Overlanding is all about combining off-road driving with remote camping—and the Northeast U.S. is packed with scenic places that are perfect for it.
These are our top 5 overlanding spots in the Northeast that will provide a great remote off road camping adventure.
1. Delaware State Forest, Pennsylvania
Location: Just north of the Poconos
Delaware State Forest is an overlander’s dream. You’ve got over 80,000 acres of rugged land to explore, with dozens of primitive campsites tucked into the woods. Most are first-come, first-served (or can be reserved with a free permit), and they’re spaced out just enough to make you feel like you’ve got the whole forest to yourself. The forest roads here are mostly gravel—but remote enough to scratch that adventure itch.
Delaware State Forrest
2. Bald Eagle State Forest, Pennsylvania
Location: Central PA, near State College
With 200,000+ acres, Bald Eagle has some of the best legal off-road driving in Pennsylvania. Expect rocky, narrow trails and beautiful ridge-top views. There are designated motorized campsites you can reserve for free with a permit, and some of them are incredibly remote—perfect for a night under the stars without another soul around.
Pro Tip: Try Poe Paddy Drive or Old Logger’s Path for solid dirt-road routes and great access to hiking trails.
3. Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont
Location: Southwestern Vermont
Vermont doesn’t always get the overlanding love it deserves, but Green Mountain National Forest changes that. There are multiple seasonal forest roads, dispersed camping areas, and charming small towns along the way. The forest roads wind through dense hardwood forests and open up to views you’ll want to write home about.
Pro Tip: Head toward Kelly Stand Road—a well-known forest road with camping spots and scenic overlooks.
Bald Eagle State Park
4. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Location: Northern New Hampshire
If you’re ready for the occasional hairpin turn, White Mountain National Forest has some of the best. Some forest roads are smooth and scenic, while others are a bit gnarlier. There are dozens of primitive campsites scattered around, and you’re never too far from a trailhead, a swimming hole, or a waterfall.
Pro Tip: Base yourself near the Kancamagus Highway, but take the backroads for a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience.
5. Adirondack Park, New York
Location: Upstate NY
Adirondack Park is massive—with approximately 6 million acres—and although it’s not as well-known for overlanding routes, there are still plenty of backroads and free, designated roadside campsites if you know where to look. The Moose River Plains area is one of the few places in New York where you can drive deep into the forest and camp next to a lake without a permit.
Pro Tip: Bring a kayak or paddleboard and explore the hidden waterways—you won’t regret it.
The Northeast might not be the first region people think of for overlanding, but it’s full of epic trails, scenic forest roads, and peaceful campsites just waiting to be discovered.
