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Every year, we order a test copy of the calendar to ensure everything is right. About a week later, a stout box arrives from Lulu.com and the ceremony begins. Scissors out. Horned hats on. Tiki torches lit. Cat Executive Officer is awake and present. Then the three of us—Angela, Cosmo, and yours truly—open the box and behold the one glorious physical product this magazine offers to humanity.
Even though we’ve already seen the photos on our computers and phones, somehow they always look so much better printed for the calendar. Flipping through the months, the images are proof that our community is out there living and exploring as the rest of the world swipes, clicks, and pushes pixels around.
Following our moment of awe, we put the calendar through rigorous testing: wall mounting in both our condo and camper, horizontal page turning at various speeds and enthusiasm levels, and marking rigorously with pens, pencils and Sharpies in multiple languages. Only then do we certify it for full truck camper deployment.
This calendar isn’t about months, days, and dates. It’s a 12-month reminder to put the phone down, grab the keys, and go truck camping. So hang it high! Let it inspire plans for the ultimate road, view, or epic boondock spot. When the doomscrolling starts, look up at the calendar and say, “Truck camper!” Instant mood reset.
Thank you to everyone who entered and voted for the 19th annual Truck Camper Magazine Calendar. You made it happen. Here’s to 2026, and to 12 months of truck camping glory ahead!
COVER – Matt Nelson
Quartzsite, Arizona
2017 Ram 3500
2007 Arctic Fox 990
Having the freedom to travel with my truck camper, I usually try to go somewhere warm to escape the cold northeast winters. Last winter, I found myself making a loop through Arizona to escape the cold and snow and revisit some of my favorite dispersed camping spots in the state.
I got lucky with this picture! I made a stopover in Quartzsite, heading toward one of my favorite secret spots. I was inside my camper, cooking dinner, enjoying the quiet solitude of the desert evening, when a strange light caught my eye through the window. At first, my brain struggled to process what I was seeing. It wasn’t a plane. It wasn’t a star. And it wasn’t a trail of Starlink satellites being launched—it was something entirely different.
I quickly shut off the stove, grabbed my camera, and ran outside to get a better look. To my amazement, I realized I was witnessing a rocket launch streaking across the sky. I managed to snap a few quick shots of the rocket’s glowing trail with my rig in the foreground, capturing a rare moment where my everyday adventure collided with something cosmic.
Standing there in the desert, watching that rocket race across the sky, I felt a mix of awe and gratitude—grateful to be in the right place at the right time, and grateful for the lifestyle that allows me to experience moments like this.
The bright dot on the bottom right is Venus, adding a celestial touch to the scene. If you ever find yourself in the desert southwest, I highly recommend keeping an eye on the SpaceX launch schedule from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Just after sunset, the fading sunlight catches the rocket trails just right and can turn an ordinary evening into something unforgettable!
JANUARY – Andre Camara
Fairbanks, Alaska
2019 Ford F-350
2017 Arctic Fox 990
My wife and I spend the winter holidays exploring Alaska in our truck camper, often in search of clear skies and the aurora. On New Year’s Eve, we experienced the most intense and fantastical geomagnetic storm we have ever witnessed. We found an ideal viewing spot roughly 50 miles north of Fairbanks on the Elliot Highway, and we watched the space weather data as the sun set.
Under clear dark skies and with temperatures in the 20s, the data exploded. We experienced the northern lights all night long, from 5:30pm until the sky brightened the next day.
This picture was taken at 5:30am on January 1, 2025. For space weather data geeks, it was kp7, the Bz was -22.58, and the wind speed was 502 km/second. Over the course of the night and into the morning, we took over 500 photos and videos, but this picture captures our “home away from home” being showered by the mystical northern lights.
FEBRUARY – Garrett Avallone
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD
2023 Kimbo Series 6
This was my first major road trip in my Kimbo. The plan was simple; make it to Glacier National Park to celebrate my 25th birthday. Of course, nothing ever goes exactly as planned and that’s what made the trip unforgettable.
