If we had to bet on the first use of the term “overlanding,” we’d put our money on a 1995 Toyota 4Runner ad that focused on 4WD adventure travel. It was much like “hiking” was repurposed to mean “traveling in a Toyota 4Runner driving through other landscapes.”

Some folks would contest overlanding is solely about traveling rugged back roads and lightly-maintained trails, introducing primitive camping, and leaving civilization behind.

While there is some truth in that, we prefer to think of it as a road trip with a greater emphasis on outdoor living. If you want to avoid crowds, traffic, and high food costs (among many other things) we believe “boondocking” is a more apt description of what you’re after.

Let’s Unpack Both of These Extraordinary Activities

There are two kinds of campers: those who like to camp where other people camp and those who want to camp away from the crowds to try something new. If you like being outside and want to get close to nature, boondocking or overlanding might be a good choice.

Boondocking and overlanding take camping to a new level because they take you to remote places where you can have new and exciting experiences.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to look at the stars, a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or a chance to get off the beaten path and enjoy the open road, boondocking and overloading are your best bets for an unforgettable time.

You can stay at the same campground, enjoy the same scenery, and sleep under the same stars. You can really “rough it” by boondocking or overlapping, which are great ways to see new places.

There are a lot of similarities between boondocking and overlanding.

• Both want to be in big, open places
• They give you a chance to see nature at its purest and meet people who live the same way you do
• Both of them also have the ability to get totally lost

You can make your own adventure travel by making sure you have everything you need when you’re in a remote place. This will give you those “ahh” moments that make life worth living, but remember that comfort isn’t always what we’re looking for when we hit the road.

What is Boondocking?

Boondocking lets you camp almost anywhere you want. It can be on the side of a quiet dirt road or in a wooded area that is far from people.

It’s a long camping trip with no clear way to tell when one trip ends and the next one begins. Boondocking is a winding adventure with campfires, a sky full of stars, and special moments that you will always remember.

This is talking about spending days away from cell towers and Wi-Fi. Exploring places that are so far away with a boondock van that just getting there takes a whole day. There is no fast food, and nothing is easy to get to.

Just Mother Nature, the sky, and whatever supplies you can carry with you.

If you are not near any fresh water, you will want to make sure you have a lot of drinking water in your water tank. When campers plan to stay for a long time, they often bring portable generators to power basic appliances and electronics.

People who camp and need less power may be able to get by with solar panels and a portable power station.

Boondocking is usually free, but you may have to pay a small fee to do it on public land. But if you want a real adventure, find a place to yourself and make your own way. All over the country, you can find places to dry camp or boondock.

What is Overlanding?

You may have heard of off-roading or even tried it, but why not step up your adventure? Overlanding is a hobby that lets you explore the deepest and most remote parts of the world in a vehicle that can go off-road.

It lets you get to places that are hard or almost impossible to get to on foot. It gives you a taste of what it’s like to be in the “wilderness.” If you like camping but want to try something new, this trip is for you.

If you want to go overlanding, you’ll need an overlanding van or RV that can go off-road. If you plan to stay for a long time or go through rough terrain, you’ll need some extra supplies and gear. From there, all you have to do is find a faraway place where no other people exist.

You won’t see any roads or people, which are signs of civilization. You’ll need overlanding vehicles, which are made to climb hills and get to places that RVs can’t go to.

Check out these Dodge Promaster conversions.

Is Overlanding Better Than Boondocking?

If you like camping, boondocking and overlanding are both interesting choices. They combine the privacy of camping with unique experiences that can only be had in a vehicle.

Yet, overlanding is a better option than boondocking for people who like to travel. But boondocking is best for people who care more about where they are going than how they get there. You can combine them for the best outdoor experience, so you can’t say that one is better than the other.

Overlanding and boondocking are so different that it’s hard to compare them. You can do them both at the same time or just one. It’s like comparing apples and oranges; you can’t always say that one is better than the other.

One person might like overlanding because it’s more exciting and forces them to think on their feet. You’ll need a hitch to get out of tight spots and the ability to adapt to different terrain, especially when it’s snowing, raining, or windy.

Some people might like boondocking more because they can drive on a gravel road to a beautiful place in the backcountry that is far from people. When boondocking, you don’t have to drive stressfully or go up and down slopes. You also don’t have to limit the size of your motorhome or campervan.

Better Camping Experience

The best thing about overlanding and boondocking is that it gives you a chance to see the country in a way you’ve never been able to before. Now, go and get away from the noise and chaos of everyday life, listen to nature, and soak up as much silence as possible. 

Both have their own challenge, but if you want to try them, they can be fun and memorable.

There you have it. So don’t get too spooked. You can set yourself up in no man’s land without getting yourself lost now that you know what is boondocking.

You just need to prepare beforehand and follow the tips given earlier in the article. Best of luck with your boondocking or overlanding adventure and explorations.

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