RVing Know How

  • Types Of RVs
  • Tow Vehicles
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • RV Power & Electrical Supplies
  • RV Appliances
  • Living In An RV
  • Travel & Destinations
  • RV Gear Buyer’s Guides

Best RV Road Trip Planner Apps And Tools

20 Best RV Trip Planners in 2024: Perfect RV Trip Planning Tools for Road Trip Adventures

Aaron Richardson

  • Last Updated: September 2, 2024
  • 13 minutes read

Going on an RV adventure is both thrilling and demanding, requiring meticulous preparation to ensure a seamless journey.

Central to this preparation is choosing the best RV trip planners .

Having tested over 30 different RV trip planning tools firsthand, I’ve navigated my way through countless routes, campsites, and destinations to find the most reliable and user-friendly options that cater to the unique needs of RV travelers.

In my search for efficient planning tools, I found that RV Trip Wizard stands out as the best overall for its comprehensive features that cater to all aspects of RV travel planning, including route planning, campsite reviews, and essential stopovers, making planning an RV trip in 2024 a breeze.

This level of in-depth exploration and testing has equipped me with the knowledge to confidently guide others in their RV travel preparations.

Based on my experience, the top RV trip planning tools are:

  • RV Trip Wizard : Best overall for comprehensive RV trip planning
  • CoPilot RV : Optimal for detailed route planning
  • Google Maps : Great for familiar interface and real-time updates
  • RoadTrippers : Excellent for discovering unique roadside attractions
  • RV Parky : Top choice for free campground and parking lot finds
  • The Dyrt : Ideal for comprehensive campground reviews and tips
  • Free Campsites : Best free RV route planner for boondocking
  • HipCamp : Superior for finding private and unique camping spots
  • Campendium : Great for detailed campground info and RV park reviews
  • iOverlander : Top for international RV travel planning
  • Harvest Hosts : Best for unique overnight stays at wineries and farms
  • Oh, Ranger! : Ideal for U.S. national and state park information
  • AllTrails : Excellent for hiking trail explorations
  • Spotify : Must-have for road trip entertainment
  • Libby : Top for free access to books and audiobooks
  • Drive.fm : Great for hands-free guided tours
  • GasBuddy : Essential for finding the best gas prices nearby
  • MyRadar : Ideal for weather predictions on the go
  • American Red Cross : Must-have for emergency preparedness resources
  • Outdoorsy : Best for RV and gear rentals

IN THIS ARTICLE

Best RV Trip Planner Apps

RV Trip Planner Apps

A good plan can help you save money, relax, and stay organized, so you can see and do more.

Below are the two best RV Road Trip Planner apps on the market for Planning the Perfect RV Trip Route:

1. RV Trip Wizard (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (PAID)

If you’re looking for the best RV trip planner app on the market look no further.

RV Trip Wizard is a versatile and user-friendly that offers a more expansive and diverse list of campgrounds and points of interests than it’s closest competitor CoPilot RV. 

If you don’t believe me, just check out these useful features, including:

It’s a web-based program. No installation required so you can use it on any device with access to the web. 

No internet, no problem! Download your trip onto a device and use it offline.

A stream-lined, interactive map helps users plot the safest route for their RV’s exact class and size.

No stop limit. Users can select as many stops as they want along their route, from a database of over 20,000 campsites and 57,000 points of interest.

Save money. The programs money tracking tool will help you keep track of expenditures and better budget your trip.

But that’s not all! RV Trip Wizard recently teamed up with the RV LIFE GPS & Campgrounds app to provide it’s users with safe, RV-relevant navigation. All you need is a mobile phone, or other GPS enabled device.

Then you just download the RV LIFE GPS & Campgrounds app from the app store (Android or iOS), sign in using the same credentials as RV Trip Wizard, and voila!

Now you can enjoy the app’s full premium features while also being able to navigate any of the trips you saved in RV Trip Wizard.

You can try RV Trip Wizard out with a 7-day free trial, or buy it for $49.99/year . 

2. CoPilot RV (iOS, Android) (PAID)

CoPilot RV is a cheaper and slightly lower quality RV Trip Planner than it’s competitor, RV Trip Wizard.

It lacks RV Trip Wizard’s versatility and range of options, but it’s still miles ahead of the free options.

For those of you looking for a cheaper, but still more than adequate RV Trip Planner app this is the app for you.

It provides all the useful features you’ll need, including:

Reliable offline navigation. Now you won’t lose your route when you lose your connection.

Finds safe routes for any RV. It does so by calculating your route according to your vehicle’s height, class, and weight

Save gas money. It allows you to choose up to 50 stops and gives you the best route so you can avoid road closure, traffic, and backtracking. 

Safe navigator with RVs in mind. It alerts you about complex intersections and helps you to avoid low bridges and tunnels with propane restrictions. 

An in-app search bar will help you find campgrounds, gas stations, hotels, restaurants and more near you

One strength that CoPilot RV has that RV Trip Wizard does not, is it’s one-stop shop app.

Unlike RV Trip Wizard you do not need to download two separate apps to plan and navigate your trip. It all comes together in one app. 

Try it out for a 14-day free trial . If you like it you can subscribe to CoPilot RV for an affordable $29.99/year .

Best Free RV Trip Route Planning Tools

These apps aren’t RV specific, but unlike RV Trip Wizard and CoPilot RV they’re free.

Those of you that don’t mind putting in a little extra work to save some cash will find these trip planning apps helpful. Check them out:

3. Google Maps (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

They may never let me into an Apple store again for saying this, but, Google Maps is superior to Apple Maps. 

It allows for offline use, let’s you plan longer trips by selecting multiple stops along your route, and gives you the option to save trips to your home-screen.

Furthermore, it’ll show you live traffic updates, speed traps, and even gas prices. 

4. RoadTrippers(iOS, Android, Web Browser)

This app makes planning your next road trip easy. I mean, come on, it’s in the name people! Don’t believe me? Well, RoadTrippers’s interactive map let’s you plot your trip with ease.

It even calculates your trip’s overall driving time and estimates your gas cost based on your vehicle’s MPG.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, it also helps you locate nearby accommodations, attractions, and restaurants along your route.

Plan Your Accommodations

Plan Your Accommodations

States differ greatly in their laws and restriction regarding RVs. Some are relaxed, while others, will not even let you park your rig on the side of the road.

Needless to say, you’re going to need to find places to stay along your way.

I’ve divided this section into, “Just RV Parks”, “Just Boondocking and Camping”, and “All the Above—RV Parks, Camping, and Boondocking” to help you find the tool that best fits your needs.

5. RV Parky (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

I use this app ALL the time. RV Parky interactive map provides you with over 25,000 options for places to park overnight.

Each RV Park listing provides all the necessary information for amenities and cell service as well as user reviews.

Even better, it will also assist you in locating those elusive overnight parking lots, like the ones you find at places like Cracker Barrel and Walmart as well as overnight rest stops.

6. The Dyrt (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

The Dyrt app allows you to find outdoor accommodations across the United States, whether you’re in a tent, trailer, RV, or cabin.

It provides millions of listings, reviews, prices, and tips from other campers who have already visited. If boondocking is your game, The Dyrt is the name.

7. Free Campsites (Web Browser) (FREE)

Gotta love simplicity. And that’s exactly what Free Campsites provides. The site allows you to plan a travel route through their ‘trip planner’ option.

Not only will it provide text directions, but it’ll also show you any and all campsites along the way (free, or otherwise).

Unfortunately, there’s no app for this tool yet, but it’s easily accessible through most web browsers. 

8. HipCamp (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

If there was one accommodation app to rule them all, HipCamp would be it. It allows you to search for campsites and RV parks all over the United States.

Tired of your RV? They have you covered on that as well. The app provides options for cabins, and even treehouses!   

RVs and Campgrounds (Android / iOS) (FREE)

RVs and Campgrounds

RVs and Campgrounds (Android / iOS) is as straight forward as it’s name. You can search for RV Parks and Campground across North America.

Like many of the other options in this article, each listing includes user reviews of these accommodations so you know what you’re getting into before you get there.

Unfortunately, there’s no web browser version, so you’ll need your phone for this app. 

9. Campendium (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

Campendium is the prettier, more user-friendly version of Free Campsites. It also provides you with more options than just campsites.

You can use filters to locate any, and every, type of outdoor accommodation.

It provides a plethora of useful information for RV-ers as well, including: last paid price, longest RV reported at site, and clearance access information.

And while it doesn’t have an app yet, you can add the Campendium’s icon to your phone’s home screen by following these helpful instructions (iOS / Android).

10. iOverlander (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

“There can only be one!”

Oh wait, that’s Highlander. But seriously if you’re going to plan an RV trip with only one app, iOverlander is the one.

It’ll help you find water and propane refill stations, dump stations, mechanics, boondock sites, RV parks, showers, and more.

Best part? The app covers a 100+ countries so you can use it almost anywhere in the world. 

11. Harvest Hosts (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (PAID)

With Harvest Hosts you can kill two birds, with one stone. Sorry, proverbial birds.

This app requires that you pay $79.99/year, but connects you to over 1500 host, ranging from museums, breweries, wineries, gift shops, and farms.

Most of these hosts only require you to buy one of their products as payment for staying on their property overnight. 

So, you can buy a souvenir for your dear grandma AND pay for a place to stay while doing it. 

Love golfing? Well, Harvest Hosts does too. You can pay $119/year and expand that normal subscription to include their hosts’ golf courses. Waking up to a round of golf, means money well spent. 

Be sure to ask about their amenities before deciding on which host you want to use. Some hosts provide full hook-ups, while others provide no amenities at all

Plan Things to Do in the Great Outdoors

Plan Things to Do in the Great Outdoors

RV’s and the Outdoors go together like roads and maps. Once you get to your campsite, you’ll probably want to explore nature, do some fishing, or find a good hiking trail. These are the best apps for doing just that.

12. Oh, Ranger! (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

Oh, Ranger! app is like having a little park ranger in your pocket (without the kidnapping charges!).

Not only will it help you find National Parks, State Parks, and BLM land near you, but it also provides maps, activities, and other information specific to that park.

Not only can you use it to plan where you want to camp, but also what you want to do and what you want to see. 

13. AllTrails (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

There’s no better way to experience the Outdoors like a good hiking trail. But how do you know which trails are the best for you? Download AllTrails.

You can use the app to browse over 50,000 trails across North America. Find the ones that best suit your interests by using the interactive map and helpful filters. 

Entertainment Apps for Road Trips

Hitting the road in your RV sounds like a blast, until you’re on the road. Then it’s mostly monotonous scenery and blurring cars. You’re liable to drive yourself, and your passengers, crazy unless you plan ahead with these apps:

14. Spotify (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

Spotify a road trip tenet that predates the road: “Go forth, but do it with music”. Humans have been rolling around with tunes since the first Homo Sapiens drummed a beat on their knee.

Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since turning our patella into a rhythm section. For example: Spotify.

This free app gives you access to millions of songs, lets you create that all-important road trip playlist, and even offers podcasts. Best yet, you can download audio for offline use!

The only drawback? Advertisements. Erase them by subscribing to Spotify Premium.

For $9.99 a month you can erase those pesky ads, access exclusive podcasts, use unlimited skips, and more.

15. Libby (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

Got a library card? It’s that decaying piece of plastic in your wallet/purse/keychain. Dig it out. Download Libby.

Now, you have access to millions of e-books and audiobooks. The app even works like a library.

You check-out the book, borrow it for a designated amount of time, and then digitally return it.

Libby allows you to check-out up to 25 titles, and renew them when needed. Not impressed? Libby even lets you download the book for use offline. That way, when your cell-service disappears, your audiobook won’t.

16. Drive.fm (iOS, Android)

Your passenger won’t stop talking about their Aunt’s foot fugus. Instead, of turning your wheel towards the nearest cliff, download this app! Drive.fm only has a few free features, but they’ll keep you busy for at least one road trip.

If you’re a road addict you may want to consider the $4.99/month subscription.

It will give you access to a number of hands-free games, including: quizzes, Jeopardy, movie trivia, interactive stories and more!

On the Road

Helmuth von Moltke famously said, “No plan survives first contact with the enemy”. Incidentally, no plan survives first contact with the road either. Be prepared, download these apps:

17. GasBuddy (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

Haven’t bought the new, electric Dusseldorf RV yet, huh? Me neither. Don’t worry though, you don’t have to cry every time you visit the pump. GasBuddy finds you the cheapest gas and diesel prices in your area.

It comes outfitted with a trip cost calculator, gas price map, and even offers a free credit card that will save you up to 25¢ per gallon. Keep your money for what really matters on the road — snacks.

18. MyRadar (iOS, Android, Windows)

Sure, you could just type ‘weather’ into Google, and get the temperature. The only problem? A road trip requires foresight. MyRadar is free app like a weather prophet! Allow the app to track your current location, or type in a destination.

It’ll produce a real-time map of the region. MyRadar will then show you the weather stats for the area, and the forecast for the next couple of days.

But that’s not all! The app populates the map with real-time weather systems. Useful when you’re trying to avoid blizzards, or track a storm

19. American Red Cross (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

I might be the most accident-prone person I know. If you’re not one yourself, you most likely know someone that is.

Do them, and yourself, a possibly lifesaving favor. Download the American Red Cross App. This tool provides solutions to common emergencies you’ll run into on the road.

It also includes videos and interactive quizzes that will, not only help keep boredom at bay, but also teach you important, life-saving 

Need an RV?

Want to plan an RV trip, but don’t have an RV? Normally that would be an issue, if it weren’t for an app like this:

20. Outdoorsy (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

Outdoorsy is basically an AirBnB for campervans, trailers, Class A rigs, and Class C rigs.

It connects you with owners in your area who are willing to rent out their recreational vehicles. It’s usually cheaper than other rental companies, and with less hassle. 

There you have it! The best apps and tools for planning your next RV road trip at your fingertips. But that’s enough talking from me. What’s your favorite RV trip planning app or tool?

Aaron Richardson

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

Best SUVs For Towing A Travel Trailer

8 Best SUVs for Towing Travel Trailer in 2024: Top Rated SUV for Towing

4 excellent class b rv’s with slide outs.

The Best Class B Motorhome With Slideouts

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You Might Also Like

orcas island campgrounds

Discover Top Orcas Island Campgrounds: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Top Campgrounds Near Lake Tahoe

Top 5 Best Campgrounds Near Lake Tahoe

Sleeping bear dunes

Discover The Majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes: A Natural Wonder 

Start typing and press Enter to search

  • Member Login
  • Sign Up/Renew

The Best RV Trip Planner

RV Trip Planning has never been easier. Save time, plan safe RV routes, find great campgrounds.

Start Free 7 Day Trial Now Begin Building Your First Trip Now Not Ready to Sign Up? Try the Demo

RV LIFE Trip Wizard Map Background

Best-In-Class Features

Visual RV Trip Planner screenshot

A Visual RV Trip Planner

See the Route you are taking, with Campgrounds, Gas Stops, points of interest and more.

Real campground info from real RVers photo

Unbiased Information

RV Safe route based on your rig screenshot

Customized to your RV

It customizes RV safe Routes to the height & weight of your RV. Avoid low clearances, steep grades, and propane restrictions.

Over 20,000 Campgrounds on Map

Over 20,000 Campgrounds

Browse from ALL Campground Affiliations (Good Sam, Passport America, etc...). No Restrictions like other tools.

Tens of Thousands of Points of Interest along your travels image

Over 57,000 Points of Interest

The fun of travel and exploring is finding unique places. We have an ever-growing list of locations to choose from.

Web-based, works on all modern browsers and devices

Web Based, No Installation

Have a web browser? Of course you do, so don't worry about downloading any applications, or applying updates. Its all built on the web.

Organize your Memberships and Discount Clubs screenshot

Rank Your Memberships

If you have a membership like Good Sam, Escapees, or dozens of others, you can rank them so you can find the best value parks.

Calculate Cost of Trip Screenshot

Understand the Cost of your Trip

The Wiz will help to estimate the cost of your trip with Gas and Campground Fees. Updated as you update your trip.

Set your own comfortable driving times or distances screenshot

Set Driving Times and Distances

Set your Driving Distances and the map will show you if you may have stretched yourself too thin on a leg of your trip.

How RV LIFE Trip Wizard can help you

Watch a quick video to learn about some of the many features that make RV LIFE Trip Wizard the best choice for RVers looking to save time and money with their Trip Planning.

Tablet View of RV LIFE Trip Wizard

All The Information you need

See all the information you're looking for on your devices. Our Trip Planner is set up so you can do everything from one screen. Your trip on the left panel, your map centered, and your research panel to the right to find campgrounds, points of interest, and potential hazards.

RV LIFE Trip Wizard trips on the RV LIFE App screenshot

An RV GPS in your pocket

Combine RV LIFE Trip Wizard with the RV LIFE App, and we'll make the days you head out the road a breeze. Get RV Safe GPS routing right on your phone or tablet with the RV LIFE App. RV LIFE Trip Wizard seamlessly integrates its trips into your app.

Simple & Affordable

Hear from some people who love using it.

