FAQs & Tips
Common Questions
Everything you need to know before hitting the road — from booking details to camping tips.
Trip Planning
Camping Tips
New to overlanding? Here's what you need to know. We handle the gear — these tips will help you plan the rest.
Water
Plan for 5-10L per person/day
- We provide a 5-gallon (20L) water jug — enough for 2 people for 2 days
- Bring extra drinking water for longer trips
- Refill at campground spigots, gas stations, or visitor centers
- In hot weather (90°F+), increase your water by 50%
What to Pack
We provide the gear — you bring the essentials
- Layers: mornings and nights get cold, even in summer
- Sturdy shoes for hiking + sandals for camp
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Headlamp or flashlight (we provide one, but two is better)
- Food, drinks, and snacks for your trip
Finding Campsites
Bay Area has incredible options nearby
- Book popular spots (Big Sur, Yosemite) months in advance on Recreation.gov
- BLM land and National Forests allow free dispersed camping
- Use the iOverlander or FreeRoam apps to find free campsites
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Gaia GPS) before heading to remote areas
Campfires
Check seasonal fire restrictions
- Get a free California campfire permit at preventwildfireca.org
- Summer months often have fire bans — check before you go
- Many campgrounds have fire rings; dispersed camping may not allow fires
- Buy firewood locally — most campground hosts and gas stations near parks sell bundles
Have questions about a specific destination? Check our destination guides or ask us directly.
Booking & Rental