Imagine waking up to the sound of zippers unzipping on rooftop tents as the sun rises over the OC Fair & Event Center. The air is already buzzing with anticipation. You open your tent, step out onto the cool grass, and are immediately greeted by a camping neighbor brewing coffee on a tailgate.
“Morning! Heading to Overland Essentials later?” they ask, offering a spare mug.
This isn’t just a parking lot; it’s a pop-up village of adventurers, dreamers, and global travelers. Camping at Overland Expo SoCal isn’t merely about finding a place to sleep—it’s about immersing yourself in the heart of the overland community.
Why Camp at Overland Expo SoCal?
Staying on-site transforms your weekend from a simple trade show visit into a full-blown adventure. When the day pass holders head home, the real magic happens in the campground. Here is why you need to be part of the basecamp experience.
Unbeatable Convenience
Forget about fighting traffic on the 405 or hunting for parking every morning. When you camp on-site, your commute is a leisurely stroll from your rig to the vendor village. You can head back to your camp for a quick lunch, drop off the gear you just bought, or take a midday nap before the evening festivities begin. You are maximizing your time doing what you love—learning, exploring, and connecting.
The Community Connection
The campground is the soul of Overland Expo. It is where you see rigs in their natural habitat—deployed and lived in. Walking through the camping areas is like walking through a living museum of overland innovation. You will see everything from vintage Land Cruisers and high-tech Sprinter vans to creative DIY builds that defy categorization. It’s honestly the staff’s favorite place to go check out rigs.
But more importantly, you meet the people behind the steering wheels. The conversations that start over a campfire or while sharing a drink often lead to lifelong friendships and future travel partners. It is a level of camaraderie you just can’t get anywhere else.
Evening Festivities
The fun doesn’t stop when the vendor booths close at 5:00 PM. As a camper, you are right in the middle of the action for the evening programs.
- Kick off your evening at the Oasis Bar and Food Court sponsored by Nokian Tyres. Enjoy drinks, swap stories from the day, and relax with live music. Saturday’s Happy Hour is sponsored by Toyo Tires with drinks and beer for purchase by PFRIEM!
- In-Booth Parties: Stick around after-hours with exclusive in-booth parties. Toyota and Subaru are already planning to host. You in?
- Overland Expo Foundation Raffle: Saturday night features the famous Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle. It is a chance to win incredible gear while supporting a great cause.
Being a camper means you never have to worry about designated drivers or late-night Ubers. You are already home.
Costa Mesa: The Perfect Launchpad
Overland Expo SoCal is unique because of its location. Nestled in Costa Mesa, you are in the heart of Orange County, with easy access to some of Southern California’s best adventures.
While there is plenty to do at the Expo, your campsite serves as the perfect base of operations if you want to extend your trip. You are just minutes away from stunning coastlines and iconic beaches. If you prefer the mountains, the Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest are nearby, offering trails and views that remind you why we build these rigs in the first place.
What to Expect on Site
We have designed the camping experience to be as comfortable and accessible as possible.
- Amenities: You will have access to restrooms and water refill stations throughout the event.
- The Bivvy: Need to charge your phone or just take a load off? The Bivvy, sponsored by Hankook Tire, offers charging stations and camp chairs, acting as a communal living room for campers.
- Food & Drink: No need to pack a cooler full of meals (unless you want to). A variety of food trucks will be serving up delicious local fare, ensuring you are well-fed and ready for adventure.
- Education & Other Events: Camping onsite keeps you right in the mix of everything happening at Overland Expo. Our education and full event schedule will be released soon, but rest easy knowing you’ll be nearby all the action.
Don’t Miss Out: Secure Your Spot Today
We are down to the wire. With only a handful of campsites remaining for the weekend of March 14-15, 2026, this is your last call to join the basecamp.
Don’t let the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world’s premier overlanding event slip away. Grab your camping pass, pack your gear, and get ready for a weekend of inspiration, education, and community.
We can’t wait to see you around the campfire.