My husband and I are full time RVers in a 45ft 5th wheel toy hauler. I use RV Trip Wizard to plan our route. It has made my trip planning so much easier since I can filter out campgrounds that cannot accommodate our trailer. The ability to check reviews and to go to the campgrounds' websites from the app is also extremely useful. I recommend RV Trip Wizard to other RVers all the time.

rv trip planning app

If you are worried about low bridges on your trip or where the best, low cost parks are, worry no more because this App is absolutely the best RV trip planer out there. We've tried them all and this ones smokes them all. Spot on! If you have a smart phone or a tablet, RV Trip Wizard works with either, we absolutely rely on it and would not leave our home without planning our route with this tool first. Highly recommend it…

rv trip planning app

We took a 3 month trip last year and I looked for a good trip planner. I tried winging it with google earth and researching the internet at first. Then I found RV Trip Wizard. I thought I try it. Just a few hours in to planning our trip I was hooked. It has everything I need to plan our trips. Way worth the small price. And the great part it's got better since last years trip. They keep adding and making it better all the time. I've got this years about ready to go and a few small side trips already planned.

rv trip planning app

Works on All Popular Computers and Tablets

rv trip planning app

dusty trail logo stacked

7 Best RV Trip Planning Apps: 2024 Guide

Home » 7 Best RV Trip Planning Apps: 2024 Guide

  • June 1, 2024

BEST RV TRIP PLANNING APPS FEATURED IMAGE

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out our disclosure for more information.

Every memorable RV trip needs a guide. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it all on your own. 

To help you plan out your next adventure, we scoured the digital world for the best RV trip planning apps available. 

There’s a lot out there now and many are truly invaluable resources when on the road, whether it’s deciding on your next stop or planning well in advance. 

Each of the apps we reviewed below are great at what they do and can serve as trusty tools in planning out and navigating your next trip, each with their own unique features.

Read on to find out our picks for the best RV trip planning apps of 2024. 

7 Best RV Trip Planning Apps

Below, each app is summarized based on:

  • Its unique features
  • Data (access to campground locations, routes, or something else unique)
  • And pricing 

Also: Keep in mind that while you’ll want to use one app to plan out your trip and navigate, that’s not to say that you can’t make use of multiple apps.

Some offer access to unique features such as connecting you with the owners of private campsites. 

This allows you to get to places you otherwise would never be able to without that particular app. Consider that when you’re planning out your trip and which apps you’ll use. 

Here are our picks for the 7 best RV trip planning apps:

1. RV Life Pro / Trip Wizard

RV LIFE PRO TRIP WIZARD

One of the most popular all-around trip planning resources in the industry, RV Life Pro gives you access to a variety of tools.

One of those tools is the RV Life Trip Wizard , which includes:

  • A visual trip planner 
  • Customization to your RV’s specs (to avoid things such as roads with a particular height clearance)
  • Thousands of campground reviews from other RVers
  • Points of interest for recreation and more
  • Trip cost planner

If you want to go the whole nine yards with planning down to each individual destination, campground, and route, RV Life’s Trip Wizard is a great option. 

rv trip planning app

RV Life Pro has a monthly subscription option, which includes full access to all Trip Wizard features, for $19.99 per month. 

They also offer an annual subscription for a pretty steep discount at $64.99 per year.

2. Adventure Genie

ADVENTURE GENIE

Adventure Genie is an RV trip planner that uses unique AI-powered features. 

It can automatically create personalized trip recommendations, which can be improved over time as the AI learns your travel habits. 

This is great if you frequently travel as the app will remember not only the locations and routes themselves but their characteristics, allowing it to offer more customized recommendations over time.  

With that said, if you’re interested in getting some of the other features standard in most trip planner apps such as a large database of campground reviews, you’ll find it lacking as it leans toward specializing in AI features. 

ADVENTURE GENIE 2

Adventure Genie offers a free starter plan with a few of their most basic features. 

Their premium Pro plan gives you access to additional planning tools as well as their unique AI planning tools for either $39.99 annually or $9.99 per month. 

3. Roadtrippers

ROADTRIPPERS

The Roadtrippers app offers similarly comprehensive features to RV Life’s Trip Wizard, with a great visual trip planner, large database, and ease of use. 

It’s yet another great all-around trip planning tool, which you use will mostly depend on the one you prefer in terms of user experience and actual app navigation (it offers a free trial, so you can try it before committing).

ROADTRIPPERS 2

They offer 3 plans, each with similar features, along with a starter free plan that includes one saved trip and 3 stops. 

Their starter plan comes in at $35.99 (or $2.99 per month) and include 3 trips and 20 stops while their Pro (5 trips, 50 stops) and Premium (unlimited trips, 150 stops) plans come in at $49.99 and $59.99 respectively.

4. The Dyrt Pro

THE DYRT PRO

The Dyrt, a crowd-sourced campground review community, offers The Dyrt Pro , a paid plan that gives access to an assortment of features. 

Features include:

  • Trip planner and route optimizer
  • Database with 50,000 campgrounds
  • Including 5,000 drive-in campground locations and overnight parking locations
  • Discounts at certain campgrounds

Where The Dyrt Pro accels is in getting the best possible information about and treatment at campgrounds. 

They have a huge database of reviews and great photos of most campgrounds. You can also not only get big discounts at many campgrounds but access to some campgrounds even when they’re fully booked. 

The Dyrt Pro offers a 7-day free trial with a competitive $35.99 annual price tag.

HIPCAMP

Hipcamp is a unique entry on this list, but one which is worth mentioning. Think of it as the Airbnb of campsites. 

If you’re interested in finding and visiting truly unique RV spots and campsites on your trip, Hipcamp is your best bet as it allows you to connect with private landowners who rent their property out to RVers and campers. 

It doesn’t have all of the great trip planning features that some of the other apps on this list offer, but given its unique angle and the opportunity to see and stay at campsites you’d never otherwise have the chance to, we think it’s worth checking out.

The app is free to use, the cost comes in renting a campsite or RV spot. Price varies. 

6. KOA Camping App

KOA TRIP PLANNER APP

KOA is a collection of campgrounds throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

The KOA App gives you direct access to information on their entire network of campgrounds as well as additional trip planning features.

While it doesn’t have the amount of data that some of the other trip planners do on this list, having direct access to KOA’s network offers some unique features that many other apps don’t.

You can search for campgrounds and see park profiles, photos, and other information and even book a stay right from within the app.

To access the KOA app, you need to sign up for a KOA rewards membership, which is $36.00 per year. 

7. RV Parky

RV PARKY

RV Parky is a great starter app for first time RVers. It offers a simple plan with a few key features and is super easy to use. 

To start you can use the free version, but keep in mind that most features are locked behind their (quite affordable) paid plan. 

They offer a large database of campgrounds and RV parks along with reviews from other RVers. 

In addition, you get access to a great collection of filters for planning your trip all the way down to the particular feature or amenities you’re looking for.

RV PARKY 2

RV Parky has some free features, but to get access to the majority of the platform’s features you’ll need to get RV Parky Pro.

RV PARKY 3

They offer one simple plan at an affordable $4.99 per month or an annual membership at a large discount of just $19.99 annually. 

Why Use an RV Trip Planner App?

If you’re looking around to see what an RV trip planner can help you with, the list is long.

While you could go without one if you’re in for the thrill, using an app can help you avoid all kinds of potential issues and dangers, slowdowns, and save time navigating.

An RV trip planner app can help you:

  • Plan out your trip and calculate travel time in advance, with specific stops
  • Avoid dangerous routes and label unpaved roads, low clearance, and more to help you set a safe route for your rig
  • Locate campgrounds and RV parks
  • Find points of interest such as gas stations, recreational stops, dump stations, and more
  • Calculate mileage and track gas spend
  • And more, depending on the app

With all that said, every app is a bit different. So, make sure to look at the full feature list of any of the apps that interest you most from the list above. 

Start Planning (and Have Fun)

Planning an RV trip is a big part of the fun, and it can take a lot of work depending on your goals.

We hope one or more of these apps can help not only make that planning simpler and easier but your trip as a whole smoother, so that you can enjoy the adventure solo or with loved ones without worry.

Don't Miss Any Content! Sign Up Today!

  • Sign-up to our newsletter?

Related Posts

RV ACCESSORIES 101 2 e1713116545370

RV Accessories 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you taking steps to get into an RV? Here is a simple guide that breaks down some of the essential equipment a new RV…

Read More »

7 RV Accessories That Will Enhance Your Outdoor Adventure

Are you planning to hit the dusty trail in your RV soon? Here are 7 accessories that will set you up for a great adventure!

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy for Dusty Trail RV
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Traveling Child

If kids live there, kids can visit!

18 Best RV Apps For Trip Planning, Navigation & More

August 13, 2021       Travel Tips , Trip Planning Tips

RV trips take a little more planning than traditional vacations. With that it’s important to prepare so nothing gets in the way of the best trip possible. One way to do this is by downloading some great apps to help make your travels more efficient and enjoyable. 

After all, there are so many things that can go wrong on an RV trip – from navigation issues (thanks Google Maps!) to finding camping spots or filling up with gas. Luckily, these days there are some awesome free and paid apps available for everything an RVer needs! These apps allow you to plan your route, find campgrounds and find gas stations with the lowest price. They can even navigate without the use of a map or GPS system. In this blog post, I will share my top 18 favorite free and paid apps for RV travelers! Let’s take a look at some of the best apps on the market now…

family standing outside of an RV smiling happily

Must Have Apps For RV Trip Planning

With so many apps to choose from, it can be hard to determine which ones are right for you. While you don’t want to overload yourself with too many RV travel app options it is a good idea to get a few to help keep your trip in order. Like GasBuddy for finding the lowest gas prices to help you save some cash, Campendium for a one-stop shop on all your campground needs. Then there are fun ones like iExit for leisurely RVers that want to take the scenic route to their main destination. 

Outdoorsy, RV Rental Platform

Gone are the days you have to own an RV to go on an RV trip. We’ve been on over a dozen and each time we rent! We’ve always used Outdoosy , they’re a peer-to-peer rental site, think Airbnb or VRBO . Here you can choose from multiple options like Class A, B, or C motorhomes, 5th wheels, Airstreams, and campers. You can sign up here and save $50 on your first rental. Another options is RVshare .

Best Gas App For RV Trip Planning

Fuel costs are often the number one factor in your RV travel budget. There are many brand-specific fuel apps, like Murphy’s* and Shell that are all highly rated and have brand-specific rewards or discounts at the pump. But, if you prefer to have a wider selection of nearby gas stations the must-have, go to, of all fuel apps is the GasBuddy app. It features a free, convenient and easy-to-use Fuel Finder that helps you find the best gas prices in your area. We’ll cover the app below.

GasBuddy is considered one of the best RV apps for the cost-conscious traveler. Gas tends to be more expensive when traveling with a motorhome or RV and who doesn’t love the idea of saving money on fuel when traveling. GasBuddy is a crowdsourced app that lets users know the current gas prices at over 150,000 stations in North America and allows you to confirm or update the price when you stop. One of the most important features, especially for RV drivers on the open road, is GasBuddy’s Fuel Availability Tracker. If there is no gas available at a station due to crisis situations or natural disasters this will be displayed on the map so you can plan to find another station.

*A special note for the Murphy Drive Rewards App : Although brand specific, there are over 1,100 Murphy Gas stations located in proximity to a Walmart. With the Murphy Drive Rewards card, you earn points for every purchase at a Murphy store, including  gas purchases. 

Every 100 points gives you $.10 off/gal; This app is great for RV travelers where fuel points add up quickly and the app offers coupons, drinks, and snack deals. Besides being a great addition to your collection of RV travel apps is that it has a Murphy store locator so it makes it easy to fill up and stay overnight at a Walmart parking lot.

RV GPS Apps for Steep Grades

Nothing can ruin a trip in your home away from home more than burning out your brakes, engine, or ultimately the whole RV going up in flames. Steep grades can really tax the mechanical aspects of your RV, up or down, and those conditions are compounded when you are pulling a tow vehicle.

family standing outside of an RV smiling after reaching their destination using RV Apps

Although not an actual RV travel app, it bears mentioning that The Mountain Directory provides vital information when you are traveling by RV. Divided into two books, East and West, it can be downloaded as an interactive map on your iPhone or android. The two directories give you access to over 700 mountain passes and steep grades: slope (%), length, number of lanes, sharp curves, switchbacks, speed limits, and escape ramps! With this information, you will know ahead of time what to expect or decide your best option may be to go around or plan a safer route.

Best Overall RV Trip Planner: RV Life Pro Suite 

For the money, this one has it all, so it is our pick for the Best Overall RV App 2021

RV Life Pro Suite includes the RV Trip Wizard App and is an all-inclusive RV must-have for most anything RV-related.  At the affordable annual subscription rate currently only $49.00/year, the RV Trip Wizard incorporates all of the campgrounds, regardless of affiliation. Since the subscription is part of the RV LIFE Pro Suite,  you have access to the premium features of RV LIFE – RV Safe GPS app and Maintain My RV .

Best RV Travel Weather APP

MyRadar This app is amazing for planning out trips that can be affected by adverse weather. The high def radar and terrain not only shows moving fronts, storms, temperatures, NOAA weather alerts, and more, it also shows where there are wildfires, earthquakes, and offers a hurricane tracker.  This app will help you determine if you need to leave a day earlier than expected, or to enjoy where you are for an extra day.  Invaluable for RVer’s!

Best Free RV Overnight Parking App (plus bonus)

RV Parky can help you find overnight parking that not only includes RV parks, National parks, and BLM (Bureau of Land Management), it can also find Walmart’s and Camping World parking. The RVParky App offers a variety of map services that can be viewed offline so no data plan is needed.  Built by a full-time RVer, community members provide reviews and listing updates so you know what’s what before you arrive!

Headed to a specific destination and that over enthusiastic 4AM departure time got the best of you? Fortunately there are many retailers or merchants who are happy to host an overnight stay, especially in the more rural areas as some cities have ordinances or laws against overnight parking.

Many Walmart’s will allow RV travelers to park for free overnight at certain locations based on the store manager’s permission.

You’ll also find Bass Pro, Cabela’s, and Cracker Barrel inclined to host an overnight RV.  Other places for RVs to try to park for the night include truck stops, Walgreens and McDonald’s

Best Free Boondocking RV Travel App

Best RV travel app for boondocking. A motorhome sits on a land bank surrounding by turquois water.

FreeRoam is our pick for Best Free RV Boondocking Travel App not only for the technical features but you can input your RV height and opt for trucking routes so you can ensure accessibility. 

This app is designed with boondocking/free camping as the main focus and finds free campsites on public land, as well as a directory and user reviews for established campsites. Think TripAdvisor for camping, with the addition of an amazing interactive social aspect. 

With a regard for respecting and sustaining the natural environment in all areas, due to camper interactions you can find new campsites that are not included in other directories like Campendium or FreeCampsites.

Best Paid Boondocking RV Travel App

Campers of all types rave about the Dyrt Pro , camping for trailers and RVs (tenting and cabins) as the Best Paid Boondocking RV Travel App for only $35.99/year. This RV travel app offers over 1 million reviews, plus photos, and over 1,000 campsites to choose from. The Dyrt Pro has custom travel planning for free and paid camping sites on public lands, private RV parks, county parks, military parks, National parks, and more.Besides the Trip Planner, you can search maps offline, get campground discounts, and even discounts on camp gear. 

Best Unique RV Travel App

HipCamp the Airbnb of camping Apps for RV sites and other camping styles! Touted as best for unique outdoor stays, HipCamp partners with private landowners to provide one-of-a kind campsite experiences.. As an RV booking app, you have the ability to search for RV parks “near me” or you can find yourself booking at over 300,000 campgrounds, ranches, vineyards, farms, and more. HipCamp covers the US, Canada, and Australia.

RV sitting in an RV park camping spot that was located and booked using the best RV travel app to find the location.

Best Paid RV App For Trip Planning/Navigation

Togo RV Plus for $$39.99/year with customized RV GPS Navigation, upgraded road trip planning, camping discounts, several more perks and access to OvernightRVParking.com (a $29,99 value) for boondocking locations, plus all the features included in the free RV planning app ! (RV Maintenance alerts, service centers, mobile repairs, tires discounts, and more) But the biggest value of all is the yearly fee which also covers the cost of premium trip planning with Roadtrippers Plus . (Also a $29.99 value)

Best Free RV App for Trip Planning

RoadTrippers: This app is free and offers a variety of options for RV routes including road trips, scenic drives or guided tours. With the ability to plot up to 5 stops in the free version, you can easily plan your route to include amazing detours and captivating locales on the way. It also has reviews from other travelers so you can get a feel if one of these hidden treasure spots are a worthwhile venture for you. You can plan your trip online then sync to the Roadtrippers RV navigation app on your phone with turn by turn navigation. 

Best RV Campsite Listing App

Campendium’s RV Parks listings are created by campers for campers and are updated daily and includes reservation information for these campgrounds. Campendium list park amenities such as restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. It also provides maps of each park so travelers can see where they’ll be staying before hooking up. This app also provides information for dump stations if you’re boondocking so major bonus! With over 350,000 members, the reviews offer valuable insight into how enjoyable and well-maintained the parks are too! 

Family is sitting, having a picnic with a lake behind them and their RV parked in front of them.