Right after finishing a shift at the fire station, I joined a few coworkers for a quick hike in South Lake Tahoe. The views were amazing, the weather perfect, but the adventure took a turn when I realized I’d lost my Tacoma’s key fob somewhere along the trail. Without it, I was completely stuck.
Thankfully, one of my coworkers drove me halfway home. There, I met my mom, who came to the rescue with my spare key fob. Once I got back to South Lake, I finally fired up my truck and officially hit the road toward Glacier.
My first night was spent in Winnemucca, Nevada, followed by a second night in Idaho. Along the way, I soaked in some peaceful hot springs. That was a much-needed recharge before pushing on toward Montana. I rolled into Glacier just before midnight, tired but exhilarated.
The next morning, I woke to a breathtaking sight of golden groves of aspen glowing in the fall sunlight and crisp mountain air hinting at the change of seasons. It was the perfect start to my 25th year and the perfect reminder that the best adventures are the ones that don’t go quite as planned.
After exploring the rugged peaks of Glacier, the wild wonders of Yellowstone, and the majestic valleys of Grand Teton, I found myself standing in the surreal expanse of Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. The scenery had completely transformed, but was every bit as breathtaking. I spent my final night perched on a saddle above the flats, surrounded by a landscape that looked like something straight off Mars.
At sunrise, I descended into the legendary Bonneville Raceway, where the world’s fastest land-speed records have been set. That’s where I captured this unforgettable photo. It’s one that perfectly marked the end of an incredible journey. I couldn’t have asked for a better image to wrap up one of the most memorable adventures I’ve ever had with my Kimbo.
MARCH – Tim McMaster
Santa Margarita, California
2022 Ford F-350
2022 Host Yukon
My 1927 Model T Ford Hot Rod, sitting in front of my Host Yukon, is the night before the RPM Nationals Flathead Drags 2025 races. My Model T won top eliminator in the V8 Street Class the following day. Twelve races run, and twelve wins.
APRIL – David Kiel
Temple of the Sun and Moon, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
2017 Ford F-350
2025 Phoenix Flatbed L2
We were on a three-month road trip through the western states after picking up our new custom-built Phoenix Flatbed camper in January. One of the highlights of our journey was overlanding in Cathedral Valley, located in the northernmost part of Capitol Reef National Park. This area is remote and can be difficult to access, but its beauty is stunning.
In this photo, we are entering the Temple of the Sun and Moon as the nearly full moon sets and the sun begins to rise. We boondocked legally just outside the park on BLM land, since boondocking isn’t allowed inside the park. Most truck campers can reach the Temple of the Sun and Moon via Cathedral Road, which is part of a 58-mile loop around Cathedral Valley.
To complete the loop, you also need to drive the more challenging Hartnet Road. This includes a river ford across the Fremont River and a steep drive up over the Bentonite Hills. After Bentonite Hills, the road gets rougher as it passes several breathtaking overlooks of Cathedral Valley, with towering rock formations and tortured desert scenery.
We spent two days overlanding the loop, hiking, and stopping at all the sites. Be sure to pick up the guide with all the history and geology stops along the loop at the visitor center. Our first day was spent exploring the Bentonite Hills. We stayed overnight at the free, first-come, first-served official park campground at the top of the valley, which offers amazing panoramic views. The second night was on BLM land near the Temple of the Sun and Moon.
During our visit, a park ranger said that a Sprinter Van had overturned on Hartnet Road the previous year due to rough conditions and its high center of gravity. Hartnet Road, part of the loop, might not be suitable for hard-sided campers. The route is made up of dirt and gravel roads that can become impassable in bad weather. Check with park rangers before heading out.
MAY – Jon Methvin
Off Highway 1 between Palmer and Glennallen, Alaska
2021 Ford F-150
2022 Lance 650
This picture was taken in Alaska off Highway 1, between Palmer and Glennallen, near the north side of Chugach National Forest. It marked the tail end of a six-week road trip that began in Northern California.
