There are two types of campers: those who camp where others camp and those who like to camp off the beaten path, experiencing something a little different. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and love experiencing nature first hand, boondocking or overlanding can be an appealing choice for you. Most of these adventures take place away from developed campgrounds and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands or US Forest Service lands.

Getting off the Grid with Boondocking and Overlanding

Boondocking and overlanding take camping to a whole new level, taking you to remote areas for unique and adventurous experiences. Whether you’re looking for a serene place to stargaze, a way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, or an opportunity to get off-road and just enjoy the open road, boondocking and overloading is your ticket to having an exceptional experience.

Sure, you could attend any number of RV parks and get the camping experience. You can stay at the same campground with the same amenities, enjoy the same scenery, and camp under the same stars. Or you can “rough it” for real with boondocking and overlanding.

Boondocking and overlanding are two adventure styles that have a lot in common. Both seek out wide open spaces. They offer an opportunity to experience nature at its purest, and like-minded people with similar lifestyles. They both also come with the ability to get completely lost.

Create your own adventure travel by providing everything you need while in a remote location, leading to those “ahh” moments that make life worth living in the first place — but remember comfort isn’t always what we’re after when we hit the road.

Boondocking

Boondocking makes it possible to camp at virtually any location you might have in mind. It can be on the side of a quiet dirt road or in a secluded woodland. It’s an extended camping excursion with no clear demarcation of when one trip begins and another ends. Boondocking is an experience that offers a winding adventure full of campfires, star-filled skies, and memorable moments to always cherish.

We’re talking about getting away from cell towers and Wi-Fi for days at a time. Exploring places that are so remote that it takes a good day’s travel just to get there. There’s no such thing as fast food or easy access. Just Mother Nature, the sky, and whatever supplies you can carry out with you. If you are not near any fresh water, you will want to make sure you have plenty of drinking water in your water tank. Often, if staying for many days, campers carry portable generators to run basic appliances and electronics. Campers with lower power needs may get away with solar panels and a portable power station.

While boondocking is usually free, it can also be done on public lands for a small fee. But if you’re looking for a real adventure, look for secluded spots and make your own path! BLM and National Forest Service (USFS) lands have plenty of dispersed camping spots. You can find boondocking and dry camping areas all around the country.

Overlanding

You may have heard of or done off-roading, but what about taking your adventure up a notch? Overlanding is an off-road vehicle hobby that enables you to explore the deepest and most remote areas of the world. It allows you to access lands that are difficult or nearly impossible to reach by foot. It gives you a taste of the “wilderness” experience. If you like camping, but are looking for something more, then this adventure is for you!

For overlanding, you’re going to need a vehicle or RV that can go off road. You’ll need some additional supplies and gear if you plan to stay many days or tackle really rugged terrain. From there, you just need to find a remote area that’s free from other humans. And when I say “free from humans,” I mean it. You will be away from any signs of civilization, like roads or people. Overlanding vehicles are built to climb to areas and places you can’t reach with RV travel.

Boondocking and Overlanding: Camping, but Better.

The art of boondocking and overloading gives you access to remote areas that most campers don’t get to see. You get a chance to really escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, listen to nature, and take in all the silence that you can handle.

The biggest attraction to overlanding and boondocking is that it creates an experience where you can see the country in a way you never could before. You visit places that most people don’t get to travel to and immerse yourself with nature for long periods of time. After all, it is a really cool way to explore a lot of the areas of the United States.

If you’re interested in camping, boondocking and overlanding are definitely interesting options. They combine the stealthiness of camping with the exceptional experiences that only a vehicle can bring. Of course, they also have their drawbacks, but if you’re truly committed to experiencing them, they can be exciting and memorable experiences.