Our Favorite RV Apps to Find Top Campgrounds – From a Family That RV Camps! [2024]

RVing is about freedom, adventure, and making memories—but planning the perfect trip? That’s where the right tools come in. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or love to wing it, these apps will help you hit the road with confidence. So, whether you’re a detailed planner or a pick-a-direction and choose-your-own adventurer, our review of the best apps for RV camping will make your trip easier to navigate.

We conducted a recent Facebook poll and learned that over half of the respondents plan their RV adventures, often using local databases to find hidden gems. Shockingly, about a third “just go”; they wing it. 

RV Life is about unplugging, exploring, and creating lifelong memories. This article shares the best apps for RV camping to make life on the road smooth sailing!

RV Camping App Selection Process

Most of the apps mentioned are apps we regularly use when planning our RV adventures OR when we are on an adventure to keep the fun on the rails! We noted the apps we most regularly use with a ⛺emjoi and our recommended apps with a 🥇marker!

To make this easier to follow, we created segments of the best apps, such as Trip Planning, Fuel Stops & Truck Safety, Entertainment, Memories, Educational, and RV-Related. 

• For our favorite apps we include commentary on why we like the app and how we use it. 
• We share “other” and more common apps (e.g., Google Maps, Waze, etc.) that virtually all travelers are familiar with, so we don’t deep dive into the features and benefits. 
• Finally, we know certain apps exist (e.g., Campspot, Hipcamp, etc.) that we have downloaded and tried to use, but found the feature set is not robust enough for our use. 

By day, I’m a finance pro, so planning is hardwired in my mind! Luckily, Sara is a natural born planner as well. 

Did we miss the perfect RV camping app? If we did, please email us at OurCampfireUnplugged@gmail.com OR on our Facebook Page. 

TL;DR: Need a Quick Summary

Planning your RV trip? 

Our comprehensive guide on the best RV camping apps can simplify your journey:

• Trip Planning: RV Life TripWizard, Road Trippers, Recreation.gov, ChatGPT
• Fuel Stops & Safety: Open Roads, GasBuddy
• Entertainment: Starlink, Netflix, Audible
• Capturing Memories: Google Photos, Camera App, Facebook
• Educational: Gypsy Guidealong, NPS App
• RV Specific: inCommand, Power Watchdog

Key Takeaways:

• RV Life TripWizard is excellent for detailed route planning.
• Road Trippers highlights unique attractions and calculates fuel costs.
• Recreation.gov is essential for booking at national parks.
• Open Roads and GasBuddy provide significant fuel savings.
• AllTrails is ideal for finding and navigating hiking trails.

These apps ensure a smooth, enjoyable RV experience. For more details, read our full review!

RV Trip Planning Apps

Finding the perfect campsite is a huge challenge as you plan RV Travel. Planning RV camping gets complicated really quickly…Parking lot surfing (Walmart Parking Lot(s), Cracker Barrel, Cabelas), Free Campsites (like Harvest Hosts, BLM land & Public Lands) to Commercial RV parks (KOAs, Thousand Trails) and more makes for a confusing puzzle. Not to mention finding great RV parks and managing stops at RV dump stations along the way. 

Add in the challenge that trip-planning apps aren’t connected to the booking apps, and oftentimes we find we have two computers, iPhones, and iPads running at the same time to compare all the information, especially when trying to ensure cell coverage in remote areas. 

Let’s jump into our favorite RV trip-planning apps!?!

RV Life TripWizard ⛺ 🥇

RV Life’s Trip Wizard is hands down our favorite app for RV Trip planning. The app is easy to use and filled with detailed information about thousands of RV campgrounds, user-created reviews, pictures, and more. It also highlights rest areas, making long drives more manageable. The RV-safe directions give us confidence that we won’t end up in a bad situation!

