Jeep Camping Guide: Own the Outdoors
If you’re anything like me, your Jeep isn’t just a vehicle – it’s a means for adventure. From a stock Jeep to a fully built off-road rig, these 4-wheel adventure-mobiles are perfect for camping with just a few tweaks.
Let’s dive into the ultimate Jeep camping tricks & tips that will have you at home in the outdoors in no time.
I’ve been through all kinds of offroading and overlanding over the years – from a stock Jeep to a fully built camper. Of all the adventures, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the trails with your Jeep and setting up camp in the wild.
Choosing the Right Spot
Before you fire up your rig and hit the road, let’s talk about choosing the right spot for your off-road adventure. Sure, popular campsites are great, but for the true Jeep experience, you’ll want to wander off the beaten path. My personal go-to?
A mountaintop vista overlooking the trail, town and landscape below.
The perfect combo of serenity and adventure.
There’s no limit to the spots around, but I’ve found a good starting point is Bureau of Land Management (BLM) trails. Before heading out, be sure the trails are open for and there are no advisories in place (High Fire Risk, Flooding, Closures, etc.)
Most BLM lands offer free dispersed camping, perfect for that 4-wheel getaway.
Trail Ready – Or Is It?
Trail camping out of a Jeep has its benefits, but one thing I’ve often taken for granted is the situations 4WD can get you into (and not always out of).
It’s not just about finding an open trail; it’s about understanding the lay of the land. I once started up a late night middle-of-nowhere trail that ended with a high centered Jeep rather than a comfy camp spot. Lesson learned: know your trail and the conditions.
Lucky for me, that time I had another Jeep in the group and a minimalist recovery kit to get my rig back on all 4. What I would’ve done differently: Started the route before dark to see any hazards and obstacles from the eroding trail.
You’ll want to make sure you’re with a group of similarly capable 4WD vehicles when wandering deeper into rugged terrain. When wandering out to camp alone, it’s best to make sure you’re in an area with cell service or take a conservative approach to the trail.
A little thought and prep goes a long way to making a smooth plan of Jeep Camping.
Last Things to Check Before Setting Up Camp
There’s nothing better than settling into that perfect camp spot. The sounds of nature, endless views, and cozy Jeep ready to serve as shelter for the night. Still, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind before parking for the night.
Make sure your Jeep is parked on as level of an area as possible. It only takes one night of sleeping on an incline to realize just how important this is for a good night’s sleep. I always sleep soundly with a tire chock in place as well, added insurance the Jeep won’t roll anywhere in the middle of the night.
Essential Gear for Jeep Camping
You Got The Jeep – Time For The Gear
Alright, let’s talk essentials.
I’ve tried lots of different set ups and pieces of gear to know what works and what doesn’t. More on that another time, for now it’s best to keep it simple.
Invest in the necessities: solutions for Food, Water, Shelter and Security.
Staying Dry, Warm, and Safe
There’s a few main options when it comes to shelter.
Determining whether you’ll be sleeping outside, on-top, or nestled into the cab of the Jeep is the first decision to make.
Ground Tents – Still Relevant?
Just because you’re hitting the trails in a Jeep doesn’t mean you have to sleep in it. Not sure if Jeep Camping is for you? This is the easiest and often cheapest option – packing a traditional tent to pitch alongside the Jeep.
Another advantage is that your sleeping setup is separate from the vehicle, so you can still drive the Jeep without tearing down camp each time. Especially helpful for multi-day campouts.
Another option I prefer over the ground tent is a packable hammock. But make sure the winds won’t pick up through the night or you could be chilled to the bone. I’ve been there too – no fun.
Jeep Roof-Top Tents
Many adventurers consider roof-top tents a godsend. Quick to set up and elevated from the ground, they give some of the best views from atop the rig. I toyed with the idea of mounting a roof top tent for some time, but ultimately went with the last option on this list.
