Discover Overlanding Locations
The Explore tab is your gateway to discovering campsites, trails, points of interest, and overlanding destinations around the world.
Searching for Locations
Setting Your Search Area
1
Choose Search Area: Tap the location button at the top to set your search center
2
Options: Use your current location or search for a specific place
3
Radius: The search radius is displayed (e.g., "750 km") and can be adjusted in filters
Text Search
- Use the search bar to find locations by name
- Search updates automatically as you type
- Clear search with the X button to see all results
💡 Pro Tip: Start with a broad search area (500-1000km radius) then narrow it down once you see interesting options.
Using Filters
The filter system helps you find exactly what you're looking for.
Accessing Filters
- Tap the filter icon next to the search bar
- Shows the number of active filters
Available Filters
Search Radius
- Range: 50 km to 3,500 km
- Adjustable in 50 km increments
- Larger radius = more results, but may be less relevant
Location Type Filter
Select one or more location types:
- Campgrounds
- Dispersed Camping
- Trail Heads
- Scenic Views
- Water Sources
- Fuel Stations
- Repair Shops
- Points of Interest
- And more...
Managing Filters
1
Select: Choose location types you want to include
2
Adjust Radius: Set your preferred search distance
3
Apply: Tap "Apply Filters" to see results
4
Clear: Use "Clear All" to reset filters to defaults
Map View vs. List View
Toggle between two viewing modes using the icon button.
List View (Default)
- Shows location cards with photos
- Displays location name, type, and rating
- Favorite button on each card
- Scrollable list
Map View
- Interactive map with location markers
- Tap markers to see location name and basic info
- Tap info window to view full location details
- Zoom and pan to explore different areas
- Your current location is shown
🗺️ Map Features: The map view uses your search center and radius to focus the initial view. Markers cluster when zoomed out.
Understanding Location Types
Overlander categorizes locations to help you find what you need.
| Type | Description | Typical Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Campground | Established camping areas | Bathrooms, water, fire pits, sometimes electric hookups |
| Dispersed Camping | Primitive camping spots | Minimal to no amenities, pack out what you pack in |
| Trailhead | Starting points for trails | Parking, info boards, sometimes bathrooms |
| Scenic View | Notable viewpoints | Varies, often just parking and viewing area |
| Fuel Station | Gas and diesel availability | Fuel pumps, often convenience store |
| Repair Shop | Vehicle service locations | Mechanical services, parts, sometimes welding |
Specialty Categories
- Water Sources: Rivers, springs, lakes for water access
- Dump Stations: RV waste disposal
- Border Crossings: International travel points
- Emergency Services: Hospitals, ranger stations
Saving Favorite Locations
Mark locations as favorites for quick access later.
Adding to Favorites
1
Tap the heart icon on any location card or in location details
2
Heart icon indicates it's saved
3
Location is added to your favorites collection
Viewing Favorites
- Favorited locations are marked
- Access all favorites from your Profile
- Favorites sync across all your devices
- Organize favorites into lists (coming soon)
💡 Trip Planning: Save favorite locations throughout the year, then use them when planning your next trip by adding them to your itinerary.
Viewing Location Details
Tap any location card to see complete information.
Location Details Include
Basic Information
- Location name and type
- GPS coordinates (lat/long)
- Address or general area
- Banner photo and photo gallery
Description & Features
- Detailed description of the location
- Amenities available (water, bathrooms, fire pits, etc.)
- Cell service availability
- Fees or permits required
- Best season to visit
Reviews & Ratings
- Average rating (0-5 stars)
- User reviews and comments
- Recent visit reports
- Photos from other users
Access Information
- Directions and access notes
- Road conditions (2WD, 4WD required, clearance needed)
- Restrictions (permits, seasonal closures)
- Contact information (if applicable)
Action Buttons
- Navigate: Open in your preferred navigation app
- Save: Add to favorites
- Share: Share with friends or add to trip
- Edit: Suggest updates (if you're the creator or admin)
Adding New Locations
Help grow the community database by adding locations you've discovered.
How to Add a Location
1
Tap "+ Add": In the top right of the Explore page
2
Basic Info: Enter name, type, and description
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Location: Set GPS coordinates (can use current location)
4
Details: Add amenities, fees, access notes, and photos
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Contact Info: Optional phone number, website, or email
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Submit: Location is added to the database
Guidelines for Adding Locations
- Accuracy: Ensure GPS coordinates are precise
- Description: Write clear, helpful descriptions
- Photos: Add quality photos that show the location
- Respect: Don't share sensitive locations if requested by landowners
- Updates: Keep information current
⚠️ Important: Always respect private property, local regulations, and Leave No Trace principles. Some landowners prefer locations not be publicly shared - honor these requests.
Search & Discovery Tips
Start Broad, Then Narrow
Begin with a large search radius and use filters to refine results rather than starting with very specific criteria.
Read Reviews First
Check recent reviews before visiting. Conditions change - a location that was great last year might be closed or damaged now.
Contribute Back
After visiting a location, add a review, update information, or upload photos to help future travelers.
Verify Coordinates
Always verify GPS coordinates against a map before relying on them for navigation, especially in remote areas.
Refresh and Updates
The location database is continuously updated by the community.
- Auto-Refresh: Pull down on the list to refresh search results
- Manual Refresh: Use the refresh button near the results count
- After Adding: New locations may take a moment to appear in search
- Results load quickly: Optimized for fast searching
🔄 Search Results: Results are ranked by relevance and distance from your search center.