RV Life Trip Wizard Features

• Comprehensive Route Planning: Customizes routes based on RV size and weight, avoiding low clearances and steep grades.
• Extensive Campground Database: Access to over 20,000 campgrounds with reviews and detailed information.
• Cost Estimation: Calculates trip costs including fuel, camping, and other expenses. This is a feature we don’t use as often as we should. 
• Fuel Planning: Provides real-time fuel prices along your route. As the driver, I love this feature because I can estimate where my fuel stops are going to be, including stops at Lover’s Travel Stops for added convenience. This lets me search my preferred fuel stations in the area. My stress is lower knowing I can easily navigate a fuel station!
• Points of Interest: Lists over 57,000 attractions and points of interest. 
• Seamless Integration: Works with other RV LIFE tools like Campground Reviews and RV LIFE GPS. RV campers share all the dirt about campgrounds which helps us create the best camping experience on our long adventures!

Pros and cons of Trip Wizard

Pros of RV Life’s App

• Detailed and customized trip planning with RV SAFE driving directions!
• Large campground database without brand restrictions.
• Integration with RV LIFE network for a unified experience.
• Plan RV fuel stops with confidence
• Helpful for budgeting and cost tracking.
• Free 7 Day Trial

Cons of RV Life’s App

• Web-based; limited offline capabilities.
• Learning curve for new users.
• Turn-by-turn directions can be “clunky”. The interface is NOT as smooth as Google Maps or Waze. Think of it as the Apple Map tool…servicable, but not great!
• Annual cost of $50/year for the Pro version. A FREE version is available, but offers limited capabilities.

RV Life Trip Wizard Experience

Sara and I use both the App and the website for RV Life Trip Wizard, which also helps us plan stops at welcome centers and track our current location. The app is especially helpful for turn-by-turn driving directions, creating a campground review, performing an internet speed test, etc. While the website is much easier to see RV campsites in a specific area, quickly read the ratings, and plan a long RV trip!

ChatGPT

ChatGPT isn’t specifically an APP for RV travel, with the right prompts ChatGPT is a powerful tool for RV travel planning! The FREE version of ChatGPT works really well at crafting an itinerary for RV Travel.

Using ChatGPT is like having a conversation with your friend who knows everything. And just like your friend, ChatGPT is happy to share that information if you ask the right questions. ChatGPT refers to these questions as prompts.

For instance, start the chat with something like “Hi Chat! I want to plan a 15 day RV trip leaving from Louisville, KY to Badlands, SD. Does that make sense? What questions do you have for me?”

ChatGPT will process for a moment and then ask some follow-up questions to develop your travel plan.

Alternatively, your prompt could say something like “Hi Chat! I want to model a 15 day RV trip leaving from Louisville, KY to Badlands, SD like Mike & Sara from OurCampfireUnplugged.com’s travel. What questions do you have for me?”

You can pick your favorite creator (like us or Ash from Dirt In My Shoes) to use as a model (this works better on the paid version).

ChatGPT is an amazing tool and we really go deep on how to use in our recent article on using ChatGPT to plan your RV travel adventure!

Road Trippers ⛺

Road Trippers is a “newer” RV APP in my travel planning toolbox, and it even includes options for locating city parks and rest areas. The App incorporates Artificial Intelligence “AI” to help create a fabulous camping experience. As Road Trippers continues evolving it has the potential to become a revolutionary app for RV trip planning!

Road Trippers Features

• Itinerary Planning: Allows for detailed trip planning with numerous customization options. Road Trippers AI tool asks users about travelers ages, trip length, vehicle type, price ranges for food, lodging accommodations, and activities, etc. I suspect with AI this will continue improving as it’s database of “planned” trips increases.
• Unique Stop Ideas: Highlights quirky, off-the-beaten-path attractions. We recognize some travelers love stopping at the giant twine ball. We generally don’t. Mike once build a trip around visiting the 4 corners and well it was underwhelming!
• Offline Maps: Available with the paid version for use without cell service. RV Safe turn-by-turn directions without cell service is a critical safety feature. Make sure you download the map while you have good coverage. Sound obvious, but sometimes we forget!
• Fuel Cost Calculation: Estimates fuel costs based on your route. Road Trippers is superior to RV Life Trip Wizard with it’s fuel cost and gas station locator tool!

