2025 Four Wheel Campers Owners Rally Recap

June 20–22, 2025 | Zena Creek Ranch, Yellow Pine, Idaho

Escape. Connect. Explore. Repeat.

There’s nothing quite like the Four Wheel Campers Owners Rally. Each year, we carve out space to unplug, connect, and celebrate what we all love – camping, craftsmanship, and the great outdoors. This June,  72 rigs and 135 people rolled into the breathtaking and (very) remote Zena Creek Ranch in Yellow Pine, Idaho, for a weekend of wild beauty, rugged learning, and community spirit that left us all a little more grateful to be part of this crew.

A Backcountry Setting Worth the Drive

Tucked deep within the Payette National Forest and bordered by the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, Zena Creek Ranch delivered everything we could have hoped for, and more. The road wound alongside the wild Secesh River, with towering pines overhead and natural hot springs tucked just out of sight. Sandy banks, dramatic ridgelines, and thick forest canopy made every mile a celebration of Idaho’s raw, underrated beauty.

Attendees came from just a few towns over in Idaho, and from as far away as Florida, Maryland, Southern California, New York, Utah, Canada, Mexico, and even the Netherlands! Whether driving a few hours or crossing borders, each arrival was a joyful reunion.

What began as a quiet meadow bordered by the Secesh River quickly transformed into a vibrant community, filled with Four Wheel Campers of every kind – mounted on every kind of truck. The field came alive with various setups, greetings, and the shared spirit of Four Wheel Campers that brings this group together year after year.

A Weekend Packed with Adventure & Community

The rally kicked off Friday with check-in and a deep-dive class on Route Planning by Benjamin Borgens of Wild Terrain Expeditions. As the sun lowered, Four Wheel Campers hosted a raffle with items like expion360 solar bundles, FWC swag packs, and maxtrax. The excitement was followed by a very sweet Friday night dessert potluck. From homemade pies to camper-baked brownies, the spread was as plentiful as the crowd. The evening wrapped up with a cozy fireside hangout under a sky full of stars.

Saturday morning brought camper tours and a gearhead show-and-tell, always anticipated activities as owners proudly open their builds to share clever modifications, DIY solar setups, and their favorite creature comforts the keeps life on the road pleasant.

The afternoon featured hands-on classes held by Benjamin Borgens of Wild Terrain Expeditions for Off-Road Recovery, Tire Repair, and Communications 101. Each session gave attendees practical tools to handle real-life scenarios in the backcountry.

Saturday evening brought out our best Wild West flair—cowboy hats, bolo ties, boots, and even a lasso or two. Dinner was a hearty catered feast of pulled pork, BBQ sauce flights, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and fresh salad—no small feat in such a remote setting. Huge thanks to the caterers for pulling it off flawlessly.

As golden hour settled over the barn, campers enjoyed a live performance put on by a local Idaho band, Fleeting Confidence. Laughter, dancing, and full plates turned into another wonderful fireside night with new friends and old

Highlights:

• 135 Four Wheel Camper owners attended from across the U.S.
  
• Classes taught by Wild Terrain Expeditions on navigation, recovery, and field repairs
  
• Raffle with prizes from Expion360, Maxtrax, Omnia, and FWC swag
  
• A Wild West themed Saturday night party and live music, complete with an old-fashion bar sponsored and run by Overland Solar
  
• Sunday send-off full of hugs, handshakes, and promises to meet again down the trail

Mountain Weather, Good Luck

Another unforgettable element of the weekend? The weather.

Tucked between two small towns – 20 miles one way and 30 the other – Zena Creek Ranch sits in a remote pocket where accurate forecasts are hard to come by. In the days leading up to the rally, all signs pointed to a dramatic weather shift. While Thursday promised blue skies and sunshine, both Friday and Saturday looked uncertain, with forecasts calling for cold temps, thunderstorms, rain, and even hail.

We checked the radar every few hours, hoping for a break – and luck was on our side. Aside from a light evening rain and a brief spell of hail, the storms largely skirted us. And even if they hadn’t, our hearty crew came prepared. Rain jackets, cozy layers, and a sense of humor go a long way when you’re camping.

In the end, the skies held, spirits stayed high, and everyone remained warm, dry, and smiling. We like to think it was good luck – and maybe just a little bit of rally magic.

More Than Just a Weekend

Since our first rally in 2012, one thing hasn’t changed: the heart of this community. These weekends are about more than learning new skills or seeing cool rigs—they're about finding your people, those who understand the joy of waking up somewhere remote, coffee in hand, surrounded by nothing but open land and possibility.

Photos from the 1st Rally held by Four Wheel Campers in 2012. Photos by Stan Kennedy 

The 2025 Rally reminded us why we love what we do—and who we do it for. Whether you joined us at Zena Creek or followed along from home, we hope this spirit of adventure inspires your next outing.

Until next time, keep your tanks full, your maps downloaded, and your campfire stories ready.

P.S. Missed This Year’s Rally?

We missed you too—and hope to see you at the next one. Big ideas are already in the works: new locations, fresh classes, and more off-grid adventure.