Exploring America’s great outdoors is a wonderful way to spend your vacations and holidays. You get to see all the beautiful scenery this country has to offer, and you get to do it in the comfort of your own home!
But if you’re new to RV travel, then you might be a little unsure of what you need in order to make your trip go smoothly. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite apps that all RV owners should have on their phones, so they’ll know what’s around them no matter where they are.
The first one is called “Camp Finder” which helps you find nearby campgrounds based on location and amenities such as showers or hookups for electricity. It will also give you directions from wherever you are right now, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost!
The second app is called “Gas Buddy” which helps you find the cheapest gas prices near where you were last at. It uses GPS tracking so it knows exactly where to look for stations with low fuel costs. This can come in handy if ever run out of gas or are driving through an area that has higher than normal prices due to supply shortages or other reasons beyond any driver’s control such as natural disasters like hurricanes – natural disasters can cause gas
Best Apps For Rv Travel
Although we retreat to the great outdoors to escape from the daily grind of email and work, mindfully-applied technology can enhance our adventures. Fortunately, from trip planning to RV checklists to finding the perfect hiking trail—there’s an app for it all. Love campers and trailers? Come join our community group.
Unlike in say, 2012 or so, the problem today is that there are too many apps. Search for “best camping app” or “RV app” and an array of options will appear, all claiming to be better than the last. So we’ve done the hard work—read: downloaded and deleted a ton of apps—to determine the best of the best when it comes to road trips, RVs, and camping.
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When possible, we tried to find apps that are available on both iOS and Android. We’ve also prioritized well-reviewed and proven apps over brand-new, untested ones. That being said, the user experience of apps can change quickly based on updates (or the lack thereof). So if you love something and don’t see it here, please let us know.
We’ve divided up this guide into eight different categories that can help you plan, navigate, and enjoy your road trip. Behold, the ultimate guide to the best RV and camping apps.
A white camper trailer in a desert. There are people in the trailer lounging on a bed.
Want to hit the road in a modernized teardrop? Check out this sleek $9,000 version. Courtesy of Polydrop Trailers
Planning
InRoute Route Planner
Details: Figuring out the best route can be challenging, but InRoute Planner makes it easy. The app lets you optimize waypoints for fastest time, or you can add up to 150 locations with a manual reorder. Interactive charts show elevation, curviness, and weather, as well as helpful info like the sunrise and sunset times. You can also export routes to Google maps, GPS devices, and Waze.
Cost: Free for the first 7 days, then it costs $3.99 monthly or $29.99 annually for Pro or $14.99 for Premium. Available on iOS
Roadtrippers
Details: If you’ve always wondered what stops to make during your road trip, Roadtrippers has the answer. The app helps you find quirky roadside attractions, scenic points, and parks, and you can save trips or places as you go. The free version only includes up to seven waypoints, which is a bummer, and content is best in more populated regions.
Cost: Free for iOS and Android devices
Google Trips
Details: Although Google Trips is also used for other types of travel, it can still be helpful for road trips. The app gathers all of your reservations from your emails in one place and provides day plans organized on a map from top travel destinations.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
Roadside America
Details: If you can’t get enough of the weird attractions found on America’s highways, this is the app for you. You can expect reports, maps, and photos to under-the-radar destinations.
Cost: $2.99 on iOS, app includes one of seven US/Canada regions, with the option to purchase more.
A Packing List App
Details: When you camp a lot, packing is a major hassle. These apps makes it easy with the ability to create, reuse, and export packing lists. You can create and manage categories and even set up reminders and notifications so that you don’t forget essential items.
Cost: We like this app on iOS and this one for Android
high-roof 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter van
If you’ve been dreaming of #VanLife, check out this Class B Sportsmobile camper van that sleeps a family of six and has plenty of storage for gear and food. Photo by Lucy Beaugard
Navigation
Google Maps
Details: If there’s any general app that’s best for navigation, Google Maps is it. With over 220 countries and territories, real-time GPS traffic and transit info, and info on the best bike routes, it’s a no brainer.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
Waze
Details: Use this app for navigating traffic and getting real-time arrival estimates. It works best in or around big cities, and sometimes we compare routes and times to Google Maps for accuracy.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
CoPilot RV
Details: Designed specifically for RV owners, CoPilot provides reliable offline navigation that calculates your route according to your vehicle size and class (heigh, weight, and length). This helps to prevent dangerous run-ins with low bridges or propane-restricted tunnels.
