Unlock Nature’s Best-Kept Secrets: Top Campsite Finder Apps Reviewed! (2024)

Camping is a form of escapism for many people. The National Park Service recently released its new mobile app, and it could well be a game-changer. Following the launch of “National Parks Service,” we compiled a list of the 11 best campsite finder to download for your next adventure.

There is nothing better than getting back to nature and removing ourselves from the stress of everyday life. Indeed, camping is a fantastic way of escaping our phones, laptops, and tablets or the expectations to be instantly contactable via these platforms can wear very thin.

Equally important, there are many ways a well-prepared camper can use technology to enhance their experience. However, it is possible to plan your next adventure without leaving your couch.

Unlock Nature’s Best-Kept Secrets: Top Campsite Finder Apps Reviewed! (1)

Conversely, stress levels can return if you have to endure hours of driving to numerous campsites with no availability after getting lost on the way. Not to mention, after arriving at a campground, realizing there is nothing to do or see for miles around.

Our list will include the best of the best apps in the categories of “Campsite Databases and Finders,” “Private and Unique Sites,” “Maps and Information,” and “Miscellaneous.”

Recommended Reading: 21 Best Camping Games for Adults , 13 Cheapest Camper Trailers Under $10,000, 13 Exciting Non Hiking Activities to Do in National Parks,

Table of contents

  • Apps to Find Campsites
  • AllStays Overnight Parking at Walmart
  • The Best Campsite Database and Campsite Finder Apps
  • The Best Private and Unique Campsite Apps
  • The Best Maps and Information Apps
  • The Best Miscellaneous Apps
  • Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
  • Summary
  • Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?

Apps to Find Campsites

National Park Service

Price: Free

Platform: IOS and Android

User Rating: 4.6/5.0

Pros:

  • The developers have packed an incredible number of features into one easy-to-use application.
  • National Parks Service is a one-stop-shop for all National Park visitors, unifying the previous library of apps.
  • The app enables availability searches bookings across all of the sites listed.
  • There is in-depth information on local facilities and hiking suggestions.
  • The user can download local maps and audio tours for offline use.
  • Taking a little time to set up personal preferences quickly provides news and alerts for any listed site.
  • The app is intuitive and allows you to easily save favorites or create a wish list of locations for future trips.

Cons:

  • The app is definitely suffering from a few of the rough edges that a new release sometimes has.
  • Pass integration is not yet included.
  • Adding parks to lists is a bit unstable.

AllStays Overnight Parking at Walmart

Price:$2.99

Platform: IOS

User Rating: 4.3/5.0

How can the AllStays Overnight Parkng app help you?

It provides Walmart locations in the USA and Canada, whether an RVer or not. AllStays has filters for gas stations, groceries, tires, pharmacy and whether it is open 24/7. Plan your pit stops to replenish your camping supplies at Walmart.

You can also see which Walmarts allow and do not allow overnight parking, as well as their locations. What’s more, check where each Walmart store is situated on a map in the USA and Canada by using this app. As you move, the location will be identified by the app, but it’s not always be accurate or available since users update the info.

It’s estimated that about 1 in 7 stores don’t allow overnights, so always ask a manager before parking. You don’t want to get towed while sleeping

The app rely on RV’ers feedback and help to keep the locations up to date. Like the others, finding reliable campsites is ever-changing.

The Best Campsite Database and Campsite Finder Apps

Campendium – RV & Tent Camping

Price: Free

Platform: IOS

User Rating: 4.9/5.0

Campendium was designed and developed by experienced campers, and has compiled a comprehensive list of RV Parks, free campsites, national parks, national forests, and state parks. What’s more, each listing includes information on the number of sites, pad type, reservation requirements, elevation, allowed length of stay, cell phone coverage, and if tent camping is allowed. Additionally, campers can review campground amenities, cleanliness, accessibility, quality, noise level and confirm cell service coverage across the US from Assateague Island camping to Joshua Tree National Park.

Pros:

  • Campendium has been designed and developed by experienced campers.
  • It has information regarding tens of thousands of camping destinations, ranging from top-class RV parks to remote free to camp spots.
  • The listings are regularly updated, so you can be assured that the information you see is the information you need.
  • Campendium allows you to plot out a long-haul trip, showing you spots for quick overnighters in safe, free campgrounds on your way to your destination.
  • Cell phone signal is regularly reviewed for the campsites.

Cons:

  • Although the app is free, it is pretty heavy on advertisem*nts.
  • You cannot make bookings on the app.

