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

• Last Updated: June 3, 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

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

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 (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

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?

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.

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

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

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

Last Updated on May 18, 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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7 Best RV Trip Planning Apps: 2024 Guide

Home » 7 Best RV Trip Planning Apps: 2024 Guide

• June 1, 2024

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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

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 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 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 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

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).

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

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.

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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…

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.

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

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.

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! 

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)

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.

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The Best RV Trip Planner

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

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Best-In-Class Features

A Visual RV Trip Planner

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

Unbiased Information

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

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

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, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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…

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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’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.  

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 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 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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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.

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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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Is RV Trip Wizard Still the Best RV Trip Planner in 2023?

By: Author The Drivin' & Vibin' Team

Posted on February 14, 2023

If you’ve planned any number of road trips in the past, you know how stressful it can be to find campgrounds, attractions, and truck stops along your route. A simple Google search isn’t always effective. Plus, you want to make sure you’re not traveling on narrow, windy, backcountry roads to get to your destination. Many RVers have used RV Trip Wizard for years, and it remains one of the top trip-planning tools on the market. 

Let’s take a closer look at this feature of the RV Life network so you can decide if it’s the best RV trip planner in 2023.

What Is RV Trip Wizard? 

Many travelers use RV Trip Wizard to help plan routes. It features a visual trip planner so you can see every stop on your journey, campgrounds, fuel stations, rest areas, and more. Users can also input specific details about their RV to ensure that the route they’re taking is safe for the size of their rig.

In addition to being a planning tool, RV Trip Wizard also estimates the cost of your trip with fuel and campground fees. Finally, users can input daily drive times and distances to keep themselves from getting exhausted. The app will alert you once you’ve reached your daily limit so you can figure out where to stop for the night.

Is RV Life and RV Trip Wizard the Same?

RV Trip Wizard is part of the RV Life network. RV Life offers a maintenance tracker and an RV-safe GPS system along with the trip planning tool. These tools are only available to RV Life Pro members. 

The free basic features give users access to campground reviews, an RV forum, and RV classifieds. RV Life Pro costs $59 per year and provides access to the additional tools mentioned.

Pro Tip: Make planning your trip easy with these tips on How to Use RV Trip Wizard to Revamp Your Travels .

Does RV Trip Wizard Have a GPS?

The RV Life app provides Pro members access to an RV-safe GPS system. RV Life Trip Wizard integrates your trip into the app, so you have both the itinerary and the directions in one location. An RV-safe GPS is very important for RVers. Users input how tall, heavy, and long their RV is, and the GPS tool finds safe routes, so drivers don’t have to worry about low clearances or weight limits on bridges. 

In addition, if you’re carrying propane on board, the app will alert you to upcoming tunnels and other places ahead that will require you to turn off the propane.

How Does RV Trip Wizard Work? 

RV Trip Wizard is compatible with most computers, tablets, and smartphones. This easy-to-use system allows users to view campground reviews, access discount clubs, see upcoming road hazards, and more. New users can take advantage of the seven-day free trial before committing to the yearly subscription fee of $59 for RV Life Pro.

Users input their preferences in the trip planning tool, such as Good Sam campgrounds or free campsites. Then you set your start and end locations. Then, add campgrounds, restaurants, rest stops, and more to the route. Once you plan a trip using the RV Trip Wizard, you can export your route to Google maps or a GPS device.

There are many pros to using RV Trip Wizard, like saving favorite locations, creating personalized and safe routes, and tracking expenses. The additional access to the RV-safe GPS is another huge advantage, and users can easily integrate it into Apple CarPlay, too.

But one of the biggest cons to using RV Trip Wizard is that it’s a web-based program. Users can see trips on the app but can’t edit them. It can also take a while to learn the system. With so many features, there’s a learning curve for all new users.

What Are Other RV Trip Planner Apps?

Another popular RV trip-planning app is Roadtrippers Plus , which is part of the Togo RV family. Unlike RV Trip Wizard, users can view and edit trips via the app. Another distinction is that you can collaborate with other RVers through the app. As long as other travelers have the free version of Roadtrippers, you can build an itinerary with others.

