Overlanding 101: A Real-World Beginner’s Guide to Car Camping

Your car, a dirt road, and a place to sleep under the sky. Overlanding and car camping start right there.

What Overlanding Really Is (And Isn’t)

Overlanding is self-reliant travel by vehicle, where the journey is the focus, not just the destination. It’s camping out of your car, SUV, or truck as you explore backroads and remote areas.

It’s not:

A rock-crawling competition
A social media photo shoot with rooftop tents and $5,000 bumpers
A survivalist doomsday exercise

For most beginners, overlanding looks like:

Driving dirt or forest roads (often stock-vehicle friendly)
Sleeping in or near your rig
Cooking your meals outdoors
Exploring responsibly and leaving no trace

Think road trip meets backpacking, with your vehicle carrying the load.

Step 1: Choosing a Vehicle You Actually Have

You don’t need a lifted Land Cruiser to start overlanding. The best beginner “rig” is usually the one already in your driveway.

What Makes a Good Beginner Overland Vehicle

Focus on three things:

Reliability
A basic compact SUV that starts every time is better than a glamorous but neglected 4x4.
Cargo Space
You need room for: sleeping system, water, food, camp kitchen, recovery gear. Fold-flat rear seats help a lot.
Clearance & Traction
You don’t need locking differentials on day one. You do want:
- Decent ground clearance
- All-terrain or at least good-quality tires
- A real spare tire, jack, and tools

Vehicle Types: Pros and Cons

Compact SUV / Crossover
- Pros: Good fuel economy, easy to drive daily, fine for forest roads and mild trails
- Cons: Limited clearance, less payload, not ideal for deep ruts or rocks
Body-on-frame SUV (4Runner, Pajero, etc.)
- Pros: Stronger for rough trails, more aftermarket support
- Cons: Worse fuel economy, higher price
Pickup truck
- Pros: Big payload and bed space, versatile setups (canopy, bed drawer, tent)
- Cons: Long wheelbase can be a pain on tight trails, open bed needs weatherproofing
Wagon or hatchback
- Pros: Cheap to run, surprisingly comfy to sleep in
- Cons: Limited clearance; you’ll be sticking to easier routes

Start with honest questions: Where will you actually go? How technical are the trails? How long will your trips be? Let those answers guide your expectations more than Instagram.

Step 2: Planning Your First Overland Route

Your first real overlanding trip shouldn’t be a 1,000-mile desert crossing. Aim for one or two nights somewhere relatively close to home.

How to Pick a Beginner-Friendly Trip

Look for:

Graded forest or fire roads that a stock SUV can handle
Legal dispersed camping on public land (national forests, BLM land, crown land, etc., depending on your country)
Cell coverage on part of the route, at least for your first overnight

Use mapping tools and apps to search for:

Forest service roads
Scenic byways
Designated vehicle-accessible campsites

Always cross-check with official land-management maps or websites. “Some guy on a forum did it in 2017” is not a current condition report.

Route Planning Basics

Distance: Don’t plan more than 4–5 hours of slow off-road driving per day.
Terrain: Check elevation, water crossings, and potential weather issues.
Gas: Know your range. Remote areas may have no fuel for 100+ miles.
Camp options: Mark at least two potential camping spots in case the first is taken or unsuitable.

Print or download offline maps. A dead phone with no backup is a fast route to a bad night.

Step 3: The Core Overlanding Gear You Need (And What Can Wait)

You can start overlanding with surprisingly little gear, as long as you focus on safety, shelter, water, and food.

The Essentials You Should Have From Day One

1. Navigation and Communication

Paper maps of your area
Offline maps on your phone or GPS device
Phone charger and power bank
Whistle and a basic signal mirror

For more remote routes, consider a satellite communicator later—but don’t let that stop you from starting on easier trips.

2. Vehicle Basics

Proper spare tire (not the donut), jack, lug wrench
Jumper cables
Basic tool kit: screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, duct tape, zip ties
Tire pressure gauge and a portable air compressor

3. Recovery Gear

For beginners on mild trails, start with:

Recovery strap (not a tow rope from a hardware store)
Two rated shackles
Folding shovel
Traction boards (nice to have, especially for sand or mud)

Don’t rush into winches and complex setups until you understand your actual needs.

