How to Set Up the Perfect Overland Basecamp

How to Choose the Right Campsite 

Now that you've taken the leap (or are considering to) and you have all the gear to make it a weekend in the wilderness, lets dive into what makes a great campsite. 

First things first. Where can I legally camp? 

This varies greatly by state and region. For example, you can camp in Pennsylvania State Parks but you have to stay in designated campsites. i.e. you can't just pitch a tent anywhere, and if you did, you'd probably get paid a visit by a park ranger. 

Switching gears to Utah, you need to follow the same guidelines in State Parks (you're only able to stay in designated campgrounds and marked sites). Where Utah rocks is that they have incredibly vast public land options where you can roam free.

All these rules vary by State. For example, a whopping 36% of land in Colorado is public land. BLM Land, which stands for the Bureau of Land Management, constitutes 1/10th of America's total land - so needless to say there are plenty of campsites out there - many of which still may be relatively unexplored. 

We'd recommend doing your own research relative to where you plan on going, just so you don't run into any unexpected evictions! 

Some popular apps that people use to remain compliant include: 

• onX and Gaia GPS 
  • shows you public vs private land 
• recreation.gov 
  • official app for federal lands 
• iOverlander and The Dyrt 
  • overlanding focused apps that highlight nuance for camping areas 

Now that we've established the best practices for finding camping areas, lets dive into the specifics of what makes a great campsite, great. 

Some major considerations: 

1. Flat ground with drainage considerations  - i.e. don't camp in a flood zone or on the side of the hill - self explanatory 
2. Wind. This is a big one. Even the best Roof Top Tents will have some flap movement which could disrupt your slumber if you're a light sleeper. Being protected in a little nook free from the wind will free your soul
3. Cell Signal and Emergency Access - being off grid is kind of the goal but you need to have a backup plan if and when S**T hits the fan 

There is something in the camping world known as Leave No Trace which asks that the campsite is at least 200 feet from a natural body of water. The contention is that being too close to water may cause erosion or prevent the local wildlife from drinking water due to the increased activity. 

We're in favor of leaving the land better than you found it. Be respectful and clean up after yourself. 

How to set up a Functional Basecamp 

After you've done the homework on where to camp, and you've driven around in said location finding the optimal basecamp, it's now time to plant your flag and get comfortable. 

Positioning your truck in the ideal location can be a tedious process for a few reasons: 

• Positioning - no matter how flat of a spot you find there will likely always be a slight pitch. making sure your truck is positioned in way that allows for your head to be slightly elevated when you're sleeping is the end goal. It will take a little thought - so don't settle for a spot. a popular hack: use leveling blocks under your tires to get the proper leveling. 
• Views - this is the cherry on top. figure out what the best view would be from your RTT's window at first light. this way you can feast your eyes on the landscape - it's a must.
• Awning and Shade - having shade around camp can be essential, especially if you're in a desert climate setting. adding an awning is simple with a BillieBars Bed Rack - we have 2 different awning attachments and a few aftermarket awnings to choice from. adding a 270 degree awning will keep you out of the sun, and you dry if it decides to rain. 
• Creating a Cooking Zone - if you're in bear country, having a designated cooking area with tamper proof containers is advisable. keeping your food right where you sleep is not advisable. 
• Organizing Recovery and Emergency Gear - hopefully you didn't park in quick sand and you won't need a recovery board to exit. knowing where the emergency gear is should probably be step 1. we have a more comprehensive list here. 

Below is a general diagram of recommend spacing at your basecamp. 

Outdoor & Overlanding Safety Essentials

We touched on this above but keeping your food safely stored away from your sleeping area is always best practice. Sleeping in an RTT will definitely provide a level of security you wouldn't have if you were in a ground tent - but it's best to not tempt fate. Keep at least 30-45 feet of distance between your cooking and sleeping zones. 

Pay attention to the local guidelines on fires at the time of your trip. We have all witnessed the impact and devastation a wild fire can cause so don't be the reason that a fire starts. Some tips include:

• use a designated fire pit or area when the fire is contained - a 10 ft radius is recommended 
• have an extinguisher handy or a bucket of dirt 
• park at least 15-20 ft away from the fire 
• make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving camp - high winds could come after you leave camp
• DO NOT start a fire in a High or Extreme Risk scenario 

Keep an eye on the weather and be prepared for the worst. If you're camping in the Rockies, weather is extremely variable and it should be treated with the upmost respect. Having a satellite phone or a Star Link would be HIGHLY advisable, as you just never know what can happen out there. As the old adage goes, "Far better to have it and not need it, then need it, and not have it." 

First Aid - just bring it. It doesn't have to be life threatening to be a trip saver. If you get stung by something innocuous, having an antihistamine to prevent swelling can be the difference between enjoying your weekend or being in Camp Misery. 

FAQ 

How far should camps be spaced apart?

As long as you follow the general guidelines regarding positioning, food storage and fire safety, parking together if you're in a group is probably best practice. Unless you're a snorer. Give you buddy a break in that case. 

Who should I call in the event of an emergency? 

Call the nearest park ranger or police authority. Strength can always be found in numbers, so knowing if you have neighbors and where they are located is essential. 

Anything else that I'm missing? 

The most important thing is to enjoy your time out there! Soak it all in. 

Questions? Contact us here. Most importantly, Get out there and Go!