The Dyrt Pro is another tool many RVers use. One of the biggest pros to using this app is the ability to view free camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) , U.S. Forest Service , and National Park Service (NPS) managed lands. The map has layers to show RVers these locations that set it apart from RV Trip Wizard and Roadtrippers Plus. 

This tool also provides campgrounds reviews in real-time so users can make educated decisions about where to stay based on other RVers’ experiences.

Pro Tip: Use these 7 Best iPhone Apps for Camping to make your adventure a success.

What Is the Best Navigation System for an RV?

The best navigation system for an RV is the one that gets you where you need to go safely. It’s really a matter of personal preference. Garmin has produced several versions of RV-safe GPS systems you can mount on your dash. The Garmin RV 785 can help RVers avoid low clearances, steep inclines, and tight turns. The 7-inch screen also makes it easy to see. 

Finally, the built-in dashcam automatically records footage if it detects an incident. However, it’s one of the most expensive options on the market today. There are cheaper options for travelers on a budget.

But many RVers don’t purchase a separate dash navigation system. Instead, they use their smartphones and apps like RV Life and Roadpass Pro. These subscription services have a monthly or yearly fee and can add up over time. But it will take years to meet the upfront cost of a Garmin, Magellan, or Tom Tom navigation system. So the best RV-safe tools really come down to budget and personal preference.

Is RV Trip Wizard Worth It?

Since RV Trip Wizard comes with a seven-day free trial, there’s no reason not to try it. Plan your next adventure with the trip planning tool and then take advantage of the RV-safe GPS navigation. RV Trip Wizard can make it easy to find the nearest rest area or fuel center when you need a break, giving you peace of mind as you travel. Make your next road trip enjoyable and safe with RV Trip Wizard!

What trip-planning tool do you use? Tell us in the comments!

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To be honest with you,  we hate paying for camping . There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

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As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours.  Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! 

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RV GPS App: 10 Essential Features

By Roadtrippers

An RV GPS app is an indispensable tool that goes beyond mere navigation. Apps like these are designed to provide direction for unique RVing needs, such as RV-safe navigation, overnight camping options , right-sized gas stations, and more. 

When it comes to the sea of RVing tools out there, it’s important to look for the one that offers all the features needed for RV-safe navigation. That way, you won’t be juggling between apps over the road.

In this post, we’ll explore the 10 most important features to look for in an RV GPS app.

1. RV-Specific Routing

This one can’t be understated. Avoiding low bridges, narrow roads, and restricted areas is key for a safe RV trip. The right RV navigation app will factor in your specific height, weight, and length restrictions to avoid non-RV-friendly routes. 

Low clearances, steep grades, sharp curves, and small gas stations are a few examples of the things that drive RVers batty — and they can also cause serious damage. 

That’s why your app of choice needs to factor your camper’s dimensions into its routing.  Roadtrippers is an RV GPS app that does this by gathering the specific details of your rig and planning a route to match.  

2. Campground and RV Park Locator

Roadtrippers features a comprehensive directory of RV-friendly campgrounds and parks that you can drop right into your planned route. 

We even have a new feature called Autopilot™ that’ll plan an RV-friendly trip with campground options for you. Simply answer a few questions about the type of camping trip you want, and Autopilot™ does the rest.  

Our app also features one of the largest campground databases on the planet. You can filter RV parks by price, amenities, type of place, big rig accessibility, WiFi , cell coverage, rating, and more to find the campgrounds that best suit you. 

3. Points of Interest for RVers

What fun is a road trip if you don’t make a few stops at quirky roadside attractions, historical sites, and natural wonders? That’s why your RV GPS app should pack in points of interest.

And then there’s the practical stuff like RV service stations, repair shops dump stations, and potable water refill points. Your RV navigation app ought to have the goods here too. 

Roadtrippers features a large library of RV-centric stops for any trip.  