Best Free RV Apps For Things You Didn’t Think About

Digital TV Antennas to orient your TV antenna in your RV to get the best TV reception when you’re camping. This works to help you find the closest digital TV towers so you can point your antenna to receive the over-the-air digital broadcasting signal.

iExit USA : This is an awesome app for interstate travel when you want to know what business or service is available on the exits ahead. The GPS in the app will automatically find you, and in conjunction with Opis, Yelp, and Travel Coupons, will provide you realtime information for food, lodging, and gas stations along your route!

Wifi Finder-Free Wifi Map so you can find WiFi when you are on the road. There is an offline function so you can download places you are going to locate up-to-date public hotspots. These verified Hotspots will have the speed and the type of venue. Way Cool.

Key Ring is an organizational app for your membership and loyalty cards. You can have everything you need all in one place, no more digging for a loyalty card. The app also offers savings with coupons, stores’ weekly ads, and nearby deals. There is a shopping list and the ability to keep track of your purchases, all in one app. 

Best RV Checklist App

Ultimate RV Checklist App is a great help for people who are just starting out in the RV realm or even the trail blazer traveler.  There are different RV type checklists available that you can add to, or customize yourself. If you happen to be an old hand at the whole thing, but want a little security in those times of distractions or stress, you can build a custom RV checklist to follow your routine. Never hurts to have that once over reminder to make sure you’re set to go!

Best RV Navigation App for European Ventures (Just in Case)

RV navigation app to use while taking a motorhome on a road trip

Best Rv Apps For Navigation in Europe Navmii is one of the largest navigation providers in Europe with over 25 million users worldwide! This app has an offline function so it’s perfect if you’re traveling abroad without data service or wifi to keep up on any new traffic updates. The user interface is really intuitive but also allows for more advanced functions like lane assistant which lets you know when there are exits coming up based on your route direction and speed limit calculator which calculates how many miles per hour you need to travel to get the most out of your tank and save on fuel.

Whether you are new to RV traveling or a seasoned traveler,  free RV apps are a must-have for your travels. 

I hope you found this blog post helpful. Planning an RV trip doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right planning, you can save money and enjoy your time on the open road. If you don’t want to plan it yourself or use a free app, or there are also plenty of paid apps that do all the heavy lifting for you! There are many ways to make traveling with an RV easier and more enjoyable, so take some time to explore the app options mentioned in this article before your next trip! If you know of any other good resources for travelers or have an idea for another blog post topic we should cover, please comment below.

The Traveling Child is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to  amazon.com ,  amazon.co.uk ,  amazon.ca . Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Newsletter Subscribtion

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Crow Survival

Crow Survival

Outdoor Discovery

15 Best RV Trip Planner Apps: Save Money, Time & Stress

Jonathan Holmes 5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 45 reviews)

15 Best RV Trip Planner Apps: Save Money, Time & Stress

Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.

Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Table of Contents

15 Best RV Trip Planner Apps: Save Money, Time & Stress

There are three broad ways to plan an RV trip.

  • Highly organized
  • Color coordinated

All are heavily researched and implemented itineraries that plan out every last detail. Then there’s the loosely pieced-together idea of an RV road trip, where the emphasis is placed on getting from A to B, and what happens in between can be decided along the way.

The last camp falls somewhere between the two extremes. Whatever type of RV trip planning you prefer, using a trip-planning app can save you time and money and alleviate much of the stress.

Planning an RV trip involves art as well as science. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available.

Google Maps searching

Since I’m also a techie at heart, I like to use gadgets and technology to help.

I also don’t feel penned into our plans; if I want to take a diversion to check out something that interests me, the RV trip planning app must accommodate this.

Luckily for me, creating and implementing a fantastic RV road trip using a planner is easier than ever with apps.

I’ve reviewed the most popular RV planning trip apps with a fine toothcomb and rated them against my ease of use, usefulness, flexibility, and cost criteria. I’ve also included some RV road trip planning tips that everyone who owns an RV should know.

So, without further ado, let’s look at the best RV route planners.

The Best RV Trip Planner Apps

1. google earth / maps.

google earth cover main

Google Maps certainly has its limitations. However, it can be combined with Google Earth to create a powerful visualization tool if you want to see a route before setting off, mainly focusing on areas of interest such as potential low bridges, steep inclines, or narrow roads.

If you plan your route on Google Maps, you can export it to a KML and import it into Google Earth.

Once imported, you can use the full suite of Google Earth tools, including viewing Panoramio photos and your route.

I wouldn’t recommend using Google Earth and Maps as your primary RV planning tool, but they’re great supplements to your existing efforts.

In the video below, you can see how to export Google Map files to KMP and then import them into Google Earth:

2. Garmin BaseCamp

Despite what you might think, Garmin is still relevant today, especially if you’re towing or driving oversized vehicles.

Development on Garmin BaseCampe was stopped a couple of years ago, but it’s still available to download and use and, in my opinion, is quite helpful.

Garmin Basecamp was designed to allow the planning and sharing of road trips. The most significant advantage of BaseCamp was the introduction of RV and Truck modes.

These two modes allow you to avoid roads that would be difficult to drive along in an RV, including avoiding low bridges, steep inclines, and narrow inner city streets.

However, its database is incomplete, so you must supplement the information it presents with additional research, which is a bit of a pain.

If you own a Garmin GPS unit, there’s no reason not to try BaseCamp and see what it can do.

You’d have difficulty entirely relying on BaseCamp to manage your RV journey planning.

Its journey planning capabilities are based on dates and spending x amount of days at each location, which goes against the flexibility I would expect from an RV journey planning app.

The time I spend in each location might rapidly change, depending on how well I like any area. If that also sounds like you, you might find BaseCamp slightly clunky.

3. Good Sam’s Trip Planner Review

If you don’t already have a Good Sam membership, you should consider getting one, even if it’s just for access to Good Sam’s Trip Planner.

Membership for a single year costs $29, but you can secure a discount if you buy more than a year. When writing this article, it costs $75 for three years, plus you’ll receive some freebies.

good sam travel app

Then, at the tail end of 2014, I discovered the Good Sam Trip Planner, and it just worked, making what was previously a time-consuming and often mentally taxing task much more straightforward.

It’s probably one of the best RV trip-planning tools available. It looks good, is intuitive to use, and does a primarily respectable job of avoiding low bridges or roads that could be difficult to navigate.

Creating a trip on the Good Sam Trip Planner could not be simpler and involves all the two clicks. Once you’ve populated the application with a few details, you can add additional information and work on more in-depth planning from within the planning interface.

The planning interface contains five separate tabs:

  • Trip Manager
  • Campgrounds
  • Things to Do

I found that the Trip Manager is where I spend most of my time planning a route. However, you’ll probably end up using all sections once you finish.

Thankfully, the campgrounds tab is not restricted to just Good Sam RV parks; it contains many private and public campgrounds in addition to Good Sam locations.

From a budgeting point of view, the ability to estimate the mileage, time, and cost of gas is an invaluable addition. Despite enjoying traveling, I like to keep the time driving to a minimum. So, being able to see that a particular leg of a journey may take 8 hours, we may opt to split up into two trips.

Plus, seeing the cost of each leg is a big help when we want to stick to a particular budget.

As mentioned above, the Good Sam Trip Planner will try to identify and avoid any roads that might be troublesome for an RV, such as low bridges or steep inclines.

However, in practice, it’s not 100% accurate. We found that it would sometimes try to send us up the side of a mountain on an incline we would not usually be comfortable with. You’ll have to keep this in mind, and you’ll probably have to supplement their route planning capabilities with another source of information.

We cover some of the other sources of information below.

Given the low price of the Good Sam Trip Planner, it’s difficult not to recommend it. This is especially true when considering the other benefits of a Good Sam Club Membership. Remember to double-check any planned routes for potential RV obstacles.

4. RV Trip Wizard Review

RV Trip Wizard is a strong contender for one of the best RV Trip planning apps available today.

At first glance, RV Trip Wizard might seem like the ugly sister of the Good Sam Trip Planner; it certainly doesn’t look as sleek or as easy to use.

trip wizard app logo

It’s one of the more expensive applications, coming in at roughly $39 a year, but given its capabilities, I’m more than happy to pay this small premium.

At its heart is Google Maps, supplemented with almost every tool you could want from an RV planning application.

While Good Sam Trip Planner will only calculate the estimated fuel cost for your trip, RV Trip Wizard goes far beyond this. In addition to calculating fuel costs, it’ll factor in the price of campgrounds, meals for all passengers, and all the small, innocuous costs that can quickly add up.

RV Road Trip Planning

Another brilliant feature is the ‘bounding radii.’ This feature allows you to quickly and easily set a maximum travel distance for each day of your trip, which helps avoid spending too many hours at the wheel on any day. It should be noted that the maximum distance is calculated as the crow flies and doesn’t consider any windy roads, but it still provides a base measurement from which to work.

One of our favorite features of the Good Sam Trip planner was the ability to view campgrounds along your journey. The good news is that RV Trip Wizard also has this feature, and it’s even better than Good Sam.

While Good Sam broke RV parks into three distinct categories, RV Trip Wizard has over thirty categories, including national parks, monuments, seashores, state parks, beaches, and more. Its database has thousands of RV parks, with more being added constantly. It might be the most comprehensive RV park database available.

When planning an RV road trip, I predominantly use RV Trip Wizard. Using anything else feels like a step backward and often frustrates me. It’s by far my favorite RV Trip planning app.

5. CoPilot Truck GPS Review

Several trucks and RV GPS applications are available for smartphones, but we think CoPilot Truck GPS is one of the better ones.

Several smartphone GPS applications are available if you don’t want to spend money on a Garmin or TomTom. Many do an admirable job of avoiding low-clearance bridges and hard-to-navigate roads.

copilot logo

While its primary focus is on truckers, you can use it for any oversized vehicle, including RVs.

Once configured with your RV’s dimensions, it’ll efficiently plan your route to avoid low clearances, sharp turns, and roads unsuitable for your RV’s size.

Like almost anything, it does have some faults. The app has been known to crash unexpectedly, which is more inconvenient than anything else.

I must confess. I have no first-hand experience with this app, so if you do, please let us know what you think of it, good or bad.

6. Mountain Directory

One of the biggest frustrations I’ve faced with most RV planning applications is the lack of awareness about the gradients of roads. This is where Mountain Directory comes into its own and shines.

They are available in various formats, from physically printed books to digital options for Android, Windows, Mac, and Apple products.

One significant advantage of digital options is that once you’ve purchased and downloaded them to your device, they’re always available, regardless of whether you have an internet connection .

The interface is a tad clunky, but they’re infinitely more accessible and faster to use than looking at a topographical map and guessing whether or not a particular stretch of road might pose a challenge.

Both Good Sam and RV Trip Wizard have tried to send up a road with severe gradients and very tight turns, which are stressful in a car, let alone a 15,000-pound RV. Thankfully, thanks to Mountain Directory, we spotted these issues before they became problems. They are saving us what could have been a memorable journey for all the wrong reasons.

7. LowClearances.com

We estimate that RV Trip Wizard and most RV GPS units have, at most, a directory of 1,500 low-clearance bridges. However, it’s been estimated that between 4,000 and 6,000 bridges are classed as low clearance in the US alone.

This means that you could be missing out on thousands of low-clearance bridges.

These bridges could easily remove a satellite dish or cause a deadly accident.

Lowclearances.com maintains the most comprehensive database of low-clearance bridges we’ve come across. A small upfront cost of $75 will ensure lifetime access to the Canadian and US databases, which is a small price for peace of mind.

You can quite easily install the database on your GPS unit to ensure you’re not caught out and don’t become another statistic on the road.

8. Allstays LLC

Allstays LLC is one of the newer applications to come onto the market. It’s not one I’m intimately familiar with, but it’s got great reviews and a legion of fans. On paper, it seems very promising.

It promises to do everything you could ever want.

You’ll not only be able to find nearby campsites, including suitable boondocking spots and Walmart parking lots that allow overnight stays, but it also provides warnings for low-clearance bridges and information for RV-friendly service stations.

We’ll test this application and update this article with our findings as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you already have some experience, please let us know in the comments below.

If you’d rather not be caught out by a storm or stuck behind a queue of cars because of an accident, then InRoute might be just what you’re looking for.

It can provide real-time updates on the weather along your route, traffic conditions, and any delays you might experience due to accidents.

This app is the best choice if you need to stay informed about what lies ahead in your journey.

10. Ultimate US Public Campground Project

I love saving money when I can, and the Ultimate US Public Campground Project is one app that helps me to do this.

After parting with a measly $4, you have an incredible database of public and cheap camping options.

No matter where you’re headed in the country, you’re bound to find many options.

If you’re looking for a particular type of campsite, for example, specific amenities, then the advanced filtering will allow you to find exactly what you’re looking for.

11. Passport America

passport america logo

The app will provide you with a ton of information about campgrounds and secure a decent discount at many RV parks. Given the discount available, you’ll probably find the app pays for the Passport America discount in no time.

12. US Public Lands

This is a must-have app if you are interested in Boondocking your way around the country.

This clever app allows you to quickly and easily see if a piece of ground you’re considering boondocking on is public land owned by the BLM and, therefore, legal. Knowing that boondocking is permitted before you set up your camp for the night is much better and safer.

13. GasBuddy

navigation map on phone

You might not think saving a few cents on a gallon will amount to much, but those few cents can quickly add up throughout a long trip when you’ll probably be using hundreds of gallons of gas.

GasBuddy allows you to find the cheapest local gas prices when it’s time to fill up. Best of all, it’s free to use, so there’s no excuse for not using it.

14. SaniDumps

There’s just no escaping the call of nature. So, finding a local dump and fill station is invaluable.

SaniDump has a massive database of dump locations, so you’ll never be caught short again.

It’s another free app, so there’s no reason not to use it.

15. RV Checklist

Planning is critical to a successful RV road trip. Even with the best intentions, missing something essential is straightforward, and if you’re unprepared, a trip can quickly ruin.

RV Checklist provides a digital checklist to ensure your RV road trip goes smoothly.

I’ve used it, and more than once, it’s provided that lightbulb moment when I’ve realized I’ve missed something important. It’s free, so use it and save yourself the frustration of missing something.

The Art Of RV Road Trip Planning

We’re fortunate on our little blue planet; there’s no shortage of exciting and unique destinations. Over a lifetime, we might not see everything we want, but an RV can show us a lot.

Unfortunately, that massive potential for destinations can make RV planning challenging and sometimes stressful.

  • How do you narrow down your choices to just a few locations?
  • How do you know if you’ve made the right choice?
  • How can you ensure you’ve hit all the high points along your route while avoiding all the low points?

If that sounds like you, you need to look at all the RV trip planner apps discussed above and learn the art of RV planning.

RV Trip Planner

If you’re the organized type or have somehow been designated as the RV Road Trip Planner, we’ve compiled some resources and tips to make your next RV road trip the adventure of a lifetime.

Choose An Event

There will be a festival or event around the country at any time of the year. Whether that’s a music festival, a chili carnival, or a fishing tournament, we guarantee you’ll find something that takes your fancy if you look hard enough.

Why not plan an RV road trip around whatever event type you like?

Organizing a vacation around the dates of an event is a great way to lay out a template and timeframe to adhere to. Planning a trip around a particular goal and time frame is much easier than knowing you want to go to a specific area.

Knowing that you need to be in a particular location on a specific date makes planning much more accessible, and the logistics fall into place naturally.

You’re then free to explore the surrounding area or give yourself time to take the scenic route to reach your destination.

What’s On Your Bucket List

No matter how far out of the way the locations on your bucket list are, there’s probably a route to get you there. So why not plan a trip around ticking these off your list?

Even if your ultimate destination is utterly unobtainable by RV, if you look at how you might get there by RV, you’ll probably find many exciting locations en route that are well worth a visit.

If you’re unsure where you’d like to go, there are books dedicated to the subject; check out The Lonely Planets Guide to America, for starters.

Don’t Rush Things

If you need to plan every minute detail, this ‘skill’ might be challenging to master.

A large part of the appeal of RVing is that it’s incredibly flexible. If something piques your interest on the road, you’re free to stop and look. Or if you want to stay on at a location for a couple of days (or even weeks), then there’s very little stopping you from doing so.

The most significant restricting factor for most people is money.

If you make reservations and commit to being in a particular location daily, you lose much of that flexibility and might miss something extraordinary.

We also understand that RV parks can get busy during peak seasons, so you must use your judgment and make well-thought-out decisions. Use your intuition and opt for a happy medium between the two extremes.

Inspiring RV Trips

Whether you’re looking to tour every inch of your country or you’re looking to get to know your local RV parks better, excelling in RV trip planning is about balancing flexibility with understanding what you want to get out of a trip.

The upside of all of this is that it’s tough to end up with a bad trip. Even if you don’t end up where you wanted to go, chances are you’ll have made many memories, and it’ll be something you’ll look back on with fond memories.

Without a sound, too cheesy, truly epic RVing is about the journey and is rarely only about the destination.

Use An RV Trip Planner Like A Pro

We hope you now have a solid and in-depth understanding of the various RV trip planner apps available to us and what you can do to make your adventure as awesome as it deserves.

We know there is no perfect RV trip planner tool; most should be supplemented with another. Some are very good and lack that vital point, while others fill a particular niche and excel at what they do.

Top 3 RV Rental Companies | Reviews and Prices

If I had to use one RV trip planner tool for the rest of my life, it would almost certainly be RV Trip Wizard. It gets so many features right and has a range of functionality that isn’t available in other tools.