Pros and cons of Road Trippers

Pros of Road Trippers 

• Free version available with robust features.
• Extensive database of unique attractions.
• Ability to toggle destinations and automatic rerouting.
• Offline maps for areas with poor cell service ensure you have a reliable digital park map on hand. Paper maps are a good back-up just in case!

Cons of Road Trippers

• Free version limited to seven waypoints.
• Offline maps only with paid subscription.
• Less comprehensive campground database compared to TripWizard. I find locating campgrounds is more challenging on Road Trippers!

Road Trippers Experience

This app is easy to use, but has limitations. One limitation is selecting specific campgrounds. I find Road Trippers less intuitive in selecting campgrounds and length of stay than RV Trip Wizard. As Road Trippers continues evolving, this tool may become the ultimate camping app!  

Recreation.gov ⛺ 

Visiting a National Park or National Forest? Want to camp inside the National Park? Need timed entry pass to a National Park?

Then the Recreation.gov APP is your lifeline! 

Recreation.gov Features

• Federal Recreation Sites: Access to reservations at national parks, national forests, and other federal lands.
• Camping and Activities: Book campsites, tours, and permits.
• Interactive Maps: Find and book sites using detailed maps.

Pros and cons of Recreation.gov

Pros of Recreation.gov

• Comprehensive access to federal recreation sites.
• User-friendly booking process.
• Detailed site information and reviews.
• “FREE” tool (thank you taxpayers of America!)

Cons of Recreation.gov

• Limited to federal lands.
• Can be competitive during peak seasons. The most popular National Park, National Forest, COE, etc. campgrounds book up very quickly. Plan ahead!
• No integration with non-federal campgrounds.

Recreation.gov Experience

This app is easy to use, but has limitations. For instance, this app is used to reserve timed entry for National Parks. The APP / site can be slow to respond because of high traffic volumes. The site doesn’t include turn-by-turn driving directions or other waypoints of interest. Recreation.gov is a specific use app for visiting National Parks, Monuments, Forests, etc.

As government-designed tools go, this is one of their BEST efforts!

Waze & Google Maps ⛺ 🥇

Even though the GPS-guided driving directions are not always RV SAFE, I like using these tools because the map interface is smooth and integrates well with other navigation apps available in the app store. Both RV Life Trip Wizard and Road Trippers GPS map interface is clunky and often not smooth. The APPs are quickly improving. 

Usually, I verify the RV SAFE instructions, then look at Waze or Google Maps to spot any differences. If no differences, then I use Waze or Google Maps!

Dirt in My Shoes ⛺ 🥇

Does planning a multi-day trip to a National Park give you an elevated heart rate? The mega National Parks like Yellowstone, Glacier, and offer so much to see it’s tough to plan the perfect outdoor adventure. Dirt in My Shoes solves that problem! 

Ash, a former NPS Park Ranger, leads Dirt In My Shoes and she loves sharing the National Parks with guests from everywhere! She shares all the inside tips to maximize your visit and AVOID crowds! Ash’s National Park itineraries are amazing. We use these for every National Park we visit!

Dirt In My Shoes Features

• Hiking Guides: Detailed guides for hikes in national parks. Dirt in my Shoes hiking guides ensure you see all the best locations in the National Park!
• Offline Access: Downloadable guides for use without internet. National Parks generally have limited internet access. Make sure you have all your guide maps and materials downloaded before entering the park!
• Itineraries: Suggested itineraries for park visits. Whether you’re making a quick day trip to a National Park or a longer 4 or 5 day adventure, Dirt In My Shoes has the perfect itinerary. One low price covers all the itinerary options so you can create your own adventure!

Pros and cons of Dirt In My Shoes

Pros of Dirt In My Shoes

• The itineraries are like having a National Park Service Ranger plan your trip!
• Minimize crowds while taking in all the most see places in the National Park!
• Low cost!
• YouTube channel provides more commentary and details on each National Park

Cons of Dirt In My Shoes

• Limited to the National Parks. The planned itineraries continue to expand.

