Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Apps for RVing
Hey there, fellow road warriors! If you're like me, you know that life on the open road is one of the most freeing experiences you can have. But let's be real, a little bit of tech in your pocket can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime & a series of unfortunate events. Your smartphone is probably the most powerful tool you have in your RV, aside from the engine itself.
Over the years, I've tried a TON of apps, some have been game-changers, & others… well, they got deleted pretty fast. To save you the trouble, I’ve put together a super comprehensive guide to the best apps every RVer should have on their phone. We're talking about everything from navigating those tricky mountain passes to finding the perfect, hidden boondocking spot.
So grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favorite camp chair, & let's dive into the digital tools that will seriously upgrade your RV adventures.
Finding Your Home on the Road: Best Apps for Campgrounds & RV Parks
First thing's first: where are you gonna park this beautiful rig of yours? Finding the right spot to stay is probably the most crucial part of any trip. Whether you're looking for a luxury resort with a pool or a free, off-the-grid spot with a killer view, there's an app for that.
For the "I Want to See ALL My Options" RVer
Campendium (iOS, Android): Honestly, if you only download one app from this list, make it Campendium. It's my personal go-to for finding just about any kind of campsite imaginable. We're talking RV parks, public lands, free camping, & even overnight parking at places like casinos. The user reviews are GOLD. People share photos, tips on the best sites, & most importantly for us digital nomads, cell service reliability for different carriers. The free version is fantastic, but the paid version ($50/year) unlocks even more powerful filters, like cell coverage maps & public land overlays.
The Dyrt (iOS, Android): This app is another heavy hitter & has a massive database of over a million campsites. What I love about The Dyrt is its focus on community. Users can upload photos & videos, which gives you a real feel for a place before you commit. Their PRO version ($36/year) is pretty slick, offering trip planning tools, downloadable maps for when you're offline, & discounts on camping. They've also added a huge database of dump stations & water fill-ups, which is super handy.
AllStays Camp & RV (iOS, one-time purchase): This one has been around for a while & is a favorite among veteran RVers for a reason. It's incredibly comprehensive, showing not just campgrounds but also rest areas, truck stops (with fuel prices!), RV service centers, & even low-clearance bridges. The interface can feel a little dated, but the sheer amount of data it puts at your fingertips is unmatched. You can keep it open while you're driving, & it'll show you what's coming up along your route in real-time.
For Unique Stays & Unforgettable Experiences
Harvest Hosts / Boondockers Welcome (iOS, Android): These two are now under the same umbrella & they are an absolute game-changer. Harvest Hosts lets you camp overnight for free at over 5,000 wineries, breweries, farms, & attractions. You just need a membership & the expectation is that you'll support your host by buying some of their local products (which is a win-win!). Boondockers Welcome connects you with fellow RVers who offer up a spot on their private property, often with hookups, for a night or two. It’s a fantastic way to meet great people & get off the beaten path.
Hipcamp (iOS, Android): Think of this as the Airbnb of camping. It opens up a world of private land for camping that you won't find anywhere else. You can find everything from a simple spot in a field to a fully-equipped glamping setup. It's a great way to find unique, secluded campsites away from the crowded parks.
For National & State Park Lovers
Recreation.gov (iOS, Android): If you plan on visiting any national parks, national forests, or other federal lands, this app is a MUST. It's the official platform for booking campsites, tours, & permits on these lands. Be warned: popular spots can book up months in advance, so plan ahead!
Reserve America (iOS, Android): This is the go-to app for booking campsites at many state parks across the country. The interface is pretty straightforward, letting you search for parks, check availability, & make your reservations right from your phone.
Don't Get Lost (Unless You Want to): Best Navigation Apps
Okay, so you've got a place to stay. Now you gotta get there. And if you're driving a 40-foot Class A, you can't just rely on standard GPS. You need an app that understands the unique challenges of RV travel – like low bridges, steep grades, & weight limits.
RV-Specific GPS is a NON-NEGOTIABLE
RV LIFE Pro (RV LIFE Trip Wizard & RV LIFE App): This is a powerful one-two punch for RV navigation. You start with RV LIFE Trip Wizard on your computer to plan your entire route. You input your RV's specific height, weight, & length, & it creates a safe route for you, avoiding any potential hazards. You can find campgrounds, fuel stops, & points of interest along the way. Then, you sync that trip to the RV LIFE App on your phone for turn-by-turn, RV-safe directions while you drive. It’s a subscription service, but for the peace of mind it provides, it's worth every penny.
CoPilot GPS (iOS, Android): This is another excellent app designed specifically for RVs. You plug in your rig's dimensions, & it will calculate a safe & appropriate route. It has offline maps, which is a lifesaver in remote areas with no cell signal. The maps are clear, with 2D & 3D views, & provide lane guidance.
inRoute (iOS): This app has a really cool feature that sets it apart: it lets you plan your route based on things like curviness, elevation, & weather. If you're nervous about steep mountain passes or winding roads, this app can help you find a less "white-knuckle" alternative.
