CIWILD is an independent outdoor community and planning resource for rooftop tent campers and overland travelers exploring the American West. Visitors can explore source-reviewed campsite, public-land, and route-planning guides, connect with the CIWILD community, read practical gear content, and share camping stories and routes. Coordinates, access details, seasonal guidance, and field-verification status vary by listing.

What is a rooftop tent and why do overlanders use them?

A rooftop tent (RTT) is a tent mounted on a vehicle's roof rack that unfolds for sleeping above the ground. Overlanders use rooftop tents because they set up in under two minutes, keep campers off cold or wet ground, provide better airflow, and allow camping on uneven terrain where traditional tent pitching is impossible. They are especially popular for dispersed camping in the American West where ground conditions vary widely.

How do I find free dispersed campsites in the American West?

Free dispersed camping is available on many Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands across the American West, subject to local rules and closures. CIWILD publishes source-reviewed campsite, public-land, and route-planning guides across California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming. Coordinates, access notes, road-condition information, seasonal guidance, and field-verification status vary by listing. Explore the full CIWILD camping guide directory at ciwild.com/pages/top-100-free-camping-sites-in-america, and always check current fire restrictions, land-use rules, and road conditions before departure.

Is CIWILD free to join?

Yes. CIWILD community membership is free. Members get access to the campsite map, community forums, crew-finding features, and member stories. CIWILD also sells rooftop tent camping gear and accessories through its online shop, but purchasing is never required to participate in the community.

What states does CIWILD cover for campsite maps?

CIWILD currently covers dispersed camping locations across 12 states in the American West, including California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Texas. The campsite database is continuously updated by community members with new GPS coordinates, access reports, and seasonal notes.

What is the difference between dispersed camping and campground camping?

Dispersed camping means camping outside of designated campgrounds, typically on BLM or National Forest land. It is usually free, has no facilities (no toilets, no water hookups, no camp hosts), and requires self-sufficiency. Campground camping uses established sites with amenities and often requires reservations and fees. Overlanders and rooftop tent campers generally prefer dispersed camping for privacy, solitude, and the ability to camp in remote locations not accessible by standard campgrounds.

How do I join an overlanding group or find a camping crew through CIWILD?

CIWILD's Find Crew feature connects overlanders and rooftop tent campers by location, vehicle type, and trip style. Members can post upcoming routes, join weekend rallies, and participate in organized off-road meetups across the Western USA. CIWILD hosts regular group events including the California Off-Road Camping Squad rallies and seasonal convoy trips.

What rooftop tent gear does CIWILD recommend?

Every product featured on CIWILD is tested in real field conditions by community members — not selected by algorithms or sponsored placements. Gear recommendations cover rooftop tents, roof rack systems, overlanding kitchen setups, power stations, sleeping bags rated for alpine temperatures, and recovery equipment. All recommendations are based on actual use from Alabama Hills in California to Steens Mountain in Oregon.

What is the CIWILD referral program?

The CIWILD referral program lets members earn a 10% cash commission every time a friend places their first order using the member's referral code. Friends receive 15% off their first order automatically. After 10 successful referrals, commission increases to 15%. There is no cap on earnings and payouts are made in cash, not store credit.

When is the best season for rooftop tent camping in the American West?

The best season varies significantly by location. Desert regions like Anza-Borrego (California), Sedona (Arizona), and Moab (Utah) are best October through April when temperatures are moderate. High alpine areas like Steens Mountain (Oregon), Gunnison National Forest (Colorado), and the Sierra Nevada (California) are accessible June through September. The American West offers year-round RTT camping somewhere — CIWILD's campsite map includes seasonal access information for every listed location.

7 Overlanding Routes in the American West Worth Running in 2026

These aren't the most-Instagrammed roads. They're the ones CIWILD members keep coming back to.

1. Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway — Oregon

52 miles of high desert, canyon rims, and almost zero traffic. Best July through October. Bring extra fuel — the nearest gas is over an hour away.

2. Alabama Hills — California

Weird rock formations, direct views of the Sierra Nevada, and completely free dispersed camping. A short drive from Lone Pine. Gets busy on weekends; go Monday–Thursday.

3. Toiyabe Crest Trail Road — Nevada

A high-altitude forest road connecting Austin to the Arc Dome Wilderness. Pine trees, meadows, and almost nobody out there.

4. Mojave Road — California

A 140-mile historic trail across the Mojave Desert from Needles to Afton Canyon. Mix of sand washes and rocky sections. High clearance required, 4WD recommended.

5. Dalton Highway — Alaska

Not for the faint of heart. 414 miles of gravel to the Arctic Ocean. This is bucket-list territory.

6. Lonesome Highway (OR-395) Side Roads — Oregon

The highway itself is paved, but the BLM roads branching off it lead to some of the least-visited camping in the Pacific Northwest.

7. Coyote Buttes North — Arizona/Utah

The Wave and surrounding formations require a permit lottery, but the approach roads and surrounding area have free dispersed camping that's equally spectacular.

About the Author

Rita

Founder, CIWILD

Rita is the founder and editor of CIWILD, an independent guide to dispersed camping and overland travel across the western United States. She researches public-land access, route conditions, camping regulations, and practical trip-planning information for CIWILD guides.

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1. Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway — Oregon

2. Alabama Hills — California

3. Toiyabe Crest Trail Road — Nevada

4. Mojave Road — California

5. Dalton Highway — Alaska

6. Lonesome Highway (OR-395) Side Roads — Oregon

7. Coyote Buttes North — Arizona/Utah

Rita

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1. Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway — Oregon

2. Alabama Hills — California

3. Toiyabe Crest Trail Road — Nevada

4. Mojave Road — California

5. Dalton Highway — Alaska

6. Lonesome Highway (OR-395) Side Roads — Oregon

7. Coyote Buttes North — Arizona/Utah

Rita

Leave a comment

Explore

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