Reserve America ⛺ 🥇

Reserve America is the best way to find and reserve campsites at state park campgrounds. Local city or county park campground reservations can also be made here. We find this app and website easy to use and essential for reserving campsites in state forests.

Reserve America Features

• Campsite Reservations: Book campsites in state and local parks.
• Interactive Maps: Search for campsites using detailed maps. This feature lets us see the site length, hook-up connections, and a picture of the site. Pictures are very helpful in determining if Starlink will work or if trees or other obstacles will make backing into the site difficult!

Pros and cons of Reserve America

Pros of Reserve America

• Extensive database of state and local park campsites.
• User-friendly booking process. Reserve America shows nearby campgrounds as well!
• Alerts for campsite availability. This can be super useful! Campers reserve spaces and then cancel at the last minute. If you can be flexible, this feature can help you snag the perfect campsite!

Cons of Reserve America

• Limited to state and local parks.
• It can be competitive during peak seasons.

AllTrails ⛺ 🥇

All Trails or AllTrails is our go-to APP for planning the best hiking adventures. With hundreds of thousands of trails ranging from easy hikes on paved paths to strenuous backcountry trails, this app has tons of features. The Map Overlays like Satellite, Terrain, USGS Top, etc. is, a valuable feature. 

I appreciate that I can download a trail map while connected to Starlink. When I get to the trail, I load the map, turn on “Airplane mode”, and hit the low battery button, and my phone battery lasts for hours!

Features of All Trails

• Trail Database: There are over 200,000 curated trails worldwide for various activities, including hiking, running, biking, and more.
• User Reviews and Photos: Detailed trail descriptions, user-generated reviews, and photos to help plan your adventure. 
• Filtering Options: Filters for difficulty, length, duration, suitability (e.g., dog-friendly), attractions, and trail traffic.
• Custom Maps: Create and customize your own trail maps, add waypoints, and track your route.
• Offline Maps: Download maps for offline use with an AllTrails+ subscription.
• Lifeline Feature: Share your real-time location and trip details with loved ones for added safety.
• Integration: Syncs with Garmin Connect and Apple Watch for tracking and data import.

Pros and cons of All Trails

Pros of All Trails

• Extensive Trail Information: Comprehensive database with detailed trail info, reviews, and photos.
• User-Friendly: Easy to navigate with intuitive map icons and customization options.
• Offline Capabilities: Offline map downloads with AllTrails+ ensure you stay on track without cell service.
• Community Features: An active user community provides up-to-date trail conditions and feedback.
• Versatile Usage: Suitable for various outdoor activities beyond hiking, like mountain biking and horseback riding.

Cons of All Trails

• Offline Maps Require Subscription: Offline maps are only available with a paid AllTrails+ membership.
• Variable Trail Information: Some trails may have incomplete or outdated information due to user-generated content. This is important! Know before you go and stay safe. You are responsible for your safety!
• No Advanced Navigation: Lacks the advanced mapping and navigation tools found in apps like Gaia GPS.
• Data Privacy: Collects user data, which may raise privacy concerns for some users.

What Three Words

What Three Words is a cool APP that turns GPS coordinates into 3 catchy words. The app is free, and users can pinpoint their exact location anywhere on the globe! The biggest downside is that very few people know what three words mean, so non-users may look at you sideways!

Features

• Location Identification: Divide the world into 3m x 3m squares, each with a unique three-word address.
• Offline Access: Works without an internet connection.
• Integration: Can be integrated with other navigation apps like Google or Apple Maps.

Pros of What Three Words

• Precise location identification.
• Offline functionality.
• Easy integration with other apps.

Cons of What Three Words

• Learning curve to understand the three-word system.
• Not a standalone navigation app.

Weather Forecasting

Recently, our trips have encountered a lot of rain and a few storms! Remaining weather-aware is crucial on the road. We have a few “go-to” APPS to keep up with the weather while traveling!

Weather Underground ⛺ 🥇

This feature-rich tool provides accurate weather forecasts, radar maps, and map overlays with temperature/wind/rain. This app helped keep us safe during severe weather while RV camping at KOA West St. Louis over the Memorial Day weekend!

