Every year, thousands of adventurers, off-road enthusiasts, campers, and families gather in Flagstaff, Arizona, for one of the largest overlanding events in the world: Overland Expo West. Held at Fort Tuthill County Park, the event brings together hundreds of exhibitors, educational classes, hands-on demonstrations, and some of the most innovative gear in the overland industry. From rooftop tents and expedition vehicles to recovery equipment and camp cooking systems, Overland Expo West serves as a hub for anyone who believes adventure begins where the pavement ends.
For our family, however, the event represented something much bigger than gear and vehicles.
It was an opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and reconnect with nature, each other, and the values we want to pass on to our son.
More Than an Expo
Overland Expo West is known for its incredible community. With more than 400 exhibitors and hundreds of educational sessions, the event attracts everyone from seasoned world travelers to families taking their first camping trip. Walking through the expo grounds, we spent three full days exploring innovative products, meeting passionate business owners, and learning from people who share a common belief: adventure is best experienced together.
What stood out most wasn't the gear.
It was the people.
Families camping together. Parents teaching their children how to set up camp. Conversations around campfires. Stories shared between complete strangers who quickly became friends. In a world dominated by screens and schedules, Overland Expo reminds us that some of life's greatest experiences happen outside.
Camping at Canyon Vista Campground
To make the experience even more memorable, our family stayed at Canyon Vista Campground just outside Flagstaff.
Located in the Coconino National Forest, Canyon Vista Campground offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, access to hiking and biking trails, and overlooks a popular local climbing area known as "The Pit." The campground sits among beautiful ponderosa pines and provides quick access to some of the region's most scenic outdoor experiences.
One of the biggest advantages for Overland Expo attendees is its convenient location. Canyon Vista is only about a 10-minute drive from Fort Tuthill, allowing us to enjoy the expo during the day and retreat to a peaceful campsite each evening.
Our mornings started with homemade quiche and fresh tea/matcha. Evenings ended with homemade apple pie, conversations around the campsite, and breathtaking views of the Arizona sky.
The campground itself became part of the experience.
We met incredible families, shared stories, exchanged camping tips, and built friendships that reminded us why the outdoor community is so special.
Planning Your Stay
Canyon Vista Campground is managed within the Coconino National Forest and offers a rustic camping experience with picnic tables, fire rings, and easy access to local trails. Campsites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, making early arrival recommended during peak seasons. Visitors should always check current campground information, seasonal availability, and fire restrictions before traveling.
Teaching the Next Generation
One of the greatest gifts the outdoors provides is the opportunity to teach.
Throughout the weekend, we used every moment as a learning experience for our son.
We talked about geology and explored how crevices are formed over thousands of years. We discussed erosion and how wind, water, and time shape the landscape around us. We observed how National Park Service and Forest Service personnel clear dead brush and debris to reduce wildfire risks and protect ecosystems.
We talked about ecology.
We discussed why respecting wildlife matters.
We explained why staying on designated trails helps preserve fragile environments.
We practiced the principles of Leave No Trace.
Most importantly, we showed him that nature isn't something we conquer, it's something we live alongside.
Too often, modern society teaches convenience over stewardship. Outdoor experiences teach the opposite. They teach responsibility, patience, observation, and respect.
Children who spend time outdoors learn that their actions have consequences. They learn that protecting a campsite means protecting the next family's experience. They learn that preserving forests, trails, and wildlife habitats ensures these places remain available for generations to come.
These lessons cannot be fully taught in a classroom.
They are learned by walking trails, sitting around campfires, watching sunsets, and spending time in the natural world.
The Dad Driven Philosophy
At Dad Driven, we believe overlanding, camping, and outdoor adventure are about much more than vehicles.
They're about family.
They're about creating memories that last longer than any possession.
They're about teaching our children resilience, respect, responsibility, and appreciation for the world around them.
Weekends like Overland Expo West remind us that adventure doesn't have to be extreme to be meaningful.
Sometimes adventure is simply spending uninterrupted time together.
It's sharing homemade meals at camp.
It's meeting new friends.
It's learning something new.
It's watching your child discover the stars above for the first time.
Flagstaff's designation as an internationally recognized dark-sky community creates the perfect environment for families to look up and experience something many children rarely see today: a sky filled with countless stars and visible constellations stretching across the horizon.
In those moments, surrounded by nature and away from city lights, you gain perspective.
You realize that some of the most valuable investments we can make as parents aren't financial.
They're experiences.
Because the next generation won't protect what they never learn to love.
And sometimes, all it takes to spark that love is a weekend in the woods, a campfire under the stars, and an adventure shared together.
