From finding a place to stay to documenting your journey, you are likely to find more than one app that fits your needs.
Over the years as we've traveled more than 300,000 miles, Jennifer and I have gathered quite a list. So we thought we'd put them together and offer them to you as a free gift.
Specifically, this resource has many apps to consider for RV travel. And some apps are in several categories. Also, note that apps change and are sometimes discontinued. Please let us know if any of these don't work anymore, and we'll remove them from the master list.
We've set them up by Category:
Table of Contents
Apps for Overnight Stays
Finding a place to stay, of course, is integral to any successful RVing adventure, which is why five of the 30 apps deal with finding a place to stay overnight.
The Dyrt PRO You can book campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping or find free camping. The Dyrt has it all. And in case you didn't know, The Dyrt is the #1 camping app and website in the US, with over 8 million campsites, reviews, and tips — submitted by campers for campers. And The Dyrt PRO version makes every camping trip easier. With offline map backups, offline search, exclusive discounts, and trip planning tools, PRO can improve any stage of camping. iOS and the Android is available after you sign in.
The Dyrt app lets users with basic accounts search for camping and save favorites, completely for free. The Dyrt PRO is an upgrade that makes it easier to go camping. Try PRO for free today. Use the code RVlifestyle for your 30-day free trial!
HipCamp Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping in Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the US. If you are looking for unique camping experiences, the app Hipcamp is something you need to check out. Hipcamp is a company that partners with landowners to provide camping on private and public land in places typically near national parks, federal and state forests, interesting landmarks, and beautiful landscapes. iOS and Android
RV LIFE Pro is not an app per se, but browser-based. Which means you can enjoy using it on an iPad or tablet. RV LIFE Trip Wizard (which is included) is especially helpful as an RV trip planner tool. It can create unique routes based on your rig’s height and weight, helping you avoid dangerous low clearances, steep grades, propane restrictions, and weight limits. It basically takes the guesswork out of routing your rig and saves you many hours tracking down information piece by piece. The 4-in-1 membership includes:
RV LIFE Trip Wizard, RV LIFE Campground Reviews, RV LIFE App (RV-Safe GPS), RV LIFE Maintenance Tracker/ Just to be clear, you get all four of these tools in one with an RV LIFE Pro membership for a very reasonable price. I think most users would agree the price is actually cheap considering the value it brings.
Arvie is a revolutionary campsite booking platform designed to transform the frustrating experience of securing coveted camping spots into a seamless, high-success adventure. Unlike traditional booking methods, Arvie offers a unique Auto-Book™ technology that scans over 4,000 campgrounds across 10 platforms every two minutes, automatically detecting and booking campsite cancellations within seconds. With the ability to track multiple cancellations simultaneously and a dedicated 24/7 live support team, Arvie gives RV enthusiasts a powerful advantage, helping them secure premium campsites in sought-after State and National Parks with 50 times more booking success than standard alert services. Whether you're planning a trip tonight or next year, Arvie makes booking your dream campsite easier and faster than ever before. Use THIS LINK to receive 10% off or this code at checkout RVL10
Allstays Camp & RV – This was our main go-to app for many years. It lists campgrounds, boondocking spots, BLM land, parks, attractions, and more, and it shows them all on a map. You can search near you, along a route, or by state, and you can have the map show you everything from campgrounds to interstate rest areas to Walmarts, RV dump sites, and pretty much anything an RVer needs to find.
Harvest Hosts – We’re members of Harvest Hosts and love it. More than 5,000 farms, wineries, and attractions across North America are listed in this subscription service…places where RVers can stay free overnight. The app shows details, gives directions, and provides contact numbers, photos, and reviews from other RVers. Many of the Harvest Hosts offer overnight camping in absolutely beautiful spots. We’ve never been disappointed! Harvest Hosts now includes Boondockers Welcome, Campers Card, Camp Scanner, Brit Stops, and recently they acquired Escapees. To get a 15% discount go to https://rvlifestyle.com/hh
KOA app – KOA is our go-to campground of choice when it’s time to overnight on the road and we need a commercial campground to get some laundry done and empty the tanks. The app lets you see photos of the campground, get an idea of what amenities are available, and read reviews from other RVers who have stayed there. You can also reserve a spot from the app.
