TAKE THE OVER ON CAMPING ADVENTURE

Whether it’s your Toyota 4Runner, an extreme off-road camper or a souped-up van, overland camping rigs offer plenty of imagination for campers. (JEFFREY WALTERS)

TAKE THE OVERLAND ROUTE

FISHING AND CAMPING GO TOGETHER, AND TODAY’S OFF-GRID OPTIONS ARE BIG IMPROVEMENTS

By Jeffrey Walters

Overland camping is nothing new to some of us; to others it simply means 100-percent off-grid camping. However, over the past couple of decades there have been some very big improvements on what being off-grid involves.

Gone are the days of not taking a shower, eating mini meals prepared on camp stoves, and the dreaded cold nights. There have been drastic improvements in the off-road overlander style of camping, where fully outfitted four-wheel-drive vehicles and off-road trailers take to the trails in search of that perfect spot. National forests have what are called yellow post sites or dispersed camping areas. Even though both areas are remote, most dispersed camping areas will have vault-style outhouses and trash cans, while other areas may not, so plan your trip accordingly and be prepared to bring out everything you bring in.

Overland camping has become very popular because you can go to so many different places with the supplies needed to travel in comfort and style. Most overland vehicles are four-wheel drive, boast good ground

clearance, and there are many to choose from.

This compact off-road tent-top trailer can offer simple yet effective shade for your campsite. (JEFFREY WALTERS)

POP-UP HOMES ON THE ROAD

The most popular way that people outfit their vehicle is with a roofmounted pop-up tent. This style of camping brings the campers far above the forest or desert floor and away from uninvited critters that may visit your campsite, and comes complete with a pull-out propane cooktop, hot water on demand for hot showers, composting toilets, diesel heaters, solar power systems and much more. This style of adventure brings the comforts of home with it, just on a smaller scale.

It’s such a phenomenon these days that there are overlander expos and events held throughout the country, where vendors display and sell their products, along with companies that will do the entire project on your vehicle of choice. There are thousands of very interesting and necessary products on display and for sale. Not only do most people modify their vehicles, they also purchase or build an off-road mini-camper – complete with a full kitchen, refrigerator, sleeping area, awnings, storage and so much more.

The extremely rugged trailers go wherever the tow vehicle takes them. These off-road campers are small and compact, and some copy the original teardrop-style camper, including the back hatch opening to reveal a full kitchen and refrigerator. There are so many different builders out there that are advancing the realm of off-road capabilities, and some that simply offer a nicely built, rugged lifted trailer, so you can add what you need. If you are interested in something like these, then think about attending one of the overlander events to see for yourself what is available.

MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR OVERLAND CAMPING

Most campers who enjoy this style of overland camping and fishing already know what they need to bring and what items are needed to complete the vehicle or trailer build-out. However, there are always some overlooked items and safety measures that should be mentioned.

Always put your food in bear-proof containers at least 50 feet away from the campsite. Pack your trash in rugged bags and hang in a tree to keep the bears and other critters away. Never, ever bring food with you into your tent or trailer, no matter if on your rooftop or not. Have a good strong bear spray, air horn, whistle and other items to scare away a hungry bruin. It’s also wise to carry a good first-aid kit, snakeproof boots or leggings, extra food in case you get stuck somewhere and plenty of water. This list can go on and on, but I am sure most get the idea to be prepared.

Whatever destination you choose, always plan and outfit your overland vehicle or trailer to meet those environments. A good vehicle recovery kit is always handy for those times when nature or mechanical issues sideline yours or someone else’s equipment.

Make sure your overlanding trailer is up to the task with spare parts, plenty of cargo space, extra food, fuel and water. Plan for the worse and enjoy your overlanding fishing or just camping experience knowing you’re ready come hell or high water. JW

A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER

Not only are there the lifted extreme off-road vehicles and trailers, but there are also completely outfitted camper vans that can go just about anywhere. Two- and four-wheeldrive versions are available from many different builders and vendors. In fact, an entire new van life lifestyle is taking hold across the world. These camper vans have all the necessary items to stay out for long periods of time. You’ll find interior and exterior showers, inside kitchens,

CALIFORNIA

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While there are plenty of isolated desert areas and beautiful coastal camping spots to travel to, don’t forget about the outstanding trout fisheries throughout the state for your overland adventures. (JEFFREY WALTERS)

outdoor grills, complete solar panel systems, and every creature comfort you can think of. Most of these are rated as “class B” camper vans or motorhomes. However, looking at some of these amazing vehicles, the word motorhome doesn’t seem to fit.

WHERE TO GO

Some campers enjoy the coastal environment and seek areas near the Pacific that offer overnight camping and great fishing. Most coastal areas that do have campgrounds are feebased and not dispersed or open camping. Some military bases such as Coronado Island and Camp Pendleton in the San Diego area do offer surfside campsites; however, they are only open to active or retired military. More information on these locations and more can be found at mccscp. com/recreation/campgrounds-rv.

There are so many state parks all along the coast that it is hard to choose one from the list. One area that is known for its solitude, awesome waves, good saltwater fishing and clean beaches is San Onofre State Beach in southern Orange County. Although it’s not off-road-style camping, it does offer plenty of parking for trailers up to 25 feet, lots of trails, bike riding, surf fishing and fee-based open areas. You can find out more at parks .ca.gov or by calling (949) 492-4872.

If getting away from it all in a mountain setting far away from the lights and sounds of the city is what you seek, then Southern California’s mountain ranges seem to have an abundance of these little jewels hidden away, with amazing fishing right there.

One such area is in the San Jacinto Mountains near the city of Hemet in Riverside County. Situated at about 4,500 feet in elevation, you have a Forest Service road that is without a doubt four-wheel-drive terrain. You can get there two ways, with access points off State Highway 174 at Bee Canyon and via State Route 243 in the small community of Pine Cove.

Pine Cove Road takes you through the little community there, drops you off on San Jacinto Ridge Truck Trail (Forest Service Road 5S09) and takes you to a couple of yellow post sites that are just a few hundred yards away from the North Fork San Jacinto River (although small, it contains wild brown trout). For more, go to fs.usda .com or call the San Jacinto Ranger District at (909) 382-2921.

The author camps in style with his home-built overland camper, his ticket to adventure. “Overland camping has become very popular because you can go to so many different places with the supplies needed to travel in comfort and style,” he writes. (JEFFREY WALTERS)

Overlanding and fishing seem to go hand in hand, unless you choose the desert routes that are popular with the four-wheel-drive crowd. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area is popular for desert seekers. Located in eastern San Diego County off Highway 78, you will find plenty of open and free camping spots. Close to Anza Borrego State Park and forested mountains to the east, there are always options to choose from when overlanding.

Further east you have Glamis Dunes and what seems to be endless off-road trails and dunes. There’s no problem finding places to overland here; just be prepared to battle the wind. CS

Editor’s note: Here are some other websites to help plan your camping trip: reservecalifornia.com; recreation.gov/ discover/camping/California/state; nps.gov/ subjects/camping/campground.htm; and fws.gov/activity/camping.

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