Roof Top Tent Rally 2023
Join us for the 7th annual Roof Top Tent Rally (#RTTR2023), Oct. 20-22 in Gladstone, Virginia at James River State Park. Hang out with other overlanders, and adventure seekers. Enjoy a family-friendly, relaxing weekend of camping with good people, good music, learning, and fun.
Brought to you by: the James River State Park, and Blue Ridge Overland Gear.
TICKETS
This ticket includes camping for one vehicle for the weekend. Check-in begins on Friday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m. and check-out is Sunday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m.
This ticket includes camping for one vehicle for the weekend - and also covers additional early camping on Thursday Oct. 19.
2023 Highlights
The annual Roof Top Tent Rally is an opportunity for the whole family to have fun, and enjoy the outdoors together. Hiking trails, kids activites, and more - there is something for everyone in your family.
Choose your own adventure: Outdoor and overland gear vendors, adventure travel workshops, delicious food, brewery on-site, door prizes, live music, and more. Do it all or do nothing at all. You choose :)
Even though 'roof top tent' is in the name, this event is open to all adventure lovers. Ground tents and off-road trailers under 20 feet are welcome. But leave your RVs and freestanding campers at home.
Download the full weekend agenda and event schedule: HERE.
Up to 12 teams of two will compete for the prize jackpot and title of 'Best Camp Chefs'! Who will emerge as the greatest culinary masters of the trail!? Brought to you by Family Adventures Overlanding and Tembo Tusk.
Food will be available for sale and a local brewery (Loose Shoe Brewing Company) will be on site with local craft beer throughout the weekend.
Families with kids of all ages will have a variety of activities to choose from - including hiking the trails, a giant apple slingshot, and much more!
Enjoy live music from the stage and a blazing community bonfire under the stars at this family friendly weekend. Bands performing will include: Blue Moon Boys / Russell Lynch and Caleb Cox Band.
Do you have what it takes to survive in the backcountry? Try your hand at these outdoor challenges and be a winner in these amateur olympics!
Checkout the outdoor equipment and overlanding gear vendors. Put your hands on products and talk with reps about how to improve your overland and camping travels. Watch for full vendor list to come!
Take your adventures to the next level. This year's workshops include:
- Vehicle Recovery (by Ted of Overland Experts)
- Overland Medical (by Rodney of Overland Medic)
- Overland Communications and Navigation (by Dean of East Coast Overland Adventures)
And for those who are interested: you can also take your Ham Radio license exam at the event.
Want to get your Ham Radio license? Study up and take your test at the Roof Top Tent Rally at 12 noon on Saturday, Oct. 21.
Enjoy access to the James River, three ponds for fishing, and 20 miles of biking / hiking trails within the park.
This is a great a place to network with other adventure lovers and overlanding enthusiasts. And there are always awesome off-road vehicles to checkout and get inspiration from.
Enjoy the fun. Everyone will have a chance to win! Guest must be present to win the door prize drawing
2023 Sponsors
2023 Vendors
Important:
250 VEHICLE LIMIT! Register early. We like to keep this event on the small side. Only 250 vehicles will get in.
TICKETS: The 'General Admission' ticket includes camping for one vehicle for the weekend. The 'General Admission + Extra Camping' ticket includes camping for one vehicle for the weekend and also early camping on Thursday, October 19.
CHECK IN: Check-in begins on Friday, October 20, 2022 at 1 p.m. and check-out is Sunday, October 22 at 2 p.m. The check-in station closes at 10:00 pm sharp. Anyone arriving after 10:00 pm will be allowed to setup camp in the Shelter 3 lot and check in at 10:00am on Friday and 9:00am on Saturday.
DRIVING WITHIN THE EVENT: Vehicles traveling through the rally area must travel at a speed of 5 mph or slower. Vehicle movement in the rally area is not permitted after sunset, unless authorized by park personnel.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Take time to explore the James River State Park: go mountain biking or hiking on 20 miles of trails. Enjoy the beauty of the rolling meadows, spectacular views, and peaceful James River.
DOGS (IMPORTANT!): Dogs are welcome but they must be leashed at all times. Leashes must be 6 feet or shorter. Failure to keep your dog leashed and under control could result in you being asked to leave the event.
TENTS & TRAILERS:
Ground tents are welcome. No camping trailers over 20 feet are allowed. RV's are also not allowed.
FIRES & FIREWOOD:
Fires must be contained in a fire pan. No ground fires permitted. All ashes must be disposed of in the metal ash cans located at the entrance, stage, and upper field. Transportation of firewood is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Please leave your firewood at home. Firewood will be for sale in the park at Shelter 4 for $7 per bundle of firewood. Please place money in the honor safe.
ICE AND WATER:
Ice will be for sale in the park at Shelter 4 for $3 per bag of ice. Please place money in the honor safe. Potable water is also located at Shelter 4.
VEHICLE LEVELING:
It is recommended to bring vehicular leveling blocks.
EARLY CAMPING:
Early camping will be available on Thursday, October 19, for an additional $30. When buying your ticket please select the ticket that includes early camping.
BATHROOMS:
Restrooms are located at the top of the hill, by shelter 4. Porta potties are located behind near Green Hill Pond and left of the stage.
QUIET HOURS:
Please be courteous of other campers. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm – 7:00 am.
GENERATORS:
Generator use is not permitted in Virginia State Parks.
COMMUNICATION:
Cellular service within the park is spotty. Verizon users find the best results. Event personnel will be monitoring GMRS Channel 22 from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
LOCATION:
James River State Park, Amphitheater Field.
104 Green Hill Dr., Gladstone, VA 24553 (scroll down for Google map)
