Roadtrip Apps: 6 to Download for Family Travel

Folded maps used to accompany road trips. Opening them up often meant blocking the driver’s view and occasionally poking them in the eye . Some maps were near impossible to re-fold, they overflowed the glovebox, and quickly became out-dated. Road trip phone apps have replaced the paperback road atlas. Travel technology has opened new opportunities for successful road trips. Download these six FREE travel apps before you hit the road on your next camping trip or RV adventure.

Campendium is my go-to application for finding campgrounds and RV parks. User reviews, photos and ratings are helpful in finding and settling on a campsite. The interface is simple and user friendly. The map is easy to navigate. My husband prefers the Dyrt app. If I’m trying to hunt down more information, reviews in particular, about a campsite or area I’ll open Dyrt and RV Parky too.

iOverlander is another great tool for finding road trip destinations. It’s particularly helpful for dispersed camping. The database doesn’t include every established campground, but it’s led us to some real campsite gems. iOverlander is also international… a must for roadtrippers venturing into Mexico and beyond.

HipCamp… it’s like Airbnb for camping. We love using the HipCamp app to find unique campsites and experiences. I stumbled across Wild Burro Desert Retreat via HipCamp. For $15/night it’s a beautiful, safe dry camp location for exploring the Tucson area, including Saguaro National Park, Bisbee, and Tombstone. The prices, hosts, and reviews vary wildly (like Airbnb), but it’s worth checking out for your next adventure.

Atlas Obscura – ok, not an app, but it will make your adventure awesome! If you are willing to reroute a few miles to visit “Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations” use the Atlas Obscura map. There’s no application to download, but it’s worth opening their website in your web browser. Read about and visit the “places” listed by Atlas Obscura. Their network of amazing destinations has led us to Cadillac Ranch in Texas, Delta Solar Ruins in Utah, The Thing in Arizona, and the Musical Highway in New Mexico. It is about the journey after all.

Storm Tracker is my preferred weather app. If you’re hitting the road to RV or tent camp step-up your weather watching game. Download your favorite weather app for reliable radar and forecasting. Don’t let your awning get ripped off your new RV when you make an ice cream or beer run!

Roadtrippers is useful if you’d like to advance plan your trip: every stop pre-determined with miles and drive time dialed in.

The above list of apps are FREE tools to improve your roadtrip. There are countless apps out there, and even more opportunity if you are willing to pay for it. Premium app versions, when available, can get you advanced features and save you from obnoxious ads.

Don’t miss the drive staring at your phone.

Paper maps and road atlases are nostalgic. There’s definitely something romantic about tracing your adventure along a paper map. The advantages of road trip technology are countless. A word of caution: there is a balance between trip planning and living in the moment. It’s easy to spend hours staring at a phone, navigating and scouring apps for the perfect campsite, amazing dinner destination, and not-to-be-missed roadside destinations. The best moments sometimes aren’t planned. Don’t forget to just enjoy the drive!

Road tripping in New Mexico? Follow my New Mexico RV Family Roadtrip to make it easy!

What are your favorite travel apps and tools? Comment below 👇