Phone Apps

This is a very robust RVing App.  It has GPS, park locations, links to the parks and a variety of information about businesses along the route.  They have several versions of the App: Tent Camping version, and one for military camps for retired military.   The app has the common filters for campground services and businesses along your route. It has an offline data base for those areas that don't have cell service.  There is Pro version for $34 a year that has more detailed maps, more offline capability and no ads.  For us, casual campers, the free version is more than adequate. 

This is a good one if you want to find Good Sam associated parks.  It has filters so you can only see parks that are offering 50 amp service, or has a pool for example.  The search is based on a radius, that you select, from your location.  You can also manage your membership and seek out service and food.  You can also make notes on your stays or plans within the app.  Free to install, some features need Good Sam membership

I found the Boondockers Welcome app just before they joined together with Harvest Hosts.  I really liked the app and am sorry to see that they are now charging for membership.  The app helps you find people that have space, typically farmers, wineries and other businesses that let you stay there overnight or for short stays for free.  Some charge a small fee if you need power or accept donations.  If they have a business they ask that you patronize their business.  Usually in more rural areas this type of camping looks fantastic.  At $99 a year we will only use the app when we are doing an extended trip.  If that's you, try it out you will get your money back after a couple stays.  

This is one of the first apps I installed. They also have a  Newsletter that I have enjoyed reading it for some time.  They review campgrounds from around the country. I actually like the Newsletter better than the app.  The app has GPS and mapping features and links to campground listings.  Give it a try, it does work well and do check out the Newsletter its worth the time.  To read an update on the app after our first cross country trip click here. 

This is what you would expect from KOA.  Its and app version of their website.  You can find KOA parks, make and manage your reservations as well as your KOA rewards.  Very simple app, and a must have if you stay at KOA's

Currently this app only is beneficial to Diesel users but it can save you some money when you fill  You sign up and create an account.  When you need fuel you go to a participating truck stop and fill, pay fleet prices.  Some can be up to .50 off the posted price.  For more information, check out the Open Roads app or check Our Blog page for a more in-depth look at the app. 

While this app isn't really directly related to RVing or camping, but it does save you money.  Since I first signed up I have received over $100 dollars back in cash.  The app shows gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores near you that are offering a refund.  The amount varies so you have to check on it occasionally.  My last grocery trip earned me 20% return of my purchase.  My last fuel fill I got a .25 refund on diesel.  You simply claim the discount on the app and provide proof of purchase.  You are credited the money in a couple days.  You can get gift cards or have it deposited into a PayPal account.  You also earn money from your referrals when they start using the app.   You can find it in your favorite app store.  Drop me an email and I will send you a referral code to get you started.  

I recently found this one and there are features that I like.  The drawback is that it only lists stuff along an Interstate.   Basically you tell it which direction you are headed on a freeway and it lists each exit and the amenities you will find there.  It includes rest stops and weigh stations which I find very helpful.  You can filter the exits displayed by what you are looking for.  It has an RV friendly feature so you know that parking is available for your rig.   Its new to us, but it looks like it has potential on a long haul trip on the interstate.

This isn't really a camping app but its a good trip planner.  It uses live data from other Wazers to provide you with good trip routing.  If there is a major problem up head it will suggest alternative routes for you.  It has features that alert you to road hazards and law enforcement activity due to accidents or traffic control.  It has fueling and food locals along your route as well.  It has a chat feature in which your passengers can communicate with other Wazers along your route as you can see their locations and direction.  While I have never used this feature I can see it being helpful on checking on weather conditions people experienced that are going the other way.  I do wish they would add a low clearance hazard option it their routing feature.

This is a very popular app with many nice features.  You can search for campgrounds in an area, click on the  icon for the campground you are interested in.  It opens a info box with the campground amenities and reported prices, as well as reviews.  If you click on the info box a new box opens with more information on the site, contact info as well as their website and reviews, some with pictures.  It has route planning that you can use that can track your expenses along your trip as well as a journaling feature.  We really this app. My only critique of it is that many of the site reviews are very dated.  They are user driven, so if you use the app, do leave reviews. It helps all of us.  Click here for an update on the app

We just discovered this one in doing some trip research.  Its a free app created by a non-profit to provide add free campground information to anyone who is looking for information. It has routing features as well.  It appears to work without signing up for an account but there is no cost and they only ask for your name and email   It has a very robust filter system that seems to work really well.  There is a donation button so you can donate money to the developers on a regular basis or just whenever you feel like doing so.  We definitely added this one to our phones for use this coming camping season.  What I do like about this one is you can access it on a laptop as well. Not all apps have that feature.

freeroam.app 

We have been using You Tube for some time now, not just for RV stuff but just about everything. It's a way some people supplement their income or boost their ego's but whatever their reason, we all can benefit.  If you have a question on how to fix or do something go to You Tube online of via the app and do a search.  Someone, and more than likely more than one, has done a video on it.  Some are good, some are very bad, some are funny but most are helpful.  You learn to find the ones that get to the point quickly rather than a 10 minute explanation to show you a quick minute fix.  I've been told I have a face for radio so you won't be seeing any from me, besides someone else has done it.