4. Shelter and Sleep

You have three main beginner options:

Sleep inside your vehicle (fold down seats, add mattress/pad)
A ground tent next to the car
A truck bed setup if you have a pickup

Prioritize:

Warm sleeping bag rated for the coldest temps you expect
Sleeping pad or mattress (comfort is everything on the road)
Pillow (don’t underestimate this)

5. Water and Food

Minimum 4 liters per person per day for drinking and cooking; more in hot climates
Simple stove (single-burner is fine) + fuel
Lighter and backup fire starter
Simple cookware: one pot, one pan, one knife, one spatula, one cutting board
Easy meals: instant rice, pasta, canned beans, tortillas, oatmeal, pre-cooked meats

6. Light and Power

Headlamp for each person
Small lantern for camp
Spare batteries or rechargeable system

Step 4: Organizing Your Overland Camp

How you pack matters as much as what you pack.

Keep These Items Instantly Accessible

First-aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Recovery strap and shackles
Headlamp
Rain jacket and warm layer
Toilet kit (trowel, bags, paper)

Pack them last so they’re the first thing you can reach.

Basic Packing Strategy

Think in zones:

Zone 1 – Cockpit
Maps, snacks, water bottle, sunglasses, phone mount, in-cab trash bag.
Zone 2 – Quick-Access Rear
Stove, kitchen bin, camp chairs, day-pack, rain gear.
Zone 3 – Deep Storage
Extra food, spare clothes, backup water, tools you rarely need.

Use:

Clear plastic bins for kitchen and food
Soft duffels for clothes and bedding
Small pouches or bags for small items (cables, chargers, spices)

Label things. Nighttime in the woods is the worst time to play “where did I put the headlamp?”

Step 5: Your First Overland Camp Setup

Arrive at camp at least an hour before sunset. Rushing camp set-up in the dark is how stoves spill, tents rip, and tempers flare.

Choosing a Good Campsite

Look for:

Firm, level ground for your vehicle and tent
No hanging dead branches above (widowmakers)
Respectable distance from water sources (typically at least 200 feet)
Soft soil or sand that drains reasonably well if it rains

Avoid:

Low spots where water will pool
Tight spots that make turning your rig around hard
Camping right on the route or blocking others

A Simple Set-Up Routine

Park and level the vehicle (small rocks under tires if needed).
Decide sleeping location: in-car, tent, or truck bed.
Set up shelter first (tent or bedding in car).
Set up kitchen area away from your sleeping spot, especially in bear country.
Lay out lighting while it’s still daylight.
Only then start on a fire or cooking.

Keep your camp tidy from the start. The more trips you do, the more you’ll value organization.

Step 6: Eating Well Without Going Overboard

You don’t need a gourmet camp kitchen to eat well.

A Simple Beginner Camp Kitchen Kit

1 medium pot with lid
1 fry pan
2 bowls and 2 mugs
2 sporks or basic cutlery
Cutting board + chef’s knife
Small bottle of cooking oil
Salt, pepper, and 2–3 favorite spices in tiny containers
Biodegradable soap + sponge + dish towel

Easy Overland Meal Ideas

Breakfast:
- Oatmeal with nuts and dried fruit
- Tortilla wraps with scrambled eggs and cheese
Lunch:
- Wraps with canned tuna or chicken, mayo, pickles
- Crackers, cheese, nuts, jerky
Dinner:
- One-pot pasta (pasta + sauce + sausage + veggies)
- Rice with beans, salsa, cheese, and avocado

Pre-chop veggies and store in containers to cut down on prep and cleanup at camp.

Step 7: Staying Safe and Comfortable

Overlanding is about calculated risk, not reckless adventure.

Basic Safety Checks Before Each Trip

Inspect tires for damage and proper pressure
Check all fluids (oil, coolant, brake, power steering)
Confirm spare tire is aired up
Test headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
Make sure recovery gear and first-aid kit are in place

Personal Safety and Comfort

Pack layers: base layer, mid-layer, shell, hat, gloves
Bring rain gear even if the forecast looks clear
Use sunscreen and bug spray
Keep a simple personal hygiene kit: toothbrush, wipes, small towel, hand sanitizer

Tell a trusted person:

Your route
Who you’re with
Your planned campsites
When you plan to return

Check in when you’re back.

Step 8: Leave No Trace and Trail Etiquette

Good overlanders are invisible once they leave. That’s the goal.

