For Behind the Shot Part 4, we are featuring photos and stories from the KOFA National Wildlife Refuge, Trona Pinnacles, Monument Rocks, and many more!  Click here to participate in the 2026 Truck Camper Magazine Calendar Contest and be considered for a Behind the Shot feature.

Scott Launey
Trona Pinnacles, California
2019 Ford F350
2021 Northstar 850SC
Camera Used – Samsung S22

On our way for a two week adventure in Death Valley, we spent our first night at Trona Pinnacles and had the place to ourselves with a beautiful sky to boot. We hiked all over to enjoy our privacy, and barbecued a nice steak. It was hard to leave the next morning for Death Valley.

David Casterson
Death Valley, California
2021 Ford F-350
2024 Arctic Fox 865
Camera Used – iPhone 15 Pro

We had boondocked the night before at the last designated location up Echo Canyon Road. The national park folks instituted a permit system for this area last year and we had spent a quiet night without another soul in sight. In the morning, we drove our rig up to explore the old Inyo Mine. On the way back out, I looked up and saw the ‘Eye of the Needle’, which we had missed on our way in the day before. I immediately stopped the truck and walked back a few yards to take this picture. It had been windy the day before, but that morning, the air was still and the clear blue sky beckoned us for further exploration of this wondrous place.

Ashley Emery
Monument Rocks, Kansas
2024 Jeep Gladiator
2025 Capri Retreat Jr
Camera Used – iPhone 16

Monument Rock has been on my stop list for years! I just so happened to be right near them. Always thought it was cool to see the photos in the arch! Just so happened not only to get a cool shot of the GladyShack, but also my happy pup, Birdie!

Kevin Dobson
Blackrock Playa, Nevada
1993 Ford F250
1993 Fleetwood Caribou
Camera Used – iPhone

Every year, we do an overland trip to the Blackrock Playa. Usually, we take our fully built Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I tore the Jeep apart to put solid axles and a motor swap. I found this old diesel on Marketplace to act as a tow rig and wanted to flip this old camper. All things aligned, and I took it out on the playa for a shakedown run.

Brian Johnson
Boson Bar, British Columbia
2006 Ford F350
1997 Security Penthouse 9.9
Camera Used – Samsung s24

I was camping with my girlfriend, and we were riding our ATVs around Blue Lake in Boston Bar. I also teach ATV and UTV Safety training. It’s called Brian’s ATV and UTV Safety Training.

Mark White
KOFA National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona
2024 Ford F350
2023 Northern Lite 8-11EX
Camera Used – iPhone 16 Pro Max

I try to winter in Arizona yearly to beat the harsh winter storms and temperatures further north. I try to always visit the KOFA, which is free BLM camping for up to 14 days. I love hiking around the area and hiking Palm Canyon, which is located on a trail in the KOFA. Arriving back at my camping spot, I noticed the huge clouds coming from behind the KOFA mountains and knew I had to take a photo. I actually took several of them.

Margaret Thran
Depoe Bay, Oregon
2021 Ford F450
2025 Host Yukon
Camera Used – Samsung 24 ultra

This campground offers camping right above the beach on the Oregon Coast. Spectacular views and friendly staff. We love to spend as much time here as we can. Hazel (the Host camper), Floyd (the truck), and Josh (the Jeep) love it here too!

Gary Usher
Cape Lookout, North Carolina
2017 Ford F350
2014 Lance 1172
Camera Used – DJI Phantom 4

I spent 13 days at Cape Lookout, one of my favorite places to enjoy life. The only stress is, “Will I catch fish or have to eat hot dogs for dinner?”

Click here to see all the photos entered so far in the 2026 TCM Calendar Contest.  Enter your truck camper photos today!