Roadtrippers – This is another subscription service, and it's awesome. It lists something like 50,000 places where you can camp overnight for free or at a very low cost. From inexpensive county and local parks to boondocking locations to the parking lot of welcoming businesses to national and state forest campgrounds, this app will find you a place to stay anytime. Roadtrippers now includes RV-Friendly GPS, Overnight RV Parking, Trip Planner, Trip Collaboration, and more! To get 15 months for the price of 12, use the link https://rvlifestyle.com/togorv
Cracker Barrel – The Cracker Barrel app shows Cracker Barrel locations near you or on your route, many of which allow free overnight stays in the parking lot for RVers. You can also order take-out meals from restaurants along your route. Allowing you to have it ready by the time you get there. Cracker Barrel is very friendly to RVers, usually offering plenty of parking, even for big rigs.
Gas/Fuel Saving Apps
With gas prices fluctuating across the country, you may be concerned about your next big road trip. And rightly so! You may not know this, but the average RV is driven about 5,000 miles each year. Some rigs get only 5-7 miles per gallon (MPG), while other very fuel-efficient models can get up to 18-25 MPG. Improving gas mileage efficiency and using Fuel Cards can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your RV (or even on one long, single trip).
Open Roads is an excellent option for diesel RV owners. This fuel discount card offers significant savings at more than 1,500 participating fuel stations across the United States, including Pilot Flying J, TA-Petro, and Speedway. There are NO sign-up or membership fees, nor long-term contracts. Current members save an average of 30-40 cents per gallon off the pump price. Instead of charging membership fees, Open Roads makes its money by keeping 10% of your savings per gallon. For example, if your fuel card saves you 50 cents per gallon, Open Roads keeps 5 cents and you save 45 cents. iOS or Android.
TechnoRV FuelSaver Card has a one-time purchase price of $4.99. Once you’ve signed up and downloaded the RV FuelSaver app, your card will be mailed directly to you. Through the RV FuelSaver app, you’ll be able to provide all your information, see all participating US-based fuel stops, fuel up your RV using your card as payment, and rack up the savings of up to $1.50 per gallon!
Travel Planning Apps
Whether plotting out a trip or already on the road and looking for a place to stop, these apps help you find the destinations you‘ll be seeking out.
iExit – This app is great for finding out what’s at the next exit from the interstate or an exit miles down the way. It locates fuel stops, tells you the average cost per gallon, notes what restaurants and businesses are at that exit. They call it your Roadtrip pit stop finder and it helps save time and figure out where to pull off and find the services you need.
Yelp – We love Yelp and use it all the time to find great restaurants. Pick a location and see what’s near you. Here’s a hint: We always look for places with the best reviews, four or five stars and we’ve never been disappointed and, in fact, have found some awesome local restaurants that we would have passed right by.
Roadtrippers – This app helps you find fun and interesting things to see along your travel route. You can filter it however you want, but the app covers just about every region in the country and makes some great suggestions for off-the-beaten-path exploration. Read the reviews from others who have been there, and we guarantee you’ll find some fun places to stop.
Waze – Yes, we have GPS built into our RV. But Waze is hands down the best app we have found to not only navigate us to where we need to be but to show us in almost real-time, things like traffic backups, speed traps, road construction, debris on the road, and other important information about what’s ahead. It’s updated by users like you who are up ahead, and you’re encouraged to report issues you encounter for those behind you.
Road Trip Planner – This is a great app for planning a trip. Enter your destination and places where you want to stop, and it suggests the best routes to take. This is our plan for a trip to the Adirondacks this summer. You can add notes and side trips and make it a very handy itinerary with all the info you need right at your fingertips. I believe this is only for iOS.
Health/Medical Telehealth apps
Health care should always be a priority when you’re on the road, but especially now. These apps can connect you with a physician via smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Keep in mind, of course, there will be costs/insurance involved. Telemedicine is more important than ever these days – and there are several of these great apps for RV travel.
Teladoc connects you with a board-certified doctor 24/7 via phone or video. Teladoc physicians can diagnose, recommend treatment, and prescribe medication for many medical issues, including sore throats and stuffy noses, cold and flu symptoms, and respiratory infections. The app is free for iOS and Android, but the cost of connecting with a doctor depends on insurance and other factors.
Doctor On Demand allows users to connect face-to-face with a doctor through video on a smartphone or tablet. It works with or without insurance and is available at reduced rates through many major health plans and large employers. Providers are licensed, board-certified, and U.S.-based. The app is free for iOS and Android, but the cost of connecting with a doctor depends on insurance and other factors.
MDLive offers virtual doctor visits with board-certified physicians from wherever you are, whenever you want. Users can schedule a non-emergency appointment at a convenient time and day or have an on-demand visit in around 15 minutes. The app is free for iOS and Android, though there are costs for connecting with a doctor, depending on insurance and other factors.
