American Wilds: The Ultimate Off-Grid Overlanding & Dispersed Camping Expedition

Pick up regional fly patterns and local stream advice before heading off-grid into the surrounding national forest waters.

Camp off-grid along Crooked Creek Forest Road in the Arapaho National Forest. Sites here are primitive with level clearings ideal for vehicle camping and quiet mountain mornings.

Relax along the gentle cascading waters of St. Louis Creek, an excellent spot for chilling camp chairs in the shallows or wading with a fly rod.

Navigate high-clearance 4x4 forest service trails to find secluded, panoramic dispersed campsites nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains.

Follow the gravel forest service roads hugging the Gros Ventre River to scout pristine riverfront pull-offs and quiet dispersed camping spots.

Set up basecamp at Crystal Creek Campground along the river. It provides great access for water filtration, riverside Dutch oven cooking, and wildlife watching.

Hike the 6-mile roundtrip trail through old-growth cedar and hemlock into the pristine Great Bear Wilderness to reach the turquoise alpine waters of Stanton Lake.

Explore the vast perimeter of Glacier National Park along the Flathead National Forest boundary, looking out for wildlife and staging remote backcountry outings.

Camp along the pristine waterways of Coeur d'Alene National Forest. Cast for native cutthroat trout in the cool mountain streams and enjoy true off-grid solitude.

Navigate the deep Northwoods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Be prepared for sudden midwestern lake storms, and set up fine mesh screen shelters to defend against intense blackflies and mosquitoes.

Launch your kayaks into the scenic, winding waters of the Illinois Bayou to explore calm backwaters and gravel bars.

Set up a lakeside camp at Lake Dardanelle State Park, offering boat ramps, fishing piers, and excellent hot-shower and water refill facilities.

Ride the expertly sculpted singletrack flow trails and berms at the Northwoods Trails system near Hot Springs National Park.

Disperse camp deep in the Winona Region of Ouachita National Forest. The creator recommends bringing a portable pressure cooker to whip up quick, hearty backcountry stews after a long day on the trails.

Trek through the lush hardwood forest down to Blocker Creek Cascade to swim in the natural pool and enjoy the secluded waterfall ambiance.

Stop at the visitor center to purchase your entrance pass, review current beach driving conditions, and check high-tide charts before heading down the sand highway.

Drive down the 60-mile stretch of uninterrupted barrier island sand. Pitch your beachfront tent or park your rig well above the high-tide line, and use heavy-duty sand anchors to secure your gear against coastal gusts.