Overlanding vs RVing vs Car Camping vs Boondocking…
There are so many ways to get out and enjoy vehicle based adventure these days. People truly often pick one and build an identity around that. If you have gone on to an overlanding group online lately you will see it can actually be pretty brutal. If you don’t have a rooftop tent riding on at least 35 inch tires without a front winch you are not an overlander! Of course I say that tongue-in-cheek, but that is how it can be. Overlanders can be pretty protective of that term. Let’s take a quick look at the differences amongst these forms of vehicle based adventure. Of course these are just simple definitions so don’t shoot the messenger if I leave some things out.
Overlanding
Overlanding is about the journey rather than the destination. It's an adventure involving remote, off-road travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal. Overlanding is typically done in 4x4 vehicles equipped to handle rough terrains and carry all necessary supplies for extended travel, including food, water, shelter, and recovery tools. It emphasizes self-reliance and exploration, often in areas far removed from civilization.
Boondocking
Boondocking, also known as "dry camping," refers to camping without hookups outside established campgrounds. This can be in a remote wilderness area, a designated boondocking spot, or even a parking lot (with permission). Boondocking is popular among RVers who are equipped to be self-sufficient, as it involves relying on your RV's water tanks, battery or solar power, and holding tanks for waste. It's favored for its ability to connect with nature and stay in unique, often secluded locations for free or very low cost.
Car Camping
Car camping is exactly what it sounds like: camping where you can drive your car right up to the campsite. This term is often used to describe camping in designated campgrounds or parks where you have access to amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and possibly even restrooms and showers. Car camping is ideal for those looking for a convenient and comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors without the need for specialized, off-road vehicles or equipment. It's great for families, beginners, or those who like to bring along some of the comforts of home.
RVing
RVing involves traveling and camping in a recreational vehicle (RV), which can range from a small camper van to a large motorhome. RVing is a lifestyle choice for many, offering the freedom to travel and live in comfort with amenities like beds, a kitchen, and a bathroom. RV parks and campgrounds provide hookups for electricity, water, and sewage. RVing can include short trips, extended travel, or even full-time living on the road. It's a way to see new places while taking your home on wheels with you.
Is There a Difference?
Absolutely, each of these terms describes a different way to explore and experience the outdoors, offering various levels of comfort, adventure, and connection with nature. From the rugged, self-reliant journey of overlanding to the convenience of car camping, the remote independence of boondocking, or the homey feel of RVing, there's a style of outdoor accommodation to suit every traveler's needs and preferences.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the right type of adventure for your interests and comfort level, ensuring a more enjoyable and fulfilling outdoor experience. Whether you're looking to get off the grid, enjoy the comforts of your car or RV, or simply find a beautiful spot to pitch a tent, there's a camping style that fits your definition of adventure.
Car camping, boondocking, RVing, and overlanding share a common thread: they all represent ways to explore and enjoy the outdoors via some form of vehicle. Despite their differences, they overlap and share similarities in several key areas:
Connection with Nature
All four activities provide unique opportunities to connect with the natural world. Whether you're parked in a remote desert under the stars while boondocking, setting up a tent next to your car in a national park, living in an RV at a scenic campground, or traversing rugged landscapes in an overland rig, each offers a distinct way to experience the beauty and serenity of nature.
Sense of Adventure and Freedom
They embody the spirit of adventure and freedom. Each activity allows individuals to escape the routine of daily life and embark on journeys to new or favorite destinations. This freedom to roam and explore is a core appeal of these outdoor lifestyles.
Self-Sufficiency
Self-sufficiency is a key aspect. Whether it’s ensuring you have enough water and food, managing your power needs through solar panels or generators, or navigating off-grid, these activities encourage self-reliance. Overlanding and boondocking, in particular, emphasize being prepared to be self-sufficient in remote areas.
Community and Lifestyle
They foster a sense of community among enthusiasts. Despite the differences in how people enjoy the outdoors, there’s a shared passion for adventure, nature, and travel that creates a common ground. Online forums, clubs, and gatherings are common, allowing people to share tips, routes, and experiences.
Flexibility in Travel and Accommodation
Flexibility in where you stay and how you travel. From the simplicity of a car camping setup to the complexity of a fully equipped RV or overland vehicle, these methods offer a range of options to suit different needs, comfort levels, and budgets. You can choose to stay in a campground with amenities one night or find a secluded spot off the beaten path the next.
Use of Vehicles
Vehicles are central to the experience. Whether it’s a simple sedan you drive to a campsite, a rugged 4x4 for overlanding, an RV equipped with home comforts, or a setup for boondocking away from conventional campgrounds, the vehicle is your means of transport and often your primary shelter.
While the experiences vary from the simple and accessible to the complex and challenging, car camping, boondocking, RVing, and overlanding each offer unique ways to explore the great outdoors, providing varying degrees of comfort, adventure, and connection with nature. The choice between them depends on personal preferences, the level of adventure sought, and the desire for convenience versus self-sufficiency. However you mix these together or base your identity on one type of activity is up to you. Don’t let others tell you that you are doing it wrong. Go out there and explore, relax, adventure. And feel free to call it whatever you like.