Tracking Location apps
Keeping track of the family members and friends you might be traveling with is important. Likewise, if you’re traveling solo, you want to make sure others know where you are located while on the road. These apps take the idea of staying connected to a whole new, safer level.
Life360, for example, sets up small circles of friends to automatically share information such as location and arrival. You can also create custom circles, such as those for groups going on a hike or exploring and wanting to keep track of each other for a short time. The app allows for chatting and sending private messages to other users. It’s free for Android and iOS.
The Zenly app is a real-time location-sharing app designed to help friends keep track of each other and connect in person. The app lets others know where you are, whether at the park, campground, concert, carnival, or beach. It is also free for iOS and Android.
The app MamaBear Family Safety is designed for parents to monitor their kids’ location. But since it allows users to get updates and messages, it can easily be oriented toward RVing. For example, you could use it to check in with family back home and keep them updated as to your location without having to text or call or check in. The app even has a panic button that can be activated if needed. For parents, the app has a social media monitor that allows Mom and Dad to see what the kids are doing on social media. It even can be set to show their teen’s driving habits, so they know whether they are speeding. However, RVers could use those features so friends and family back home could follow their social media posts and see whether they are on the road or camped somewhere. It’s free for iOS and Android with premium features available for purchase.
Summer Safety apps
With the brunt of RVing done during the summer, it’s important to remember the elements presented by Mother Nature during the warmest time of the year. These apps help you practice even better summer safety.
OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool, from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helps you take precautions against outdoor heat while working or playing. It features a real-time heat index and hourly forecasts specific to your location. The app is free for iOS and Android.
The Waterlogged app makes sure you stay hydrated. The app tracks your water intake with minimal effort and can send reminders of when it’s time to drink water. The app is free for iOS and Android, with in-app purchases for premium features.
EPA’s SunWise UV Index app provides a daily and hourly forecast of the expected intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, as well as sun safety tips, to help you plan your outdoor activities. The app is free for iOS and Android.
Eating and Kitchen apps
You could technically dine out for every meal while on the road, but that doesn’t seem especially economical or healthy, especially these days.
Tasty offers more than 3,000 recipes right at your fingertips. The app features an innovative search tool that allows you to filter by any ingredient, cuisine, and social occasion you’re in the mood for. There are even videos to help you figure it all out. The app is free for iOS and Android.
NYT Cooking browses and searches thousands of recipes from The New York Times. Recipes feature beautiful photography and easy-to-follow instructions. It sets up your own personal recipe box. Mark recipes you’ve cooked, rate recipes, and leave notes. The app is free for iOS and Android, with premium features available for purchase.
Food Network Kitchen includes more than 80,000 recipes and step-by-step cooking classes. Each week, you can choose from more than 50 live classes taught by your favorite Food Network stars, culinary experts, award-winning chefs, and surprise celebrity guests. The app is free for iOS and Android.
Nature apps
Use your smartphone or tablet to (ironically?) connect with nature!
Audubon Bird Guide is an app that helps you get outside and enjoy birdwatching. It covers 810 species using photos instead of drawings, includes range maps, has a good selection of audio recordings, including alternate calls and regional variations, and has slightly more descriptive text, including habitat, range, and nesting information. The app is free for iOS and Android.
Another great app for use outside is Sky Guide. It shows a detailed picture of the heavenly bodies above and what’s over the horizon and on the other side of the world. The app also points out constellations and their exact locations so you can look up at the real sky and find everything. The app is available for iOS and costs $2.99.
As long as you’re outside exploring, consider the iNaturalist app. It helps you identify the plants and animals around you. Get connected with a community of over 400,000 scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature when you document what you’ve seen. . The app is free for iOS and Android.
Fishing apps
What's a great RV trip without doing some fishing? We have three apps for RV travel that will help you.
Fishbrain is currently the no. 1 fishing app, serving as a personal fishing log, map, and forecasting tool. Other features explore the most effective baits, and you can know exactly what you’ve caught with the app’s species recognition tool. The app is free for iOS and Android.
Fishing Points lets you save and find your favorite fishing locations and trolling paths. It offers satellite views from Google Maps, or you can use offline mode with nautical charts for boating on open seas, lakes, or rivers. The app is free for iOS and Android.
BassForce puts the expertise of the greatest bass anglers of all time right at your fingertips. Just input the conditions for your fishing day and the app’s pros will show you the specific baits that have worked for them under those exact same conditions. The app is free for iOS.
