History Buffs & Trail Blazers: Explore Julian & Beyond
May 17, 2025
Life Beyond the Campsite: Inside the Overlanders Club
For many travelers, an RV park is the destination. But for overlanders, it’s just one stop along a much longer, wilder journey.
The Overlanders Club isn’t just a group—it’s a mindset. Built around the idea of self-reliant, long-distance travel (often in rugged or remote terrain), overlanding blends camping, exploration, and off-road adventure into one epic lifestyle. Whether you’re driving a tricked-out Jeep, a converted 4×4 van, or a powerful expedition rig, the journey is the reward.
What Is Overlanding, Exactly?
Overlanding refers to vehicle-based, self-sufficient travel to remote destinations, often spanning days or weeks. While it shares elements with RVing, off-roading, and camping, it’s more focused on exploration and resilience than recreation.
- Vehicle-Based: Overlanders travel in everything from Jeeps and Tacomas to Unimogs and EarthRoamers.
- Self-Reliant: Camp setups are minimal but capable—think rooftop tents, solar setups, and recovery gear.
- Adventure-Focused: It’s not about the miles—it’s about the mountains, deserts, and back roads in between.
The Overlanders Club: More Than a Meetup
The Overlanders Club (and many regional versions of it) offers an organized way for enthusiasts to:
- Plan trips together across deserts, forests, or international borders
- Share gear tips and build ideas for custom rigs
- Connect in person at rallies, meetups, and basecamp-style events
- Swap stories and routes via online forums or social media groups
Members are often skilled in off-grid survival, mechanical know-how, and outdoor ethics like Leave No Trace. It’s a tribe of people who value independence, yet thrive on the connections made on the trail.
Stagecoach Trails & the Overlanding Spirit
At Stagecoach Trails RV Park, we frequently see overlanders stopping through as they move between the Anza-Borrego Desert, Baja California, and points far beyond. Our direct trail access, quiet desert location, and horse and OHV-friendly setup make us a popular rest point for those who love the open road—but prefer a peaceful night under the stars.
Looking to try overlanding for yourself? Start with a weekend trip, or drop by one of the local overlander meetups to get inspired. Whether you’re camping from a rooftop tent or building out a sprinter van, this is a community built for those who chase the horizon.
Getting Involved with the Overlanders Club
You can find Overlanders Club events and community forums through:
- Facebook Groups (search “Overlanding USA”, “SoCal Overlanders”, or “Women Who Overland”)
- Apps like iOverlander for crowd-sourced camping locations
- Overland Expo – the largest U.S. gathering of overland gear, vehicles, and pros
- Regional clubs that plan weekend rides or multi-day treks
Whether you’re solo, traveling with family, or bringing the pup along for the ride, you’ll find likeminded explorers ready to help you learn the ropes—and the roads less traveled.
Final Thought: Adventure Is Out There
The Overlanders Club represents more than a travel style—it’s a call to embrace freedom, preparedness, and community. If you’re itching to break out of the ordinary, look no further than the trails waiting just beyond your RV site.
