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.

How to Plan Your First Overlanding Trip in the American West (2026 Gui

If you've been scrolling through trail photos and campfire videos wondering how people actually do this — this guide is for you.

Overlanding isn't about having the most built-out rig or the biggest budget. It's about moving through remote land slowly enough to actually see it. Here's how to start without overcomplicating it.

Pick a Route That Matches Your Rig

Not every trail needs a lifted 4Runner. Some of the best overland routes in the West are accessible to stock SUVs with decent clearance. Start with well-documented routes like the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada, the Lonesome Highway in Eastern Oregon, or the Eastern Sierra backroads in California.

Check road conditions before you go — Forest Service and BLM websites often have current closure info.

The Gear That Actually Matters

Before you spend $400 on a rooftop tent, make sure you have the basics covered:

Recovery gear: traction boards, a hi-lift jack, tow strap
Navigation: a downloaded Gaia GPS map, not just cell signal
Water: at minimum 2 gallons per person per day
Communication: a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach if you're going deep

Camp Where You're Supposed To

Most BLM and National Forest land allows dispersed camping — meaning you can camp almost anywhere that's not posted otherwise, for free. Stay 200 feet from water sources, pack out everything, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

This is what makes overlanding different from going to a campground. You earn the spot.

Find People Who've Done It

The fastest way to level up is to connect with people who've already run the routes you're eyeing. The CIWILD community is built exactly for this — overlanders sharing trip reports, campsite intel, and honest gear reviews from the American West.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

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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Pick a Route That Matches Your Rig

The Gear That Actually Matters

Camp Where You're Supposed To

Find People Who've Done It

Rita

Leave a comment

Explore

Pick a Route That Matches Your Rig

The Gear That Actually Matters

Camp Where You're Supposed To

Find People Who've Done It

Rita

Leave a comment

Explore

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