Features of Weather Underground

• Weather Forecasts: Detailed and hyper-local weather forecasts.
• Radar and Maps: Interactive radar and weather maps.
• Historical Data: Access to historical weather data.

Pros of Weather Underground

• Highly detailed and accurate forecasts.
• Interactive radar and maps.
• Historical weather data availability.

Cons of Weather Underground

• It can be data-intensive. With Starlink, we don’t have to worry too much about data usage.
• The interface may be overwhelming for some users.

Storm Shield ⛺ 🥇

When traveling in areas where severe weather (e.g., tornados) are possible, having Storm Shield can save your life! Storm Shield provided us advance warnings while staying at KOA West St. Louis, which gave us time to access the storm shelters!

Features of Storm Shield

• Severe Weather Alerts: This service provides storm-based alerts for tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, thunderstorms, winter storms, and other severe weather events.
• Voice and Push Notifications: Alerts via voice and push notifications, even when the app isn’t open. At home we get automated calls, but on the road it’s important to know what’s going on when the serve weather risk is elevated!
• Hi-Def Radar Map: The home screen displays a high-definition radar map.
• NOAA Alerts: Includes NOAA severe weather alerts for comprehensive coverage.

Pros of Storm Shield

• Precise Alerts: Reduces false alarms by providing alerts specific to your exact location within a county.
• Voice Alerts: Allows you to hear alerts without looking at your phone.
• Multiple Locations: Can monitor the weather for various locations, which is useful for families.
• Highly Rated: Consistently high user ratings and positive feedback.

Cons of Storm Shield

• Battery Usage: Continuous GPS use can drain battery life.
• Notification Delays: Some users have reported delays in receiving alerts. If severe weather is forecast in the area you are camping make sure to have alternative devices like a weather alert radio!

Fuel Stops and Truck Safety Apps

In our early RVing days stopping for fuel was very stressful! Navigating tight gas stations with a 30 foot camper was nerve racking. Plus my reversing skills were not good. So, every fuel stop turned into an adventure with a few choice words! 

When we upgraded our truck to diesel my world changed. Now the Big Rig lanes became fair game! For us Open Roads is the Best APP for fuel purchases. We use several other fuel and truck safety apps as well!

Open Roads ⛺ 🥇

Open Roads is a FREE APP that provides a fuel card program to RVers. The fuel card includes pre-negotiated discounts with many major gas stations and truck stops. For instance, the discount at Love’s is about $0.25 per gallon! I’ve seen discounts pushing toward $1.00 per gallon.

Features of Open Roads

• Fuel Discounts: Provides significant discounts on diesel fuel, typically ranging from 40 to 50 cents per gallon at participating truck stops like Love’s and TA.
• App Integration: The app shows real-time fuel prices and in-network locations, making it easy to find the best deals along your route.
• Easy Payment: Users can pay at the pump without needing to go inside, and the app handles transactions directly from your bank account.
• Detailed Transaction Records: The app provides a detailed breakdown of fuel costs and savings, including fees and the exact cost of each fill-up.
• Routing Assistance: Some versions of the app offer routing assistance to find fuel stops along your planned route. We use this feature to calculate the distance to the next fuel stop.

Pros of Open Roads

• Significant Savings: Users report substantial savings on fuel, with averages around 51 cents per gallon.
• Convenience: The ability to use commercial truck lanes and pay at the pump is highly convenient for RVers and truckers.
• Real-Time Pricing: The app offers up-to-date fuel prices, helping users find the best deals.
• No Signup Fee: Joining the Open Roads program is free, with no hidden charges. Open Roads charges a $1.00 transaction fee for each use and they share in the fuel savings. I think they keep 10% of the savings. We still come out ahead!

Cons of Open Roads

• Smartphone Dependency: The app requires a smartphone and internet connection to find participating locations and view prices.
• Privacy Concerns: Users must provide personal information, including bank account details and Social Security numbers. We appreciate this concern but think it’s a bit overrated. Simply “lock” or “freeze” your credit, which is a smart thing to do anyway. Open Roads is required to protect your personal data. 