Cost: Free for iOS and Android
Two small camper trailers in red and yellow.
It’s not all about the giant RVs; look at this cute is a travel trailer—called the Meerkat—made by Little Guy Trailers in Southern California. Courtesy of Little Guy Trailers
On the Road
Gas Buddy
Details: Sometimes you need to know where the next gas station is, but it’s even more important to know which gas is cheapest. Gas Buddy helps you locate stations with the lowest-priced gas—no matter the type—and you can filter search results by location, brand, and amenities like restrooms.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
Audible
Details: It can be hard to pass the time as the miles tick by, so use the Audible app for the world’s largest selection of audiobooks, audio shows, and original series.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
Tune In Radio
Details: When you want to tune in to local radios or listen to NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL games on the go, use this app. It streams 100,000 radio stations for free.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
inflating camper trailer
Love easy camp set-up? The Air Opus is a self-inflating camping trailer that inflates in just 90 seconds. Courtesy of Air Opus
Where to Camp
Reserve America
Details: Reserve America is the website that manages online campsite reservations for most state and local government park lands campgrounds in North America. You can search by location, dates, and site type. If you create an account, you can also save favorited campsites and organize your top choices with helpful category lists.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
Recreation.gov
Details: Although not as seamless and easy to use as Reserve America, Recreation.gov is another crucial tool in booking campsites. That’s because sites on federal land are not bookable on Reserve America, instead you have to use recreation.gov.
Recreation.gov is the primary booking platform for national parks. Even if you find something on another platform, you will likely end up at Recreation.gov for booking. We like the map feature on this app and you can filter by amenities, site type, and availability. Pro tip: Most national parks release their campsites six months in advance. But if you missed the boat on Fourth of July, there are usually still reservations available in late August and September at even the busiest of national parks.
Cost: Get the app for free on iOS
AllStays
Details: Another comprehensive camping app that lets you book 30,000 campgrounds, RV parks, and even free parking lots to stay in—we’re looking at you, Walmart. The best part of the Allstays app is all the filters; adventurers can narrow their selections by types of camping, how much it costs, elevation, electric and water hookup availability, and even whether there is fishing, hiking, or a pool nearby. We’ve found that Allstays can be especially helpful for people with RVs who need to find campsites near RV dealers or dump stations.
Cost: Available as AllStays Pro on a web browser starting at $32.95 or on iOS for $9.99.
Hipcamp
Details: We’ve long used Hipcamp as a kind of Airbnb for camping, scoring great spots on private land during hard-to-book holiday weekends. Now Hipcamp has debuted a new app with more than 300,000 campsites, glamping accommodations, and RV sites. Filters make it easy to narrow searches, and a last-minute feature lets travelers book options for the same evening or upcoming weekend.
Cost: The just-launched app is only available for iOS, but it will soon be available for Android as well.
iOverlander
Details: This nonprofit, 100 percent volunteer project aims to help people around the world find places to stay on the road. The database includes camping, hotels, restaurants, mechanics, water, propane filling, and you can search the listings or browse everything on a map.
We find this app very useful, especially when we’re traveling off-the-grid or beyond the normal routes.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android devices
Harvest Hosts
Details: While other sites let you book a campsite without paying a membership fee, Harvest Host is a different model. A membership provides access to a network of more than 900 wineries, breweries, farms, and golf courses across the U.S. where RVers can visit and stay overnight for free. You need a self-contained RV as host locations do not provide any hookups or bathrooms, and you also can’t use tent-trailers, tents, or outdoor kitchens.
Okay with these rules? If so, you’ll get access to stunning, quiet spots that are miles away from traditional campsites.
Cost: $79 per year on iOS and Android
Campendium
Details: Developed by a team of full-time RV travelers, Campendium features 27,000 RV and tent campsites with plenty of reviews to help you figure out which site is best. Join other campers to see a ton of info on the campsite of your choosing, like photos, GPS coordinates, camping fees, and whether or not the spot has cell coverage. After you’re finished camping, log in to leave your own reviews and help future campers know where to go.
This is a great app to find campsites and see crowdsourced information, but note that you’ll use external links to actually book your site.
Cost: Available on iOS for free
USFS and BML Campgrounds
Details: You forgot to reserve a campsite and now you have nowhere to go on a busy holiday weekend. Instead of staying home, use this app to find more than 5,800 United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management campgrounds throughout the U.S.