Alaska had been on our bucket list for years and the stars finally aligned in 2025. We left Sacramento, drove north to Bellingham, Washington, and boarded the ferry for a three-day ride to Haines, Alaska. From there, our adventure began—a month of exploring as much of Alaska as we could.
We had heard countless stories about Alaska from fellow travelers, and it did not disappoint. From the incredible remote views along the Denali Highway, to the rough roads leading to McCarthy, beach camping at Anchor Point, sunset campfires on Homer Spit, and fishing derbies in Valdez, every stop was unforgettable. Alaska truly was a trip of a lifetime.
On this particular evening, after a full day of jaw-dropping glacier and mountain views, we were simply looking for a place to park, cook dinner, and get some rest. Using iOverlander, our go-to app for finding campsites, we found this quiet dirt road leading into Chugach National Forest. As we started cooking a late dinner, Alaska worked its magic once again: the sky turned pink, bathing everything in a soft, glowing light.
Sunsets in Alaska linger late into the night, so I grabbed the drone and captured a few shots before heading to bed. It was the perfect ending to our final full day in Alaska before heading south through Canada on the journey home.
Alaska is wild, vast, and all-consuming—a place that leaves its mark on you. We came, we saw, and we can’t wait to return.
JUNE – Bruno Gauthier
Pensacola, Florida
2021 Ford F-350
2005 Adventurer 100WSB
What we love about the Pensacola area is its proximity to the Gulf and the sand dunes. It’s a bit like the Cape Hatteras area.
We love to go biking in the morning, and we spend the afternoon on the beach, especially when our camper is nearby. We step out of the campe,r and our feet are practically in the sand. We can even eat our meals with a view of the water.
I think these are the last remaining areas in Florida with close beach access. We enjoy the white sand of Navarre and Destin. There are also beautiful areas all the way to Panama City. We love it.
Since it’s more difficult to boondock in Florida, we use the state parks, which often have availability. Actually, it’s just for the night because during the day we park the camper near the beach. Go and discover this beautiful area!
I took this photo of a big shark that everyone sees at the tourist shops by the sea.
JULY – Ryan Brown
Big Sur, California
2022 Ford F-250
2025 Supertramp Flagship LT
This photo is from a camping trip I took in Big Sur. This spot is one I had seen in a YouTube video from a channel called Goldens Gone Wheelin, with Jeff, Noelle, and their two golden retrievers, Cooper and Kaia.
After hours of searching on Google Earth and OnX Off-Road, I was confident I had finally found their spot. Shortly after, I planned my trip and headed up the coast in search of this amazing place.
Once I arrived in the area, it didn’t take long to find the trail that led to an epic campsite high above Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean. The marine layer came in along the coast, making it feel like I was camping high above the clouds.
The perfect weather conditions made for an epic photo shoot all day and even at night, with a shot of the Milky Way, which can be found on my Instagram, @phoenix.overland.
There are many more trails and campsites I have yet to explore in this area, and I can’t wait to get back up there to see what else it has to offer.
AUGUST – Seth Jacobsen
Near Red Lodge, Montana
2018 Ford F-450
2006 Bigfoot 25C9.4
It was mid-July, and to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary, we took a couple of weeks to camp and explore an area we had wanted to since we moved to Montana five years earlier. We had resupplied in Cody and were heading the scenic route toward Cooke City, Montana, and ultimately Yellowstone National Park.
It was getting late (it stays light this time of year up here until almost midnight), we were tired from the day’s adventures on the Beartooth Highway and surrounding area, and we just wanted to find a quick, easy camp to make a nice steak dinner and have a good night’s rest.
We almost passed right by this gem of a spot because the entry is very inconspicuous. This campsite by the little mountain lake really panned out because, even though it was only a few hundred yards off the highway, it felt very remote. It was stunningly gorgeous, peaceful, and quiet. Best of all, we had the whole place to ourselves!
The next morning, we hiked and explored around the lake with our coffee, enjoying the serenity before we continued the adventures toward Yellowstone National Park.
