Among the best things you can do with a UTV is take it camping, but before you do, make sure you know the basics of UTV camping. It’s a different experience setting up camp with the help of a UTV than either hiking in or camping near your primary vehicle.

UTVs are fun to drive on their own, but they are also handy as a way to quickly get around off the main road and to carry gear for a variety of uses. That’s why they’re ideal for camping. If you’ve never been UTV camping, you’re missing out on a unique experience.

Untether from the main road

Camping without a UTV means you have one of two choices. You can either choose a campsite close to the road, so you don’t have to lug your gear around, or you can backpack in, which means you’re much more limited in what you can bring with you. 

There’s nothing wrong with either of these options. Camping near the road is convenient and a great way to set up a basecamp for many different activities. Backpacking is a great adventure and allows you to explore country most people will never have the opportunity to see.

Camping with a UTV is the best of both worlds. It allows you to pack in everything you need for fun and comfort but also experience what it’s like to get off the beaten path. UTV camping is ideal for many different wilderness adventures, including:

• Remote rock climbing – Some of the best rock climbing isn’t a convenient distance from the road, and hiking in with ropes, carabiners, and a helmet along with your camping pack can get heavy. 
• Extended stays in the backcountry – There’s nothing like spending a week or two reenergizing – completely disconnected from modern life. But the food and gear you need for a trip like this might be too much for a human to carry.
• Family wilderness adventures – This is perfect for instilling a love of the outdoors in kids who aren’t old enough to hike long distances.
• Hunting excursions – Get out of range of the noise and the tourists and go to where the big game is. Sleep in the bush and be able to carry out your trophy when you’re done.
• Epic trail riding safaris – Maybe you’re in it for the bumpy ride itself. Enjoy the feeling of freedom you can only get from a few days out on the trail.

Just make sure when you’re UTV camping that you stay on public lands and trails that are designated for motorized vehicle use. There are miles and miles of suitable trails out there. But if you don’t stay on them, you’ll likely end up with a hefty fine. Don’t forget to do your research before you go out.

Plan around your UTVs load capacity

With a UTV, you’ll be able to take a lot of things with you that you would never be able to carry in a backpack. But you will still need to plan carefully. Your UTV will most likely have some storage space in the rear as well as a roof rack. And you might be surprised what you can fit in these areas.

You’ll want to reserve some of this space for the emergency gear listed in the next section. Once the essentials are accounted for, start planning around the activities you’d like to do out there. Chances are, you’ll have plenty of room for gear if you pack it well.

• Camping gear – tents, sleeping bags and pads, camp chairs, a cooler, a camp stove, etc.
• Fishing gear – poles, tackle box, nets, waders, a fishing cooler, etc.
• Climbing gear – ropes, carabiners, shoes, chalk bag, helmets, etc.
• A kayak or paddle board with paddles and life jackets
• Mountain bikes and helmets
• Star gazing and photography gear – a telescope, cameras, etc.

If you realize you have more gear than you have room for, don’t worry. If your UTV is equipped for a hitch, you can get a variety of extra storage options, including a cargo rack, bike rack, cargo box, or trailer specifically designed for use with your UTV. If you need more storage space than this, then you might be in the market for an RV.

Emergency and contingency gear for your UTV

Going out in your UTV for an extended trip is incredibly freeing, but along with your camping, climbing, and fishing gear, don’t forget to leave some space for the things that will help keep your outing fun and safe. In other words, the things that will help ensure you don’t get lost, stuck, or otherwise stranded in the wilderness.

• A GPS device with full batteries
• A water container with at least five gallons of water
• A serious survival/first aid kit
• Enough gas for your entire trip and a little extra
• A spare tire in good condition or flat repair kit
• A battery jump starter
• A toolkit and spare parts
• A rope or tow strap
• A shovel

Besides these implements, there are a few must-have accessories for your UTV that will help in emergencies and just make the ride more comfortable on the trail.

• A 4500 lb. winch
• A dust guard
• A rollbar fire extinguisher
• A top-mounted LED light bar

Prep your UTV for camping at TerraRider Windshields

At TerraRider, we love riding along the trails as much as anyone, and we keep the things we use in our own UTVs in our online shop. In addition to getting your UTV trail-worthy with a new windshield, we have a wide variety of accessories that will make your UTV camping trip spectacular. We carry products specifically designed to fit most UTV makes and models. 

If you have any questions about your particular UTV model, contact us and we’ll walk you through what you need. We will ship your new windshield or UTV accessories to your location free anywhere in the United States. We hope to see you out on the trail.