Overland Camping Unveiled: Our Journey into the World Getting Really Off-Grid

You know you’ve reached a new level of adventurous absurdity when you’re equipping your Mercedes Sprinter van with off-road tires, a snorkel, and enough gear to outfit a small expedition—all in the name of overland camping.

It’s the latest craze for those of us who find traditional camping too pedestrian and RV parks too reminiscent of suburban life. Overland camping is where the rubber meets the rugged road, and where you question your life choices while stuck in mud up to your axles.

I recall my first foray into overlanding like it was yesterday—probably because the mud stains on my boots haven’t washed out yet. There’s something simultaneously exhilarating and mildly terrifying about steering a vehicle that’s basically a tiny home over terrain that laughs in the face of pavement.

If you’ve ever thought that camping would be more fun if only it involved more uncertainty and mechanical skills, then buckle up. We’re about to explore the ins and outs of overland camping, complete with all the gritty details you never knew you needed.

Overland Camping 101

So, what exactly is overland camping? In the simplest terms, it’s a self-reliant, vehicle-dependent journey where the primary goal is the adventure rather than reaching a specific destination. Think of it as road-tripping’s wild cousin—the one who dropped out of college to backpack through remote corners of the globe. Overlanding combines off-roading, camping, and exploration into one gloriously challenging package.

Unlike traditional camping, where you might set up a tent in a designated campground with amenities like restrooms and picnic tables, overland camping throws you into the heart of untamed landscapes. You’re navigating off-the-beaten-path trails, setting up camp in remote areas, and relying on your vehicle and wits to get you through.

It’s less about roasting marshmallows over a campfire and more about figuring out how to cook dinner when your propane stove refuses to cooperate at 12,000 feet elevation.

Overlanding is as much about the journey as it is about the destination—or lack thereof. It’s about embracing the unknown, pushing the limits of your comfort zone, and occasionally questioning why you didn’t just book a nice hotel instead.

But let’s be honest, where’s the fun in that?

PRO TIP: REVIEWED: The Truth About Sportsmobile Vans

Is Overland Camping the Same as Off-Roading?

Ah, the age-old question: Is overland camping just a fancy term for off-roading? Short answer: Not quite. While both involve taking vehicles off paved roads, the similarities start to wane after that.

Off-roading is typically a day or weekend activity focused on tackling challenging terrain purely for the thrill of it. It’s about conquering obstacles, testing your vehicle’s capabilities, and maybe getting a little airborne if you’re feeling particularly daring. The goal is the adrenaline rush that comes from defying gravity and common sense.

Overland camping, on the other hand, is a more extended, self-sustained journey that blends exploration, cultural experiences, and, yes, some off-roading. The emphasis is on travel and discovery rather than just the technical challenges of the terrain. You’re not just blasting through trails; you’re traversing landscapes, visiting remote communities, and setting up camp in places where the nearest Wi-Fi signal is a distant memory.

In my experience, overlanding is like off-roading’s more mature sibling—the one who still enjoys a good thrill but also appreciates a stunning sunset over an untouched vista. It’s less about the horsepower and more about the endurance, both mechanical and personal.

Are Overland Vehicles Comfortable?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Can an overland vehicle be comfortable? Or are we all just masochists who enjoy enduring hardship for bragging rights? The truth lies somewhere in between.

Overland vehicles range from modest setups—think beefed-up SUVs with rooftop tents—to extravagant off-road RVs that make my Sprinter van look like a studio apartment next to a mansion. Comfort is a relative term here. While you’re not exactly glamping, modern overland rigs can be surprisingly accommodating.

An overland truck with its storage bays open

In our Mercedes Sprinter, we’ve managed to strike a balance between rugged capability and livable comfort. We’ve installed a decent bed, a compact kitchenette, and even a makeshift shower that works when the water tank isn’t frozen solid.

Sure, the suspension is stiffer than a bored audience at a bad comedy show, but it’s a small price to pay for the places it can take us.

That said, overlanding isn’t about luxury. It’s about functional comfort—having just enough amenities to keep you from losing your sanity while still embracing the rawness of the journey. You learn to appreciate the little things, like a hot cup of coffee made over a campfire or the blissful moment when you find a level spot to park for the night.

So, are overland vehicles comfortable? They can be, if you’re willing to redefine your standards of comfort. It’s amazing how cozy a cramped sleeping area can feel after a day of navigating rocky trails and soaking in panoramic views.

Finding Overland Camping Areas in the USA

One of the perks of overland camping is the sheer freedom to roam, but that also means figuring out where you’re actually allowed to roam. The USA, with its vast public lands and diverse terrains, is a playground for overlanders—assuming you know where to look.

Public Lands and National Forests

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees millions of acres of public lands, much of which is open to dispersed camping and overlanding. National forests are also prime real estate for finding secluded spots to set up camp. Just be sure to check local regulations, as rules can vary by area and season.

