When it comes to Allstays vs AllStays Pro, there are a few distinctions you need to understand. Here is what AllStays is and why AllStays Pro is worth it…
Many RVers are familiar with the AllStays Camp & RV app (often referred to as simply “AllStays”). It is awesome.
But since Jennifer and I discovered AllStays PRO, the browser-based subscription site, we rely on it a lot in our RV travels.
We use it for finding interesting places that really stand out, especially out-of-the-way boondocking spots and free places to stay.
So, I want to tell you more about both: the AllStays Camp & RV app and AllStays PRO. Then you can decide if it’s worth upgrading to AllStays PRO.
What is AllStays?
AllStays LLC is a travel-focused company that provides a range of resources for RVers, campers, and truckers. It has dozens of free maps and lists on its website.
Plus, a suite of apps for iOS devices. NOTE: the apps are only for iOS devices. If you don't use an iPhone you'll need to scroll down to the AllStaysPRO section as that is browser-based.
- Camp & RV
- Rest Stops Plus
- Walmart Overnight Parking
- Military Camp & RV
- RV Dumps
- Truck & Travel
- Camp & Tent
- Hotels by Chain
By the titles of the apps, you can easily guess why the first 5 apps on the list are helpful to RVers.
AllStays Camp & RV is the most popular and actually includes features from the other 4 RV-related apps. So, I’m going to tell you more about that one, in particular, then fill you in more on AllStays Pro.
Main Features of the AllStays Camp & RV App
The app offers several main features. When you don’t apply any filters, there are six main categories that appear on the map main page.
1. Campground Information
Plan your next camping trip with information on over 37,000 campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada:
- Private
- National & State Forests
- National & State Parks
- County/City Parks
- BLM
- Army Corps
- Military famcamps
- KOA, Good Sam, Escapees, Passport America, 1000 Trails, ROD, RPI, AOR, Coast to Coast, Elk
What’s great is users can upload images of the campgrounds so other users can see real-time and unbiased views of the places you’re considering.
2. Low Clearance Information
This excellent feature on the app allows you to filter for low clearance areas from 7-15 feet.
You can look at the map to see areas that can be challenging for RVs that are fairly tall. This is great for areas that you have never traveled to, but have a lot of bridges or above-ground wires.
You don’t have to waste your time driving up a road, only to have to turn back. And no more worrying about turning around on a windy road if and when you reach a bridge that you cannot clear.
One tip that I like to tell all new rig owners is to jot down the height of your RV on a sticky note and put it on the dashboard. That way, you can easily see the height when you approach a bridge that you are not sure about. Of course, you'll remember it soon enough, but it is nice for new drivers to have on hand.
Mike and Jennifer's RV Lifestyle hat collection
Who needs a hat? You do! Dad hats aren't just for dads. This comfy one's got a low profile with an adjustable strap and curved visor. Just the thing to wear on your next RV Lifestyle adventure.
3. Rest Area Information
Another excellent feature of the app is its filter for upcoming rest areas. You can also filter the app to only show ones that have certain amenities, like hookups and potable water access.
If this is the only feature you’re interested in, you can opt for AllStays Rest Stops Plus instead of Camp & RV.
4. RV Industry Businesses
You can also use the app to locate RV-industry-related businesses. Find RV dealers or service centers no matter where you are.
You never know if and when something will happen to your RV. This app quickly finds tires, parts for a broken A/C, or other items specifically for RVs while on the road.
This feature can make an annoying situation into an easy-to-solve one with one click of a filter.
5. Truck Stops
Since truck stops are designed for big trucks, they can easily accommodate RVs. Pulling through to get gas or parking to get a snack is easier than any standard gas station.
Though not all truck stops are clean, we find that the majority are nice and well taken care of. There are even some incredibly nice ones like Buc-ee’s, which have local treats and a huge range of items to shop for.
AllStays Camp & RV help you find these truck stops but if this is the only feature you’re interested in, you can just opt for AllStays Truck & Travel.
6. Camping Industry Stores
In addition to the feature showing you RV industry stores and service centers, you can also use a filter to show you camping-related stores.
Whether you just need more fishing tackle or essential camping gear, it’ll get you where you need to go.
Instead of having to look up each store individually to see if they have a nearby location, the app has a map that shows you all of the various stores. Find anything from REI to Cabela’s and Camping World. It even shows you Costco and Walmart.
How to Use AllStays Camp & RV
The AllStays Camp & RV interface is pretty simple to use. When looking at the map, you can tap on any service to bring up more information about it.
For instance, if you tap on Camping World, it will bring up a white banner. Then you click on the “I” icon to bring up additional information. You can find information such as exact location, phone number, reviews, website information, and driving directions.
The app also features standard and advanced filters.
There are over 50 standard filters, which go way beyond the main filters I outlined previously. Easily look for RV Dump Stations or other related services.
If you can’t find what you are looking for with the standard filters, then you can also utilize the advanced filters. You can find things like amenities at campgrounds, like firewood or boat launch. Or filter for pet-friendly places for those traveling with pets.
What Is AllStays PRO?
The reason I thoroughly explained AllStays Camp & RV first is because AllStays PRO is all that and much more. AllStays PRO is not an app, but it is mobile-friendly through your preferred web browser app (like Safari, Firefox, or Chrome). So those of you who don't use an iPhone, this is the choice for you.
As they say on their site “Pure information, faster, no ads, privacy, full screen maps, more filters, boondocking, public lands and trails, bridge heights and weights, steep road grades, over half a million search combinations.”
AllStays PRO has MORE information than the apps and is updated more often. Though apps are great for on the go, there is simply more depth and freedom in what a website can do compared to an app.
That’s why Jennifer and I use it in our RV travels and partnered with them to help our followers benefit from it (& get a discount!).
You can see the full extent of what it offers here on the AllStays Pro page. Plus, if you use that link and decide to sign up, you’ll save 10% on your annual subscription. If you use that link the coupon code will automatically be filled in on the order form. If you don't use that link, you might need this code: rvpodcast
More Helpful RV Travel Resources
AllStays is an incredible resource, both through its apps and web-based subscription. But you can never have enough resources, right? So, if you're curious about other great mobile resources, check out 41 Really Helpful Apps for RV Travel.
Mike and Jennifer's Great Lakes Shoreline Tour (U.S. Side)
Instead of the usual 7 Days that some of our other guides can be done in, with this one, we’re suggesting that you budget more time. This is why we are calling it a “Tour” instead of a 7-Day Guide! There are 86 pages in this new ebook.
In this new Great Lakes Shoreline Tour we cover in detail:
- Notable U.S. Cities/Towns along each Great Lake (US side) like Watertown, Grand Island, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Vermillion, Mackinaw City, and so many more!
- What to See/Do Around EACH Lake: Ocqueoc Falls Scenic Site, Les Cheneaux Islands, Antique Boat Museum, and many, many more places, including BONUS side trips!
- And good Campgrounds for each Lake (US side) – at least 4 or 5 for EACH Lake! With all the info you need to set up reservations.
One Response to “AllStays vs. AllStays Pro: What is the Difference?”
Comments are closed.
June 28, 2023at5:37 pm, Dale Ennor said:
Am I no longer able to use Allstays to locate campgrounds on an overlay of a state map without an annual fee?