Downsides of rooftop tents are that they can be bulky, costly and not the most comfortable in high-wind situations.
DIY Jeep Sleeping Platform
If you’re caught in between the options above, consider a DIY sleeping platform. Tailor it to fit your Jeep’s unique dimensions, throw in a comfy mattress, and you’ve got a cozy nest on wheels. Perfect for spontaneous road trips and gives the best of both options. You can set up camp with minimal effort and time, and stay completely sheltered from the elements.
On nights with a fierce wind chill you’ll realize just how much better camping in a hard sided vehicle can be.
Downsides are that you’ll need to pack light or move gear out of the way to allow room enough for sleeping.
Don’t Skimp: Proper Meals the Jeep Way
Portable Cooking Solutions
Good Food – a crucial part of any adventure. Portable cooking solutions are a must. My go-to is a compact propane stove. I’ve used higher-end stoves and they have their frills, but my go to is the timeless two-burner design.
Paired with a Seasoned Cast Iron Pan and a simple camp cook-set, most any camp meal is within reach.
Propane vs. Campfire Cooking
Now, the eternal debate – propane vs. campfire cooking. Each has its charm, but propane is quick and efficient. I love a good campfire meal – from fresh split wood to warming up with a skewer in hand. But between inclement weather, fire-prone landscapes and adhering to Smokey Bear’s short list of rules – sometimes a meal just needs cooked.
Regardless of your chosen method, it’s a good habit to carry a properly sized fire extinguisher when dealing with open flames outdoors. A packable shovel and gallon of water is good practice as well.
Water, Water, Water
Any avid adventurer knows this is item number 1 – whether hiking, camping, or otherwise roaming off the grid. There are a number of creative solutions to showers for Jeep camping, sinks, and on. But we’ll keep it simple.
Pack at least a few gallons of drinkable water – more depending on your stay and how far up the trails you’ll be headed. I’ve made good practice of filling a simple 5-gallon potable water container each time I’m headed out.
Overlanding Tips and Tricks
All the tricks and tips above will be sure to prepare you for a 4-wheeled camp adventure.
Still, there’s a few last items that can enhance the time spent on the trail, both driving and at camp.
Suspension and Lift Kit Essentials
I’ll always recommend starting simple, but for those ready for tougher trails and hidden campsites, suspension, lift kits and lockers are your secret weapons. Even a mild lift kit and larger tires take a stock Jeep and make it even more capable for off-grid experiences.
I’ve camped both with and without a lift, and the experience itself is more or less the same. But the more capable the rig, the more confidence I’ve found in traversing to those further removed locations. A little work goes a long way in opening up the road for adventure.
Navigation and Trail Etiquette
Lost on the trail? Been there, done that. Invest in quality navigation tools, and always follow appropriate trail etiquette. Starting with a group is a great way to get into good habits and put together the best camp plan. Items that I’ve put to good use include a portable HAM radio, recovery kit, and more.
Emergency Preparedness
Safety First.
Pack an emergency kit with essentials like first aid supplies, a flashlight, and tools for quick fixes. It’s best practice to plan for the worst – what would you need if you ended up at camp a day longer than expected? 2 days?
Nighttime Safety
My last, and most important tip, follows with being ready for anything in the middle of the night. Although in my years camping out of Jeeps, Trucks, and other vehicles I’ve avoided any imminent danger, I’ve always made it a point to stay prepared while asleep.
Make sure you keep your keys in a designated spot, the driver’s seat clear, and the vehicle ready to go if absolutely needed. It may just be a twig snapping in the woods, or a Raccoon up a tree, but you’ll be glad things are right where you left them if needed.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate Jeep camping guide to help you own the outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a newbie Jeep owner, these tips will have you navigating trails, setting up camp, and enjoying the great outdoors like a pro.
So, gear up and hit the trails! And as always, if you have any stories or tips to share, drop them in the comments below. Camp’s set and I’m signing off – until next time!
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