4. Offline Maps

RVers flock to national parks, public lands, and other remote areas where cell service can be unreliable. 

When cell service goes, so too while your RV navigation unless your app provides offline maps. 

This feature allows you to download a fully functional map of your route that’ll keep running in the deadest of dead zones. You can even download maps of entire regions to make those areas fully searchable for RV-friendly stops along the way. 

5. Fuel Station Locator

Large gas stations and truck stops are RVers’ friends. Roadtrippers is an RV app that features thousands of stations and a filtered search feature so you can find RV-friendly gas stops along your route.

6. Trip Planning and Management

RVing is one of the most affordable ways to travel if you plan ahead. RV navigation tools can help with this by estimating fuel costs, efficient routes, and stops that match your budget. 

Roadtrippers lets you build a trip from a sea of options that match any budget. Our Autopilot™ tool can even build a custom RV trip based on your selected budget and interests. 

7. User-Friendly Interface

The best RV navigation apps let you easily drag and drop stops along your route interactively. The map and directions should also be easy to read.

Look for RV GPS apps that provide voice-guided navigation. This way, you can build your trip and safely follow it in the same app. 

Roadtrippers RV GPS is one app that does all the above.  

8. Safety Features

Breakdowns are a bummer and getting stranded over the road stinks. The best camping apps have built-in features to get you help wherever you wander. Roadtrippers Roadside is an add-on offering that’s built into our app. Roadtrippers Roadside provides RVers with peace of mind by offering towing assistance, trip interruption insurance, propane refills, battery help, and more. RV apps can also be vital safety tools for alerts about sharp turns, steep grades, and speed limit changes. Sometimes, the road ahead is fine for a car but challenging for an RV. The right RV GPS app will warn you ahead of time. 

9. Community and Social Features

These are things like user reviews, tips, and recommendations that add real-life context to your RVing journey. 

For example, when you stay at an RV park, it’s uber-helpful to know how former guests have rated cleanliness, WiFi speed, amenities, scenery, and much more. 

It’s even better when your RV GPS app offers recommended itineraries based on real-life trips that people have taken. 

Roadtrippers does all of this. Locations featured in our app offer reviews, information on cell coverage, campground quality, and much more. Our trip guides showcase some of the best itineraries users have taken around the country. And our maps feature the quirky roadside attractions we know folks love. 

10. Free Overnight Parking Locations

Roadtripping RVers often need overnight breaks to catch a few zzz’s before safely getting back on the road. Instead of paying for a campground, many opt for free overnight parking at places like Wal-Mart, Cabelas, and Cracker Barrel.

However, overnight parking is not guaranteed at every store location. That’s why the best RV navigation apps offer user-generated information about places to park overnight.

The Roadtrippers app features over 16,000 free places to park your RV on your way to your destination.

RV GPS apps have revolutionized the way camping folk travel. Features like RV-safe navigation and campground locating are a couple of examples of the features that make these apps a must-have. Roadtrippers is an RV navigation app built by RVers and for RVers to have the essential features needed to navigate this special lifestyle. Try Roadtrippers Premium for free .

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

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A Planning Guide for Your First RV Trip

H itting the open road in an RV captures the essence of adventure: spontaneous side trips, whispering pines or crashing waves at your doorstep, and the joy of carrying your home on wheels. This planning guide for your first RV trip will help you embrace the ultimate freedom machine!

For first-time RVers and travel enthusiasts, breathe easy; this guide is your roadmap to making memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s turn the key and gear up for an expedition peppered with personal stories, insider advice, and that pinch of moxie that takes you places far from the ordinary track.

Who am I to tell you how? I went from taking a Cruise America week-long RV trip and Minnie Winnie GO RVing adventure across Florida to being a full-time RVer for a year in my beautiful Cedar Creek 291RW. My husband and I have started at an elementary level and packed in many memories with minimal training or experience.

You can, too.

Deciding Where and How Far to Journey

Your maiden voyage might be a short weekend jaunt or an epic cross-country trek. Either way, balance driving distances with relaxation time. Craft a route that tantalizes your curiosity, but remember the hidden gem of RV (recreational vehicle) life is often found in unplanned detours and unscripted moments.

