In the age of the Internet, an old-fashioned bulletin board can be the best source of local information for RV snowbirds who boondock on free Bureau of Land Management land.

Here's a bulletin board in tiny Bouse, Ariz.

Because they plan to stick around for awhile, most snowbirds using the free land want to learn what local services and facilities are available. Bulletin boards with that information are usually provided on long-term visitor areas and other camping sites where a fee is imposed. The free areas, though, typically do not have a bulletin board or even a host. And often the free areas are remote enough to prevent connection to the Internet through any means other than a satellite system, a luxury many RVers cannot afford.

RVers can ask other campers in the vicinity if they're familiar with the local offerings. But the nearest town's community bulletin boards are a more comprehensive source. The tiny, isolated towns in boondocking country rely on bulletin boards to convey all sorts of information, much of which is of interest to RVers, and even the tiniest settlement is almost certain to have at least one.

A community bulletin board typically contains a list of regularly scheduled events such as Monday morning pancake breakfasts, Friday night dances and Saturday afternoon bingo games; announcements about special events like picnics and flea markets; flyers for RV repair services; ads offering all sorts of items for sale; part-time job openings; promotions for museums and other attractions, and so forth. Vending-type machines with free local newspapers or newsletters are often co-located with bulletin boards.

Some of the same information is available piecemeal inside various facilities such as the library and municipal office, but those buildings might be closed when an RVer arrives. Community bulletin boards, on the other hand, are usually outside in places accessible 24 hours a day.

Look for bulletin boards by grocery and general stores, the post office, the high school, the community hall and other common gathering spots.