Streaming Video apps
With so many great TV shows and movies available on services like Netflix, Hulu, and others, keeping track of them all can be a big job—especially if you’re looking for your favorites.
JustWatch lists streaming services where you can watch movies and TV for free, rent, or buy. There are nearly 40 streaming providers, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, and more. The app has lots of interest and genre filters and newly added shows and movies for each service. The app is free for iOS and Android.
Reelgood pulls listings from hundreds of services to provide custom listings in one app. You can also buy or rent shows and movies that aren’t available to watch for free. The app also recommends new shows and incorporates ratings from services like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb scores. The app is free for iOS.
Yidio monitors major services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, as well as smaller services, delivering more than 100 in total. When you find a TV show or movie, the app lists the streaming sites that have it available. Choose one, and you will be taken to the site's app or website to buy, rent, or watch it. Some shows can be watched in-app. The app is free for iOS and Android.
Sleep apps
Are you having trouble sleeping? These apps can monitor how well you sleep—or don’t. This information can be especially useful when working with a physician to address potentially serious problems.
The SleepScore app tracks your sleep and shows when you sleep light, deep, or when you wake up. It uses sonar technology, so you only have to have your phone by your bedside for it to work. The app is free for iOS and Android, and premium features are available for purchase.
Sleep Cycle provides analysis to help you get a good night’s sleep and better overall health. The app has an intelligent alarm clock designed to gently wake you up while you’re in your lightest sleep phase. It also integrates with Apple Health. The app is free for iOS and Android, with premium features available for purchase.
Weather apps
Bad weather can happen anytime. Several apps for RV travel will help you prepare for the worst when it comes to the potential devastation that Mother Nature can bring.
The Drive Weather app illustrates the National Weather Service’s forecast, showing motorists the weather along their route at the expected time they will be at each point on their trip. Drive Weather shows motorists road trip weather, compares weather on different routes, and allows drivers to add stops and interactively change departure time to find the safest time to travel. The app is available for Android and iOS
NOAA Weather Radar Live is a must-have in our book, offering weather forecasts and much more. Features include a radar overlay that shows areas of rain, snow, and mixed precipitation in high resolution and vivid colors. Set your device to receive alerts from the app whenever severe weather is on the way, too. The app is free for iOS and Android.
The Storm Radar app brings you up-to-date, high-definition radar provided by NOAA. In fact, Storm Radar lets you view weather patterns up to six hours ahead of time where you live. Allow the app to send you notifications, and you won’t even have to keep checking the app for bad weather that might be on the way. The app is free for iOS and Android.
The Weather Radar app from AccuWeather goes beyond your local forecast to provide a daily snapshot of the UV index, visibility, allergy, precipitation, and air quality reports. All the information can be accessed directly via the app. Look ahead 15 days to ensure you’re prepared for any weather, or use the app’s MinuteCast feature for hyper-current and local forecasts. The app is free for iOS and Android.
Petcare apps
With so many of our RV Lifestyle Fellow Travelers hitting the road with their pets, I would be remiss to not include two apps that can be useful for RVing with a four-legged friend/friends.
Pet First Aid from the American Red Cross is a first aid guide and knowledge base for owners of dogs and cats. The app provides instant access to simple first-aid lessons, step-by-step guides, and a nice selection of how-to videos. There’s also a section for vet contact details. The app is free for iOS and Android. This is great when you are far from home.
Rover is often called a kind of “Uber for dog sitters.” It helps you find dog sitters near you, all of whom have been vetted for trustworthiness. The service is covered by insurance. We've used it all across the country with great results. You can book pet sitters for boarding, house sitting, doggy daycare, and visits, and sitters can use the app to provide photo updates and notifications to pet owners. The app is free for iOS and Android.
Document your journey apps
When it’s all over (or while you travel), you may want to document your story for your records or to share it with others.
Created by travelers, for travelers, Driftr is designed as a social network for those who like to hit the road. The app supports photos and videos and encourages sharing reviews and travel advice. Create your own travel blog instantly. Quickly and easily find the best places to stay, attractions, and places to eat anywhere while taking advantage of exclusive offers. It's helpful in planning a trip as well. The app is free for iOS and Android.
Day One lets you create an entry with just one click or use one of the numerous templates. You can add data like location, weather, the music you are listening to, and more. Plus, you can embed photos and videos or even draw. To make sure you stay consistent, you can set notifications to remind you that it’s time to journal. The app is free for iOS and Android.
What should we ADD or REMOVE? Let us know in our RV Community!