Most of these campsites are either free or much cheaper than more developed campgrounds, and the app shows the campground, weather, elevation, and more.
Cost: $.99 for iOS users
The Dyrt
Details: We like The Dyrt because this streamlined app does a good job of helping you find and read reviews about campsites. You can filter by type of site but we also love that you can filter by how you get to the site—drive-in, walk-in, hike-in, and boat-in.
User-generated photos are helpful, and popular camping spots see a lot of reviews. To incentivize people to write reviews, The Dyrt offers prizes and money to campers.
Cost: Free for iOS and Android devices
RV Parky
Details: Built by full-time RVers on the road, this is a comprehensive app that lets you see RV parks, campgrounds, rest areas, gas stations, and stores. The RV parks are either commercially owned, public parks, KOAs, Jellystone, or Casino properties.
Cost: Free for iOS and Android devices
A red yurt with a small staircase leading to a wooden door. There are wildflowers in the foreground and mountains in the background.
If glamping is more your style, check out our round up of vacation rental yurts. Courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies
Tech and Help
Togo
Details: Need something to organize all the tasks associating with owning an RV? Togo fits the bill. The app works to track maintenance, find service centers, set up notifications, and create checklists while packing for a trip.
Cost: Free for iOS and Android devices
Wi-Fi Finder
Details: If you’re planing to work on the road, knowing where you can find good Wi-Fi is key. This app has offline functionality so you can download maps for the places you’re traveling to. It also only features verified hotspots with info on the type of venue and speed.
Cost: Free for iOS and Android devices
Bubble Level
Details: Tired of setting up camp just to realize your RV isn’t level? Use this app and ensure a good night’s sleep simply by holding any of the phone’s four sides against an object.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android devices
People are also camping in “skoolies,” or converted school buses. Interested? Take a tour. Courtesy of Going Boundless
Trails and Guides
REI Co-op National Parks Guide
Details: This top-notch app provides trail data and hike descriptions for the most-visited National Parks in the U.S., like Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and more. The data is available offline, and your phone uses its built-in GPS to show your location on maps. There’s also a curated list of family friendly hikes.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android devices
Lonely Planet
Details: If you’re traveling near or in a city, check out this Lonely Planet app for expert city guides that are easily downloaded. Maps and recommendations work offline and you can also bookmark your favorites.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android devices
Parks Canada
Details: Travel to our friendly neighbors to our north and you’ll be grateful for this app. New updates make the user experience much better, and the app lets you find parks, see trail maps, and explore campgrounds.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android devices
Oh Ranger
Details: While other apps feature just national parks, this app is a comprehensive database of every national, state, and local park in the U.S. You’ll be able to see where the parks are near you and what you can do—think hiking, horseback riding, or water sports—once you get there.
Cost: Free on iOS
All Trails
Details: This well-reviewed app gives you access to more than 75,000 hiking, backpacking, and running trails around the world. You can also filter by type of trails—think dog-friendly spots or trails suitable for kiddos.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
MTB Project
Details: Other apps may claim to show you mountain biking trails, but no app is better than this one. You’ll find offline maps, full GPS route info, elevation profiles, interactive features, photos, and topographical trail maps. The go-to app for bikers, everywhere.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
The Outbound Collective
Details: Enter in a location and the Outbound Collective provides an array of adventure-oriented activities. Local hot springs, under-the-radar hikes, and plenty of photos make this app a fun choice. We really appreciate the comprehensive, quirky filters; some of our favorites include bodysurfing, kiteboarding, yoga, cliff jumping, adult beverages, and wildflowers.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
A silver mini van. The roof has a pop out inflatable sleeping area. There is a black pattern painted on the van.
Looking for a camper that fits in your garage, can function as a daily driver, and still sleep two to four people? Here are five options. Courtesy of Recon Campers
Weather and Safety
Accuweather
Details: Weather can make or break an adventure, and we think Accuweather does a good job of keeping you up-to-date on what storm is coming next.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
First Aid by American Red Cross
Details: Available in English or Spanish, this easy-to-use app provides step-by-step instructions to guide you through everyday first aid scenarios. Videos and animations are helpful, and there are also safety tips to help you prep for weather disasters.
Cost: Free on iOS and Android
A Compass App
Details: Sometimes it’s the simple things in life, like having an accurate, live-saving compass when you need one.
Cost: We like this free one on Android and this one on iOS
A Survival Guide
Details: The first-aid app above can help you clean a wound, but what happens when you need to build a shelter or determine if a plant is poisonous? Download a survival guide app just in case.