A good  road atlas  will quickly become your best friend. 

Remember to factor fuel costs into your itinerary planning, particularly for those longer stints, and align your travel tempo with the rhythm of relaxation rather than the rush hour race.

My husband (Eddie) and I follow the 2/2/2 rule: Drive 2 hours, 200 miles, or be off the road by 2 PM. It works like a charm!

Pro Tip:  Have a final destination in mind. Are there any big cities that should be considered when planning your route? For example, you don’t want to arrive in Dallas or Atlanta at evening rush hours.

Choosing Your Campgrounds For Your First RV Trip

When it comes to which campgrounds to set your sights on, think of Goldilocks – not too big, not too small, it needs to be just right. You’ll want to look for sites that offer the right balance of natural beauty and amenities.

Full hookups are the RV equivalent of hitting the jackpot—water, electricity, and sewer connections set the stage for a hassle-free stay. We found that we loved KOA campgrounds and tended to seek them out. We also were not very good at backing in our RV, so we always paid a few more dollars for the pull-thru sites.

While state parks offer an immersion in nature, private campgrounds are beacons of comfort with their own communities and can be found with pools, WiFi, and even mini-golf courses.

Don’t forget to check out campsite reviews. Real stories from fellow travelers give the low-down on what to expect.

Stocking Your RV

Packing an RV is the art of remembering the “must-haves” and recognizing the “nice-to-haves.” Think about all-weather clothing, emergency kits, and a toolbox, and don’t skimp on the entertainment—books, board games, and playlists curate the backdrop to your adventures. And always, always have extra water.

My husband advises you to buy a heavy-duty tote to keep below (or wherever) in storage. You may add to it a good flashlight,  50 amp surge protector , extension cord with a couple of plug-ins, gloves, a  bug zapper  or spray, tablecloth, Clorox wipes, and a mat to go at the bottom of entry stairs.

Pro Tip : We purchased an  8×10 outdoor nylon area rug , which makes sitting outside more comfortable as we aren’t in mud, dirt, or gravel. It also cuts down on the amount of debris that gets carried into the RV.

Hooking Up Your RV

The symphony of setting up your RV involves a few crucial steps, but once mastered, it’s like riding a bike. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I kept on my phone for hooking up and unhooking within a week and a checklist, and we were pros.

Every RV park has a different layout, but the song remains the same: power, water, sewer. Ensure your cables and hoses are long enough to reach the hookups, and always watch for level ground.

If you are RVing more than once, consider splurging on  Valterra Slunky Sewer Hose Support  to raise your hoses off the ground and keep the water flowing from your rig. A well-leveled RV equals a spill-free coffee table and a peaceful night’s sleep.

Making Your RV a Home

Personal touches add the warmth of home to your portable abode. Photographs, a cozy throw blanket, soft lighting – these accents tell your story. Be bold and decorate for the holidays, a trendy campground thing to do, or drape festive lights inside or out for a touch of whimsy. This space is yours to mold.

A few of our favorite touches were a decorative plate, an RV votive candle holder,  Vera Bradley throw blankets , footstools, and  a USA sticker map . 

Cooking on the Road

Your RV kitchen is a diner where every seat is a window seat. One pan meals become cherished recipes, and the grill is your sous-chef. Simplicity is your culinary companion – think easy-to-store ingredients, pre-prepped fruits and veggies, and a bevy of spices to keep things interesting.

We were lucky that our RV had a full-sized kitchen and could cook everything in it. However, it did require some thought into the prep process due to space and oven size. We use velcro straps to close the doors in case they open during transit. Being proactive about what can happen is vital when RVing.

Unearth local farmers’ markets for fresh finds and incorporate them into your meals. There’s something liberating about crafting a meal with ingredients from a place you never knew existed until yesterday.

Eddie suggests buying a portable grill to create a great meal and bring the dining outdoors. We opted for a gas grill, so there are no ashes to contend with. You can purchase small propane cans at Wal-Mart, grocery stores, and many campgrounds.

