Setting out for unfamiliar territory on an RV trip is exhilarating and tons of fun, but it does require some advanced planning and preparation. How will you find the right campground for you and your rig? How can you find good stops along the way and places to refuel or pick up necessary supplies? While the best road trips do require a bit of homework, there are many great apps that can help make trip planning a breeze.
There are more tools than ever before that make it easy to access all of the information you need to plan your stays and stops. You can even make campground reservations right from the road–but not while driving, of course! Here are 10 of the best trip-planning apps for RVing.
The Dyrt
The Dyrt has developed an extensive database of private and public campgrounds and RV parks across the United States, and has become a favorite of RVers that appreciate user reviews and photographs. The filters help you search for exactly the type of campground you prefer, and the paid subscription will give you access to map layers that show Bureau of Land Management and National Forest Service camping options. There is also a trip planning tool, and campground discounts are offered through the paid membership program.
HipCamp
Hipcamp stands out from the crowded campground search space by offering a wide range of camping options, including traditional campsites, RV spots, and glamping spots. What sets Hipcamp apart is its focus on connecting campers with private landowners, thereby unlocking access to exclusive, often secluded natural spaces that aren't available through standard campground booking websites or apps. The app is simple to use, making it easy to search and book from a diverse selection of outdoor stays. User reviews and photos will help you find a spot truly worthy of parking your RV.
AdventureGenie
Interested in putting AI to the RV trip-planning test? Check out AdventureGenie if you would rather leave all the research and planning to someone–or something–else. AdventureGenie asks you a series of questions about where you are going, your preferred style of camping, and the types of activities you enjoy. Then its algorithm gets to work, constructing the ideal RV trip for you
Campspot
A standout feature of Campspot is its search feature, which allows users to easily find campgrounds based on location, availability, amenities, and types of accommodations. Campspot offers real-time availability and an in-app reservation system, ensuring that users can see up-to-date information and secure their spot instantly. This is a great option if you are making last minute reservations or trying to book during a holiday weekend. The app also offers a feature called "Grid View," which displays availability across multiple campgrounds over chosen dates, making it easier for you to plan your trips around available spaces at a variety of locations.
RV Parky
The RV Parky app is a favorite for new RVers in particular because it’s easy to use, has extensive RV park and campground listings, and also provides a ton of reviews from other RVers. The database includes private parks, public parks, and even free parking spots for quick overnight stays along your route. The filters allow you to search according to amenities, park types, or location. If you want a robust campground search without a lot of bells and whistles, the free version will suit you just fine. Upgrade to a paid subscription for trip planning and route planning tools.
KOA Camping App
With over 500 campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada, KOA Kampgrounds is North America’s most prolific campground chain. In addition to great parks located near popular destinations, KOA also has a network of roadside parks, perfect for convenient overnight stays. TheKOA camping app makes it easy to find both. Search by name or by location, or use the handy map feature. Park profiles include pertinent details about the amenities. Plus, you can book directly from the app or easily call the campground. In addition to trip planning features, the KOA app makes it easy to keep track of your Value Kard rewards.
Jellystone Park App
Like KOA, the Jellystone Park chain has locations across the U.S. and Canada, with over 75 locations dedicated to family fun. The Jellystone Park app helps you find campgrounds and explore which recreational opportunities are featured at each. In addition to finding parks, the Jellystone Park app is useful while you are onsite, offering campground maps, as well as activity and character appearance notifications, ensuring you don’t miss out on a moment of the fun. It also allows you to track your Club Yogi rewards and includes fun games to keep kids busy on long rides to the campground.
Campendium
Campendium bills itself as being “created by campers for campers.” Campendium specializes in helping RVers find great boondocking locations, especially in western states like Colorado, Arizona, and California. In addition to listing amenities, each campground profile also includes information about cell signal availability, something today’s travelers will appreciate, especially those working or schooling from the road. Readers contribute reviews and photos, helping you get a full picture of each campground.
Roadside America
No road trip is complete without a stop at some quirky roadside attraction, like the World’s Largest Ball of Twine or the Cadillac Ranch. To find the best, check out the Roadside America app, which makes it easy to search for unique stops along your route. Even if you don’t make it to every recommendation, you can find hours of entertainment just by reading the humorous descriptions. Only one travel region is included in the initial download; in-app purchases are required for additional regions.
Roadtrippers
Roadtrippers has long been a favorite for travelers looking for amazing roadside attractions. The website has cultivated a collection of the best cultural, historic, and natural sites, each with colorful descriptions. The app offers navigation and allows you to also search for campgrounds and a variety of RV service locations. Upgrading to the Pro version gets you extra features, including the ability to save maps offline, collaboratively plan trips and avoid ad pop ups.
RV LIFE
The RV LIFE app was designed by RVers for RVers. This app will help you research trips and plan trips and its navigation feature can be customized for your RV's height, length, and weight. The maintenance tracker is also handy and easy to use. This app's specialized RV park database is packed with all of the information you need to find your next favorite campground.
Most RVers agree that planning trips is almost as fun as actually taking them. So pour yourself a cup of coffee, download a few of these great apps, and start mapping out your next great adventure. Then make sure to check out our recommendations for RV routing apps once you're ready to hit the road.
