About BaseCamper

The Start of the Journey
 

I didn’t set out to build a marketplace—I just wanted to get outside. Years ago, I was driving an Acura MDX (not exactly the most popular overlanding platform, but hey, it had AWD) when I decided to take a fire road just to see where it led. I pushed past a rough section of trail and found myself somewhere fewer people could go. That feeling—the curiosity, the challenge, the unknown—stuck with me.

As my wife, Lily, our pup, Georgia, and I kept exploring, we started making changes. Tent camping had its downsides—setting up and packing it away felt clumsy, and it didn’t add to the experience. Moving into the vehicle helped, but between all our gear and a 120-pound Newfoundland, space was tight. A rooftop tent turned out to be the right fit for us—quick to set up, comfortable, and more practical. From there, I started outfitting the vehicle for even more comfort and convenience, making it easier for us to get out more often.

From Rentals to a Bigger Vision

In 2019, I decided to build out a mini fleet of 4Runners for rentals—fully equipped for turn-key adventure. I wanted renters to focus on the trip, not logistics. That’s where ROVRR (Recreational Overland Vehicle Ready to Roam) came in—a system that made sure every piece of gear had its place and was easy to use. My goal was simple: Renters should be able to pack a bag, stock the fridge, and hit the road—without worrying about the rest.

But what I enjoyed most was helping people actually experience these places—sharing trip tips, must-see routes, and seeing the excitement when they returned. The best hosts aren’t just renting vehicles—they’re providing a gateway to adventure. That’s the kind of host I want to attract to BaseCamper.

Building BaseCamper

As I kept buying and selling gear—some new, some used—I realized the best platforms for it were frustrating. Facebook groups were messy, with endless pricing debates, spam, and way too many listings for tires and wheels. It was inefficient, scattered, and time-consuming.

That’s when I saw the bigger picture—this was a problem I was uniquely positioned to solve. My background as a Shopify Expert, with over 20 years of experience in e-commerce, custom development, and SEO, gave me the tools to build something better. While I loved the hands-on aspects of rentals, I saw a way to make a larger impact by creating a purpose-built marketplace for overlanders.

The Future of BaseCamper

Building this hasn’t been easy. It’s taken years of development, trial and error, and countless challenges. And it’s not done—it never will be. But I love the challenge of solving real problems and creating something useful.

So whether you’re renting out your rig, starting your build, or passing along overland gear to the next adventurer, BaseCamper is here as a purpose-built marketplace made for overlanders.

See you out there, 

JP Roberts
Founder, BaseCamper