Camping in the Sweetwater Mountains
On a trip to the mountains several years ago, my group encountered really heavy snow. Battling drifts and stuck vehicles, we were running late and were hours from the base camp. Most of the vehicles were lightly packed.
Fortunately, we made it back to base camp late that night. While it wouldn’t have become a life-or-death situation, I’m sure a number of folks in our party would’ve been quite miserable had they been stuck in their rigs overnight.
To make matters worse, we were hungry. We missed lunch that day, and everyone was quite grumpy by late afternoon.
That incident involved snow and cold. Desert offers conditions offer their own extreme conditions.
Regardless of where you go, it’s important to prepare well. Before leaving each morning, ask yourself, Do I have what’s necessary to survive, even though I have other vehicles and people with me? Do I have the basics to survive the night or the typical 72 hours it takes for someone to rescue us?
At a minimum, you should have:
- Water
- Food
- Blanket or sleeping bag; both if room allows
- A form of communication so you can call for help. InReach (by Garmin) and Starlink (SpaceX) are the most common brands in use. They function differently but are good alternatives when outside cell range. (And repeater range, for ham radio operators.) Take a look at the newest inReach Mini 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il3Q104Hq3A
inREach Mini 3
You should consider leaving these basic items in your vehicle year-round. Regardless of where you live, you could get stuck somewhere overnight, or longer.
Using a base camp vs. a daily cruise
This brings us to the broader question of whether to establish a base camp or go “cruising” each day. There is no right or wrong answer. The objective(s) of your multi-day trip often determine the method you use. Regardless, you want to pack accordingly.
A base camp involves setting up camp in one spot. Each day you head out on the trail, and return by the end of the day. The advantages of a base camp are
- You can pack more stuff, including comfort items and gear which you leave it in camp.
- You spend less time breaking camp each day which translates into more time on the trails (or sleeping in).
- You have more options for trails since most gear is at camp, resulting in a lighter and more nimble vehicle.
Because most gear is left at camp, everyone is more at risk while exploring. Hazards can include injuries, breakdowns, and severe (and sudden) poor weather. Some recovery gear and survival needs may be left at camp. You plan to return later in the day, and don’t expect to run into problems, especially any that could keep you overnight. But it can happen.
With a cruise, you drive to new destinations each day and set up camp each night. All your gear is with you during the day. Your backup planning is reflected in the gear onboard; you need to put more thought into packing.
You can change travel plans on a whim and camp just about anywhere. You’re not limited as to how far you travel away from camp, and are not concerned about theft of gear left behind. I haven’t experienced theft, but it’s a possibility.
You could use a combination, of course. That’s common for multi-day events.
Roof top tents offer an interesting option
One piece of gear I’m seeing more frequently is the roof top tent. They pop up quickly and offer a surprising amount of space. (The tents are available in various shapes and sizes.)
The biggest advantage comes in set up and takedown. Those steps go much faster than with a traditional tent.
They’re great for four-wheeling in general, because you always have your tent with you. Unfortunately, the tent must be collapsed each morning before driving off. They sometimes will hold a sleeping bag and pillow while collapsed, but plan on removing nearly all the bedding and gear each morning. You’re essentially breaking camp each morning to go cruising.
A drawback is that you’ll need to park on a flat spot. (Unless you like sleeping at an angle.) That may limit the choices for parking.
Safety off-road is paramount
Whether you choose a base camp or a daily cruise, keep safety in mind. Always remember this important rule of off-road driving: The more remote or difficult the trail is, the more you take with you. Act like NASA and be redundant. In your gear, anyway. I keep an extra blanket, sleeping bag and pair of Sorels (with dry socks) in my vehicle at all times. In addition, I always pack a mini In Reach. That backs up my two-way radios and cell phone.
And never go out alone. A seemingly simple trip could turn nasty, as noted above.
Just remember that things could turn sour quickly. Weather can change in an instant. A vehicle could break down or get stuck. Any number of factors could upset your plans, forcing you to settle in for the night right there. If you choose to use a base camp for your next four-wheeling trip, remember to pack some survival material in your vehicle. You just may need it one night.
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Did you miss the previous articles?
2026
- 2026-03-25 Refresher: Handle Cold-Weather Medical Issues Properly
- 2026-02-12 Foul Weather Food
- 2026-01-16 Pack Spare Bolts and Nuts
Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)
The 2026 schedule of clinics and adventures trips has been posted on the web site.
Sign up if you are interested in Fall Death Valley and the Rubicon trip.
April 2026
April 18, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
April 19, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
April 18-19, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
April 25, 2026 Winching Clinic – LA Area
May 2026
May 04, 2026 Utah Trip
May 16, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
May 17, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
May 16-17, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
June 2026
June 13, 2026 Mini Clinic – Dutch Oven
June 20, 2026 Starting Rock Crawling
June 27, 2026 Mini Clinic – Synthetic Rope Repair
73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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Copyright 2026, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
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