Side note: Place the Beartooth Highway at the top of your bucket list of things to do. It is hands down the most dramatically beautiful drive we have ever taken; we think the best in the USA! Even though we were in our camping rig and not a convertible sports car, we drove the 68-mile serpentine road back and forth several times in one day. Well worth it! We can’t wait to go back again someday soon!
SEPTEMBER – Antonio Cordova
Alabama Hills, California
2020 Toyota Tundra
2024 FWC Raven
My wife and I have been off-roading and camping in desolate places since 2016. Camping for us is special. It gets us away from the city and brings us closer to nature.
We started out in the back of my Tundra with a soft top and an inflatable mattress. That’s how we camped for years before we upgraded to a Four Wheel Camper. We chose the Raven model due to its size and comfort. We have two kids now and camping in our FWC Raven has made it easy for us to get out and enjoy the outdoors as a family.
This picture was taken in Alabama Hills, California, along Highway 395. This trip was our maiden voyage in the Four Wheel Camper as a family. Alabama Hills was our first stop as we made our way north on the 395.
Why stop in Alabama Hills? The views. There are certain campsites, like this one, where you can get a clear view of Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the Lower 48, and sure enough, it didn’t disappoint. I’ve been camping along the 395 highway for years and Alabama Hills is one of my favorite spots for this reason. The views are just spectacular.
If you’d like to follow along with our camping adventures, feel free to follow us on Instagram @wheelin.yeti.
OCTOBER – Brett Binns
Whycocomagh Provincial Park, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
2022 Ford F-550
2014 Arctic Fox 1150
We have long wanted to visit the Celtic Colors festival in Cape Breton and finally made the trip this past Autumn.
While we stayed in the park at Chéticamp National Park, for much of our stay, we camped at Whycocomagh Provincial Park, which gave us excellent access to Baddeck and many of the other festival event sites. Autumn colors in Cape Breton were beautiful and were enhanced by some earlier rain.
NOVEMBER – David Casterson
Death Valley, California
2021 Ford F-350
2024 Arctic Fox 865
When the weather permits, Death Valley National Park can be a fantastic winter boondocking destination. It is a long day’s drive from our home, and we love its open, desolate feeling. First (and second) timers can get lots of great info on the park at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
We’ve boondocked in three separate locations in the park, and hope to explore more off-road camping on the extensive mining roads there in the future.
One of the oft-repeated highlights is showering in the dark in complete privacy with temps still in the 80s. We usually try to spend two or three nights in Death Valley and add a night or two at Trona Pinnacles, Lake Isabella, and/or Tecopa Hot Springs to our trip. Having a four-wheel drive high-clearance rig adds to the possibilities, but it is not absolutely necessary for off-road adventures there.
A little about the picture: the National Park folks instituted a permit system for several areas of the park last year, and we had spent a quiet night without another soul in sight due to the spacing they established. In the morning, we drove our rig up the mining road deeper into the hills 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 stopped the truck and walked back a few yards to take this picture. I didn’t have the best lighting, and we were anxious to get back on the road, so I just clicked a couple of shots with my iPhone and got back in our rig. It had been windy the day before, but that day, the air was stil,l and the clear blue sky beckoned us for further exploration of this wondrous place!
DECEMBER – Darren Springer
Barlow Pass Sno-Park, Mt Hood, Oregon
2023 Ford F-350
2024 Overland Explorer Vehicles Hudson Bay 6.75
My photo was taken in February of 2025 during a “Ski The Volcanoes” trip around Oregon and northern California. Mt Bachelor, Hoodoo, Mt Hood Meadows and Mt Shasta were the destinations. My Overland Expedition Vehicles flatbed camper and Bowen Customs flatbed were designed to hold all our toys, so we were packed with ski equipment and snow shovels.
The evening this photo was taken was the beginning of a snowstorm on Mt. Hood. Camping is allowed at Sno-Parks in Oregon with a permit. We had the place to ourselves as the snow started to pile up. It was magical. All the fresh snow deadened the sound of the highway up the road from us.
Of course, these types of places are not a priority for the snowplows. I needed chains and four wheel drive to get out the next morning.
Back Cover – Runners-Up
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