Overland Expo West 2026 Returns to Flagstaff: What to Expect at the Premier Overlanding Event

Overview

Overland Expo West — widely regarded as the grandfather of overlanding events in North America — returns to Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona, from May 15–17, 2026. Now in its 17th year, the event has grown from a small gathering of overland enthusiasts into the largest and most influential overlanding show in the country, drawing thousands of adventurers, builders, and gear manufacturers from across the globe.

This year's edition brings significant changes, including the expanded presence of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) as a newly acquired subsidiary of SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association. With over 400 exhibitors, 175+ expert-led classes, vehicle demonstrations, and a dedicated off-road vehicle test track, Overland Expo West 2026 promises to be the biggest and most important overlanding event of the year.

What's New in 2026: SEMA and ORBA Take Center Stage

The biggest headline for Overland Expo West 2026 is the prominent role of the Off-Road Business Association, which is now a SEMA-owned subsidiary. ORBA will have a major exhibitor and sponsor presence at this year's event, signaling the overlanding segment's growing importance within the broader automotive aftermarket industry.

Additionally, this year introduces an expanded off-road vehicle demonstration area where attendees can test-drive the latest builds and factory off-road vehicles on real terrain. Combined with the sold-out exhibitor floor, the 2026 event marks a turning point for overlanding as it gains full recognition from the mainstream automotive industry.

Exhibitors and Gear: 400+ Brands Under One Sky

Overland Expo West 2026 will host more than 400 exhibitors spread across Fort Tuthill's sprawling grounds. Attendees can expect to see the full spectrum of overlanding equipment:

• Vehicle Builders: Custom camper vans, truck campers, roof-top tent setups, and expedition trailer manufacturers
• Off-Road Recovery & Gear: Winches, traction boards, air compressors, and recovery kits from top brands
• Camping & Living: Roof-top tents, portable power stations, solar panels, fridges, and camp kitchens
• Navigation & Safety: GPS units, satellite communicators, vehicle lighting, and dash cam systems — an increasingly important category as overlanders document their remote travels
• Apparel & Lifestyle: Technical outdoor clothing, boots, and adventure travel accessories

With new product launches happening throughout the weekend, Overland Expo West has become the go-to venue for discovering what's next in adventure travel gear.

Education Program: 175+ Classes for Every Skill Level

Beyond the expo floor, Overland Expo West is known for its world-class education program. This year, over 175 classes, demonstrations, and panel discussions will cover topics ranging from beginner overlanding basics to advanced vehicle recovery and expedition planning.

Highlight sessions include:

• Vehicle Recovery 101 & 201 — Hands-on winching and traction board techniques
• Navigation Without Technology — Map and compass skills for remote travel
• Vehicle Maintenance in the Field — Essential repairs when help is days away
• Dash Cam Setup for Overlanders — Capturing and protecting your adventures on the trail
• International Expedition Planning — Crossing borders and shipping vehicles overseas

Many classes include hands-on components, allowing attendees to practice skills like tire repair, recovery techniques, and camping setup under expert guidance.

Overland Expo West's education program offers hands-on classes covering vehicle recovery, navigation, and expedition planning.

Getting to Flagstaff: Travel and Camping Tips

Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet elevation at the junction of I-17 and I-40, roughly 2.5 hours north of Phoenix. The high desert climate means warm days (70s°F) and cool nights (40s°F) in mid-May — pack layers and sun protection.

Camping options:

• On-site camping at Fort Tuthill — the most convenient option, with both primitive and RV spots (sold separately)
• Dispersed camping in the Coconino National Forest surrounding Flagstaff — free but first-come, first-served
• KOA and private campgrounds within a 15-minute drive of the venue

Hotel accommodations in Flagstaff fill up months in advance. If you're planning to attend, booking early — or bringing your own shelter — is highly recommended. Day passes are also available for those who prefer to commute.