Leave No Trace Basics

Pack out all trash, including food scraps and used toilet paper
Use established campsites whenever possible
Don’t build unnecessary fire rings
Keep fires small; use existing rings or go without
Use a camp stove whenever fire danger is high

For human waste:

Use available toilets where possible
If allowed, dig a cathole at least 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water
In sensitive or overused areas, pack waste out in specialized bags

Vehicle and Trail Etiquette

Stay on legal, established routes—no cross-country shortcuts
Yield to uphill traffic where passing is tight
Don’t tear up muddy roads just to “see if you can make it”
Slow down near campsites and hikers; dust and noise travel far

Remember: your behavior shapes whether future access stays open or gets shut down.

_{Photo by Michael Aleo on Unsplash}

Step 9: Budget-Friendly Gear Upgrades Over Time

Once you’ve done a few trips, you’ll start to feel where your current setup is weak. That’s when upgrades actually make sense.

Sleeping Upgrades

Thicker mattress or memory-foam pad
Better cold-weather sleeping bag
Dark window covers for stealth and insulation if you sleep in the vehicle

Kitchen Upgrades

Two-burner stove for more flexible meals
Better cooler or a 12V fridge if you travel often
Compact folding table to avoid cooking on the ground

Vehicle and Off-Road Upgrades

Go slow here. Add only what your trips prove you actually need:

All-terrain tires when your current set wears out
Modest suspension upgrade for load handling and clearance
Simple roof rack or cargo box for bulky but light items

Skip the shiny accessories until the basics are dialed. Overlanding is about traveling, not building a prop.

A Simple 2-Day Beginner Overlanding Itinerary (Example)

To tie it all together, here’s a sample framework you can adapt.

Day 1

Morning:
- Final vehicle check, load gear, fill fuel and water
- Start on paved roads toward your chosen forest road
Midday:
- Turn onto dirt road; lower tire pressure slightly if appropriate
- Take it slow, stop at viewpoints, note alternate camp spots
Late afternoon:
- Reach planned camp at least 1 hour before sunset
- Walk around the area, pick the safest, most level spot
- Set up sleeping system, then kitchen
Evening:
- Cook a simple dinner
- Review next day’s route with a map
- Pack away food and trash before bed

Day 2

Morning:
- Light breakfast, break down camp, sweep for any trash
- Air up tires if you lowered them
- Head back via a different dirt road if possible for variety
Afternoon:
- Rejoin pavement, refuel, and debrief:
  - What worked?
  - What did you overpack?
  - What did you wish you had?

Use those notes to adjust your loadout before the next trip.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

You’ll make your own mistakes; that’s part of the learning curve. These are the ones you can skip:

Overpacking
Lugging around 50 “just in case” items makes camp slower and more stressful. Trim after every trip.
Underestimating Weather
Nights in the desert or mountains can be brutally cold. Pack for the worst case you could reasonably see.
Ignoring Vehicle Limits
When in doubt, don’t send it. Walk tricky sections first. A scratched skid plate is one thing; a broken oil pan is trip-ending.
Setting Up Camp in the Dark
Time management is part of overlanding. Plan your day backward from sunset.
Buying Gear Before Gaining Experience
Trip miles are more valuable than gear dollars. Start with what you have, then refine.

How Overlanding Changes You (In Small, Practical Ways)

When you start car camping and overlanding consistently, a few things happen:

You learn to pack only what earns its place.
You get comfortable with being slightly uncomfortable: dust, cold, odd noises in the night.
You start reading landscapes and weather more intuitively.
You understand your vehicle’s sounds, smells, and limits.

It’s not about “conquering” the wild. It’s about traveling through it carefully, self-sufficiently, and with enough humility to turn back when conditions say so.

Your First Trip: A Short Checklist

Before you roll out, run through this:

Vehicle inspected (tires, fluids, lights, spare)
Paper and offline maps loaded, route shared with someone
First-aid kit stocked and accessible
Recovery basics on board (strap, shackles, shovel)
Sleeping system tested at home
Enough water and food for trip + 1 extra day
Weather forecast checked, layers packed
Headlamp, lighter, stove, fuel verified

If all that’s done, you’re ready enough. The rest, you’ll learn as you go.

Overlanding doesn’t require a lottery win or a yearlong sabbatical. A modest vehicle, a free weekend, and a bit of preparation are enough to get you onto the dirt and under the stars.

Pack light, tread lightly, and let your first simple trip teach you what kind of overlander you actually want to become.

External Links

Beginner Overlanding 101 Overlanding 101 Overlanding 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners Overlanding 101: A Field Guide to Vehicle-Based … Overlanding 101: A Field Guide to Vehicle-Based …