After more than 30 years of off-roading—and the last decade focused on overlanding—I’ve been to my share of expos and events. Most are held at fairgrounds with basic camping and few amenities. Overland of America 2025, held at America’s Outdoor Adventure Park in Jay, Oklahoma, completely changed my expectations. Here’s my full review of the event, what made it different, and whether I’d recommend it to fellow overlanders.
NOTE: Be sure to check out the video at the end of the article.
What Makes Overland of America Different
Typical overlanding expos focus on vendors and product displays, with camping that feels like an afterthought. Overland of America is different. While there were plenty of vendors with cool products and vehicles, this event focused equally—if not more—on the people and the experience. The conversations I had and the stories I heard left a lasting impression that I’ll carry into every event I attend in the future.
And unlike the usual fairground setting, Overland of America takes place at America’s Outdoor Adventure Park. Their mission is “to create the ultimate outdoor adventure experience where fun, relaxation, and exploration come together.” It’s less an off-road park and more of an off-road resort—with pools, bath houses, showers, cabins, a restaurant, bar, stage, trails, racetracks, and even free wash bays to clean your rig. Camping options range from primitive sites to full hookups and rental cabins, making it one of the most comfortable event venues I’ve seen.
My Experience at Overland of America 2025
Thursday – Arrival & First Impressions
I arrived Thursday evening, checked in, and set up camp in the Content Creator Corral near the vendor area. That night I joined other creators around a campfire and listened to their stories. One couple, Live2Day Wanderland, shared how they began overlanding after the tragic loss of their daughter, choosing to live fully each day. Hearing these stories made me reflect on my own reasons for adventure travel.
Friday – Vendors, Classes & Pool Party
A shower and hot breakfast started the day—a luxury you don’t get at most expos. I explored the vendor area, spotting everything from new products to show specials. ICECO fridges apparently sold out by Saturday night, and Rough Country had an awning that tempted me at $200.
After giving the vendors a good look over, I checked out the swimming pool, food trucks, and headed to the camping area to see what interesting vehicles I could find. Some of the neatest and most unique rigs can be found in the campground at overlanding events. If you don’t take the time to walk through, check out the vehicles, and meet a few people, you’re missing out.
Vendor Gallery
I also sat in on classes, including “GAIA GPS” and “Recovery Fundamentals” taught by Switchback Outdoor Safety. Even after 30 years of off-roading, I still learn something new.
After attending the classes and getting dinner from one of the many food trucks, I joined the evening pool party. There was a belly flop contest with a cash prize, followed by a raffle with prizes from every vendor. Later, some vendors hosted afterparties, but I opted for a walk with Marley in the cool night air.
Saturday – Camping, Barbie Race & Film Festival
Another shower, another breakfast. While I skipped the guided trail ride, I explored the campgrounds. The park’s layout surprised me—premium campsites near the showers, then primitive sites tucked on the other side of the woods. The space here is huge; groups can easily camp together without feeling cramped. Along the way, I photographed unique overlanding rigs—real-world setups rather than massive globe-trotting Earth Roamers.
Gallery of Overlanding Rigs
I met overlanders like jasper_the_01xj, who had seen my Ranger in Colorado last month and is now preparing to tackle the Trans America Trail. The day’s highlight was the Barbie Downhill Race, where competitors slid down tarped hills and crashed into a water pit to the crowd’s delight.
That night, the pavilion hosted the Storytellers Film Festival. Featured creators included:
- The Story Till Now
- Ozark Overland Adventures
- Baker Overland
- Independence Overland
- Coddiwomple Overland
- Trail Traveler
Afterward, the Overland 870 tent hosted an after-party where I witnessed a marriage proposal—she said yes! Unlike some shows where cliques form, this was by far the most welcoming, social overland event I’ve attended.
Sunday – Showers, Friends & Farewell
By Sunday, I was three-for-three on showers—maybe a personal camping record. With 93-degree temps and no awning, I needed them. The morning was relaxed: one last loop through vendors, a few final photos, and goodbyes to new friends like Cassidy’s Epic Adventures, Charlie Grace Adventure, and Live2Day Wanderland. That sense of community is what stuck with me most.
Miscellaneous Photos
Nearby Overlanding Routes
Overland of America is also perfectly located near major trails:
This makes it easy to combine the event with an off-road journey either on the way there or heading home.
My Route Home: The Texas Epic Adventure Trail
On my way home, I tackled part of the Texas Epic Adventure Trail. Despite the name, it starts in Oklahoma. Things began with easy gravel and chip-seal roads, but before long I was climbing Blue Mountain Road / Post Mountain Road in the Ouachita Mountains. The rocks got bigger, the washouts deeper, and daylight was fading. I didn’t stop for video—my focus was on finishing the 10-mile stretch before dark.
I made it just as the sun set, after creek crossings, an old, bypassed bridge, and mountain views. With fuel, food, and gear, I was prepared to camp if needed—but finishing felt better. By the time I rolled in at 11:30 PM, my 5.5-hour drive had turned into a 12-hour adventure. And I wouldn’t change a thing.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. For only its second year, Overland of America has already set itself apart. With its resort-style facilities, strong sense of community, and proximity to epic overlanding trails, I’ll definitely be back. Watching this event grow year after year is going to be an adventure in itself.
If you’re considering attending, I highly recommend checking out Overland of America for future dates and details.
Here is the Schedule of Events from this year’s show.
Video – Overland of America
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.
