and BLM land. We ran into many Rangers, Sheriffs, and other authorities and we were ALWAYS amazed at the kindness and professionalism. We love Oregon!

Such a breath of fresh air that you got proper help and she was not more crazy than she was. You seemed to have handled it really well and your retelling of the story was very clean and non offensive. Extra kudos to that fire chief we really need more people in public service that are willing to go the extra mile and really just act human if that is simple enough. Subscribed, you two seem like a respectful and pleasant couple.

If I was on horseback and observed you folks camping, I would bring the steaks, so fire up your BBQ!!! I would welcome you to OREGON!!!

"Yup, that's Crazy Cheryl!" OMG... there's always one - or more! Great job by the Fire Chief. Wish the police acted the same. Great video, too!

You need to have security cameras mounted on your RV you never know when you two are gone that she will come back and mess up your RV

Next time answer the door like Walter White...yellow bio-hazard suit with respirator.

You guys are GREAT ! Because of you we just went full time. Rented house, bought r.v. and pickup. Be out their soon, hope to run into you. Such inspiration to us. Keep going !

I was a fulltime RVer in the 80's and then took my grown children all over the US in a Brand new 38ft 5th wheel, that's an awesome story, but my story like yours was in Mcgrath State Park Calif, my wife and I had taken the trailer down to visit our daughter in college, she couldn't wait to see us she drove to the Park, I had already paid for the site and an extra car, the site was a small loop barely big enough to get my trailer around, the site was pretty small because the tree branches hung over the pavement, I started to back in and she showed up, and we all hugged, she was only 17, she had stopped her car between 2 sites until I finished backing in, my wife and I had walkie's and we realized the tree would have to be be pruned, we could have gotten another site but it seemed easier to just fix the problem, so I started digging for the pruners, I could hear someone talking to my daughter so I looked up to see an older gentleman speaking to her and she looked troubled so I walked over to see what the problem was, he was telling her the car couldn't be parked on the roadway (It was November the place was dead and remember it was a small loop like 5 sites) so I told her to just pull it off to the side and went back to my work, a minute later I could hear him again and he's speaking to my daughter, so I dropped what I was doing and went back over to see what now? Apparently the side of the broken gravel and asphalt was sacred State holy ground the vehicle was trampling, LOL I was like "What?" no grass, bark, plants, maybe a weed or two, so I explained I would repark the car if he would just let me finish backing in the site. No he is the Camp Ground Host and the car cannot stay where it is, she will have to drive it back to the entrance addressing her. I said well it's my car in my name, and stop adressing my under aged kid, and it will be right where it is until I'm finished parking, and I went back to my business, hot sweating tired after a 400 mile drive, Not two minutes later I hear him arguing with her again threatening to call the State Police, so I went back over and asked him to speak to me about "my car", I was clearly pissed off by now, I spent 5 minutes trying to park my trailer and 15 minutes arguing with Mr. Jack Wagon! He was not taking "Back Off" for an answer so I told him to back off before he regrets it, I could have Head butted him into a coma, just for the fun of doing it at this point, he was still addressing my daughter, I was 6 inches from his face and he finally backed up swearing he was calling the State Police, I was like at least he's gone, I was able to cut a branch that was clearly in the driveway, the whole place looked a little run down and I have been there over a 25 year span, so the police showed up and spoke with him first, and then came over to speak with me, I had taken off my shirt and it was warm, I can be intimidating when I'm spun up! The 2 dressed like SWAT officers came over and talked to me, and one spoke with my wife, I showed them where the car was parked for 15 minutes, explained about the branch and the front parking lot was 1/4 mile away, they were calm and calming, the officer incharge said we'll be right back just keep doing what you're doing, then they went over to the Host aways off and they came back a few minutes later, they let us know they told him not to come over again for any reason and leaving the car there while we backed in not blocking any kind of traffic was perfectly fine. (I never saw another even car try to come by) It took me awhile to calm down and camp in piece! Inside it kept bothering me, he could have offered to help clear the downed branch, or offer for me to park it in a vacant site. (Side note: If your a man who doesn't Stop talking to my teenage daughter after I have directed you to Stop several times, and your still standing you have gotten off real Lucky! If you don't have Daughters you may not get my point. That being said I'm real glad I let the State Troopers handle it, they did a Great Job, that's not always been my experience, but you have to give credit where it is do!

