Category: Camping Trip Tips

There is a reason so many of our customers point their trucks west. The American West holds millions of acres of public land, endless dirt roads, and some of the most remote, beautiful camping anywhere in the country. It is exactly the kind of terrain a pop up camper was built for. Here at Four Wheel Campers, we have spent decades exploring these landscapes ourselves, and our customers send us photos from these places every single week. A lightweight truck camper opens up terrain that larger rigs simply cannot reach: rough forest roads, sandy washes, and high mountain passes where the best campsites hide. Below are some of our favorite off-grid camping destinations in the West, plus a few tips Read More…

One of the most common questions we hear from new truck camper owners is some version of: “How much power do I actually need?” It is a smart question, and the honest answer is that it depends entirely on what you are running and for how long. No one wants to be rationing power while on the road! The amount of power you need revolves a lot around how you plan to use your Four Wheel Camper. Are you going nomadic and working from the road? Are you a family adventurer looking to disconnect on the weekends?  This guide breaks down the power draw of the devices most people bring into a truck camper, gives you a simple formula for Read More…

One of the best things about camping in a Four Wheel Camper is the freedom to choose how you camp. One weekend might call for a full-service campground with hot showers and hookups. Another might lead you down a forest road to a quiet dispersed campsite with no one else around for miles. Across the U.S., campgrounds range from highly developed and family-friendly to completely off-grid. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right kind of camping experience for your travel style, comfort level, and destination. Here’s a breakdown of the three main types of campgrounds you’ll find throughout the country. 1. Organized Camping If you’re newer to truck camping, traveling with family, or simply want convenience, organized campgrounds Read More…

Whoever says no good meals are made on the road…doesn’t know what they’re talking about!  If you’ve ever traveled long-term in your Four Wheel Camper, you’ll understand just how good it feels to eat tasty & delicious home-cooked meals at the end of a day exploring. Sure, the first 48 hours of a road trip might be fueled by your favorite gas station snacks and treats—but pretty soon you’ll be craving some homemade meals.  Whether you’re parked in a remote desert landscape or tucked into a quiet forest, cooking on the road can help curate a sense of home.  If you’re looking for our biggest tips & tricks to make homemade meals of the road easier than ever, we’ve got Read More…

There’s a certain feeling you get about 30 minutes after setting up camp. The sun is dipping lower. The chairs are out. The cooler is open. You reach for something simple, something small, something you assumed was packed. And it’s not there. Even seasoned campers forget things. It’s rarely the big, obvious gear like your tent or your truck camper keys. It’s the small, everyday essentials that quietly slip through the cracks that you somehow remember for every trip you don’t need it, but forget the moment you do.  Trust us, we’ve been there! Here are the most commonly forgotten items while camping:  1. Headlamps and Extra Batteries You might remember a flashlight. You might even remember one headlamp. But Read More…

It’s so easy to let our minds wander to the luxuries of living on the road full-time–the slow mornings making coffee in the Utah desert, sleeping under the stars in the Sierra Nevada. When you start traveling, all those moments are just as magical as they sound, but there are also some not-so-magical moments centered around day-to-day logistics.  Living in a house or apartment, it’s so easy to take the simple task of a warm shower for granted. Many of those who live on the road in vans, truck campers, or RVs, a simple task of a shower suddenly takes some creative thinking.  If you’re gearing up for full-time travel or heading out for a few weeks in your pop Read More…

By Gary & Gretchen Matos Our return trip home from Southern California started in darkness.  We wanted to outrun the traffic of Los Angeles and the atmospheric river of rain that was threatening to slow us down.  We misjudged on one account which made me think of Jerry Jeff Walker’s ‘LA Freeway’ song.  We just wanted to get out alive!  A river of cars were already flowing at 5am but we prevailed.  By early afternoon we landed at El Capitan State Beach – one of few campgrounds that had not closed due to flooding.  We were looking forward to stretching our legs, having an early happy hour and getting in a short nap – and not necessarily in that order!  While driving the Read More…

Happy New Year! With a new season comes new goals, adventures, and aspirations in your truck camper. This might be the big year you’re planning to hit the road long term in your Grandby, or perhaps your goal is to get out and explore more with your family in your Hawk.  Times and places are constantly evolving, and every year we see new campgrounds & new regulations when it comes to camping and exploring in the outdoors. We’ve compiled a list of the best (and worst) places to camp in 2025, including campsites, national forests, national parks, and wilderness areas to explore. Best (And Worst) Places to Camp in 2025 Best: North Cascades National Park, Washington  It’s remote location keeps Read More…

In North America, Christmas and camping aren’t often two words used in the same sentence. When we think of Christmas, many of us picture snowed-in mountain cabins, crackling fireplaces, and fuzzy socks running about decorated living rooms.  However, Christmas is also one of the best weeks to travel. Many get extended time off work, offering the opportunity to travel while taking fewer days off. And surprisingly, there are many incredible places to camp during the holidays in your Four Wheel Camper. Whether in your built-out flatbed camper or pop-up truck topper, here are a few of our favorites to escape to during the holidays:   9 Great Places to Camp for Christmas #1 Jekyll Island State Park, Georgia  If you are Read More…

Contrary to popular belief, winter camping can be an enjoyable adventure! The key between a winter camping trip that borderlines suffering and one that is pleasant comes down to a few critical tips and gear.  As experts in all-season camping here at Four Wheel Campers, here are our biggest tips for staying warm while winter camping.  1. Choose Your Camping Setup Wisely  Where you’re sleeping when winter camping makes a big difference! Will you be sleeping in a tent? In a truck camper? Or in an RV? Tent camping will require the most preparation and gear, and you’ll want to ensure your tent is rated for winter camping. If you have a truck camper, invest in add-ons like the quilted Read More…

Many of those in our 4×4 camper community love to pack their fishing gear on trips. Lucky for us, there are an unbelievable number of great fly fishing spots in the United States, from lake fishing in the Midwest to fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains. If you’re an avid fisherman who is looking for the best place to set up camp and cast your fly fishing pole for a few days, we’ve curated a list of the best rivers to fly fish in the United States!  Best Rivers to Fly Fish In the U.S. 1. Clark Fork River, Montana The Clark Fork River is a section of the Columbia River and spans 310 miles between Idaho and Montana. The Read More…

Nearly everyone has heard of the classic road trip adventure along Route 66, which stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Along the way, there’s a little bit of everything, from funky roadside attractions to beautiful natural wonders.  Planning what to see along Route 66 can be one of the most difficult parts, as stopping for every attraction along the way will turn a long journey into and forever journey. There’s just too much to do!  Many of those who do Route 66 also don’t like lugging big RVs or trailers through the route. It starts in downtown Chicago and ends near LA, after all! But it’s a perfect option for our truck camper family in Four Wheel Read More…