However, I would strongly suggest using a suite of tools if you’re planning a significant RV trip. Not only will this save you time and money in the long run, but it could also make your trip much safer than it would be otherwise.

Final Thoughts

We hope you’ve found our article helpful and that you’ve found something useful you can put into practice when you plan your next RV road trip.

As always, if you have any comments or disagree with anything we’ve said, please let us know in the comments below, and we’ll do our best to respond with an answer or revision.

Happy RVing.

Home page Back to the top of the page

Related Posts

Santa Rosa New Mexico Campgrounds

  • Affiliate Disclosure

Our Love for this stuff, unfortunately, does not pay the bills. Our audience supports us. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. This does not mean your purchase price will be higher. Sometimes, it could be lower due to our relationship and volume with the merchant. So shop with confidence. You are getting a good deal!

rv trip planning app

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

The best apps for planning a safe and fun RV route

From directions to locating campgrounds, here are the best apps for your next RV road trip

By Sarah Cribari & Roadtrippers

Ready to plan your dream RV trip, but not sure where to find places to stay? Wondering if you can safely fit under overpasses on a scenic byway? Navigating a safe RV route is a bit more involved than a typical car road trip, but there are plenty of apps to help you along the way.

Tips when planning your RV route

If you’re new to RVing, driving a large rig can be a bit intimidating. You’ll need to keep a few things in mind as you’re planning your trip. 

Related 6 steps to planning a successful RV road trip

Person driving a motorhome

Know the height and length of your rig

Pay attention to height and length restrictions on roads, especially when you’re driving through towns and cities. Things like low bridges, narrow tunnels, and low hanging power lines can all spell disaster for tall RVs. Similarly, roads with switchbacks and sharp turns may not be able to accommodate long rigs, so keep an eye out for posted length restrictions. Even gas stations have overhangs that you might not clear when fueling up. You can avoid these by measuring your RV and using an RV-specific GPS app that allows you to enter your rig’s measurements to find a safe route. 

When determining your height clearance, make sure to include your A/C unit, solar panels, WiFi antennas, and any other objects on your RV roof. Remember to write down those measurements and keep them handy in your rig, so you can reference them at a moment’s notice—many RVers use a sticky note on the dash. 

Steep road grades are difficult

Steep grades can also cause trouble for RVs. You’ll be going much slower up the grades than in a car and coming down can be difficult when you’re towing extra weight. It can be stressful driving, so many RVers prefer to find routes that avoid steep road grades. An RV GPS app can help you find alternative routes. 

Remember the mileage difference 

It will take you longer to get to your destination in an RV than it does in a car. You’ll typically be going slower, your gas mileage won’t be as good, and you’ll be stopping to refuel more often. If you’ve plugged your route into your favorite map app, a good tip is to assume the time to your destination will take 20 to 25 percent longer in an RV. Or, use an RV-specific GPS to get a better idea of just how long the drive will take.  

Class C motorhome parked in empty parking lot

Plan out overnight stops

RVers have options when looking for an overnight stop on the way to a destination. Some businesses—like Cabela’s, Cracker Barrel, and  Walmart —will usually let you park overnight in their parking lots. However, be sure to always check with the specific location to make sure this is allowed. Not all locations allow overnight parking.

Related How to find a safe place to park your RV or van for the night

There are plenty of resources that can help you find overnight stays, whether you’re looking to camp on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, in campgrounds and RV parks, or in a business parking lot.

Roadtrippers RV GPS

RV-friendly navigation is now included with your Roadtrippers membership. You can map out routes based on your RV’s height, propane restrictions, and more—so you can find the safest roads for all of your extraordinary RV adventures. It even calculates an estimated cost for fuel.

rv trip planning app

Go beyond point A to point B with RV GPS from Roadtrippers

Other apps and resources for rv trip planning.

Campendium  lists a wide range of overnight camping spots, from RV parks to free dispersed camping sites. You can search on both the website and app to see photos and reviews from campers who have stayed in each location. It lists what (if any) amenities are available at each site and what cell phone coverage is like, a useful feature for those working on the road. 

Van parked in desert dry camping

AllStays  is a robust resource for planning an RV trip. It shows you RV-friendly Walmart locations, RV service stations, and low-clearance bridges along your route. It also displays restaurants, accommodations, points of interest, and rest areas. AllStays Pro costs $34.95 annually or you can download  one of the apps , like Camp & RV, with a one-time purchase (prices range from free to $9.99, depending on the app).

Harvest Hosts

Want to park overnight at a winery, brewery, or farm?  Harvest Hosts  is a membership site that lets self-contained RVs park overnight at unique locations across the U.S. A basic Harvest Hosts subscription costs $99 per year and allows you to stay overnight for free at more than 1,700 locations. Sites typically offer dry camping and members are encouraged to purchase something from the host to thank them for their hospitality. You can also purchase an upgraded golf membership for $139 a year, which includes parking at golf courses and country clubs.

Ultimate US Public Campgrounds

Want to know about public campgrounds where you’re headed? This is the app for you. It also provides information about the number of RV sites, electric hookups, showers, and more. Since public campgrounds tend to be less expensive than private campgrounds (or sometimes even free), it’s a useful app for those trying to stay on a budget. Of the more than 41,000 public campgrounds in the database, half cost $10 or less. The price to download the app is $3.99.

View of car and highway road from front windshield

How to plan a safe RV route

For quick stops, look for truck parking at gas stations, rest stops, and travel plazas to make sure you have enough room to maneuver. For overnight stays, use one of the apps listed above to find places to park.  

The best RV navigation app is one where you can enter your RV’s dimensions and it will show you a safe route to take to your destination. A Roadtrippers membership includes RV-specific GPS, plus more.

Make sure you use an RV map app and don’t rely on GPS directions for cars. With a Roadtrippers membership, you can enter your rig’s dimensions and whether you have propane on board, then get turn-by-turn navigation for your RV.

There are many places where you can sleep in your RV overnight, including RV parks and campgrounds, free camping on BLM land, and in certain business parking lots. Check out any of the apps above to find the best places to park your RV overnight. 

Using RV maps, GPS apps, and overnight parking apps will take the stress out of planning your epic vacation. And while these apps are great, you should always have a backup plan. The Rand McNally Road Atlas is the gold standard—and the one your parents probably had tucked under the front seat. State road maps can be found at most gas stations and truck stops. 

This article has links to products that were carefully selected by our editors. We may earn commission on your purchases from these links.  Visit this page  for the full details of our affiliate marketing policy.

Meet the Authors

rv trip planning app

Sarah Cribari

Sarah is an Arizona-based freelance travel writer who specializes in food, wine, and RV trips. She loves hitting the road and looking for amazing meals, wineries of all kinds, and quirky historical activities.

rv trip planning app

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers helps you find the most epic destinations and detours—from roadside attractions to natural wonders and beyond.

  • Related Articles
  • Latest Articles

How to find a safe place to park your RV or van for the night

How to find a safe place to park your RV or van for the night

Course: RV Maintenance Made Easy

Course: RV Maintenance Made Easy

Course: Campgrounds, Boondocking, and Overnight RV Parking

Course: Campgrounds, Boondocking, and Overnight RV Parking

What to do if your RV breaks down: A step-by-step guide

What to do if your RV breaks down: A step-by-step guide

Bucket-list destinations in the Western U.S. for your next road trip

Bucket-list destinations in the Western U.S. for your next road trip

How to solve common RV furnace issues: RV troubleshooting

How to solve common RV furnace issues: RV troubleshooting

Get the most inspiring stories from the road sent directly to your inbox..

rv trip planning app

  • Sign up Log in Sign out
  • Log in Sign out

Roadtrippers

Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app.

rv trip planning app

If you used to sign in with Roadpass, you should now use the same username and password to log in directly with Roadtrippers above.

We couldn't find an existing Roadtrippers account using that service. Please try signing in with another option.

We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates.

How do you want to plan your trip?

With just a few questions, our newest Premium feature, Autopilot, will plan your next adventure.

rv trip planning app

RV LIFE - RV GPS & Campgrounds 4+

Campground locator & rv gps, social knowledge, llc, designed for ipad.

  • 4.6 • 33.5K Ratings
  • Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

RV LIFE is the app where wanderlust and wisdom intersect. It's a place to share experiences and inspire confidence to conquer the adventure ahead. Trusted by millions of RVers, RV LIFE helps you locate the perfect campgrounds, navigate your RV safely, and journey with confidence. Install our free app today to elevate your RV adventures and join our thriving community of trusted RVers. Crafted by RVers, for RVers: As RVers, we've experienced the limitations of car-based GPS apps and the frustration of needing an app to work when you are offline. Designed specifically for RVers (sorry, tent campers), we've developed an RV-specific platform for researching, trip planning, navigation, maintenance tracking, and more. The most important features of our app, our campground directory, and map plus the GPS’ turn-by-turn directions function offline in remote locations with no internet. Customized RV GPS Navigation and Safe Routes: Our GPS navigation, customized for your RV's height, length, and weight, ensures you avoid low clearances, hazardous mountain passes, and inappropriate guidance that comes from using car-based GPS services. Enjoy turn-by-turn, offline directions, voice navigation, lane guidance, and real-time traffic alerts. The Unrivaled Authority in RV Park Directories: For decades, we have been the go-to directory for RVers. Explore every RV campground, RV park, and RV resort, easily accessible through our intuitive map-based interface. With over ten million data points derived from firsthand insights from fellow RV travelers, we provide you with the highest quality data to ensure you are informed during your travels. Our specialized RV park database offers in-depth information relevant to RVers, such as campground amenities, internet speeds for gauging cellular coverage, feedback on sewer and water connections, lot spacing, tow vehicle parking, etc. Confidently navigate knowing you have access to world-class data crowdsourced by verified RVers. Gain insights, such as things to do, places to eat, and other advice, from fellow RVers who've journeyed there before you. Our RV-focused filters simplify the process of finding well-rated, popular RV campgrounds. You can search by type (National Parks, KOAs, BLM, etc.) and RV discount (Good Sam, Passport America, AAA). Insider RV Tips from Fellow RVers: Take advantage of RV tips offered by other RVers, covering topics like RV area attractions, top dining options, and more, accessible from any RV campground's detail page. Pro members have access to our celebrated trip planner, RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Plan your itinerary from any browser, then easily access your trips from our app, ensuring safe navigation to your next destination. The trip planner operates in a browser, facilitating convenient planning from your laptop, tablet, or phone. Save More with RV LIFE Pro: Turn your phone into a reliable, RV-safe GPS and save money by upgrading instead of purchasing an expensive RV GPS device, complete with offline, turn-by-turn navigation. Browse Thousands of Articles: RV articles covering topics such as RV destinations, RV DIY projects, helpful RV hacks, RV product reviews, and more. We're fortunate to boast over 20,000 five-star reviews from satisfied RVers who trust RV LIFE to guide their journeys. 'We use this app for everything! Love the reviews and the opportunity to learn from other campers. We've not been disappointed when finding campsites on the road. Easy to use.' - Teachr1990 Our biggest achievement isn't that major media outlets like the Washington Post, BBC, Forbes, and USA Today have sung our praises. Our real badge of honor comes from the feedback of our fellow RVers. RV LIFE is frequently featured on RV blogs and YouTube channels. The respect and trust we've earned from the RV community and the media alike—that's our north star. Let's hit the road together. We love feedback and suggestions (please don’t be shy): Email [email protected]

Version 4.5.5

+ Introduced a new parallel download flow for faster map updates/downloads. + Resolved the issue with missing location indicator. + Improved route visibility with a new navigation line color in night mode. + Improved offline matched routing. + Fixed map zoom/scroll issues on CarPlay. + Fixed key bugs for enhanced app stability and performance.

Ratings and Reviews

33.5K Ratings

The app/planning tool has a lot of nice features. Currently, I am planning a 30 day road trip and find it very helpful. I like that I can use the web based tool on my PC and the App on my iPad and iPhone. It’s very versatile. The mapping/route planning feature gives us assurance that the roads are safe for our 40’ motor home. And, the research options make it easy to find campgrounds, points of interest, restaurants, etc. I particularly like that it shows where the campgrounds are on the map. I think it would be helpful if they color coded the campgrounds based on ratings. The calculations of mileage, time, and expense are also helpful. I used the export function to export the trip details into an EXCEL spreadsheet. Very easy. I was disappointed that the exported file did not have separate columns for gas, campsites, and food. That would really enhance the budgeting capabilities.

Planner is great. GPS 4.0 is good but needs work still

We are full-time RVers going strong for 1 year and have used this app for trip planning. We depend on this app 100% and even use the RV Safe GPS. Yes, the estimated eta is conservative and we always arrive at our destination earlier than the estimate compared to Waze, Apple, and Google estimates, but I think that’s because most safe RVers drive slower than the marked speed limit. There are settings for entering your max speed on the highways which you can experiment with. My only negatives are very minor with the GPS. In the older versions of the app, we only had one incident where we were directed down a back road that was was one way and narrow with tight turns where an adjacent main road would have been desired. Also, the new 4.0 version map display seems to have issues. I’ve had to kill the app and restart it to reset the map and remove splotches of graphical objects. In addition, the CarPlay map seems to be zoomed way in and I’d like to be able to zoom it out a bit. Overall, I love the app and will continue to use it. GPS part just needs some work still. I’m an app developer and sometimes wonder why they don’t just tap into the Waze or Google map API. I would especially appreciate the turn by turn voice from one of their engines rather than the robotic sounding one.

Ok planner. Useless GPS/Nav. Its developers never try to use the app.

The UI is horrible and I can’t explain how terrible the navigation part is. Don’t rely on it. I’ve missed so many exits and been routes into dead ends so many times I lost count. It’s also at least 2 blocks behind on your location. It’ll say something like turn left from the left two lanes, but there’s 2 or 3 exits on that side and it doesn’t say an exit number or road to follow. The map can never figure out if I’m zooming or rotating the map. Why would I rotate? This was nice at first. I paid for it. Then I routed to so many rest stops that have been closed for years apparently. There’s no way to update the app data. It’s useful for looking up some parks. The directions on the exact same route are often dead wrong. It tells you a super confusing but entirely wrong next turn OFTEN in cities, and doesn’t even label the highway you’re getting on (Ex:“275 North”) so you can self correct. Most recently I’ve noticed whenever you leave the app, it snaps back to your current location. The stupidest possible choice for a travel app. So you click on an rv park in another stage, go to their webpage to check it out, and when you come back you have to re-scroll around to find that area again because it snapped back to your current location. None of the developers have ever used this app.

App Privacy

The developer, Social Knowledge, LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

  • Contact Info
  • Search History
  • Identifiers
  • Diagnostics

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

  • Annual Plan $65.00
  • Monthly Plan $19.99
  • Developer Website
  • App Support
  • Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

RV Owners Community

Forest River RV Forums

Aquarium Advice Forums

Sailing & Boating Community

Airstream Forums

You Might Also Like

Harvest Hosts - RV Camping

AllStays Camp & RV: Camping

Campendium - RV & Tent Camping

RV Parky - Parks & Campgrounds

Campspot | RV Camping

KOA | RV, Cabin & Tent Camping

Copyright © 2024 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

RV Idiots

Guiding Adventurous Souls Through RV Life

Best Apps for RV Trip Planning

Best Apps for RV Trip Planning in 2024

Share with a friend

Last Updated on March 31, 2024 by Jessica Lauren Vine

Are you trying to figure out what the best apps for RV trip planning are? We can help.

People often look at those who live in an RV or go on camping trips and assume it’s easy and fabulous. While both of these things are a ton of fun, they don’t happen on their own and can often be stressful. It’s tough plotting a course and planning an RV-friendly trip route, and the planning process can be very stressful. 

If you’ve struggled with planning RV trips in the past or are new to the process, you may want to consider downloading an app to assist you. RV trip planning apps can be all-in-one tools that do everything or single-use tools for a sole purpose. So whether you choose one app to rule them all or download several different ones, RV trip planning apps are the way to go. 

If you know you need the best apps for RV trip planning but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. This article will look at some of the best apps of 2022 to make your RV travels more manageable and less stressful. In addition, we’ll look at gas apps, camping apps, and other valuable tools to help along the way.

Table of Contents

Favorite App for RV Trip Planning

When it comes to apps for RVing, RV Life has a corner on the market. It’s a must-have, and it’s affordable.

RV Life Pro with RV Life Trip Wizard & RV Safe GPS

Use coupon code RVIDIOTS for 25% off of your subscription

  • Visual RV Trip Planner
  • Customized to Your RV
  • Always Up to Date Maps
  • Navigate with confidence
  • No bulky (and expensive!) RV GPS required
  • Must have access to the internet unless you download needed information

Best Gas Apps for RVing 

I don’t know about you, but one of the most stressful things I think of while towing an RV is not being able to find a gas station to park it. This is a real fear, whether driving a motorhome or pulling a travel trailer. However, you can travel without worrying when using one of these apps. 

Gas Buddy  is one of the market’s most popular and fastest-growing gas apps. Signing up for the app and getting a gas card mailed to you is a bit of a process, but it’s well worth the work. Once you have the app downloaded, you can enter your vehicle information and the type of fuel you need, and Gas Buddy will do the rest. 