What a nut case. I'm a solo female van dweller and boondocking is my favorite as well. Love to hear you received support from the local authorities. Thank you for sharing.

I'm a born and raised Oregonian, I spend as much time as I can enjoying my state's public lands and the idea that someone would harass you and try to intimidate you off of our public land is disgusting. You two are exactly the kind of people I would like to see out enjoying our land and I welcome you to Oregon!

When I was a kid in the mid 70s our passel of cousins and friends stumbled across one of those ultra-cool GMC FWD campers on county land not too far from the canal. We were fascinated (it was so NOT a boxy Winnebago) so we asked a bunch of questions. We were probably pests but the family was gracious, and they had grandkids with them so we got to play and swim with New Yorkers. They stayed two days longer than they had planned. They got pies and cake the first day, and at some point fried chicken and all the sides. We were told not to pester them, but the kids they brought swam with us, explored with us, got to see our tree forts, all that kid stuff. We swapped stories about everything and they would occasionally send photos of their travels to the town (which got pinned up at the Post Office message board). Before they departed a local offered his septic tank for a drain and gave them potable water to rinse and to refill; no charge, just hospitality. They swapped their propane tanks at Co-Op prices, no gouging. And their campsite was spotless. Us kids had been told to help them, but all we had to do was haul a few bags to a local's pickup and he emptied them for his usual burn. It was always nice to meet strangers and swap stories. We were glad they had visited (even though our adults were strict about "it's okay to wave, but don't bother those folks unless invited). This was before cellphones, so one of the locals left them a field pickup for just in case. Were we too trusting? Maybe. But they told stories of their travels and lives, so different from ours, so it was worth the risk. For years we got random postcards addressed to us talking about what they had seen and where they had been. They got to learn how hardscrabble and resourceful rural people from Missouri could be. I think that's why I love road trips to this day, decades later. In my experience we all want the same things though the way we all get there may be different. Enjoy your travels! Sorry you ran into a crazy person, may that never happen again. Thanks for sharing!

Unfortunately, I have had a similar experience camping where I was harassed by a "local" while staying on public land. I keep bear spray as well, but always remember that humans are the most dangerous animal in the forest.

You two are a breath of fresh air. Thank you so much for posting this experience and reminding us to ensure that we all do our own proper research, as you have, to ensure all laws are being abided. Also, your a great example in how you didn't allow tempers to flare, you called the proper authorities, and now are sharing your knowledge so that "when", not if, this happens to someone else, we are well informed and are in line with all guidelines. I'm sure the experience left you deflated. One minute your enjoying what is rightfully yours to enjoy and then a bully comes along to ruin your day. At the end of the day, cooler heads prevailed, and now we are all better informed. Thank you. -Retired Military Officer

You guys are great. Your dog is about to zone out, a few more rubs and the dog is going to fall asleep. You are what makes this country great. I am a 80 year old US Army vet and this is why I served. Thanks for standing up to that idiot. I personally don't go camping, the Army cured me of that with two tours in Vietnam a few years ago. Take care and enjoy America..Ken, Marina CA :-)

The wild “Karen” in the forest. She would like see your manager, err... I mean your fire chief.

Hey! To you people complaining about the length of the vid. If you don't like it, just click and move along. Yeah it's that simple!

the most dangerous animal in the woods are human

I'm a senior citizen & I spend the day at the lake on nice days. During the school year there are only fisherman & people like me who take their dogs out there to play. I've been accosted several times by older men who have told me to leave (no reason, they apparently just didn't like the look of me) & menaced by cars with blacked out windows who pull right up to my car & just sit there. A 12 gauge shotgun solved that problem--I didn't even have to fire it. : )

Took a break from tent camping in the 80's ( we were 19 & 25) because our Mogollon Rim AZ campsite was not feeling safe. My husband was using the vault toilet and came out to see 2 guys had passed him and were approaching me, I was at the picnic table making breakfast. We never knew what they were up to. My husband simply took a few steps and asked if he could help them. They said they were hiking to their vehicle, and turned south away from me. They did not appear to be hikers, and did not want to have a conversation. I never heard them, and my husband did not tell me about this until about 15 years later when we started to camp again. We are always armed but did not have a dog at the time. Since then our dog always went with us, great alarm system. I am far more afraid of the 2 legged animals that can be in the wilderness. Best of adventures to you two, hope after 2 years since you shared this you are still out there enjoying camping.

