Overlanding is about the journey, not the obstacle. Start with a dependable vehicle, stay on legal routes, and leave room to enjoy the camp.Our approach ↗
DESTINATIONS / NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Find your next basecamp.
From Pollock Pines to the Lost Coast. Know where camping is allowed.
Legal camping starts with the exact site.
Use an authorized campground or a BLM parcel where dispersed camping is permitted. Public ownership does not mean every shoreline, turnout, or access road is a legal campsite. Closures, posted orders, land boundaries, fees, and local stay limits still apply.
POLLOCK PINES · EL DORADO COUNTYCampground
Sly Park / Jenkinson Lake
A forest-and-lake basecamp near Pollock Pines, with established sites for tents and RVs. A good option when you want a comfortable camp with services.
Land manager
El Dorado Irrigation District (EID), not BLM.
Where camping is allowed
Registered campsites inside Sly Park Recreation Area. A day-use pass does not authorize overnight camping, and nearby woods are not automatically included.
Booking & facilities
EID lists reservations for March–November and weather-dependent, first-come camping December–February. Campsites have tables, fire rings, and barbecues; water faucets and vault toilets are distributed through the campgrounds.
For a large air tent
Review the individual site photos and dimensions before booking. Check current fire restrictions even when a site has a fire ring.
Camping policy checked on EID’s website September 12, 2026. Availability and current restrictions may change.
NEAR CLEARLAKE OAKS · LAKE COUNTYBLM camping area
Indian Valley Reservoir
A more remote reservoir setting for a self-sufficient trip. Start your planning with the established Blue Oaks and Wintun camping areas.
Land manager
BLM Ukiah Field Office for the BLM-managed recreation lands. Do not assume the entire reservoir shoreline is public camping land.
Where camping is allowed
Authorized camping areas when open. For dispersed camping, confirm the specific BLM parcel and local restrictions before setting up; shoreline vehicle access is not automatic permission.
Before you commit
Ask BLM whether Blue Oaks or Wintun is open, which approach is accessible, and whether a fee or stay limit applies. Check fire restrictions and reservoir access.
Trip fit
Plan for limited services. Bring drinking water and a self-contained camp setup; do not depend on lake water, cell reception, or an open toilet.
Current BLM notices could not be verified. Confirm camping permission and access with the Ukiah Field Office before travel.
NEAR NEVADA CITY · NEVADA COUNTYBLM campground
South Yuba Campground
A foothill camping option near the South Yuba River. Look for the BLM campground specifically when planning your stay.
Land manager
BLM Mother Lode Field Office.
Where camping is allowed
Designated campground sites when open, subject to posted rules and any required fees. This is not blanket permission to camp in South Yuba River State Park or along the river.
Before you commit
Confirm campground opening, road conditions, site size, water availability, fees, and the local stay limit. Check that your tent and parked Jeep fit within a designated site.
Current opening and rules unverified. Check with the Mother Lode Field Office.
NEAR UKIAH · MENDOCINO COUNTYBLM campground
Red Mountain / North Cow Mountain
An inland option centered on Red Mountain Campground in the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area.
Land manager
BLM Ukiah Field Office.
Where camping is allowed
Authorized campground sites when open. North Cow Mountain and South Cow Mountain have different recreation rules; do not treat the whole area as open cross-country driving terrain.
Before you commit
Confirm campground and access-road status, fire restrictions, site suitability, and any local camping limit. Bring your own drinking water unless BLM confirms a reliable supply.
Current opening and rules unverified. Check with the Ukiah Field Office.
NEAR PETROLIA · HUMBOLDT COUNTYBLM campground
Mattole Campground
A coastal basecamp at the north end of the Lost Coast. Plan for an exposed, remote setting and a slow final approach.
Land manager
BLM Arcata Field Office / King Range National Conservation Area.
Where camping is allowed
Designated campground sites when open, subject to the applicable fees and rules. This does not authorize driving or camping anywhere on the beach.
Before you commit
Confirm campground status, drinking-water availability, fees, and stay limits. Overnight travel into the King Range Wilderness has separate permit requirements; do not confuse a campground stay with a wilderness permit.
Conditions change. Good preparation gives you options.
ROUTE & ACCESS
A line on a map isn't permission.
Check the managing agency’s current road status, seasonal gates, camping rules, and motor vehicle use map. Download offline maps and identify a turnaround point before you leave.
Check the forecast for your actual destination, including overnight lows. Allow extra fuel, water, and travel time. Snow, smoke, or a damaged road can change a short trip quickly.
Share your route and return time. Carry a first-aid kit, suitable recovery equipment, and a communication option beyond cell service. Practice with your gear before you need it.
Inspect tires, brakes, fluids, cooling hoses, battery connections, and leaks. Address known concerns before remote travel.
02
Keep the setup purposeful
Factory-height suspension can suit many trips. Choose tires and shocks for your load and terrain, and stay within the vehicle’s rated limits.
03
Carry the means to get home
Bring a usable spare, tire repair supplies, a compressor, and the tools you know how to use. Use rated recovery points and compatible equipment.
04 / AFTER THE DRIVE
Remote doesn't mean rough.
A comfortable camp is part of the trip. Keep it practical. Make it yours.
CAMP WELL.
Build around a good night's sleep, cold food, and enough power for the essentials.
Shelter & sleep +
Choose a level, legal site away from drainage channels and hazardous trees. Secure your tent for the forecast and match your sleeping system to the overnight low. An air-frame tent adds comfort when you have the space and payload.
Power & cold storage +
Budget energy in watt-hours for the fridge, lighting, and communications. Test a full day at home before heading out, keep a reserve, and treat solar output as variable. Secure the power station and keep ventilation clear.
Heat & ventilation +
Follow the heater manufacturer’s installation and operating instructions. Keep combustion equipment and exhaust safely outside the shelter, away from doors and air intakes, and use a working carbon monoxide alarm. Never operate with a fuel leak or spill.
Food, water & packing out +
Bring drinking water plus a contingency supply. Follow local food-storage rules, keep cooking away from sleeping areas where required, and pack out all waste. Check current fire restrictions before using a stove or lighting a fire.
THE OVERLANDING MINDSET
Take the long way. Leave a light footprint.
Stay on designated routes. Respect closures and quiet hours. Pack out what you bring in. Keep the next trip possible.