It will show you a list of gas stations near you, their current fuel prices, and a figure in your Gas Buddy discount. When you purchase fuel with the Gas Buddy card, you can get up to 25 cents off per gallon. You’re sure to go through a ton of energy on your travels, so having the Gas Buddy app can save you big bucks down the road (pun intended). 

Flying J or Love’s Gas Apps

You can opt for an individual gas station if you don’t want to download an all-encompassing gas app. Certain gas stations, such as Love’s   and  Flying J , are popular amongst truckers because of their enormous size and easy accessibility. No matter how big your RV is, you should have no trouble pulling in and out of one of these stations. 

Best Campground Finder Apps 

It’s tough to go on a camping trip if you don’t know how to find campgrounds. While many campgrounds aren’t listed on Google, using Google is still a viable option. There’s also a good chance you can find a better rate or deal when you book a campground with one of these campground finder apps. 

Campendium 

When it comes to finding any campground or campsite in the country, Campendium is the way to go.  Campendium  has the most extensive collection of campgrounds, state parks, national parks, and RV resorts. In addition to having a massive number of campgrounds, Campendium also lists the amenities and features of each location. It will also specify details such as wifi capabilities, cell reception, and other information. 

The only downside of Campendium is that users partially run it, so accuracy isn’t always on-point. However, it’s right most of the time and serves as a great starting ground to find campgrounds no matter where you are. 

KOA Camping App 

The  KOA Camping App  isn’t as all-inclusive as Campendium because it deals exclusively with finding KOA campgrounds. However, there are more than 500 KOAs across the country, which means that if you’re a rewards member, you’re never too far from a campground. 

The KOA app is also great because you can book and pay for campgrounds within the app. The app will also have each campground’s listed amenities, prices, and photos. So if you want to save 10% with every campground you book, downloading the KOA app and becoming a rewards member is worth it. 

Similar to Campendium but even more detailed,  The Dyrt  is tough to beat. Not only is it the fastest-growing camping app in the nation, but it’s also one of the most informative and valuable. You can find campgrounds of all sizes and types using the free app, including primitive spots that aren’t on Google. 

The Dyrt also has a Pro version where you can plan your trip from start to finish. The Pro also allows you to book sites through the app, make payments, and earn discounts and rewards. It’s one of the best and most interactive apps on the web, and it’s well worth your while to download. 

Best GPS Apps for RVing

While having gas and finding a campground is essential, they won’t do any good if you don’t know where you’re going. The nice thing about using GPS apps specific to RVs is that they consider items non-RV drivers don’t have to worry about anymore.

The original  Copilot  GPS app was for truckers, but it’s quickly grown into one of the top GPS apps for RVers. It does a great job of helping you plot your course and navigate your way in a big rig. For example, it enables you to steer clear of low bridges that don’t have enough clearance for your RV. It will also notify you if your route has steep roads along the way. If you’re planning a long road trip , the Copilot app allows you to add up to 50 stops!  And this is one of the best apps for RV trip planning.

In addition to doing everything that Copilot does,  Togo  RV can do much more. It allows you to find RV repair shops and gas stations and plan your trip from start to finish. Because of its many features, the Togo app is a paid-for GPS app. However, at just $40 per year, it’s not a bad deal for one of the market’s best apps for RV trip planning.  

Best Apps for RV Trip Planning (All-in-One)

While having multiple apps for your RV trip is sometimes necessary, keeping track can also be overwhelming. So if you’re looking for a single app that can do everything, here are the two best on the market. 

RV Trip Wizard 

Regarding all-in-one RV trip-planning apps,  RV Trip Wizard  is number one. While RV Trip Wizard is an online-only tool, its capabilities are integrated into the RV Life app. Using these tools, you can plan your trip from start to finish, and any stops along the way. In addition, RV Trip Wizard covers gas stations, RV-friendly routes, campgrounds, and more. 

You can even use the app to check out campground reviews and amenities and make reservations. This is one of the best apps for RV trip planning.

Roadtrippers 

As with RV Trip Wizard , you can use either the  Roadtrippers  app or go straight to their website. The website is better for thorough and lengthy planning, but the app is perfect for on-the-go use. Using the Roadtrippers app, you can find RV-friendly gas stations, repair shops, and campgrounds. 

The app also lets you stay up-to-date on all the latest RV news and information you might need. One of its best perks is the massive collection of attractions, parks, and roadside stops. In terms of the best overall all-in-one RV trip planning apps, Roadtrippers is tough to beat. 

Advantages of Using the Best Apps for RV Trip Planning

You might be wondering why you should use an RV trip planning app vs. just breaking out a normal map. Here are some great reasons you shouldn’t forget when you’re trying to find the best apps for RV trip planning.

Less Stress 

Planning an RV trip on your own is stressful and time-consuming. However, using helpful apps removes much of the stress and question marks of not knowing what to expect. At the end of the day, if you’re not enjoying your RV trips, what’s the point in taking them? 

Many Tools are Free 

Most of the tools we have looked at in this article are free, at least on a limited basis. Most of them also allow you to upgrade down the road if necessary. 

Offer Safer Travels 

Your path will be much safer if you know exactly where and how to get there. It also helps that most RV GPS apps show low-clearance bridges, steep roads, and sharp curves. 

Allow You to Budget 

To take things to the next level, you can budget your trip from start to finish with RV trip planning apps. For example, you can plan your gas stops and know prices ahead of time, book campsites in advance, and find affordable restaurants.             

Best Apps for RV Trip Planning – Final Thoughts 

While all RV trips are enjoyable, they’re even more enjoyable when you use RV trip planning apps. Whether you choose an all-inclusive app or use several individual ones doesn’t matter. The main thing to keep in mind when choosing apps is to select ones that will meet your needs. Gas, GPS, and campgrounds are the three most important things to consider, and everything else comes secondary. 

  • Latest Posts

' src=

  • How Long Do RV Generators Last? 2024 Answer - October 29, 2022
  • How Do RV Generators Work? 2024 Answer - October 28, 2022
  • How Do You Attach an Awning to an RV? - October 16, 2022

Related Posts

Romantic RV Vacations

Romantic RV Vacations for Every Single State

What Is the Best RV GPS App

What is the Best RV GPS App? 2024 Answer

How to Plan an RV Road Trip

How to Plan an RV Road Trip – No Stress Guide to Planning a Memorable Adventure

Boondocking Tips

31 Must-Know Boondocking Tips – Dry Camping 101

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

30 Must-Have Apps For RVers

The best (mostly free) rv apps to download now.

  • Planning An RV Trip
  • Using On The Road
  • Finding RV Campgrounds & Parking
  • Finding Good Grub
  • Outdoor Adventurers
  • Nature Lovers
  • Predicting The Weather
  • Staying Safe

Best Apps For Planning An RV Trip

roadtrippers app

Best Navigation Apps For RVers

CoPilot GPS

Best Apps To Use On The Road

gasbuddy gas prices app rvers

Best Apps For Finding RV Campgrounds & Parking

rv parks campgrounds app

Best Apps For Finding Good Grub

foursquare rv app find restaurants

Best Apps For Outdoor Adventurers

alltrails hiking rv app

Best Apps For Nature Lovers

merlin bird id bird watching app for iphone android rv

Best Apps For Stargazing

stargazing app star chart camping rv app

Best Weather Apps For RVers

rv weather app forcast app

Best Apps For Staying Safe Outdoors

offline survival manual app rv essential

Click Here To Rent An RV

Click Here To Rent Your RV

You May Also Like

Easy RV Recipes To Make With The Kids

13 RV Trip Planning Apps You Need to Know About

We’re here to guide you through the digital jungle and reveal the top 13 tools that’ll make your RV Trip Planning journey seamless and unforgettable.

📱 13 Helpful RV Trip Planning Websites & Apps

Get ready for the ultimate road trip adventure of a lifetime!

Technology has revolutionized the way we plan our escapades, with countless websites and apps at our fingertips.

But we’re here to guide you through the digital jungle and reveal the top 13 tools that’ll make your RV Trip Planning journey seamless and unforgettable.

RV Trip Planning Apps

Buckle up and let’s explore why planning is crucial, and which apps and websites deserve that coveted spot on your devices.

By no means is 13 RV Trip Planning Apps all that there are. We will be adding to this list as we travel the country and find more that are helpful.

rv trip planning app

Adventure awaits! 100 FREE Travel Prompts!

Drop your info below to get the download sent directly to your email!

Click the confirmation button in your email.

💛 You May Also Like

11 tips for emotional downsizing for rv living: a practical guide.

  • Downsizing for RV Life: What to Keep and What to Let Go
  • 50 Ultimate RV Space-Saving Hacks for Full-Time RV Living
  • How to Guide for Downsizing for Full-Time RV Living
  • 9 Steps for Transitioning to Full-time RV Living
  • 27 Essential RV Equipment for Full-Time RV Newbies

A screenshot of a webpage disclaimer stating the presence of affiliate links and a potential for commission earning.

👍 Value of Using Trip Planning Websites and Apps

  • Say goodbye to travel mishaps and plan an adventure of a lifetime with an RV.
  • Discover breathtaking routes, avoid treacherous terrains, get the best deals on fuel, and find your dream campground.
  • Road-trippers can use apps and websites to plan a safe and easy trip.
  • These tools allow users to discover amazing campgrounds that may not be on paper maps or area guidebooks.
  • The sites are regularly updated, full of crowdsourced information, and optimized for travelers.

RV Trip Planning Apps

💲 RV Trip Planning Made Easy: How to Use Apps to Plan Your Route and Budget

Discover the ultimate guide to trip planning, seamless navigation, cozy accommodations, and efficient fuel stops, transforming your journey into a stress-free, exhilarating experience!

🗺️ How to Use Maps for Efficient Trip Planning

Google maps.

Navigate the world with Google Maps , your ultimate travel companion!

Explore new regions, and handpick incredible destination cities and attractions, all while mastering your routes with precise mileage and travel times.

Dive deep into a treasure trove of reviews, making every stop absolutely unforgettable!

X RV Trip Planning Apps

Keep in mind, it’s not tailored specifically for RV travel, so be prepared for some detective work.

Check into satellite images to scope out the road quality and width! Curious about elevation changes?

Toggle to the bike travel option and conquer those peaks and valleys!

Adventure smart with a little bit of pre-trip research!

This post may contain affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure policy for more info.

Embark on an adventure with the ultimate travel companion, Maps.me !

This amazing, free app grants you the power of offline maps, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey, even in the most remote corners of the States.

RV Trip Planning Apps

Lose yourself in the beauty of nature without losing your way – download Maps.me now!

This incredible tool will guide you seamlessly, even without cell service, and could potentially save your life by helping you locate nearby medical services swiftly in emergencies.

Say hello to unbeatable reliability and your new travel companion!

Head out on thrilling hiking adventures with Maps.me by your side!

This incredible app boasts an extensive offline database of trails, ensuring you’ll never feel lost or disoriented.

Find your way back to your RV with ease and know exactly how long it takes!

🏕️ Find Your Perfect Campsite

Freecampsites.

Come across a treasure trove of camping adventures with freecampsites.net !

Although the website’s user interface may not be perfect, the content is truly impressive.

Get ready to dive into a world of endless camping opportunities right from your computer.

RV Trip Planning Apps

Sadly, there’s no app yet, but the thrill of exploration awaits.

Find fascinating details of your desired location with our vivid color-coded maps!

Instantly distinguish between free sites, permit-requiring spots, and those that have nightly fees!

Magnify the excitement of your adventure and make every second count!

Locate the perfect campsite with ease as each listing reveals essential information!

Uncover the maximum nights for your stay, the largest RV size permitted, available amenities, and if you can remain connected through cell service.

Plus, don’t forget to check for required permits and the site’s proximity to paved roads!

Learn the reliability of each campsite listing by exploring insightful reviews, revealing the accuracy of the description and updates on any possible changes since the posting.

Stay informed and excited as you plan your adventure!

Next up is the ultimate camping companion, Campendium !

A step up from freecampsites.net, this sleek platform offers a user-friendly interface and a handy mobile app.

RV Trip Planning Apps

Effortlessly find nearby RV parks, public lands, free camping spots, overnight parking, and dump stations with advanced filter options.

Uncover a world of adventure with an upgraded interface that offers a more limited selection compared to freecampsites.net.

However, don’t let that discourage you.

Enjoy the convenience of tailored filtering to find the perfect camping destination!

Just be prepared to take the plunge into the unknown with fewer reviews on some sites.

iOverlander

iOverlander is another fantastic free app that rivals freecampsites.net and Campendium in the world of camping!

It boasts an improved interface over freecampsites.net, while still challenging Campendium with its user-friendly design.

RV Trip Planning Apps

With a multitude of filters, you can effortlessly learn about amazing camping spots, cozy hostels, fuel stops, delicious eateries, and must-see attractions.

But wait, there’s more!

Need medical help, a refreshing shower or a place to stash your vehicle?

iOverlander has you covered. Roam is worry-free as this app even helps you navigate customs, immigration, and consulate locations.

These additional features are extremely useful, especially for long trips where you need more services and if you are traveling outside of your home country.

Harvest Hosts

Unlock the ultimate adventure with a Harvest Hosts membership for just $99 a year!

Gain access to exclusive host locations for unforgettable overnight stays and immerse yourself in local experiences.

RV Trip Planning Apps

Top it off with a modest $30 purchase of their unique goods and services to complete your journey.

Come across an incredible range of host locations for your next adventure, from vibrant breweries and lush wineries to eco-friendly animal sanctuaries and fascinating museums!

RV Trip Planning Apps

As a member, you can immerse yourself for 24 hours in breathtaking spots like golf courses and enchanting farms.

Just ensure your RV is fully equipped with essential indoor amenities like a toilet, cooking facilities, and waste water containment.

Recognize the hidden gems of North America with Harvest Hosts!

Engage with unique businesses and create unforgettable travel experiences as you journey from one incredible host location to another.

All while unlocking adventures and destinations that lie just beyond your imagination.

Hipcamp is an innovative platform tailored for RV travelers!

RV Trip Planning Apps

Much like Airbnb, this app connects you with hundreds of property owners who provide spots for your RV or tent camping adventures.

RV Trip Planning Apps

Choose from various options, including those with hook-ups or just a peaceful space to park.

Book and pay with ease through the app.

Imagine snagging a reservation at a highly sought-after, sold-out campground without endlessly refreshing the booking website.

Sound like a dream? With The Dyrt Alerts, you can make that dream a reality!

RV Trip Planning Apps

Harness the power of this groundbreaking tool, which diligently scans sold-out campgrounds and sends a quick text alert to your phone when a campsite becomes available.

The Dyrt database holds information on over 50,000 campgrounds in the US and boasts over 1 million user-generated reviews, making it the largest and most reliable source for finding your perfect outdoor escape.

RV Trip Planning Apps

So, say goodbye to booking stress and hello unforgettable camping adventures with the help of The Dyrt Alerts.

Campspot offers access to a vast array of top-rated camping destinations available for instant online booking.

RV Trip Planning Apps

Unearth hidden gems ranging from small, intimate campgrounds to expansive RV parks, and even luxurious glamping experiences to suit all preferences.

Instant booking eliminates the need for tedious confirmations, while the app’s partnership with campground reservation systems ensures your spot is secured in no time.

What’s more, your access to an unforgettable outdoor adventure is absolutely free, with no membership fees required to book any of the listed campsites.

Begin your journey today and experience the wonders of camping like never before, all at your fingertips with Campspot!

🏜️ Use Trip Planning Websites to Discover Hidden Gems

Roadtrippers.

Experience the unbeaten path of your next adventure with the Roadtrippers website and app!

RV Trip Planning Apps

This fantastic, free platform enables you to enter your desired start and end locations for your trip.

Ensuring you get the most authentic experience possible with personalized recommendations suited to your preferences.

No more tourist traps and overcrowded destinations.

Instead, prepare to be thrilled by the “locals only” feel, unveiling lesser-known attractions and immersive experiences catered to your interests.

Tap into the potential of your journey with the Roadtrippers website and app, and let it craft an unforgettable experience that will have you reminiscing for years to come.

RV Trip Planning Apps

So, gear up for a personalized, exciting, and offbeat trip that’s just a few clicks away!

And for just $29.99 per year, this incredible app offers outstanding features that will transform your road trips into unforgettable experiences.

Unlock endless possibilities with the ability to create longer, more detailed itineraries, tailor-made to suit your unique interests and preferences.

Share your exciting plans effortlessly with friends and family, ensuring everyone stays connected and informed throughout the adventure.

Best of all, enjoy a flawless and uninterrupted experience, as Roadtrippers Plus provides a completely ad-free interface.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to upgrade your road trip planning experience.

RV Trip Wizard

For just $39 per year, avid RVers can access invaluable information that caters directly to their vehicle’s specific weight and height, ensuring a smooth, worry-free journey.

RV Trip Wizard helps you avoid pesky inconveniences such as low clearances, steep grades, and other obstacles, all while leading you towards the best route possible.

RV TRIP WIZARD

Boasting more than 20,000 peer-reviewed campgrounds and over 10,000,000 data points, you can rest assured that you’ll have the most accurate, comprehensive information about each stop on your journey.

RV TRIP WIZARD

A visual plan, drive time and distance calculations, and cost estimates for fuel and campsite expenditures make RV Trip Wizard the essential travel companion for all RV enthusiasts.