One of the most valuable things I've learned in my 62 years on this planet is that the list of people I absolutely, positively have to make happy, and who's on that list and who's not. She wasn't on your list.

2.6k dislikes on this video...for what exactly people. I guess people can't stand seeing two young people who know the true meaning of living life have got it all figured out before they are middle aged. Cheers to living life the way you want. Most people can't honestly say they do.

Be very careful guys I would report it to the sheriff's office just in case

I'd read this somewhere:-"You can have fun until someone comes complaining saying that you can not have fun". And remember, that was not "her forest".

She lied about her name, its KAREN!

I’d like to apologize on behalf of all normal, decent, Sheryl’s everywhere 😐

I know this is an older video, but i REALLY hope the fire chief saw this. It's important for people - public servants especially - who've gone above and beyond to get recognition. This was something special. 💞💞🐾

You need to reverse everything on her "OH really??? Then you shouldn't ride horses here, you better move from this dangerous place"

1) “go ahead and call the authorities/fire department, we are happy to chat with them.” 2) you can open carry in OR, so carry your firearm as bear spray doesn’t always deter angry predatory Karen’s/Sheryls as they are NIMBYs all the way 3) Shooting: cannot shoot across any roadway, railroad tracks, or body of water. 4) Thank you for packing your trash and packing up what jerks leave behind. 5) if you’re occupying a camp site it is considered to be your residence, as is your trailer, and all laws associated with your residence apply including trespassing, stand your ground/castle doctrine depending on state law, etc. so get pics of license plates/persons and do exactly what you did/suggested by reaching out to authorities. If it’s easy to move sites, do so and if the person continues to pursue your new site and harass you then the sheriff/ranger can handle them.

Now almost half a million people know about "crazy Sheryl". This is a very, very bad day for crazy Sheryl.

Record anyone who approaches your campsite uninvited. If nothing comes of it, great. You can delete the footage after you leave. Better to have evidence of their behavior and not need it. D.

Where exactly is this location so we can come visit “Karen’s” neighbourhood in Oregon

I will be traveling on my own within the next couple of months. Glad you shared this so when I'm on my own, I'll have a better grasp of how to handle situations like yours if they ever arise. Hopefully not, but it's good to know. So, thank you! Glad that you guys are together!

I had that happen to me several weeks ago in northern Nevada. Two guys attacked me with a knife. I sprayed an entire can of bear mace in the face of the guy with the knife and started throwing everything I could at the other guy, basically mobilizing both of them. I got into their car and took their car keys and cell phone and drove away and contacted the police. Apparently there had been several roadside robberies in this area, and these guys fit the description. So hopefully they're going where they belong

You must have driven right by the "Beware of Crazy Cheryl" sign on the way in. Great story. You handled it well.

You two are just lovely, enjoy your camping holiday.

She forgot her medication. That being said, thank you for sticking up for all of us! Hopefully, eventually she will learn not to mess with people. It will make us all much safer.

I actually have a similar OREGON story. This spring my wife and I pulled into Cutsforth County Park, in Morrow County Oregon. The gate was open, there were NO signs of the park saying closed. Not a single one. I even visited the little information center... NOTHING. We set up, leveled, etc. Then a resident who lives behind the park drove up and rudely told me it was closed. I didn't beleive him of course. Another camper of retired people showed up, we all settled in for the night. At 2:30 AM the county deputy showed up and told us the park was CLOSED, and we needed to move, or the fine could be as much as $1,000.00. I felt bad for the other couple, she was medically fragile, still, we all moved out in the dark. Hey Morrow County! You SUCK. Either close the gate, post a sign, or kiss my ass.

