We haul a Truck Camper so we can go anywhere our 4x4 truck will take it. We often go where little or no road exists as long as we have permission or it's public roads.
We've piled rocks in a creek bed to get across, tossed rocks and stumps in a washout to get over it, we travel on gravel or pavement or concrete, or dirt. We no longer have a winch, but for years and years had a Warn 6000 lb winch on the front bumper (reinforced mount) and some stakes -- and it got us out of some pretty nasty areas, especially in the SW desert states.
This new truck has no winch - or pull gear on it, so new we ease off a bit on the off-road stuff, and old bones are creeping up on us too. But if it looks passable, and reasonably safe, we're on it!!!
FOR the record -- any time we traveled in the back-country, we ALWAYS send a note home where we are headed, and we tell the rangers. We advise "home folks" which ranger we talked to, and sign up for a back-country pass where appropriate. That way, if we don't contact home in a week or so (whatever time we designate) "Home" will call ranger and alert ...
We've never 'had to be found', but it pays to stay safe, and even when you're comfortable and rigged for it, it always pays to let some one know where you are and carry as much water and supplies as possible - plus a basic tool kit and a few parts, gadgets, wire, etc.