So why wait? Give the free seven-day trial a spin and see for yourself the remarkable benefits that this RV-specific navigation system has to offer!

⛽️ Gas and Diesel Fuel

Unleash the power of GasBuddy , a fantastic free app designed to help you find the most affordable fuel near you, no matter your location.

This indispensable tool can revolutionize your road trip experience by allowing you to plan out your fuel stops ahead of time with its innovative route feature.

GASBUDDY

By doing so, you’ll maximize your savings and get the most out of every penny spent on gas.

We all know that RVs are infamous for their high fuel consumption, but with GasBuddy by your side, every cent saved on fuel means more opportunities for extraordinary adventures that will create unforgettable memories.

Gear up for a thrilling and budget-friendly RV journey with the ultimate fuel-saving companion, GasBuddy!

UpSide is a fantastic app is suitable for both gas and diesel users and is accepted at hundreds of stations scattered across the USA.

RV Trip Planning Apps

But wait, that’s not all! The UpSide app helps you earn cash back on your spending inside not just gas stations, but also at grocery stores and restaurants.

Download the UpSide app today and start filling up your tank while topping off your savings.

It’s the smarter way to fuel your life!

🛣️ Armed and Ready to Hit The Road

Embarking on an RV adventure has never been more seamless, thanks to an array of trip planning websites and apps that cater specifically to RV enthusiasts.

Gone are the days of aimlessly wandering in search of the perfect campsite or the nearest rest stop.

With the right digital tools at your fingertips, you can effortlessly plan your entire journey, ensuring an unforgettable experience for your next RV escapade.

You’ll explore epic destinations, all while knowing that you’ve prepared for any unexpected twists and turns on the road.

So, step aboard your home on wheels and dive into the world of convenient RV trip planning, tailored to satisfy your wanderlust.

If you’ve stumbled upon other handy resources in your RVing travels, do share your recommendations and keep the adventure alive!

Do you know of any other helpful apps and websites for trip planning? Comment below.

Join our Facebook community of adventurous RVers where you’ll find tips, tricks, and trips.

Promotional image featuring an invitation to join a facebook group by lifeintherv.com, displayed on various devices; tablet, laptop, and smartphones showing group content.

❓ What are Some Trip Planning Apps That You’ve Used to Help in Your Travels?

Leave a comment below and let us know!

📌 Be sure to  follow us on Pinterest  and PIN IT FOR LATER! 

Similar posts.

A dog stands on green grass, curiously sniffing a coiled snake on the ground.

Boondocking with Pets: 6 Tips for a Happy and Safe Off-Grid Adventure

A speed limit sign displaying "9 3/4" in a campground with rvs in the background.

RV Etiquette: 6 Unspoken Rules of the Road (And Campsite!)

The Choice to Full Time RV

The Choice to Full Time RV

Elderly woman in a white jacket and sunhat stands beside a man in a red t-shirt and shorts. They are navigating grief together, posing in front of a vibrant red flower bed with a scenic outdoor backdrop.

Navigating Grief: Worst Part of RV Living

Sunlight filtering through sheer curtains in a room with a black sofa and decorative pillows.

RV Windows Makeover Ideas

A lava lamp with blue liquid wax bubbles floating inside, set against a black background.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

RV Talk

Last updated on: February 17, 2022

40+ Best RV Apps Every Camper Should Know In 2022

Photo of author

by Chris Coleman

www.rvtalk.net is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Although we should pay full attention to nature when retreating to the great outdoors, that does not mean we have to sacrifice comfort. In fact, mindfully-applied technology can enhance your camping trips . Fortunately, from navigation to trip planning to finding the perfect hiking trail, the best RV apps have you covered. There’s an app for it all! 

In 2022, there is definitely some app out there that can satisfy your camping needs, whatever it is. The only problem is there are way too many apps to choose from. 

To save you from enough troubles preparing for your trips, we’ve done the hard work of sorting through the top rated apps on the market to determine the best of the best RV apps for road trips and camping.

rv apps

We’ve divided up this guide into different categories that can help you plan, navigate, and enjoy your road trip: multifunctional apps, RV navigation app, money saving app, app for finding accommodation, campground and parking, RV trip planner app, entertainment and outdoor activities app, weather forecast, and other essential apps. 

Behold, the ultimate guide to the best RV apps, including free RV apps as well as a few paid apps, all of which are worth every penny.

AllStays ($9.99) 

Rv trip wizard, google maps , copilot gps , roadtrippers (free and paid), foursquare , around me , krazy coupon lady , harvest hosts ($79/year), rv parky , national parks.

  • RV Parks & Campgrounds
 Plus ($9.99)

Camp & RV By Allstays ($9.99) 

We camp here ($3.99), roadtrippers , roadside america , google trips , spotify .

  • AllTrails 

The Outbound Collective

Mtb project, skyview lite, star walk 2 ($2.99) .

  • Sky Safari 5 ($2.99) 
  • REI Co-op National Parks Guide 

Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder 

Accuweather, myradar , dark sky ($3.99) , rv checklist, packpoint travel packing list, coverage ($2.99), free wifi finder , history here , offline survival manual , first aid by american red cross , best rv apps: multifunctional.

You can download many free RV apps at once for different needs, or for a lifetime expense of only $9.99, you can get everything you would ever need for an RV trip in one app: AllStays. The one time fee (with NO advertisements) offers lifetime free updates.

This massive all in one RV guide helps you find campgrounds, supermarkets, dump stations, gas stations, plus other RV services and overnight stops. The advanced filter features help you get exactly what you need.

There are six main categories:

  • Camping: including parks;
  • Low clearances;
  • RV related businesses, including dealers and service centers;
  • Rest areas with and without amenities;
  • Stores and supermarkets;
  • Truck Stops.

all-in-one rv app

The offline access feature comes in handy when there’s no cell service. One useful tip is to view the map ahead of time and at the desired level of zoom. This will allow the map to load in offline mode.

To save money with AllStays, filter your search to look for free dump stations, free or cheaper options for RV camping and parking. 

Full-time RVers often remark that AllStays is well worth its price. For freebies, check out these handy RV navigation app and more to save some money and have a hassle-free, enjoyable vacation in your RV:

Best RV Apps: Navigation

Navigation is a huge category. Below are the absolute best RV navigation apps that are testified by millions of seasoned RVers and campers. 

The Google Map for RVers and always rated as the top RV navigation app . This is handy since an RV is bulky, certain roads might be too small or dangerous to drive on. Just like truck-tailored navigation apps for truck drivers, having both Google Map and RV Trip Wizard will be ideal.

A must-have real-time navigation app that every driver should download. One big plus is you can download maps to use offline, which is great for off-roading. A highlight of Google Maps is the way it complements Google Trips by seamlessly mapping out the attractions and reservations that you’ve saved in the trip planning app.

RV navigation app

Millions of RVers and truckers swear by CoPilot, which offers offline maps, clear directions and trip planning features.

Waze is great for driving in and near the cities. This handy navigation app informs you about traffic, construction, crashes, police and other roadblocks in real time. These excellent features make Waze super popular with Uber drivers and city commuters trying to cut down on travel time.

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. 

free RV trip planner apps

There are a free and a paid version. The free version only includes up to seven waypoints, based on the fact that a lot of people make trips with 8 points or less, and content is better in more populated regions. The paid version costs $29.99.

A must-download app for navigating a new area, with a giant database of reviewed campgrounds, restaurants, services, and entertainment venues.

This mobile app is great for finding everything from a good veterinarian to the best happy hour in town. You can also save money with Yelp by looking for check-in offers and discounts to Yelp users.

Similar to Yelp, Foursquare is another popular community review app that will help you find all the best local hangouts, hot spots, restaurants and all kinds of services.

This app is the winner of  the Time Magazine Best App award. Just passing through and need to find a bank, grocery store or movie theater? Around Me will help you locate anything you might need with a simple swipe. 

Best RV Apps: Money Saving Apps

When you’re driving an RV on long trips, finding cheap fuel is key to saving money. Compares fuel prices to help you find the cheapest gas station nearby. 

In large RVs , you can spend up to $1,000 per fill for a 250 gallon tank. 

With GasBuddy, you may find that one gas station is 10 cents per gallon cheaper than another a mile down the street, which will save you a few dozen dollars per fill. In the long term, these savings will add up to quite a sizable sum.

This popular coupon app will help you find the best deals on groceries and pretty much anything else you might need, making dining in your RV even more affordable. 

Yelp will find the best deals and happy hours around your location. 

Best RV Apps: Accommodation, Campground and Parking

Looking for unique overnight RV camping experiences for a change? Instead of spending the night at RV campgrounds, how would you like to wake up on a vineyard or on a farm? 

best RV apps accommodation

Harvest Hosts is a membership program that offers RVers unique camping opportunities across the United States and Canada. You can patronize a local business and spend the night on their property. 

For $79/year, members have access to a listing of 900+ hosts around the United States, Canada and Mexico. Each host listing contains information such as GPS coordinates, max RV length, number of spaces, pet policy, facilities and reviews.

The My Pilot app from Pilot and Flying J helps you find nearby places to gas up or take care of all your other RV travel stop needs. In addition to filtering locations, you can also check fuel prices and contact any business from the app. 

Everyone’s favorite feature is the ability to enter your trip’s start and end point and have the app show you all the nearby stops or locations on your route. This smart feature will save you time and money. 

Built by a full-time RVer, this must-have RV app offers a guide to RV parks, campgrounds, rest stops, gas stations and stores, as well as low clearance warnings and a trip planner.

It is loved for being a useful blend of a map, a directory, RV park info, and reviews. The GPS and map settings are particularly handy when looking for a campground in your location. 

RV app campground park

A database of national parks with everything you need to know, including reviews, recommendations, points-of-interest with GPS coordinates, and interactive maps. 

RV Parks & Campgrounds
 Plus ( $9.99)

Find the perfect RV park from a database of over 40,000 commercial RV parks across North America, sorted by rating and user reviews from other campers.

This app isn’t free, but there’s a reason thousands of RVers swear by it: With information on all kinds of RV campgrounds, parking lots (including Walmart), rest stops, etc., it may end up being the best $9.99 you ever spent. 

This app is an alternative to the Camp & RV Campgrounds Plus App. It comes at a competitive price, however many RVers still think Campgrounds Plus is better and well worth its one time fee of $9.99. 

best RV apps campgrounds

Best RV Apps: RV Trip Planner Free

This highly rated app will help you discover new destinations and organize your road trip itineraries. 

This fun and unique app will help you discover all the weird and wonderful attractions that the United States has to offer. Unfortunately, it is not yet available for Android.

RV trip planner free apps

Not just for RVers, Google Trips is an all-around great trip planning app that manages all your plans in one place, helping you plan and explore new cities along your route.

Best RV Apps: Entertainment & Outdoor Adventures

This app needs no introduction. No road trip is complete without some good tunes. Get access to millions of songs with Spotify, a must-have for music lovers and campers alike. The premium subscription is well worth its price, which allows you to listen to music offline and without the annoying ads. 

AllTrails  

A must-have and one of the best RV apps for adventurers. Whether you are seasoned hikers, bikers, runners or nature walkers, this app will be your guide to more than 50,000 trails, with maps, trail reviews and photos from its community of users. 

best RV apps for adventure

A super fun app that will provide you with an array of adventure-oriented activities. The highly appreciated comprehensive, quirky filters will help you discover local hot springs, under-the-radar hikes, and more interesting gems with plenty of photos. 

Add spices to your camping trip with some bodysurfing, kiteboarding, yoga, and cliff jumping.

This app is definitely one of the best RV apps for bikers.

No app is better than MTB Project in showing you mountain biking trails, with offline maps, full GPS route info, elevation profiles, interactive features, photos, and topographical trail maps. 

Stargazing is the ideal way to spend a night outdoors in the wild. This free app uses your phone’s camera to identify stars, constellations, planets and other celestial objects in the night sky. 

best RV apps astronomy

Star Walk 2 uses your phone’s gyroscope and location tracking to present an augmented reality view of the sky above you. You can tap on a star to see a 3D model and read more about it. It’s available for a one-time $2.99 purchase. 

Sk y Safari 5 ($2.99) 

Another $2.99 well spent with this powerful offline astronomy app. Help you explore the universe through beautiful animations, photographs, descriptions and NASA spacecraft images. 

REI Co-op National Parks Guide  

This app is your comprehensive guide to hiking and sightseeing in National Parks in the United States, including bucket-list destinations like Zion, Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier and more. 

This handy RV app lets you search nearby national parks, state parks or national forests not just by location but also by activity, like bird watching or fishing. 

best RV app park

Best RV Apps: Weather Forecast

A good weather app is important when you’re traveling and camping in the wild. Remember to keep track of weather on the go and before every time you start to roll with the many free weather apps available.

Among the many weather apps out there, AccuWeather is probably the most reliable. Beyond hourly and daily forecasts, the app has information on air quality and provides severe weather updates, plus handy customization features.

A unique feature of this app is the animated weather radar displays for your current location. 

Dark Sky gives you hyperlocal, real time weather forecasts in a format that’s both pleasing and easy to understand. Free for Android with in-app purchases, or a $3.99 one-time purchase for Apple.

Best RV Apps: Other Essentials

There are many things to manage with an RV, like latching all the cabinets before the wheels rool, or crank up the stabilizers. Never forget these things again with the RV Checklist app with your own customizable list and easy features for checking off items. 

It’s built around your needs and super easy to customize.

When you camp a lot, packing is a major hassle, with a million major and minor items to bring along. Worry not, PackPoint makes it easy with the ability to create, reuse, and export packing lists. 

You can conveniently create and manage categories, even set up reminders and notifications so that you don’t forget essential items.

This app provide the number one essential need of all RVers –a convenient place to dump your holding tanks . If you love to boondock or dry camp or you just happen to need a place to empty the tanks, the Sani Dump app is the answer.

This app provides a simple map to help you find the nearest RV dump location along with information about price, hours and contact info.

This app is especially helpful if you have to work online during your trip. Now you can easily discover where you can camp with a great signal, without having to drive far only to find that your camp spot has no cell coverage.

This app allow you to scan nearby areas for all available WiFi internet, sorted by free and paid. 

Some WiFi finder apps even offer an offline record of all known free WiFi areas in your area.

Just for fun, this app provides an interactive, location-based guide to historic locations. Great for exploring new places along your route.

This highly rated app is essential for camping in the wild, especially if you are an adventure lover. Fully functional offline, it contains survival information on how to find food, build a shelter, make a fire and more. 

When you are off-roading in remote areas, this app will come in handy during an emergency situation. Developed by the American Red Cross, First Aid will teach you essential first aid skills. 

' src=

About Chris Coleman

Chris Coleman is an interesting travel blogger and outdoor photographer with a great sense of humor. He owns an RV Accessories shop in New York City so he has the knowledge necessary to provide thorough reviews and give advice on how to choose the right products for RV travel. He puts all that RV knowledge and experience to good use in his sharing posts. Besides product buying guides/reviews, Chris also writes informative articles, how-to articles and RV camping guides in his own interesting viewpoint. Chris’s blog is one of the most reliable information sources for RV campers no matter if you're an expert or a determined beginner.

Related Articles in this Category

Your guide to an ingenius old camper remodel, 10 brilliant rv dinette replacement ideas that’ll bring your rig to life, rv ceiling ideas to transform your living space, 11 fantastic ikea furniture for your rv to add affordable flair, is flex seal safe to use on an rv roof, 19 rv campsite setup ideas to personalize your space, top travel trailer and rv deck ideas + how to build your own, how to use, repair or replace rv awning lights, and the best ones to buy, 15 rv and camper office ideas to stay productive on the road, rv decor on a dime: 25 diys that look luxe, not cheap (wallet-friendly inspiration), everything you need to know about rv skirting (diy, custom solutions and ideas), how much does a scamp trailer cost complete scamp trailer price breakdown, best portable rv steps ideas (with platforms, extensions, dyi, etc), how to name you camper, van or rv 850 cool names to choose from, the 8 best rv shower curtain in 2022, how to remove old ugly rv decal by yourself, suburban rv hot water heater won’t light: causes and how to fix, is it legal to live in an rv with a child, best van for camper conversion projects to buy in 2022, 7 most interesting rv tv shows to binge-watch, a detailed motorcycle camper trailer buying guide, 1 thought on “40+ best rv apps every camper should know in 2022”.

And the #1 app used most by full time campers – and you left out … Ultimate Campgrounds (Ultimate CG) Another is FreeCampsites.net

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

thechambersrv.com

12 Best RV Trip Planner Apps To Use On Your Next Adventure

best rv trip planner apps the chambers rv featured image (1)

Phil and I are diving into the RV trip planning this week to prepare for our adventures in 2023 and when you’re planning a road trip, there are so many details that need to be covered.

We need to figure out the best route to take, where we will be able to stay once we leave home, where we can stop for supplies along the way, and so much more. Planning an RV trip can be a challenge, especially if you do not have experience doing it before and don’t know the best apps and resources to use. There are just so many things that need to be organized in order for your trip to go smoothly. 

Thats why we set out to right this list of best RV trip planner apps to use as a resource each time we or anyone else gets started planning their next camping trip!