I don't know why people can't just mind their own business 😑 Kudos to you both for the way you handled the situation 👍

If they say they are going to call the Fire Department or the Police, say “Ok call them”. When you are in the right, stand your ground.

I love your channel and you two guys are just too adorable, knowing I was right about the camp site location I would have just close the door way before , I admire your patience👍 Keep up the good work!

When you purchase land next to the national forest they are clear what that means .She probably purchased her property because she rides ,but knowing that she can ride there means she is well aware of the rules on public use ,camping , hunting , riding etc .I really dislike people deliberately trying to mislead or lie because they think they are right no matter what the law states .You are both very cool headed and handled that very well .Doing your research always helps so much .

Good for you standing your ground and handling things the way you did. Had you let the crazy lady talk you into leaving that would just have empowered her with others camping. What you two did was a favor for all of us. Well done!!

Crazy story about "crazy Cheryl"...your Rottweiler is spectacular, reminds so much of my Savannah, who grew up with my children and was a treasured family member thru her old age...seeing yours makes me want another. Thank you for your posts....I'm a new subscriber! Doing my build now, hoping to get out there soon! Stay safe, Renee

Great video, thank you. Have a good weekend

I think you guys handled with common sense and great patience. Good for you.

If it wasn't for you meddling kids I would've gotten away with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOLOLOL

Just found you guys! Looking forward to watching. Great video and advice!

i use to have a motorhome and my friends tried to talk me into getting a fifth wheel ...I said look if something happens and i feel uncomfortable or someone tries to break in while i am in it what do i do? ...If i am in a motorhome i can jump in the front seat and take off....Mind you i am 60's and alone I felt it was the safest thing for me to be in a motorhome and not a trailer .... My hats off to you guys go out and have fun...there is also free camping at the beach in Oregon its where i spent most of my time

Even though we have camped for years, fortunately we have not had a similar experience. You handled the situation well and let common sense rule! Kudos!

What a crazy experience. I'm glad you two contacted the fire department yourself and didn't allow someone to bully you. So cool the fire chief came back to check on you too!

What a lousy experience. So glad you received support from the fire department. Getting a photo of license plate and text to a friend immediately along with screen shot of your coordinates can be helpful, too. I haven’t had any negative experiences yet that I’ve needed to do that. Kind of used to crazy as it is my line of work. Just discovered your channel and website and am enjoying them. Loved the RVing with cats video. Butters is beautiful!

I like that you give each other the time to talk y’all work together very well

So sad this happened to you. As an Oregonian, I'm definitely embarrassed for that woman. And as an Oregonian, I hope you enjoy our beautiful beautiful National Forest areas.

Cheryl was worried you were going to burn down her she-shed.

I’m glad this ended well! Love the dog!!!

Love the drone footage!!!

So sorry you had to go through that. I understand how upsetting that would be. Just so you know, this is the first video I've seen of yours and I'd let you park on my own land if you needed a place to stay. You did the right thing. Thank you so much for being good stewards of the land as you travel. Picking up the trash of others is a noble thing to do. Cheers!

How dare you guys encroach on Cheryl’s private national forest! 😂😂😂

Have a great stay! This made me laugh. THANK YOU!

I'm gkad you stood up for yourselves against crazy cheryl. Good for you! PS, i LOVE your dog! She's beautiful and clearly a well loved member of your family. ❤

Really appreciate you two sharing this so well. When you're out there alone, and you feel so threatened you have to retreat, always remember to call 911 or the Sheriff emergency number so someone knows you are trying to escape danger.

Don't be polite to strangers who are not polite. They are hiding something. Call their bluff.

Handled like pros, great advice and thanks for sharing!

Great review... Thank you for sharing your experiance.

You're way more patient than me. Glad you called instead of wasting anymore energy on that lady. You should have said, "Ma'am I'm going to need to get this on film if you don't mind just giving me a timeout." ~Stacy~

You two handled that so well I think I would have not been able to stay as calm as you two You two are awesome

Thank you both for sharing your experiences and journey. I have been following you for a while and really enjoy seeing your content. I recently replaced my 30' 2001 Terry travel trailer with a 2005 30' Lazy Daze Class C TB. Because I often go solo and prefer boondocking over campgrounds. Blessings and safe travels! Juanita

Good job standing your ground, being informed, and consulting the authority on the subject.