Off-Road Trails and Routes

There are established overland routes like the Trans-America Trail or the Continental Divide Trail that offer thousands of miles of off-pavement travel. These routes often have resources and communities built around them, making planning a bit easier.

Overland Expos and Communities

Connecting with the overland community can provide a wealth of information on where to go. Online forums, social media groups, and events like Overland Expo offer tips, maps, and firsthand accounts of various routes and campsites.

Apps and Maps

Modern technology isn’t entirely useless out here. Apps like Gaia GPS and OnX Offroad provide detailed maps and allow you to download them for offline use—crucial when you’re miles from the nearest cell tower.

Local Knowledge

Never underestimate the value of talking to locals. Rangers, fellow travelers, and even gas station attendants can offer insights into great spots that aren’t plastered all over the internet.

In our travels, we’ve stumbled upon some breathtaking locations—often by happy accident. Of course, we’ve also ended up at dead ends and private property gates more times than I’d like to admit. It’s all part of the adventure.

The Overland Camping Culture

Overlanding isn’t just a way to travel; it’s a culture, a community, and for some, a way of life. It’s a melting pot of adventurers, gearheads, nature enthusiasts, and those who simply can’t stand staying in one place for too long.

Community and Camaraderie

There’s an unspoken bond among overlanders. Maybe it’s the shared experience of digging each other out of mud pits or swapping stories over a campfire in the middle of nowhere. The community is generally welcoming, always ready to lend a hand or share a piece of advice—or a cold beer.

Self-Reliance and Preparedness

Overlanding culture places a high value on self-reliance. You’re expected to be prepared for emergencies, mechanical issues, and the occasional bout of existential dread. It’s not about being a survivalist per se, but about being responsible for yourself and respectful of the environments you traverse.

Leave No Trace Ethic

A strong environmental ethic runs deep. Overlanders are typically conscious of their impact on the land, adhering to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the wild places they love. If you’re the type to leave trash behind, expect to be shunned faster than you can say “single-use plastic.”

Diversity of Participants

The overlanding scene is refreshingly diverse. You’ll meet solo travelers seeking solitude, families homeschooling on the road, retirees ticking off bucket-list destinations, and everyone in between. What unites them is a shared passion for exploration and a disdain for the ordinary.

Gear Obsession

Let’s not ignore the gearheads. Overlanders love their equipment, from custom suspension systems to solar-powered everything. There’s a fine line between being well-prepared and needing a separate trailer just for your gadgets. Not that I’m judging—I might have a few too many “essential” items myself.

Pros & Cons of Overland Camping

Like any lifestyle choice, overland camping comes with its highs and lows. Here’s the rundown, stripped of rose-colored glasses.

Pros

Unparalleled Freedom: Go where you want, when you want. The only limits are your vehicle’s capabilities and your willingness to push them.
Deep Connection with Nature: Experience landscapes and wildlife far removed from tourist traps and crowded campgrounds.
Skill Development: Improve your navigation, mechanical, and problem-solving skills. Also, your ability to remain calm when things go awry.
Community: Join a network of like-minded individuals who support and inspire each other.
Cultural Experiences: Engage with remote communities and cultures you might otherwise overlook.

Cons

Cost: Building or buying an overland-ready vehicle isn’t cheap. Neither is maintaining it after you’ve bounced it over rocks for months on end.
Comfort Sacrifices: Say goodbye to certain luxuries like long, hot showers and reliable internet. Or any internet.
Mechanical Issues: Off-roading can be hard on your vehicle. Breakdowns in remote areas aren’t just inconvenient; they can be dangerous.
Isolation: While solitude is a draw for some, it can also lead to loneliness, especially on longer trips.
Legal and Environmental Regulations: Navigating the patchwork of laws governing where you can drive and camp requires diligence.

In my own journey, the pros have outweighed the cons—but not without moments of doubt, frustration, and the occasional vow to sell the van and settle down somewhere with reliable pizza delivery.

Is Overland Camping for You?

Overland camping isn’t for everyone, and that’s part of its allure. It’s a path less traveled, filled with challenges that test your mettle and rewards that defy simple description. It’s about embracing uncertainty, cultivating resilience, and finding joy in the journey rather than the destination.

If you’re contemplating dipping your toes into the overlanding world, start small. Maybe outfit your current vehicle for light off-roading or join a group trip to get a feel for it. Research, plan, and prepare—but also be ready to throw the plan out the window when the trail demands it.

For me, overlanding has been a transformative experience. It’s taken me to places I couldn’t have reached otherwise and introduced me to people I wouldn’t have met. It’s made me more self-reliant, more adaptable, and perhaps a bit more rugged around the edges.

So, if you’re up for an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary and don’t mind getting a little dirt under your nails—or a lot—overland camping might just be the journey you’ve been looking for. And who knows? Maybe we’ll cross paths on some remote trail, each of us seeking something we can’t quite define but know we need to find.