Everyone knows what a roadtrip is, right?
You hop in your vehicle and take off down the road with no real destination in mind.
But what about a backcountry roadtrip?
What IS the backcountry?
This short blog is going to cover what a backcountry roadtrip is and isn’t, and give you some tips on how to get started.
What is a backcountry roadtrip?
First, let’s define the backcountry. Merriam-Webster defines the backcountry as “a remote undeveloped rural area.” That’s a pretty accurate description of the places you can explore when you take a backcountry roadtrip.
The backcountry is the wilderness. It’s the public lands we own. It’s our national parks and forests.
When I take roadtrips, I usually visit national forests. National parks are very restrictive about where dogs can go, and national forests allow them, most of the time even off-leash.
So, for me, a backcountry roadtrip is a long drive out of Texas (we have limited public lands) to the southwestern states where there are ample public lands to explore.
Okay, so, what makes your roadtrip a backcountry trip?
Well, when you get into national forests and start driving down forest roads, you’re heading into the backcountry. Dispersed camping sites are available for free, and there are no amenities available. You will likely be without cell service, and you’ll be entertained by nature.
A backcountry roadtrip simply means you’re taking a drive into the wilderness for a night (or longer) of camping under the stars (or in your car, as we do!)
Aren’t backcountry roadtrips just camping trips?
This is a great question, but nope!
Most people that camp head out to their favorite campgrounds or State Parks. While there might be a bit of a roadtrip on the way to the park, parks are usually well-populated and far from wild.
To really be in the backcountry, you want to be in a place with no amenities (that means no bathroom!) and as far from those luxuries as possible. There might be other people camping around you in dispersed camping sites, but they’re out there to see the wilderness as much as you.
There’s also backpacking, which is hiking into a campsite with all your gear in your pack. We’re not doing that either (well, Violet and I do sometimes, but not frequently any longer since someone hates tents.)
We’re taking a roadtrip down a forest road into the backcountry.
We’re not off-roading. We’re not camping. We’re not backpacking. We’re on a backcountry roadtrip to see as many places as possible.
When Violet and I take roadtrips, we usually spend one or two nights in the same place, then move on to another national forest or campsite. It’s not unlike backpacking, where you pick up and move daily, it’s different and we can travel further. We plan ahead so that all of our food is ready to cook (or just eat, in her case), and we know exactly how to pack the Subae up for a quick escape.
How to Get Started on Your First Backcountry Roadtrip
I’ve already written a piece (linked above) on some general planning tips, but here are a few quick tips for getting started on your first backcountry roadtrip:
- Find a destination that inspires you. The best way to ensure that you have a great roadtrip is to find a destination that makes you feel something. For example, I LOVE Colorado, but driving through New Mexico to get there, something always called out to me. My first backcountry roadtrip was to three national forests in NM.
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew. You’ll likely come up with a list of places you want to visit, but for your first trip, start with somewhere closer to home so you have more time to spend sightseeing. Violet and I try to stop at state parks for hikes and such (okay, to use a clean bathroom honestly) on our long roadtrips.
- Know where the nearest ranger station is. Actually, visit your nearest ranger station before you head out to your campsite. The rangers have great information on the best campsites, roads that are closed and sites to see. It’s also a good safety precaution if you’re traveling solo as I do.
Don’t overthink the planning phase, and allow yourself to go with the flow. Something will always go un-according to plan. (Anyone ever watched Corpse Bride? “♫According to plan…♫”)
On my first trip, I didn’t have any cell service the first night to tell my mother where I was going to be, so the only person who knew where I was likely to be was the ranger I talked to at the station.
On our third night, when we made it down to Lincoln National Forest, the ranger station was closed and I couldn’t get camping intel. That was a tough afternoon finding good camping, trying to read an MVUM for the first time.
Things happen, so just be flexible!
Miranda and Violet’s Travel Updates
We’re headed out at the end of this week to the San Juan National Forest! We’re leaving sometime on Friday, getting back probably Wednesday or so. I’ll share a trip report when we get back. Also, I’ve got a couple of pieces of content I’m working on for you all: a definitive guide to backcountry roadtrips (it’s going to be a big one!) and my 2019 roadtrip gear list.
In the meantime, safe travels, friends!
Miranda Writes 