I think we need to have a big meet-up in that spot. Haha. Sounds like Cheryl has some issues. Don’t let her shake you. You handled it perfectly.

I recommend buying a firearm and learning how to use it. I will never go into park land without having a sidearm and my dog. The 2 legged animals scare me the most.

While I do appreciate folks caring about the land, it's still public land. Crazy Sheryl's is just a wicked Karen. Thank you guys for all the awesome videos!!

Walking Sweetie-- most definitely enjoy your videos b4-- really picked me up to just see you 2 right now, Aug 2 ‘20!

Kudos to you two for showing this epic level of restraint. This coming from a guy that has been known to be impulsive, and causes situations to escalate.😬

It's great when you get the support need it from the authorities for this situation. Thanks for sharing. Have fun and be safe. 👍

“Karen of the Forest”

Thank you for posting. This is good information. Keep your journeys. God Bless you. I am currently sleeping in my vehicle...i was parked at Wal-Mart since 4#30 pm. ...had my car sit back watching videos on my phone. Around 9:45 pm someone is flashing a phone light to my passenger side. I lowered the window a bit after I put my seat up...to make story short she said she lost her iphone and the app was telling it it was in my car. I told her I didnt had her phone but I could back up my car and she can take a look on the parking space...i also informed her ive been parked since 4:30pm. Another girl comes and tell me to give the phone bvs they want no problems or want to get the police involved. When I tried to move my car one yells to the other :" get her tag #!!" Either they thought I had an iPhone or that intimidating me i was going to give them my phone or open the door wich I told them I didnt have the phone and there was no way I was going to let them look in my car. I was so angry...but I notice there was a car white jeep or suburban turned on and it my be theirs and someone is inside so I called the police. When I did that they flew like roaches...police never came and I found another place to park.

Awesome opening drone shots! That first shot of the dog with the head-tilt was adorable!! You’re smart to handled it so authoritatively. I’m sure that helped. I remember reading (and later watching her video) from RV Chickadee about a camp she and a few friends were at. There were some really rowdy, resentful locals that were acting out nearby. Their behavior carried into the next day. So she eventually called the authorities. Hilariously, the Sheriff deputy comes out....knows the offender and begins to BS with him!!! Fortunately, he had a warrant and eventually got arrested! However his girlfriend continued the attitude for a while before eventually leaving. Regardless though, I would still call the authorities no matter what. Great video! You two do verbeell in front of the camera! I look forward to many more! Thanks! Lauri

You guys are way brave. I read too many stories about scary stuff that happens in national parks. Wishing you safe and happy travels.

Oregon is beautiful, I lived in Seaside for a time. Loved it and loved the Cascades/Pacific ocean there. Good luck guys and my advice is keep things simple, never over think a situation and yes be careful of your surroundings. Enjoy

I think you handled the situation very well and have excellent attitudes towards this. I personally wouldn't have been so patient. Well done.

There is one way to deal with a person like that lady; you smile at her and thank her for the heads up, and bid her farewell

My family and I are from Oregon and want you both to know that you are absolutely always welcome here. Please don’t let someone that sounds a little crazy detour you from enjoying our beautiful forests and wild lands. Keep enjoying your travels. Come back to Oregon!!

You’re great people. Never let one ignorant stray you from your path, although your health and your mental always should come first. Enjoy yourselves out there

Excellent!!! Thank you🙂

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Caution, awareness & staying calm & know the area you are going to are things to remember, thx for the lesson. You are lucky she wasn’t violent or a decoy as others attacked. Next time (hope it never happens) just remember to NEVER open the door! Relay through the window, Stay safe & thx for sharing your experiences, it really helps

So glad u 2 pushed back! Stand up, we r free Spirits! God bless u both!

Great video! Where do you get your soundtracks? Also great! Such a good story and I love the interaction. Thank you.

Beautiful Loving Couple, thank you both for being good and kind❤️

You say the Fire Chief came out a second time to check on you? That's one sign of a good Fire Chief. It could also be that he might enjoy a drive into the woods to relax as well!

Love your videos guys!