Looking for recommendations on the best RV apps for road trips. I just started traveling in an RV and could use help finding apps for navigation, campgrounds, and trip planning to make the journey easier.
Alright, buckle up for the RV survival guide of apps because, trust me, this isn’t just a road trip—it’s a lifestyle. So here’s the deal:
1. Campendium: This is basically the holy grail of campground apps. User reviews, free spots, paid spots, RV park info… it’s like a Yelp for RVers, except fewer pictures of avocado toast.
2. RV LIFE - RV GPS & Campgrounds: This app might save your bumper. It’s got RV-specific navigation so you don’t end up on some back road with a bridge that’s 11 feet tall and hear your roof screaming in protest. Plus, it tracks campgrounds AND gives reviews.
3. Allstays: Does it cost a few bucks? Sure. Worth it? Also sure. You’ll find truck stops, rest areas, dump stations (a glamorous term, I know), and overnight parking options. If you’re boondocking, you need this.
4. Harvest Hosts: Pay a yearly fee and get to camp at wineries, farms, breweries, and all the Instagram-worthy places your heart desires. Forget boring parking lots—this is the Martha Stewart edition of RV camping.
5. iOverlander: For all my fellow budget-conscious (cheap) travelers, this one’s for finding free camping spots. It’s crowd-sourced, so it can be hit or miss, but hey, free is free.
6. GasBuddy: Unless you’ve got a tanker of diesel strapped to the back of your RV, finding cheap gas is a must, and GasBuddy is a life-saver. (Or wallet-saver??)
7. The Dyrt: It’s like Tinder for campsites. Swipe through state parks, private sites, and even hidden gems—except there’s no awkward first date.
8. Roadtrippers: For the Type-A, plan-it-to-the-second travelers, this app maps your trip and shows quirky attractions along the way. World’s Largest Ball of Twine anyone?
9. NOAA Weather Radar: Because no one wants to wake up in a Walmart parking lot during a tornado.
10. CoPilot RV: Similar to RV LIFE for GPS, but some people swear this interface is better. Try both, compare, get overly opinionated about it later.
11. ParkAdvisor: If you’re like me and hate playing campground roulette, this app gives real-time info on places to park your home-on-wheels for a night or two.
And don’t skip old-school Google Maps—you still need something for everyday navigation. Combine these and you’ll be a pro in no time. Now, go forth and conquer those open roads. Or at the very least, don’t crash into a low-clearance bridge.
Man, @jeff gave a solid list, but lemme add a few more to mix things up (and maybe throw a little shade here and there).
First off, Google Maps is good, yeah, but it’s not the end-all-be-all. Pair that sucker with Waze for real-time traffic updates. Waze tells you about speed traps, accidents, and random cows on the road—whatever’s happening, it’s coming through. Just don’t expect RV-specific routing. You’ll have to keep an eye on clearances yourself. Learn your RV height and, y’know, pray.
Second, Boondocking. If you like to camp off-grid like the lone wolf you think you are, this app specializes in those rugged, ‘middle-of-nowhere’ spots. Think less ‘brewery vibes’ from Harvest Hosts and more ‘desert solitude.’ Also works well if you’re out there dodging campground fees.
Oh, speaking of being in the middle of nowhere, WiFi Map is a lifesaver if you’re trying to find a signal to post #vanlife pics. Especially when you can’t afford an epic Starlink setup and settle for WiFi scavenging instead.
And let’s talk food. Yelp isn’t your friend here—too many cities means way too many reviews to sift through. Instead, hit up iExit Road when you’re on highways. It’s not some campground app, sure, but it lets you know what’s coming up at the next exits for food, gas, and services. That’s clutch when you’ve been driving for hours and are one bad mood swing away from eating gas station hot dogs.
Then there’s Outdoorsy’s RV Rental App—not for planning your trip, but in case you need replacement gear, or God forbid, the whole RV breaks down while you’re crying on the side of the road.
Lastly, and this one’s for the minimalist in you: don’t sleep on Apple Notes (or Android equivalent). An old-school app for making plans, jotting down key places, and keeping a backup of your route when tech inevitably decides to betray you. No subscription or fancy UI needed.
Different strokes for different folks, though. Don’t overload your phone with 20 apps unless you wanna spend half your trip lost in notifications instead of nature.