Hello SSRLVA
"I guess what I am asking is: How do you find a "place" to go rough it totally of the grid and away from every other living soul?"
I took the liberty of copying some information from a National Forest Website.
“You Don't Have to Camp in a Campground.
National Forests mean room to roam. You can camp anywhere
in Carson National Forest. Some restrictions apply. Please
check with the local Forest Service Office”
Here is the page that I took it from.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/carson/recre...ng/index.shtml
I took it from the Carson National Forest web page as it is an area that I have boon-docked in on many occasions while I lived in Santa Fe. ( Tent and pop-up camping at the time. )I have as yet taken the TM out to such an area. However there are forum members who do so. This forum contains tons of information regarding boon-docking
( or not to – depending on who you ask…
)
But in an effort to assist with your question I have found the National Forests to supply areas to boon-dock in. Most forest specific information can be found in the maps of the National Forest in question. Inquiring at the local rangers office is a good idea and has usually provided me with sites that are private and little used. Not to mention you can catch up on the local fire and wildlife information.
Try this web site for the location of National Forests.
http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/finder.shtml
Hope it helps and happy camping to you!