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.

CIWILD · OUTDOOR LIFE, BUILT TOGETHER

Explore the West.
Build What Comes Next.

Source-reviewed campsites and routes, shaped by firsthand stories, field notes and real community contributions across the American West.

Explore Campsites & Routes Contribute to CIWILD

7 Western states · Official sources linked Community contributions reviewed

Source-reviewed across the American West

Built around places you can actually plan a trip around.

41

Camping & regional guides

8

Route guides

7

Western states

Featured Places

Places Worth Planning Around

Source-reviewed guides selected for access, season and the kind of weekend they support.

Explore All Campsites

California · Designated Camping

Alabama Hills

A designated BLM camping area near Lone Pine with Sierra views, accessible sites and a required free permit.

California · Campground

Sawtooth Canyon

A simple desert campground suited to an easy winter weekend near Barstow.

Explore the Guide

California · Dispersed Camping

Jawbone Canyon

Open desert access and dispersed camping with straightforward main-road approaches.

Explore the Guide

CIWILD · Find Your Route

Two Ways
Into the West.

Start with an easier two-day basecamp below the Sierra, or go farther into a longer and more remote Nevada route. Different weekends call for different ways out.

Published routes only · Review current conditions before departure

Rock formations and camping landscape in Alabama Hills, California

Eastern Sierra · California

Shorter · Easier Access

Eastern Sierra · California

Alabama Hills
2-Day Basecamp

A practical starting point for a shorter weekend with straightforward access, a simple basecamp and dramatic Sierra scenery.

Duration 2 days / 1 night

Vehicle 2WD-friendly in suitable conditions

Explore the Route

Longer · More Remote

Black Rock–High Rock · Nevada

Black Rock Desert
3-Day Overland

A longer route for travelers comfortable with greater distance, fewer nearby services and a higher level of preparation, navigation and self-recovery readiness.

Duration 3–4 days

Vehicle High-clearance 4WD recommended

Explore the Route

Remote dirt road through High Rock Canyon in Nevada

Black Rock–High Rock · Nevada

Not sure where to start? Choose simpler access first.

Alabama Hills is the more accessible starting point. Route conditions can change with weather, closures and land-management restrictions. Review the full guide and linked official sources before departure.

Current Pilot

Opportunity 01

Share a Real Weekend Route.

Completed a one- to three-day camping or overland trip in the American West? Share your firsthand route, practical details and original photos to help another traveler prepare more responsibly.

Eligible States

CA California
AZ Arizona
NV Nevada
UT Utah
CO Colorado
OR Oregon

What to Share

A route you've actually traveled.

Practical access details, firsthand observations and original photos from a one- to three-day trip.

Built Together

What you learned can make another trip easier to prepare for.

Continue

View the Opportunity

Selected submissions may receive contributor credit, rewards or consideration for future assignments. Opportunities are limited and not guaranteed.

Community

People · Gather · Stories

01 / People

Find Crew

Connect with campers planning similar routes, regions and trip styles.

Meet people heading your way 02 / Gather

Events

Explore how CIWILD community activities are proposed, reviewed and published.

See what is taking shape 03 / Stories

Field Notes

Read CIWILD editorial guides, practical route notes and selected firsthand stories from outdoor contributors.

Read what others learned outside

CIWILD grows through shared routes, local knowledge, practical stories and people willing to contribute what they learned outside.

Built Together

Your Next Move

CIWILD / 05

The West Is
Better Shared.

Explore a source-reviewed place, follow a real route, or contribute what you learned along the way.

Explore CIWILD Contribute

Current Pilot · Contributor

Open now

Share a Real
Weekend Route.

You drove it. You camped it. Help make it easier for the next person to plan. We’re collecting real weekend routes with practical details, useful stops, campsite notes and firsthand context.

Pilot area

CA
AZ
NV
UT
CO
OR

A good fit if

01
You actually drove or camped the route yourself.
02
You can share practical access, road and campsite details.
03
It’s a real trip someone else could reasonably plan.

Share Your Route

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Explore the West.
Build What Comes Next.

Built around places you can actually plan a trip around.