Gas Buddy

Gas Buddy is like putting money in the bank every time I fill up. The app is so easy to use and the fuel card they send links to the app, which maximizes savings. This is my go to when driving around in town without the RV in tow!

Features of Gas Buddy

• Pay With GasBuddy: Offers savings up to $0.25 per gallon at participating stations. Users need a linked checking account to use this feature. I use Gas Buddy early in the morning which helps maximize my discount!
• Find Gas Tool: This tool locates the cheapest gas prices nearby or along a route, with real-time updates and filters for price, distance, and amenities.
• Trip Planner: Calculate fuel costs for road trips, providing cost estimates based on vehicle information and current gas prices.
• Outage Tracker: This shows which gas stations have fuel and power during outages.
• Rewards and Deals: Earn gas back rewards on purchases at partner stores and restaurants.

Pros of Gas Buddy

• Free to Use: The app is free to download and use, with additional savings available through the Pay With GasBuddy feature.
• Wide Coverage: Accepted at 95% of gas stations in the U.S.
• Multiple Features: Offers tools like trip planning, outage tracking, and real-time gas price comparisons.
• Cash Back and Rewards: Users can earn rewards and cash back for gas purchases and other shopping.

Cons of Gas Buddy

• Linked Checking Account Required: To use the Pay With GasBuddy feature, users must link their checking account. 
• Delayed Savings: It can take a few days for the savings to reflect in the user’s account. Although, my savings usually populate immediately!
• Privacy Concerns: The app collects data on user locations and driving habits. This certainly is a big concern, and it’s hard to tell how Gas Buddy may use or sell your data, so proceed with caution!
• Premium Features: Roadside assistance and higher savings are available only with paid premium memberships. I use the FREE version and am happy with the savings!

Other Fuel and Travel APPS

The major truck stops (e.g, Love’s, Pilot / Flying J, TA Travel Centers) have fancy apps that help RVers plan their fuel stops. These apps show store locations, current fuel prices, food & drink specials and more. 

RVers looking for discounts can score five cents off per gallon with the Pilot Flying J app. 

The Love’s app also has discounts and allows RVers to reserve an RV campsite. These are mainly for short-term overnight stays. Truck stops are busy, so camping at a Love’s, even overnight, doesn’t seem like a great way to get a good night of sleep.

TA Travel Center’s APP lets you accumulate points based on fuel and in-store purchases. Many TA Travel Centers have repair facilities that are accessible via the APP. If you need emergency roadside assistance, TA’s APP may be your best option!

Weight My Truck is the CAT Scale APP. Knowing your rig’s weight is important to ensure you are safely towing. We think it’s smart to roll across the scales once a season to make sure your rig is safe!

RV Tow Check: How much can your tow vehicle safely haul? Well, RV Tow Check does all the calculations and heavy lifting. Input the capacity data from the sticker on your truck and your RV. RV Tow Check will tell you if your load is safe to carry. No more Facebook debates!

Entertainment Apps

Even though we go camping to escape our daily lives and our hyper-connectivity, accessing entertainment apps is nice on rainy days or evenings as we unwind. We love playing games so usually, we don’t jump onto our devices until we have enjoyed forced family fun playing a game or two! 

Starlink RV Internet ⛺ 🥇

Starlink has been a game-changer for us! Accessing reliable, high-speed internet anywhere in the world with a clear view of the Northern Sky allows us to go on long trips like around Lake Michigan and Acadia National Park!

Thanks to Starlink we are able to easily access Amazon Streaming, Netflix, etc. As we drive to our destinations, we listen to podcasts, Sirius XM Radio, and Audible (audio books). As the driver, I think all these options are really nice. 

NordVPN (Data privacy) ⛺ 🥇

Maintaining data privacy is critical all the time. When traveling remaining vigilant is especially important. We recommend using a Virutal Private Network (VPN) like NORD VPN. 