The Dyrt – Tent & RV Camping

Price: Free (PRO version is $35.99 a year)

Platform: IOS and Android

User Rating: 4.7/5.0

Pros:

  • Widely regarded as one of the best camping apps on the market.
  • Includes listings for Federal, National Parks, State Parks, County Parks, Bureau of Land Management, KOA, Good Sam, Thousand Trails, Private and Military camping sites.
  • The Dyrt allows campers to locate, research, and book over 42,000 ranked campsites.
  • User-submitted reviews provide a comprehensive guide to the site and surrounding area.
  • Reviews can lead to prizes for individuals, including discounts on outdoor brands.
  • PRO version includes Trip Planner, Offline Functionality, and Downloadable Maps.

Cons:

  • Although the free version is excellent, you will need the PRO version to really enjoy the app’s full features. $35.99 a year might be off-putting.

(Editor’s Note: The pro version does include substantial discounts on equipment and booking fees. You may find that you easily make the $35.99 in savings)

RA Camping – Reserve America, Find, Book, Reserve Campsites

Price: Free

Platform: IOS & Android

User Rating: 4.5/5.0

Pros:

  • Search for RV parks, campsites, yurts, and cabins on state, federal and private land across the US.
  • Searches can be specific for dates, locations, and amenities, with results displayed on a clear and concise map with 3d touch interaction.
  • Reserve and book sites quickly and safely.
  • Campground information includes photos and an extensive breakdown of facilities.
  • RA Camping has included a trip tracker, which consists of a helpful upcoming reservation tab.

Cons:

  • Map functionality can be slightly limited.
  • No user-generated review option.

Boondocking – Find Free Campsite finder apps

Price: $0.99

Platform: IOS

User Rating: 4.4/5.0

Pros:

  • Over 1300 listings for free camping spots.
  • User-submitted locations mean the database is continually expanding.
  • The interactive map shows you information, including driving distance, estimated journey time, and multiple views, including Open Street Map.
  • Excellent search filtering makes sure you are not scrolling through pages of unsuitable options.
  • Information for all camping spots includes user reviews and Flickr photographs where available.
  • Offline functionality is excellent.

Cons:

  • Obviously, this app is limited to free sites. It’s not particularly useful for campers looking for any other type of camping option.
  • There are minimal options for Canada.

ALLSTAYS : Camp & RV, Tents to RV Parks

Price: $9.99

Platform: IOS

User Rating: 4.3/5.0

All Stay Apps provides information on campgrounds for every type of camping. From Walmart parking lots to military bases camp sites, campers and RVs, camps and tents, rest stops, and places to dump your RV dump, there’s something for everyone.

Also, AllStaypps offers the most accurate and up-to-date information. Stay informed with up-to-date weather reports and campground conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

Pros:

  • Allstays are a well-established company with over twenty years of experience.
  • The app contains an extensive database of sites ranging from paid RV and Tent sites to parking lots and fuel station rest areas.
  • Comprehensive information for every site.
  • Offline functionality means no unexpected issues when searching for information.
  • Comprehensive search options enable you to create filters specific to your exact needs.
  • Allstays is a Starbucks featured app.

Cons:

  • The price might be discouraging.
  • You cannot make bookings on the app.
  • Sites do not have user-generated reviews.

Camp Finder – Camping Road Trip

Price: $3.99

Platform: IOS and Android

User Rating: 4.3/5.0

Pros:

  • Information on over 19,000 campsites, RV parks, and resorts.
  • Search for your perfect camping spot through location, amenities, rates, and reviews.
  • Camp Finder has included some hidden gem campsites that might not be recognized by other apps.
  • GPS feature provides travel directions from your current location to your preferred campsite.
  • Customer service is excellent.

Cons:

  • We personally don’t think this app has enough features to justify its price. You can find very similar functions in the top free apps.
  • The map can be a bit inaccurate.
  • App feels a bit unstable at times.

The Best Private and Unique Campsite Apps

HipCamp

Price: Free

Platform: IOS

User Rating: 4.6/5.0

Pros:

  • HipCamp has partnered with private landowners to highlight hidden, off-the-beaten-track campsites.
  • The nature of the campsites means they have individual characteristics unique to the owner’s preferences. For example, why not search for a camp within a private vineyard or mushroom farm? You might be surprised!
  • Community sourced photographs and reviews make for a comprehensive breakdown of each and every camping spot.
  • You can check availability and book your choice of a unique campsite with ease.
  • There are some amusing and quirky sites to be found on the app.

Cons:

  • There are minimal options for campers looking for medium price range or budget options.
  • The fees that HipCamp charges when booking are very much on the high side.

