While camping and RVing sounds like a whole lot of fun, it isn’t exactly leisure when you find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere without any knowledge of the nearest campsite.
Fortunately, you don’t have to learn to use a compass or print out a list of all campgrounds near your destination anymore. Now, you can carry all this information in your pocket.
Mobile phone apps are the most knowledgeable camping buddies to take along since they know where to stay, what to do, and how to get a discount on certain camping brands.
In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the best camping apps for the next time you decide to rent an RV – or drive your own – for a camping trip.
Best Camping Apps
While some of these apps are only available on a certain platform, others are compatible with both iOS and Android phones. Here are some great options to try.
1. Roadtrippers
If you are the journey-is-better-than-the-destination type of traveler, this app is perfect for you. Instead of racing off to your destination, you can see as many sites as possible on your way.
Roadtrippers lets you save pre-planned itineraries or customizable routes. If you’re traveling with a group, you can also share the trip details and keep everything updated.
Besides learning about new routes, you can also find every attraction along the way.
The app shows you everything from little-known local attractions to stunning vineyards – just the places you would love to take a detour for.
The app is available on Apple Store and Google Play.
2. The Dyrt
The Dyrt is available for Android and iOS.
It’s an all-in-one app for finding tent campsites, RV spaces, and reviews for different campgrounds. You can book a campground after looking at videos and photos.
Currently, the app has more than 42,000 sites- including private RV campgrounds, state parks, hipcamps, and cabins – and more are added every day.
You can also participate in camping competitions online and win discounts for outdoor brands.
3. Recreation.Gov App
The Recreation.Gov app is a great help for people who always plan on the last minute. By then, it’s too late to search for campgrounds, so you plan to do it on the way.
The Recreation.Gov app lets you find different campsites and book them with a single tap.
Everything is right there on your screen – the booking details, photos, call center operators and driving directions. If you get lost, you can get in touch with the call center operator, and they’ll help you get to your destination.
4. Camping Checklist
Nothing is more annoying than hitting the road and then finding that you left something important at home. It’s also bad campground etiquette to disturb your neighbors for little things that you should have in your motorhome.
Fortunately, the Camping Checklist app on Google PlayStore helps you prepare for the upcoming adventure.
You can make the following checklists on the app:
- Things to pack
- First Aid
- Tent Camping
- RV Camping
Since the app has thousands of checklists, you can choose the one that you find best. Once you make a checklist, you can pack it all or give tasks to different family members so that everyone comes prepared for the road.
Even better, you can share the checklists on any app, such as Twitter, Facebook, and email.
5. Tentrr
Tentrr is a popular camping app that lets you find pre-made glamping tents on public and private lands all over the country.
The app shows you more than 730 private sites across the site – sort of like a Bed and Bath but in the wild. Some places even have high-end services like massages and saunas.
You can find detailed information about each site, such as the amenities, closeness to other attractions in the area, and sleeping options. Once you like a place, you can book it through the app.
However, keep in mind that these private campsites won’t be as cheap as RV campgrounds.
6. AllStays Camp and Tent
If you love the wilderness, you might want to stay in a tent while camping. For that, the Camp and Tent app helps you find all the best options.
The ap has more than 21,000 tent campsites in the US and Canada. Since there are detailed reviews, pictures, and maps of each site, you won’t get lost.
If you’re the one to take on an additional adventure, the app will also introduce you to some boat-in and hike-in sites.
7. Boondocking
The word might be a bit funny, but it refers to something that most campers will be ecstatic about – free camping.
Boondocking means camping for free in remote areas, and the app of the same name shows you over 1360 sites in the US where you can park and stay the night.
Since the locations are in the app, you don’t need the Internet to access them. So, you can find a boondocking location even if you’re not getting an Internet signal in the wild.
Moreover, the app also shows you the distance from your location to the nearest boondocking site. If you have any favorites, you can also mark them for your next adventure.
Boondocking app gives you the location for each site along with the nearby biking and hiking areas. If there are any pictures available for the location, they’ll be on Flickr.
8. REI Co-op National Parks Guide
The Rei National Parks Guide app is available for iOS and Android. It contains information about multiple national parks in the US, including popular attractions and hiking trails. Plus, you can use the in-app GPS tool to find your way if you get lost.
Most importantly, the app is free of charge. So, you must download it if you’re planning to hit different national parks along your way.
Conclusion
It’s true that most people go on an RV or camping trip to disconnect from technology and get closer to nature. However, it doesn’t hurt to have extra help on hand.
The apps mentioned in this guide will keep you stay informed about the nearby campsites, locations, booking details, and everything else you need to know.