Features of Nord VPN

• High Security and Privacy: Offers advanced security features such as AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, kill switch, and double VPN for extra security.
• Large Server Network: Over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, providing robust global coverage and fast connections.
• NordLynx Protocol: A proprietary protocol based on WireGuard, offering faster speeds and improved security.
• Additional Features: Includes dark web monitoring, ad and malware blocking (CyberSec), and Meshnet for connecting devices securely.

Pros of Nord VPN

• Fast and Reliable: Consistently high speeds due to the NordLynx protocol.
• Comprehensive Security: Strong encryption and security features ensure user data is protected.
• Wide Compatibility: It is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and even supports router setups.
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and easy-to-navigate apps for both desktop and mobile devices.
• Good Customer Support: 24/7 live chat and extensive support resources.

Cons of Nord VPN

• Cost: Higher price point than some competitors, though long-term plans offer better value.
• Occasional Connection Issues: Some users report needing to reinstall the app to resolve connection problems.
• Privacy Concerns: While the service is highly secure, it requires trust in the provider’s handling of user data, especially given the complexity of its privacy features like double NAT.

Capturing Memories Apps

RV Travel lets us slow down and create amazing family memories. Enjoying the great outdoors means there are a lot of opportunities to capture one of a kind memories. 

iPhone Camera App ⛺ 🥇

Our iPhone camera app provides amazing photos. We use a selfie stick with a tripod to get the perfect picture. Recently we upgraded to an Insta 360 Flow which is a really cool gimbal that make our videos turn out like low grade professional work!

Google Photos ⛺ 🥇

We capture tons of photos and automatically transfer our photos to Google Photos, which works seamlessly across our mobile devices. This frees up space on our iPhones and makes creating memory books via the Google Photo store a breeze. Photo memory books are a great way to share your trips with friends and family.

Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube ⛺ 🥇

Facebook allows us to share our memories with our friends from Our Campfire Unplugged and our family. 

Educational Apps

RV Travel is a great way to reinforce what our kids learn in school. 

Guidealong ⛺ 🥇

Guidealong is a super cool app that uses some form of GPS tagging to identify locations as you travel around national parks. The Guidealong app relays fun facts, stories, or points of interest at specific GPS locations.

Guidealong is FREE, but the specific National Park routes have a small charge. We find these well worth the nominal fee!

National Park Service (NPS App) ⛺

The NPS APP includes walking tours, park trails, and tons more information about the park. We like to explore the NPS APP before our visit to get familiar with the park before we visit. 

Planets

Escaping from the City means less light pollution and clear night sky views. I’m horrible at identifying star constellations! The Planets APP, which is FREE, lets me point my phone at the sky and know precisely what I’m looking at! 

RV Related Apps

Technology is making RVs smarter every year. Our Keystone Cougar uses an inCommand system. This system allows us to control all the major functions of the RV from our smartphone! We don’t even have to go inside to open the awning. 

Our Surge Protector, the Power Watchdog, includes an app that allows us to check the stability of the electricity and monitor our usage. This device saved us from plugging into a bad power pole at Charlestown State Park. Knowledge is power!

Conclusion: Best APPS for RV Camping

Navigating the world of the best Apps for RV camping can be complex. With the right apps, you can turn RV adventures and exploring the Great Outdoors into a seamless and enjoyable journey. 

From detailed trip planning with RV Life TripWizard to discovering unique attractions with Road Trippers, and ensuring smooth bookings at national parks through Recreation.gov, each app offers a set of features tailored to enhance your RV experience.

For safety and convenience, apps like Open Roads and GasBuddy make fuel stops stress-free, while Weather Underground and Storm Shield keep you prepared for any weather conditions. 

Capturing memories is a breeze with Google Photos, and exploring the great outdoors is more organized with AllTrails and Dirt in My Shoes.

Whether you’re a meticulous planner or prefer a more spontaneous approach, leveraging these tools can make your RV travels more enjoyable and stress-free. Don’t hesitate to explore these apps and find the ones that best fit your travel style. 

And remember, our list is ever-evolving – if you have a favorite app that we missed, drop us a line at OurCampfireUnplugged@gmail.com or on our Facebook Page. Safe travels and happy camping!

About Us

We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!

Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!