RVing is a Thrilling Adventure

Embarking on your first RV trip is like turning the pages of a book where the story unfolds at the pace of your pulse. There are scenes of sun-glazed mornings, and spectacular scenery awaits you.

There’s a freedom to this kind of travel that opens up a world of wonder—one where the destination is not as important as the campground and what you find along the way. It’s definitely something we are happy to have experienced.

For more about how we became full-timers , read this article.

With this guide in your pocket and a map on your lap, there’s no telling where you’ll go—but that’s the beauty of it. Happy travels, my fellow explorers. May your journey be as rich as the destinations you discover.

Attention road trippers! These apps play vacation planner, make life on the road a dream

For many people, the classic American road trip is a rite of passage.

The 48 states on the continental U.S. are home to rolling hills, mountains, rivers, oceans and countless other attractions. And thanks to modern technology, planning the perfect road trip is easier than ever.

Just juice up your phone, make sure your car is ready to roll , grab your go-to road snacks, and let your smartphone do the hard work.  

Apps, like Roadtrippers or InRoute, can do most of the route planning for you.

Begin by inputting your starting and ending point, then let it suggest fun places to check out, whether you're taking the direct route via the highways or the winding roads less traveled.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Watch this video to learn more about some of the apps you need for your next road trip.   

Roadtrip essentials

A good road trip needs these three things: Good snacks, an excellent playlist, and plenty of gas. 

If you’re driving through an unfamiliar area, fill up your gas tank sooner rather than later to reduce the risk of getting stranded on empty.

Check out these apps to keep your car juiced up along the route: 

• Gas Buddy  

Gas Buddy helps you find gas stations near you and tells you how much the gas costs. 

Prices are put in by other users, so there is a chance prices may have changed by the time you arrive. If that happens, you can report the price change in the app. 

PlugShare helps you locate EV charging stations that are compatible with a variety of electric vehicles. 

And just in case you need it, because you almost certainly will, Toilet Finder can help you find a nearby facility to take a comfort break.

The app also tells you if the toilet can be used without charge and if it's wheelchair accessible. 

Taking a road trip with a pet

If your copilot has fur and paws, BringFido will help you find dog-friendly places to stay, eat, visit, and more. 

It even includes reviews from other users to help you make the best decision for you and your pet. 

On the road again

By the way, before you hit play and take the wide-open road, download your car insurance app on your phone.

Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it can make it much easier to file a claim or call for roadside assistance. 

Reviewed-approved car recommendations 

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.  

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of experts test everything from waterproof speakers to air purifiers so you can shop for the best of the best. 

• Customer-loved portable car vacuum: ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner  
• Durable phone car holders: Beam Electronics Phone Holder  
• A clutch jump-start box: N OCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box  
• This well-reviewed dash cam: RedTiger Dash Cam  
• A handy USB C charger: Anker USB C Car Charger  

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Our trip planner is the best tool for planning your next vacation. We take the hassle out of finding dump stations by letting you see where they are along your route so you can plan ahead.

Tell us the route you want to take and we'll give you some suggestions for how to get there, along with free and low cost camping along the way. Our routes show total mileage as well as driving time and turn by turn directions . In most cases, we'll provide alternate routes as well.

Just add your must see destinations as extra stops along the way. If you like, we'll even optimize the route to save you driving time.

Don't like the route we've suggested? Check out the options to avoid highways and toll roads . You can even drag the route around if you see something interesting you'd like to check out.

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Plan a road trip with stops.

Travelmath helps you figure out where to stop when planning a long road trip from one location to another. The best stopping point for an overnight hotel stay or a break from driving often depends on how far or how long you want to drive before pausing to rest. You can find the closest city to your stopping point to look for hotels, or explore other cities and towns along the route. Use this as a road trip planner when you're driving cross-country or mapping a route with multiple stops.

You can also calculate the halfway point between cities, the total driving distance or driving time , or get a budget for your next road trip.

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