Cost: We like this free one on Android and this one on iOS
A white and tan camper with an inflatable orange tent on top of the camper. The camper is parked in a grassy field.
If you’re camping with kids, check out these trailers and vans that can sleep a crowd. Courtesy of TAXA Outdoors
allstays rv app
With over six years of RV living under our belts, one of our Essential Mobile Apps for RVing is still the Allstays Camp and RV app. This must have app for RVers is ideal for planning your next RV trip and for when you’re on the road. The Allstays app has saved us money, helped us find places to camp and so much more. Keep reading for more reasons on why the Allstays Camp and RV app is a must have for RVers.
Note: the Allstays app is currently only available for iPhones and iPads. If you are an Android user, an alternative to the mobile app is Allstays Pro, which has even more features.
Allstays Camp and RV app
Allstays Camp and RV App Review
Table of Contents
Cost of Allstays Camp and RV App
Main Features
How to Use Allstays App
Standard Filters
Advanced Filters
Offline Access
Cost of Allstays Camp and RV App
We paid $9.99 in the Apple App Store for the Allstays Camp and RV app in 2015 and it has more than paid for itself with features such as locating free RV dump stations and free places to camp. The Allstays app cost has remained at the same price of $9.99 for iOS devices.
Main Features
When you launch the Allstays Camp and RV app, it will use location services to determine where you are to display the services in that area. You can zoom in/out, move the map, search for a specific area and choose from three map views: standard, hybrid or satellite.
We prefer the standard map view below.
Allstays camp and rv app map view quartzsite
Without applying any filters, there will be six main categories displayed on the map:
Camping (including County, State and National Parks, Elks Lodge and Moose Places, Casinos, and National Forests)
Low Clearances (from 7 feet up to 15 feet)
RV related businesses (including RV dealers and service centers)
Rest areas with and without amenities such as hookups and potable water fills
Stores related to camping such as Cabela’s, Camping World, Costco, REI and Walmart)
Truck Stops (including Flying J, Loves, Pilot)
How to Use Allstays App
Tap on any of the services to bring up a quick overview. In the example below, I tapped on the Pilot Travel Center near Quartzsite, Arizona. This quick view also includes the distance by air from my current location.
Allstays camp and rv app quartzsite truck stop
To see additional information, tap on the white banner with the (i) icon. In the truck stop example, you will be able to see the exact location, reviews, phone number, website (if available), get driving directions, as well as detailed location information.
Allstays camp and rv app quartzsite truck stop details
Keep in mind that location information will vary depending on the type of business. In the truck stop example, there are details about the number of showers, diesel lanes, parking spots, dining options and more as you scroll down.
Users have the option to submit updates about each business by tapping on “Update Information” which will open a draft email. When we come across outdated or missing information, we will send an update to help keep the information relevant and accurate for fellow Allstays Camp and RV app users. For example, we might send an update with “overnight parking is no longer allowed at this Walmart location” or “there are 4 RV parking spaces at this Cracker Barrel”.
Standard Filters
The six main categories displayed can be filtered by tapping the options you want to see on the map. To access the filters, tap on filter icon in the main screen. We use this feature the most when we are looking for specific services in an area.
For example, if we want to look for a free dump facility, we select “RV Dumps – Extra Places” to see what’s available beyond campgrounds and truck stops.
Allstays camp and rv app map filters
The Allstays Camp and RV app has over 50 standard filters to choose from. Here are some of the options that we use frequently:
Public Lands: displays dispersed camping options in an area
National Park: helpful when planning a trip to places like Yellowstone National Park
Supplies – LPG Propane: displays propane fill locations nearby
Advanced Filters
Beyond the 50+ standard filters, there is also a long list of advanced filters to choose from. At the top of the filter screen, tap “Select Here for Amenities, Clubs, Rates and Much More” to access the advanced filters.
Allstays camp and rv app filters
This is where you can search for free campgrounds or only see rest areas. Other advanced filters options within the Allstays Camp and RV app include amenities such as firewood, boat launch, fishing and pet friendly places for those who RV with dogs or other pets.
Allstays camp and rv app advanced filters
Offline Access
The Allstays Camp and RV app does have offline access and this feature comes in handy when there is no cell service. Keep in mind, only parts of the Allstays app will work without internet connection.