There are many different apps that can help you with this important process and this article will list some of the best RV trip planning apps that you can use.

Let’s get started!

Considerations for RV Trip Planning Apps

Apps for planning RV trips vary greatly in quality. These are some of the most important aspects to us when choosing which one to use for your trip.

Campground Information

It’s crucial to have a RV trip planning process that allows for precise lodging arrangements. You might not be able to find a place to park your RV if you procrastinate. We recommend making reservations at RV parks well in advance of your vacation, and a dependable travel planner can help you figure out where you want to stay ahead of time.

However, if you prefer to wing it and decide where to camp at the last minute, a trip planning app could be more useful in this scenario, as it will give you a wealth of information about where you can camp.

Routing Suggestions

Having a road trip planner for your RV travels is a great resource. For instance, knowing where to find gas stations that are accessible by big rigs is helpful, especially for those who value having some more space to move around. Also, we think it’s important that RV travelers have the opportunity to pick a route that takes into account factors like overpass levels, bridge weight restrictions, and propane limits.

Scenic Opportunities

Also, try to discover a RV trip planner that includes recommendations for interesting places to visit along the road. Many breathtaking views can be seen while traveling great distances by RV. You might pass up something very remarkable using a conventional GPS system since you typically have no idea these stops even existed.

Our Favorite RV Trip Planner Tools

Rv trip wizard.

rv trip wizard best rv trip planner apps the chambers rv featured image

The RV Trip Wizard has existed for a long time and has consistently been a great tool. It’s a web-based trip planner with a plethora of options to make preparing for your next RV trip as simple and pleasant as possible. Its map-based interface makes it simple to navigate around a destination, identifying RV parks, overnight parking alternatives, fuel stops, rest stops, dump stations, and more. The RV Trip Wizard is fantastic at recommending fun and fascinating activities to visit and do along your trip.

RV Trip Wizard will provide you with everything you require to guarantee that your trip is within your budget and does not leave you fatigued from traveling too far.

RV Trip Wizard can assist you in customizing it to display just the most critical elements. It’s incredibly useful to be able to find disposal stations, rest spots, and overnight parking. The app’s sightseeing feature is a fantastic addition to all of this. Many other trip planners concentrate just on the big picture, but RV Journey Wizard attends to the minor things that make your travel more pleasurable and less stressful. Furthermore, the RV Life Pro suite means that a single membership grants you access to other features such as RV Trip Wizard, , RV Safe GPS, Maintain My RV and  Campground Reviews.

Campendium - Best RV Trip Planner Apps - The Chambers RV

Although Campendium is not a traditional RV trip planner tool, we felt it was important to include it here. Campendium’s strength is not just in its extensive database of public and private campgrounds, but also in the unparalleled wealth of information it has accumulated regarding boondocking sites.

Campendium is an excellent resource if you’re in the planning stages of a trip and want to incorporate some fantastic boondocking places. Campendium can help you save money even if you just plan to boondock on rare occasions. You can save a lot of money by staying at a free campground for even a short period of time. You have nothing to lose since using Campendium doesn’t cost anything (but you can remove advertisements by becoming a Community Supporter).

Campendium is indeed the go-to source for finding secluded boondocking locations. They feature hundreds of users, which ensures a constant flow of current, useful reviews and photographs. Both the site and the app are sleek and simple to use, making it simple to discover precisely what you’re looking for.

allstays best rv trip planner apps the chambers rv

If you haven’t already, consider checking out Allstays Camp & RV as a second recommendation for a top-notch RV trip planner. Once more, this is not a genuine trip planner where you may arrange your travel schedule. RV parks, truck stops, rest areas, dump stations, RV supplies, RV repairs, and even low overpasses may all be found with the help of Allstays.

It’s an app that can help you locate places not mentioned in other applications for just $9.99, and then you have access to it for life. The app’s ability to function without an internet connection has come in handy several times when we wanted to look up campsites quickly but didn’t have any cell phone service.

Allstays Pro is a good option if you like to plan your trips on a desktop or laptop computer. Claimed costs money (now a yearly subscription of $34.95; rumor has it this will increase shortly), but it has benefits over the free version of the website and app.

More than half a million different search options are available through Allstays Pro, which the company claims is faster than the app and website, has no ads, provides better privacy, allows full-screen maps, can be used offline with Google Earth, provides more filters for traffic, biking, transit, and more.

The Dyrt PRO

the dyrt pro best rv trip planner apps the chambers rv

The Dyrt provides free access to their massive database of campgrounds and RV parks via their website or mobile app both for iOS and Android users. You can view all of the extensive information available about each location, as well as any user-submitted images and reviews, making it easier to choose a place to stay.

If you increase your subscription to The Dyrt (pro version), you will also have access to their Travel Planner. You begin by selecting your beginning and ending places, and then you may arrange your route from scratch, including as many stops and waypoints as you wish. You may also ask The Dyrt to propose a vacation for you. It also includes map overlays for BLM, US Forest Service, and National Park Service borders.

It’s simple to let The Dyrt (pro version) organize your trip. It’s a terrific substitute for spending endless hours surfing the web in search of the ideal camping spots. The Dyrt will automatically locate the best RV campgrounds along your journey. You’ll be able to get to the park faster and, more importantly, with the confidence that you’re going to the park that best suits your needs.

KOA Camping App

koa camping app best rv trip planner apps the chambers rv

The KOA App works with mapping systems to provide easy instructions to your campsite. As campsites become more difficult to reserve, you can typically locate a place in a KOA alongside your route. The app features a map feature that allows you to discover forthcoming KOAs along your path. By clicking on the KOA symbol, you may get information on the individual campsite location, facilities, recreation, upcoming events, photographs, area attractions, and more. It also indicates how far you are from your present location. The app is intended to be used to book straight through the app.

KOAs differ because they are managed by individual camp owners. They are now classified by kind of camping; those labeled “Journey” are mostly for vacationers and may only be suitable for one or two nights. The ones labeled “Holidays” are destination campsites, generally near tourist attractions. People may remain longer if they have additional facilities. In reality, holiday KOAs include large, hard-surfaced patios with something like a grill, tables, chairs, and a fire pit , as well as a glider. Although expensive, the increased room and facilities are sometimes well worth it.

RV Life’s Campground Reviews

rv life campground reviews best rv trip planner apps the chambers rv

RV Life’s Campground Reviews are an excellent resource for finding campgrounds around America. The website is simple to navigate. Simply select a state to examine the campgrounds, which are displayed on a map. They are also presented alphabetically, and counties and cities may be searched to refine the results.The site also allows you to narrow down your search by park type, features, hookups, activities, ratings, pricing, and distance. In reality, it also enables you to read genuine camper reviews and browse images of various campgrounds.

RV Life’s Campground Reviews are accessible free via the internet or through a membership to the RV Vacation Wizard website, which may make your trip much more fun and less stressful.  

gas buddy best rv trip planner apps the chambers rv

GasBuddy can help you discover cheap gas throughout your trip. You may enter your vehicle’s make and model, as well as your starting and finishing points, into their trip cost calculator. GasBuddy will then figure out how many fuel stops you’ll go through and will recommend the best gasoline locations for each fill, and provide an anticipated cost.

Because you can arrange your journey around inexpensive gas station stops, this is among the favorite RV travel planning tools of many. You’ll enjoy how this app shows you current gas prices at future petrol stations on your trip day.

You can also navigate to their website and enter your starting and ending points, as well as the make and model of your car, and it will calculate how much gas it will charge you if you stop at petrol stations along the route. It is also accessible through the Google Play store.

One more thing is that the feature “Pay with Gasbuddy” is incredibly amazing because it is accepted in most stations where you can do it manually.

RV Parky 

rv parky app rv trip planner apps the chambers rv

RV Parky is another RV trip planner that works great if you only need to visit an RV park and don’t care about cell phone coverage. This software is not for you if you’re seeking “free” camping or wish to know about prior cell signals.

RV Parky allows you to find and add campsites, parking lots, and other facilities. All you have to do is select the “Find a place to stay” button next to the city you’re interested in. The option to filter what you’re searching for is wonderful since you can filter for utilities such as whether or not you require power, water, WiFi, and so on.

When you click on a location, you’ll see all of the information RV Parky has about the site. This software is available for download both on iOS and Google Play. You may also search by filter on their internet platform.

Good Sam Camping 

good sam camping rv trip planner apps the chambers rv

This Good Sam campground app is compatible with over 14,500 campsites and RV parts from the Good Sam RV Travel Guide and also the Campground Directory. It provides camping reviews. There was formerly a Good Sam Trip Planner, but it is no longer accessible.

The best feature of the Good Sam Camping app is indeed the ability to find exactly what you’re searching for. Look for spots that provide a pool, WiFi, pet allowance, primitive camping and pull-through space, RV hookup, slide-out room, and much more.

Harvest Hosts

harvest hosts rv trip planner apps the chambers rv

With a low-cost subscription to Harvest Hosts, you may park your RV, van, or trailer for free every night at tens of thousands of breathtaking places around the United States and abroad. You might look for a distillery, vineyard or farm that lets you spend the night dry camping on its grounds. In reality, using its website and membership will let you stay “for free” in some very amazing locations around the USA.

The Harvest Hosts certainly hope that if you come during business hours, you’ll buy a product from the winery, farm, or brewery. You can locate thousands of Harvest Hosts with your membership, and many RVers will utilize this as a nice pit stop en route to a far-off location.

Boondockers Welcome

boondockers welcome trip planner apps the chambers rv

Perhaps now is the right moment for you to obtain a Boondockers Welcome membership since many RVers have already utilized one. You’d be amazed at how simple it is to conduct a search online to find out the max RV length that could fit, the duration of stay, if pets are permitted, and customer reviews!

Boondockers Welcome is a sensible, economical approach to RV camping. On a website such as Harvest Hosts or Airbnb, you may discover hosts eager to just let you park your RV vehicle on their land for free overnight.

Once you’ve stayed, it’s common courtesy to give your host a review; in return, they’ll do the same for you.

Roadtrippers

roadtrippers trip planner apps the chambers rv

The final app of this comprehensive RV trip planning list that we need to include is Roadtrippers. If your initial journey has no more than five destinations, signing up and using the tool is completely free of charge. Which of course is excellent news if you’re operating on a budget! As a result, you can use the Roadtrippers app for a while, take some time, and see if it is the ideal app for you.

Roadtrippers’ trip-planning options are intuitive and simple to use. Simply enter your starting and ending places, change the slider to determine how far from your route you’re prepared to go for areas of interest, and start exploring. You may scroll in and out as you go to see what there is to explore and do.

Overlays for camping spots, tourist hotspots, landmarks, restaurants, and more are also available. Find nearby businesses like gas stations, campgrounds, and more that cater to your car or RV.

Roadtrippers is an incredibly effective RV trip planner, in addition to being surprisingly simple to use. Especially the idea that you may join up and utilize the tool for free for the first five days

Frequently Asked Questions About RV Trip Planning

What is an rv trip planner.

Using a smartphone navigation program like Google Maps to bring you to your final destination is convenient, but taking the shortest route possible could mean missing some amazing views on the way there. Which is a total rookie move.

what is this

Thats where RV Trip Planners come in. You can organize your entire trip with the help of these programs and websites. Campgrounds, including their rates, amenities, and more, may all be found with the help of a trip planner.

You may get a lot more out of your road trip if you use an app to help you organize your stops for sightseeing.

Routing your trip in an RV is much easier with the help of a trip planner; with some you can even include the dimensions of your RV. No need to worry about narrow roads and low bridges that can’t handle your rig since they’ll figure out the best and most efficient route for you automatically.

A significant benefit of RV trip planning apps is the ability to locate RV-specific services. The ability to find gas stations, refill stations , service centers, dump stations, and more for your RV is a common feature among trip planning apps.

What is the best way to plan an RV trip?

There are a few things you must do to plan a fluid, versatile, and fun RV trip! To make it easy to understand and take action on your RV trip planning, I broke it up into this list.

1. Pick the right RV for the road trip you’re planning.

A 35-foot Class A motorhome doesn’t leave much room for spontaneity on the road or in the campground. However, a 15-foot Class B van may not provide enough storage space to stock up on goods and create your own gourmet meals. The first priority in arranging a great RV road trip is to ensure that your vehicle is suitable for your intended journey.

2. Come up with a plan that works with your budget.

Costs for fuel, campsites, and food add up quickly on an RV road trip. Depending on the nature of your road trip, you may encounter vast differences in all three.

You can save money on gas and tolls by carefully plotting your route with your RV’s or tow vehicle’s MPG in mind. You should note that a cross-country road trip isn’t necessary for a thrilling experience.

If you plan ahead and set aside money for camping, you can stay in a more luxurious RV park at one stop and save money by boondocking or camping in a state park somewhere else. To save spending money on expensive private campgrounds, some people choose to spend the night in the parking lots of stores such as Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela’s.

In any case, it’s best to phone ahead and find out what the rules are in each area.

3. If you can, book your campsites far in advance.

Many new RVers find it difficult to accept that available camping spots are hard to come by nowadays. Traveling freely, going wherever the road takes you, is a desire shared by many others (like us!). Sadly, that means the best campsites in state and national parks tend to fill up months in advance, so booking ahead of time is usually your best chance.

You can make sure the campground is right for you by reading reviews online too or asking a RV facebook community for their opinions. Be sure the campground provides the vibe you are going for, whether is be a pool, hot tub, or even just immaculate restrooms.

Be sure to take note of the reservation details, jot down any cancellation conditions and add them to the calendar. That way you can adapt quickly to any changes in your itinerary that may com up on the road; and trust us, things come up on the road.

4. Map out a path that is suitable for a RVs.

When getting from one RV destination to another, many seasoned RV travelers prefer to take the beautiful byways and lesser-traveled back roads. When traveling by RV, you’ll need to adjust your strategy for trip planning accordingly.

Find out whether there are any limits on propane or having a low enough clearance on any bridges or tunnels. The next time you need gas, plan a pit stop that won’t force you to find a spot in a crowded and cramped parking lot too. A steep incline or a series of switchbacks can be dangerous for an RV.

5. Look into RV parking ahead of time.

When you have all the time in the world on your trip then you start to enjoy stopping for no particular reason and discovering hidden gems along the road. When taking an RV, this becomes a little more complicated. Because we love to do this, we now have a standard practice for me to call ahead to attractions on our route and check about RV parking. We’ve had no trouble finding parking at popular tourist destinations from this method.

And what about the unexpectedly enjoyable detours that spring up on the way? See if you can go there and back out using the satellite map on your phone.

6. Time your arrival later than you think.

One of the many frequently made mistakes first-time RVer make is the assumption that they can maintain the same speed as when they are driving a car. Expecting it to happen is unrealistic, so keep that in mind as you plot out your schedule.

In general, it’s a good idea to aim for a speed near 50 miles/hour as your average for the entire trip. Because of this, travel times at gas stations will be more frequent than usual too.

To avoid exhaustion and potential sleepy accidents, try the “3/300 rule,” which states that you shouldn’t travel more than 300 miles in a day and plan to get to your destination before 3 in the afternoon.

Related Posts

your guide to pop up campers the chambers rv image

What Is A Pop Up Camper? Everything You’ll Need To Know About Folding Camping Trailers.

rv boondocking the chambers rv image

RV Boondocking: The Ultimate Guide To Your First Off-Grid Experience!

rv insurance costs the chambers rv image

How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • skip to Main Content

Go RVing uses cookies on gorving.com in accordance with our privacy policy . By using this site, you consent to the use of cookies. We use cookies for the following purposes: To enable certain functions of the service, to provide analytics, to store your preferences, and to enable advertisements delivery, including behavioral advertising.

rv trip planning app

  • Your Basecamp
  • For the Family
  • Furry Friends
  • All the Amenities
  • Working from the Road
  • Versatile Vacations
  • A Fit for Any Budget
  • See All Benefits BENEFITS
  • Active Lifestyle
  • On the Water
  • Winter Sports
  • The Great Outdoors
  • A Weekend Getaway
  • Explore a New City
  • Go Glamping
  • Foodie Adventures
  • Seasonal Camping
  • See All Activities ACTIVITIES

Motorized RVs

  • Travel Trailers
  • Expandable Trailers
  • 5th Wheel Trailers
  • Pop-Up Campers
  • Teardrop Trailers
  • Sport Utility RVs
  • Truck Campers
  • Learn About Towables TOW IT
  • Class A Motorhomes
  • Class B Motorhomes
  • Class C Motorhomes
  • Learn About Motorized RVs DRIVE IT

OTHER RV MODELS

  • Park Model RVs
  • Horse Trailers
  • Ice Fish Houses

EXPLORE RVs

  • Learn More EXPLORE RVs

A Little of Class A and B Combined

  • RV How-to's

Expert Advice

  • Recipes for the Road
  • On the Road with RVers
  • Trip Planning
  • Budget Tips
  • Meet Our Contributors
  • Become a Contributor
  • See All EXPLORE

Ryan Robinson highlining Looking glass arch

Ryan's Story

Highlining in Moab

Ryan Robinson takes you for a ride in the passenger seat of his RV, off the grid, deep among the dramatic rock formations of the Utah Desert. Robinson and friends chill by the fire, tell stories, and of course, rig a one of a kind highline over the Looking Glass Arch in Moab, UT.

