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From Show Floor to Campfire: Camping at Overland Expo SoCal
The first Overland Expo event of the year will be happening at Overland Expo SoCal, returning to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa in March 2026. Something to consider if you plan on attending is that while day passes get you access to classes, vendors, and demos, camping on-site is what turns these events into a full weekend immersion in overland culture.
So, rather than commuting in and out of Orange County traffic, campers wake up steps away from the vendor village, education areas, and evening events. They enjoy sharing coffee, gear tips, and travel stories, which goes a long way toward building connection within the overlanding community.
Camping at Overland Expo SoCal
On-site camping has long been considered the heart of the Overland Expo experience. Once vendor booths close for the day, the campground comes alive with informal meetups, campfire conversations, and hands-on rig walk-arounds that don’t happen during show hours.
For many attendees, this is where the real learning happens—seeing rooftop tents deployed, kitchens in use, and suspension setups under real-world loads, not just on display stands. So, if you’ve ever wanted to see just how other overlanders utilize their equipment, this would be the way to do it.
Camping also offers unmatched convenience. Campers can step away for lunch, stash newly purchased gear, or take a midday break without leaving the grounds, maximizing time spent attending classes and exploring.
Evening Events You Don’t Get With a Day Pass
Staying on-site places campers at the center of the show’s nighttime programming:
- Oasis Bar & Food Court – The evening hub for food, drinks, and live music
- In-booth after-hours gatherings hosted by select manufacturers
- Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle – A Saturday-night tradition supporting outdoor education and conservation
With your campsite just minutes away, there’s no need to plan transportation or cut the night short.
A Brief History of Overland Expo
Overland Expo began in 2009 as a small gathering focused on vehicle-based adventure travel and has since grown into the largest overlanding event series in North America. Today, it brings together tens of thousands of attendees each year, blending hands-on training, global travel inspiration, and one of the most diverse collections of overland vehicles anywhere.
Other Overland Expo Locations—and Camping Options
In addition to Southern California, Overland Expo hosts multiple events across the U.S. Here’s a list in order of occurence:
- Overland Expo West (Arizona) – Offers extensive on-site camping
- Overland Expo Pacific Northwest (Oregon/Washington) – On-site camping typically offered
- Overland Expo Mountain West (Colorado) – On-site camping available
- Overland Expo East (Virginia) – One of the largest campgrounds in the series
While amenities and layouts vary by location, most Overland Expo events prioritize camping as a core part of the experience rather than an add-on. More information can be found on their website, Instagram, or Facebook page.
Costa Mesa as a Basecamp
The Costa Mesa venue gives SoCal a unique edge. Campers are minutes from the Pacific Coast, with easy access to beaches, while inland routes lead quickly to the Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest. This prime location makes this venue a great launchpoint for an even longer trip.
What Campers Can Expect On-Site
- Restrooms and water refill stations
- Communal spaces like The Bivvy with charging and seating
- Food trucks serving meals throughout the weekend
- Immediate access to education sessions, demos, and vendor areas
Final Call for March 2026
Camping capacity for the March 14–15, 2026 Overland Expo SoCal weekend is limited, and remaining spots are expected to sell out. For those looking to experience the event the way it was intended—from sunrise coffee to late-night campfire conversations—on-site camping remains the gold standard. You can use the following link to purchase tickets for the event https://www.overlandexpo.com/socal/buy-tickets-socal/.
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