The Everyday Helpers
Google Maps (iOS, Android): You might be thinking, "Didn't you just say not to use standard GPS?" Yes, BUT Google Maps is still an invaluable tool. I use it to scout out locations with satellite view, check real-time traffic, & find businesses. I just DON'T use it for the final navigation in the RV. My process is often to plan the route in an RV-specific app, then double-check the final miles to a campground or a gas station using Google Maps satellite view to spot any potential tight squeezes.
GasBuddy (iOS, Android): Fuel is one of the biggest expenses in RVing. GasBuddy helps you find the cheapest gas prices in your area. Over the course of a long trip, the savings can really add up.
Planning the Perfect Journey: Trip Planning & Roadside Fun
A great RV trip is more than just getting from point A to point B. It's about the journey & all the cool stuff you discover along the way.
Roadtrippers (iOS, Android): This app is all about making the journey awesome. You tell it your start & end points, & it helps you discover millions of "off-the-beaten-path" places, quirky roadside attractions, scenic points, & hidden gems. The free version is a bit limited, but the Plus membership unlocks more features & allows for longer, more complex trip planning.
iExit (iOS, Android): Ever been on the highway & wondered what's at the next exit? iExit tells you exactly that. It shows you all the gas stations, restaurants, hotels, & other services at upcoming exits in real-time. It's super helpful for planning pit stops without having to guess.
AllTrails (iOS, Android): After sitting in the driver's seat for a few hours, you need to get out & stretch your legs. AllTrails is the ultimate app for finding hiking trails near you. It provides trail maps, difficulty ratings, reviews from other hikers, & photos. It’s a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the areas you’re visiting.
The Nitty-Gritty: Boondocking, Maintenance, & Utilities
Living the RV life means being self-sufficient, & these apps help you handle the practical side of things.
Finding Your Slice of Solitude: Boondocking Apps
Boondocking, or dry camping, is camping without hookups, usually for free on public lands. It's the ultimate way to get away from it all.
iOverlander (iOS, Android): This is a crowd-sourced app that is a goldmine for boondockers. Users log all sorts of useful spots: wild campsites, informal pull-offs, dump stations, potable water sources, propane refills, & even laundromats. It’s especially popular with the van life crowd, but there are plenty of spots suitable for larger RVs.
FreeRoam (iOS, Android): As the name suggests, this app is all about finding free camping. It has great map overlays for public lands (like BLM & National Forest) & user reviews that include crucial info like cell signal strength & ease of access.
US Public Lands (iOS, Android): This app is a simple but powerful tool. It shows you exactly where the boundaries are for Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forest, National Park, & other public lands. This helps you ensure you're legally camping in a permitted area.
Keeping Your Rig in Tip-Top Shape
RV Checklist (iOS, Android): Driving off with the antenna up or the steps out is an RVer's rite of passage, but it's one we'd all like to avoid. An app like RV Checklist helps prevent those costly mistakes. It comes with pre-loaded checklists for things like arrival, departure, & winterizing, & you can customize them or create your own.
Togo RV (iOS, Android): This is an all-in-one app that aims to be your RV's best friend. It helps you track maintenance, log records & receipts, & even sends you recall alerts for your specific RV model. The pro version also includes a subscription to Roadtrippers Plus.
The Less-Glamorous, But VERY Necessary Stuff
RV Dump Stations (iOS, one-time purchase): Let's talk about the dirty job: emptying your tanks. Knowing where to find a dump station is critical, especially when you're boondocking. This app does one thing & does it well: it shows you thousands of dump stations across the US & Canada, including free options. It even works offline, which is a huge plus.
Weather Apps (AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, etc.): This might seem obvious, but having a reliable weather app is crucial. High winds can make driving an RV incredibly dangerous, & you'll want to be aware of any severe weather like hail or thunderstorms heading your way.
A Quick Note on Urban Parking & Storage
Sometimes your RV adventures take you into or near cities, or maybe you need a place to park your rig between trips. This can be a real headache. Here’s a little insider tip: check out Prked. It’s a pretty cool platform that connects people who have extra space—like a long driveway or a secure side yard—with people who need to park vehicles. You can often find convenient & affordable spots that are way better than a traditional storage lot. It's a great solution for when you're visiting friends in a city with tight parking, or if you need a safe place to leave your RV for a few weeks. Plus, if you're a homeowner with extra space, it's a great way to earn some passive income!
Putting It All Together
Whew, that was a lot! But honestly, having the right apps on your phone can truly transform your RV experience. You'll spend less time stressing & more time enjoying the incredible freedom & beauty of life on the road.
You don't need to download every single one of these today. Start with a couple in each category that sound like a good fit for your travel style. Over time, you'll figure out which ones become your go-to's.
Hope this guide was helpful! The RV community is all about sharing knowledge, so if you have a favorite app that I missed, let me know what you think.
Happy travels