Mega menu Background 2 - RV Affordability

START YOUR JOURNEY

  • Buying an RV
  • Renting an RV
  • Find a Campground
  • First-Timers Tool Kit
  • RV Shows & Events
  • Explore Models & Manufacturers
  • Find Services & Parts
  • Sign up for RV Information
  • Visit our Booth
  • Get Started START YOUR JOURNEY

YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

  • Inspiring Trips
  • RV Parks & Campgrounds
  • National Parks
  • Scenic Byways

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Send us your email to get helpful tips and useful information from our partners.

RVing With Dogs 8 Campgrounds With Awesome Puppy Parks

The 8 Best RV Navigation Apps For A Smooth And Safe Road Trip

These eight robust RV navigation apps offer additional features that can make your drive smoother and safer.

Jeremy Puglisi

Share this experience

When setting out on an RV road trip, the journey should be part of the fun! Thankfully there are many high-quality, useful apps that will help you enjoy a smooth, stress-free drive to your destination.

While you can hop in your car for a traditional road trip without much planning, it’s better to do some navigation research in advance for an RV trip, especially if you’re a new RVer . Your route might include roads, bridges, and tunnels with height and weight restrictions. Additionally, some bridges and tunnels have regulations regarding onboard propane. 

RELATED:  Tips For First Time RVers

It’s also important to note that getting gas, food, and other supplies may be more challenging while towing or driving an RV. Some parking lots won’t accommodate larger vehicles. The larger your rig, the more advance planning is recommended. Some RVers prefer to stop at truck stops or certain chain gas stations, thanks to the larger lots. RV navigation apps can help you see what options are along your planned route.

Without a good RV navigation app, you might find yourself in a sticky situation. Many RVers have gotten themselves in jams that can be time-consuming, scary, or potentially dangerous. At best, you’ll simply have to turn around or reroute. At worst, you could damage your RV. Advance planning and useful apps can truly save the day.

Leave the spiral-bound truckers’ atlas behind and use one of these seven recommended RV navigation apps:

Best for Easy-to-Use Navigation: Google Maps

GOOGLE MAPS may be the most familiar app for most travelers. That familiarity makes it a good choice because you won’t have to spend any time learning a new app. Also, many other apps and websites feature the ability to open routing in Google Maps with a single click. Another bonus? It’s free. 

The downside is that Google Maps doesn’t take your RV dimensions into account when mapping a route and can lead you to restricted or difficult-to-navigate roads. You’ll be on your own to watch for low-clearance bridges, weight and length limits, and propane restrictions while driving. Google Maps also assumes you’ll be driving the speed limit when calculating arrival time, while many RVers find they drive more slowly. Some RVers use Google Maps for basic routing suggestions, but then double check that route using height, weight, and propane restrictions found in the other RV navigation apps found in this article. 

Best For Awesome Roadside Attractions: Roadtrippers

ROADTRIPPERS  has long been a favorite for travelers looking for amazing roadside attractions. The website has cultivated a collection of the best cultural, historic, and natural sites, each with colorful descriptions. The app offers navigation and allows you to also search for campgrounds and a variety of RV service locations. Upgrading to the Pro version gets you extra features, including the ability to save maps offline, collaboratively plan trips and avoid ad pop ups.

Best For Customized RV Routes: RV LIFE Trip Wizard And RV LIFE RV Safe GPS

RV LIFE TRIP WIZARD and RV LIFE RV SAFE GPS allow you to customize your route based on your RV’s restrictions. RV LIFE Trip Wizard is web-based, and it works hand-in-hand with the RV LIFE RV Safe GPS app. You can also download your route to navigate in Google Maps, which is convenient for those who prefer using a familiar app. 

The suite of RV LIFE tools offers additional trip-planning features, including campground searches and trip budgeting. If you’re a member of any camping clubs (such as KOA or Good Sam), you can prioritize those options when searching for an RV park. The RV LIFE Pro subscription costs $65 per year after your 7-day free trial and includes access to a suite of features. There’s a monthly subscription option that’s also available for $19.99, but doesn’t include a free trial. 

RELATED:  10 Tips for Saving Money On RV Trips

RV LIFE app

Best For Different Map Styles: CoPilot GPS

COPILOT GPS features an app specifically designed for RV navigation. Simply input information about your rig, and CoPilot will find an appropriate route for your RV weight and height. Maps are available in both 2D and 3D versions and include detailed information about road signs and turn lanes. Clear, simple audio navigation and speed limit indicators make it easy to safely use CoPilot while driving without looking at the screen. Note that the current lack of CarPlay integration is a downside for some subscribers.

You can store offline maps on your device, meaning you’ll never go without a map, even when driving in remote areas. You can also easily search for and add roadside stops to your route. A 14-day free trial is available, and an annual subscription costs $29.99. You can subscribe to the app in the App Store or Google Play. 

CoPilot app

Best For White-Knuckle Drivers: inRoute

INROUTE shares many features with other RV navigation apps, but it has one unique feature RVers might especially appreciate: This app allows you to devise a route based on various options, including curviness and elevation. So travelers to mountainous regions will especially appreciate this to avoid white-knuckle drives.

inRoute also checks the weather, giving you a heads up about severe weather ahead. You can plan a trip with up to eight stops for free or test out a free 7-day trial for access to all features. A subscription costs $39.99 per year or $4.99 per month. The app is currently only available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. CarPlay integration is available for iOS users.

Best For Finding RV-Friendly Amenities: AllStays

Though the name “AllStays” sounds as though it focuses on places to stay, the ALLSTAYS CAMP & RV app includes so much more. In addition to 37,000 campgrounds, the app lets users search for big box stores, parking, truck stops (with fuel prices listed), rest areas, and RV stores. The dump station filter is particularly helpful for boondockers and dry campers who need to find locations to empty their tanks.

As you drive, the map continually refreshes to show locations that fall within your filters, making it easy to plan on the go. Then, simply click a button for turn-by-turn directions to your selected destination. You can also check for weather and driving conditions. Expect to pay $34.95 for an annual subscription that renews at $32.95 per year. Note: AllStays isn’t currently available on Android devices.

RV aps

Best For Finding Gas Stops: GasBuddy

While GASBUDDY can’t be used to plan your whole route, it shines in helping you find one of the most important things you need while driving – gas. Pull up the app to find gas stations within a range of your current location, and easily find nearby options. As an added bonus, GasBuddy displays fuel prices, helping you to find the most affordable station on your route. 

RELATED:  5 Areas to Control Your Costs When Planning a Budget RV Trip

GasBuddy can also help you save money by earning “GasBack” whenever you use the app to pay for purchases. This app is free to download, but a premium subscription costs $9.99 and adds benefits like gas station deals and roadside assistance.

RV at gas station

Best For Planning Pit Stops: iExit

Available for both iOS and Android platforms, iExit is a user-friendly app that enhances your road trip experience by providing real-time information about services and amenities at upcoming highway exits.

The app's intuitive interface allows you to easily browse through a comprehensive list of services such as gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and more, all conveniently organized by exit number. What sets iExit apart is its ability to display these amenities well in advance, giving you ample time to plan your stops and make informed decisions on where to refuel, grab a bite, or take a break.

iExit is compatible with CarPlay and free to download, making it an affordable and valuable companion for any road trip. Whether you're on the open road or navigating through unfamiliar territory, iExit will prove to be an invaluable tool for maximizing convenience.

Before your next big road trip, download and explore any app of interest in advance, taking advantage of available free trials. That way, you — and your copilot — can get a feel for the app’s functions, strengths, and limitations before you drive or tow your RV. When it’s time to hit the open road, you’ll be confident that your navigation won’t lead you astray.

Jeremy Puglisi

Author and co-host of the RV Atlas podcast

Jeremy Puglisi is the co-host of the RV Atlas podcast and the co-author of See You at the Campground: A Guide to Discovering Community, Connection, and a Happier Family in the Great Outdoors , and Where Should We Camp Next: A 50 State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and other Unique Outdoor Accommodations. He loves nothing more than hitching up and heading out to the next campground with his family.

More Related Articles

Hershey RV Show

Gear for the First-Time RV Buyer

A shopping guide for America’s Largest RV Show.

6 Things I Love About my RV S2

Season 2: 6 Things I Love About My RV!

6 Things I Love About my RV S2

6 Things I Love About My RV Header

Season 3: 6 Things I Love About My RV

6 Things I Love About My RV Season 3

EmailBG

Get More News & Inspiration!

Submit your email to get helpful tips and inspiration from Go RVing as well as information from our dealer partners on making your RV dream a reality.

* Indicates the field is required.

IMAGES

  1. BEST APPS FOR RV TRIP PLANNING

    rv trip planning app

  2. How To Plan An RV Trip (5 Easy Steps)

    rv trip planning app

  3. 🛣 HOW TO PLAN YOUR RV ROUTE 🏞 Our Top Apps and Tips For RV Trip

    rv trip planning app

  4. This RV Trip Planner Keeps RVing Simple

    rv trip planning app

  5. 12 Best RV Trip Planner Apps To Use On Your Next Adventure

    rv trip planning app

  6. 11 Helpful RV Trip Planning Websites and Apps

    rv trip planning app

VIDEO

  1. Our favorite RV trip planning app #nomads

  2. RVTripWizard Version 5

  3. RV Trip Planning, Navigation and Travel Day Tips

  4. Ultimate RV Travel Planning App Revealed

  5. Top 5 RV Travel Apps for Your Next Adventure!

  6. Planning Our RV Trips

COMMENTS

  1. Our Top 5 RV Trip Planner Apps for Easy RV Travel

    RV trip planner apps offer the easiest way to plan an unforgettable road trip. They help you find campgrounds, great boondocking spots, and wonderful sights and experiences along the way. Even more importantly, they can help to ensure you have a safe arrival at your destination. The best part is that these days many of the best RV trip planners ...

  2. The Best RV Trip Planner Apps and Tools

    Roadtrippers has both a website and an app. It is widely used to plan RV routes, things to do, places to eat and what to see. It is very versatile and good for both RV and car trips. They have a number of featured pre-planned trips and will even use your location to provide trip guides in the area.

  3. 11 Best RV Trip Planning Apps for 2024

    TheKOA camping app makes it easy to find both. Search by name or by location, or use the handy map feature. Park profiles include pertinent details about the amenities. Plus, you can book directly from the app or easily call the campground. In addition to trip planning features, the KOA app makes it easy to keep track of your Value Kard rewards.

  4. RV Trip Planner

    Powered by AI and what we've learned from 38 million trips, Roadtrippers Autopilot™ plans your trip for you. Premium members enjoy the ability to add more stops, explore alternative routes, and discover hidden gems along the way. Stay ahead of the curve with real-time traffic updates, and wildfire smoke maps support to ensure a smooth and ...

  5. Best Free RV Route Planners

    1. RV Trip Wizard. There is a lot of research and planning that goes into your RV travels. With RV Trip Wizard, you can find your ideal campground, plan out your entire road trip and calculate all your costs along the way, including fuel, fees, food and even fun. Once you download the app, the easy-to-use features allow you to browse all the RV ...

  6. 20 Best RV Trip Planners in 2024: Perfect RV Trip Planning Tools for

    The Dyrt: Ideal for comprehensive campground reviews and tips. Free Campsites: Best free RV route planner for boondocking. HipCamp: Superior for finding private and unique camping spots. Campendium: Great for detailed campground info and RV park reviews. iOverlander: Top for international RV travel planning.

  7. RV LIFE Trip Wizard

    RV Trip Planning made easy with unbiased data & best-in-class features. Save time, plan RV Safe Routes, and find great campgrounds. ... Get RV Safe GPS routing right on your phone or tablet with the RV LIFE App. RV LIFE Trip Wizard seamlessly integrates its trips into your app. Simple & Affordable $ 65 per year. One week free trial.

  8. 7 Best RV Trip Planning Apps: 2024 Guide

    Here are our picks for the 7 best RV trip planning apps: 1. RV Life Pro / Trip Wizard. One of the most popular all-around trip planning resources in the industry, RV Life Pro gives you access to a variety of tools. One of those tools is the RV Life Trip Wizard, which includes: A visual trip planner. Customization to your RV's specs (to avoid ...

  9. The Best Trip Planning Apps And Websites For RVers And Campers

    Here are our favorite RV trip planning apps for great adventures. RV LIFE Trip Wizard is one of the top RV trip planning apps for several reasons: In one spot you can calculate the cost of your entire trip. It stands out from other apps because it tracks what you'll pay for fuel, campgrounds, meals & even entertainment.

  10. RV Trip Planner

    RV trip planner to map your best route, discover unique stops, and explore new activities for easy and exciting vacations, designed just for you. ... Plenty of travel websites and apps promise to help you plan a road trip in an RV or camper. Then there are those veteran road warriors still using dog-eared guidebooks, atlases, and planning ...

  11. Plan Your RV Trip

    The easiest, fastest, most intuitive RV trip planner on the market today. Create weekend adventures to trips of a lifetime in minutes! The one stop shop for adventure travel planning: from renting an RV to planning the adventure to booking the campground.

  12. 18 Best RV Apps For Trip Planning, Navigation & More

    Best Overall RV Trip Planner: RV Life Pro Suite . For the money, this one has it all, so it is our pick for the Best Overall RV App 2021. RV Life Pro Suite includes the RV Trip Wizard App and is an all-inclusive RV must-have for most anything RV-related. At the affordable annual subscription rate currently only $49.00/year, the RV Trip Wizard ...

  13. 15 Best RV Trip Planner Apps September 2024 Update

    It's by far my favorite RV Trip planning app. 5. CoPilot Truck GPS Review. Several trucks and RV GPS applications are available for smartphones, but we think CoPilot Truck GPS is one of the better ones. Several smartphone GPS applications are available if you don't want to spend money on a Garmin or TomTom.

  14. Best RV trip planner apps: Find the best route

    Integrated into the RV Life app, RV trip wizard helps you plan your entire trip from the road to the campground. Plan for fees, fuel stops, recreation, and more all on the website. Then when you're ready you can download the route onto your GPS or the RV Life app, or you can print out a summary. Gas Buddy. Image source: gasbuddy.com.

  15. The best apps for planning a safe and fun RV route

    AllStays is a robust resource for planning an RV trip. It shows you RV-friendly Walmart locations, RV service stations, and low-clearance bridges along your route. It also displays restaurants, accommodations, points of interest, and rest areas. AllStays Pro costs $34.95 annually or you can download one of the apps, like Camp & RV, with a one ...

  16. RV LIFE

    Pro members have access to our celebrated trip planner, RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Plan your itinerary from any browser, then easily access your trips from our app, ensuring safe navigation to your next destination. The trip planner operates in a browser, facilitating convenient planning from your laptop, tablet, or phone.

  17. Best Apps for RV Trip Planning in 2024

    Regarding all-in-one RV trip-planning apps, RV Trip Wizard is number one. While RV Trip Wizard is an online-only tool, its capabilities are integrated into the RV Life app. Using these tools, you can plan your trip from start to finish, and any stops along the way. In addition, RV Trip Wizard covers gas stations, RV-friendly routes, campgrounds ...

  18. 30 Best Apps For RVers And Campers

    Best Navigation Apps For RVers. CoPilot is a GPS app that will help you navigate with confidence. 4. CoPilot GPS Millions of RVers and truckers swear by CoPilot, which offers offline maps (essential in areas of spotty network coverage), clear directions and trip planning features. iOS | Android 5. Google Maps A must-have real-time navigation ...

  19. RV Trip Planning Apps You Need to Know About

    💲 RV Trip Planning Made Easy: How to Use Apps to Plan Your Route and Budget. Discover the ultimate guide to trip planning, seamless navigation, cozy accommodations, and efficient fuel stops, transforming your journey into a stress-free, exhilarating experience! 🗺️ How to Use Maps for Efficient Trip Planning Google Maps. Navigate the ...

  20. 40+ Best RV Apps Every Camper Should Know In 2022

    Find the best RV apps for trip planning, navigation, money saving, accommodation, entertainment and more in this comprehensive guide. Compare features, prices and ratings of free and paid apps to enhance your RV trips.

  21. RV LIFE Pro

    We understand the needs and dreams of fellow RVers and we create tools to make RVing as enjoyable as possible for everyone. Our goal is to create a trusted community of RVers that inspires and educates through our RV trip planner, mobile app, digital campground directory, RV forums and blog sites, RV Masterclass, podcasts, and much more.

  22. Best RV Apps

    Allstays (Apple) — Often touted as the best RV trip planner app, this awesome program allows you to search for nearby campsites and book them quickly and easily. Additionally, you can use this app to check for dump stations, rest areas, and even road grades. InRoute (Apple) — InRoute is another great route planning app.

  23. 12 Best RV Trip Planner Apps To Use On Your Next Adventure

    Considerations for RV Trip Planning Apps. Apps for planning RV trips vary greatly in quality. These are some of the most important aspects to us when choosing which one to use for your trip. Campground Information. It's crucial to have a RV trip planning process that allows for precise lodging arrangements.

  24. The 8 Best RV Navigation Apps For A Smooth And Safe Road Trip

    inRoute also checks the weather, giving you a heads up about severe weather ahead. You can plan a trip with up to eight stops for free or test out a free 7-day trial for access to all features. A subscription costs $39.99 per year or $4.99 per month. The app is currently only available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.