One issue we’ve encountered is that the map doesn’t always load in the background. To get around the issue we view the map area we are traveling to ahead of time and at the level of zoom that we want. This will load the map into the memory of the iPhone. When we view it again offline the information displays without an issue.
Check out our post on Internet for RVers for tips on staying connected on the road.
Save Money with Allstays Camp and RV App
Free dump stations – use the “RV Dumps-Extra Places” filter. Some Camping World locations also have free RV dumps, make sure to call ahead to verify.
Free RV camping – use the “Avg Rate – Free” advanced filter or “Forest”, “Overnight Parking”, “Public Lands”, “Walmart Ask to Park” and “Rest” filters. Be sure to check the rest area for restrictions on overnight parking. We wrote a post about overnight parking at rest areas.
Cheaper camping options – use the “Avg Rate – $ and under” advanced filter.
Elks and Moose members – use the “Elk Places” and “Moose Places” filter to see which clubs have RV facilities. We wrote a post about RV Camping at Elks Lodge.
There are many ways to use the Allstays Camp and RV app and we can’t imagine life on the road without it.
A great alternative to the mobile app is Allstays Pro, a desktop version with even more information. This version works on phones and tablets, just login using the browser on your device.
Is there an Allstays App for Android?
In 2017, the Android version of the Allstays Camp and RV app was removed due to increase map fees. If you are an Android user and want to access Allstays Camp and RV app, the next best option is to purchase Allstays Pro. This version works on phones and tablets, just login using the browser on your device.
400×300 Supersize Pro and App Logos
How much does Allstays Pro cost?
The cost of Allstays Pro is $34.95 for a one year plan with a 100% money back guarantee. There are discounts if you sign up for an annual subscription or multi year plan. Visit Allstays Pro website for current rates and discounts.
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33 thoughts on “Allstays Camp and RV App – a Must Have for RVers”
Brian
May 12, 2020 at 9:21 am
I’m considering a 1/2 cross country from SoCal towards Illinois. Can I use the AllStays mobile app and website with one account?
Reply
Kait Russo
May 12, 2020 at 9:27 am
The Allstays app for iOS devices is a separate purchase and login from Allstays Pro which is the desktop version that is also accessible on your mobile and tablet devices. Also, the Allstays app is a one time purchase through the app store where Allstays Pro is an annual subscription service.
Reply
Mo
May 2, 2020 at 7:09 pm
I was told not to use the Allstay GPS as you cannot enter RV info such as Propane, weight, length, hight. Is this true?
Reply
Kait Russo
May 2, 2020 at 8:35 pm
We haven’t used the Allstays GPS feature. You can contact their customer support and ask. Our recommendation is to get an RV specific GPS.
Reply
Bud Roberts
February 28, 2020 at 1:44 pm
Just purchased this app. I like all the features so far but either cannot find a gps routing part or it’s not there. Can you advise. Thanks
Reply
Kait Russo
February 29, 2020 at 9:54 am
Hey Bud. When you open the full detail view of the destination, there are options for GPS routing. Look for “Send to Apple Maps” and “Send to Google Maps” below the phone number.
Reply
Kelly Keyes-Darcangelo
January 17, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Is this better than Rvparky?
Reply
Craig Willcox
August 2, 2018 at 6:28 am
Allstays is good, I’m still getting the hang of it, and worth the purchase price. One thing I find seriously deficient though is the RV Sanitation Dump locations. Since I started traveling I noticed these are hard to find and use and with more and more RVs on the roads I wonder how people are coping. I have checked the App for the western states and found it knows of some and pretty much doesn’t know of any. I would also suggest adding casinos as they frequently welcome RV travelers to park for a night.
Reply
Martina Marty
June 16, 2018 at 3:19 pm
well I am new as of last month to rv’ing. its more than a notion to be inside of a truck camper with someone 24 /7. I did 2 days and thought this is nice but I dunno, lol. So we are committed or need to be committed. Since we committed together financially this is going to work and we are going to look at this a another life journey path that has ups and downs but eventually you get to the next sweet spot/problem. We can do this. Lance 975 2018…first thing we found is that truck dealers and rv dealers will tell you anything. Do your homework on your cargo weight. read whats on the camper vs whats installed after that changes that weight. look at the stick/ask what is the weight max of 1st axle and 2nd axle. I am telling you….be sure very sure what the weights definitely are…not “oh yeah it will fit/pull that…thats not the right answer…sit down with paper and pencil and figure out what size tires and rims you need to haul it. speaking from experience…other wise you will have a rig that its max cargo
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