Tentrr

Price: free

Platform: iOs and Android

User Rating:

Tentrr makes booking campsites easy by providing fully equipped, private and individual campsites in the great outdoors. Bring your favorite pillows and ditch the tent and heavy gear. What’s more, the campkeepers are your hosts and can give you insider info on adventures, hiking spots, and secret swimming holes.

Overall, this is best for the occasional camper who doesn’t want to bring (or buy) camping gear for their outdoor adventures. But if you are an experienced pro and enjoy setting up the perfect campsite based on your needs, this may not be for you.

Pros:

  • Shelter and gear provided for you or choose to bring your own
  • Private and unique campsites.
  • Novice campers will enjoy amenities since they may forget to bring certain essential camping gear
  • Good alternative to crowded campsites

Cons:

  • Buggy App. Updates pending
  • No option to contact campkeepers prior to booking.
  • GPS can be inconsistent.
  • More expensive than traditional campgrounds.

The Best Maps and Information Apps

Rei Co-Op National Parks Guide

Price: Free

Platform: IOS and Android

User Rating: 4.3/5.0

Pros:

  • Rei has developed a comprehensive guide for hiking and sightseeing throughout the National Parks.
  • Users can search for potential locations or routes by location and proximity before accessing comprehensive information provided by local hikers and user reviews.
  • The star rating is easy to understand, and “best of” lists enable quick searches.
  • The topographical map is intuitive and responsive. It is easy to scan for potential routes or beauty spots.
  • The app even has a GPS locator function in case of getting lost out on the trail.

Cons:

  • The app is a little bit battery intensive to be used as I would like.

InRoute – Intelligent Routing

Price: Free (Premium $3.99 a month / $29.99 a year or single trip upgrade $14.99)

Platform: IOS and Android

User Rating: 4.3/5.0

Pros:

  • InRoute is fantastic for planning a long road trip. It can be beneficial for RV drivers.
  • You can plan your route according to multiple factors that other navigation apps or in-car sat nav don’t allow.
  • Weather, elevation, curvy roads, and driving time are factored in.
  • InRoute enables you to plot campsites along a journey at specific points along a journey. For example, you could plan to drive six hours a day and ask InRoute to plot a route with a campsite for every six hours of travel.

Cons:

  • The premium version is quite expensive.
  • The interface can be slightly confusing at times.

The Best Miscellaneous Apps

Windy (formally Windyty)

Price: Free

Platform: IOS and Android

User Rating: 4.8/5.0

Pros:

  • Windy is one of the most accurate weather reporting and forecasting tools available.
  • This app is consistently used by professional pilots, fishermen, skiers, surfers, and even the military.
  • The free version of Windy is packed with more features than many apps that carry premium price tags.
  • You can overlay 35 different layers onto the incredibly intuitive map.
  • It is possible to set up desired weather alerts for your favorite spots. Windy app sends you an email when your favorite skiing, surfing, or mountain biking spot is about to enjoy optimum conditions.
  • Windy will provide you with interactive, updated weather forecasting for the next ten days.

Cons:

  • The app can appear intimidating when you first open it if you are not used to reading satellite weather charts. However, it is very straightforward if you give it time to learn the features.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Can I Use Campsite Finder Apps to Book Campsites?

Many campsite finder apps offer booking capabilities:
Direct Booking: Some apps allow you to check availability and reserve a campsite directly.
External Links: Others may provide links to the campground’s reservation system.

How Accurate Are the Campsite Locations and Information in These Apps?

The accuracy can vary:
Official Apps: Apps associated with national or state park services tend to have accurate and up-to-date information.
User-Generated Content: Apps relying on user contributions can be less reliable, but user reviews often help verify the accuracy.

Are There Campsite Finder Apps That Cater to Specific Types of Camping, Like RV or Backcountry Camping?

Yes, there are apps tailored to specific camping styles:
RV Camping: Look for apps that list sites with RV hookups, dump stations, and large parking spots.
Backcountry Camping: Seek apps that focus on remote locations and provide detailed trail maps, water source locations, and terrain information.

Are There Free Campsite Finder Apps, or Do I Need to Pay?

Both free and paid options are available:
Free Apps: Many apps offer basic features for free but might include ads.
Paid Apps: Paid apps or premium versions often provide additional features like detailed maps, offline access, and ad-free experiences.

Summary

We believe that all of the above apps have a place on the home screen or desktop of any avid camping or backpacking enthusiast.

Hopefully, our list has given you an insight into the best apps to download for your next adventure.

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  • Sandy Adventures Await: Beach Camping in California

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