There are countless apps that make full-time RV life easier, but these are the ones that have earned a permanent spot on my iPhone. I use an iPhone, so Android users may find similar apps with different names.
Find My
I have misplaced one or more of my devices more times than I’d like to admit, and this app has saved me a lot of worry. Whether I’ve left my phone somewhere in the rig or accidentally left a device behind at a campground or pub, Find My helps me quickly track it down.
iOverlander
This is my favorite app for finding places to boondock. Users contribute locations where you can park overnight for free. It also helps locate dump stations, fresh water, laundry facilities, propane, and many other services that are useful while traveling.
Google Maps and Google Earth
Google Maps is my primary navigation app. It provides routing options, traffic information, things to do nearby, and the ability to avoid highways or toll roads.
I use Google Earth to get a better overview of areas where I plan to hike, camp, or explore. The satellite imagery helps me understand the terrain and identify potential campsites and viewpoints before I arrive.
AllTrails
This is my go-to app for finding and navigating trails. You can search for trails in your local area or just about anywhere. I download trails for offline use, and the app keeps me on track while providing useful hiking statistics along the way.
Apple Weather
There are probably more sophisticated weather apps available, but I like the simplicity of Apple Weather. It provides everything I need, including wind speed, visibility, precipitation, and forecasts. I also like being able to monitor weather conditions in multiple locations at once.
Windy
When I need more detailed weather information, especially wind forecasts, I use Windy. This is particularly helpful when driving an RV, planning hikes, or photographing coastal areas.
GasBuddy
GasBuddy helps me find fuel discounts ranging from a few cents to as much as thirty cents per gallon. Since I travel extensively, those savings add up quickly over the course of a year.
Gas Station Apps
I keep several fuel station apps on my phone, including Pilot Flying J, Love’s, Petro-Canada, and Shell. These apps often provide fuel discounts, rewards points, and information about services available at each location.
Harvest Hosts
I pay an annual membership fee, but it gives me access to thousands of unique overnight locations. Hosts include farms, wineries, museums, churches, breweries, and many other interesting places. Members are encouraged to support the host business, typically by spending $20 to $30. Some of my favorite overnight stays have been through Harvest Hosts.
511 Apps
Most states and provinces offer a 511 travel information app. These apps provide current road conditions, construction updates, accidents, weather-related closures, and traffic camera feeds. I check them regularly before travel days.
USFS and BLM Campgrounds
These apps make it easier to locate campgrounds on National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. They’re particularly useful for finding affordable camping and dispersed camping opportunities.
Hipcamp
Think of Hipcamp as Airbnb for campers. Landowners rent campsites on private property, ranging from simple tent sites to full-hookup RV sites. I’ve discovered some unique places to stay through Hipcamp that I never would have found otherwise.
Goodnotes
Goodnotes allows you to type or write notes on your device. I use it for journaling, to-do lists, trip planning, and note-taking. I also
store all my manuals in the app so I can highlight important information and make notes directly on the documents. I use this app every day.
Kindle
While I still enjoy physical books, I’ve moved almost all of my reading to my iPad to save space and weight. I read frequently and enjoy having an entire library at my fingertips. With library cards from several libraries around the country, I can borrow books wherever I am.
Libby
Libby works alongside my library cards and allows me to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free. As a full-time traveler, it has saved me a lot of money and eliminated the need to carry more books.
Merlin Bird ID
This is a fun app that identifies birds by their sounds. Simply record what you’re hearing, and the app will tell you which birds are nearby. It’s surprisingly accurate and has made birdwatching much more enjoyable.
YouTube
YouTube is my source for both entertainment and learning. Whether I’m researching RV repairs, learning a new skill, or simply looking for something interesting to watch, there’s always something worthwhile to discover.
Walmart
I use the Walmart app in two ways. First, it helps me locate nearby stores when I need supplies. Second, I use curbside pickup regularly. I can place an order from wherever I’m parked and pick it up before hitting the road the next morning.
Recreation.gov
This is the federal government’s portal for recreation on public lands. It allows you to reserve campsites, research National Parks, locate trail maps, and find information about National Forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds.
Apple Podcasts
I download podcasts whenever I have Wi-Fi so I can listen while driving or relaxing in areas with limited cell service. Podcasts are a great source of entertainment and learning.
WhatsApp is my preferred messaging app while on the road. It works over Wi-Fi or cellular data and makes it easy to stay connected without worrying about long-distance charges.
TravelBoast
This is simply a fun app that creates animated maps of your travels. It’s a great way to share your adventures with family and friends or document your journey for social media.
Atlas Obscura
When I’m looking for something unusual to see, Atlas Obscura is my first stop. It highlights quirky roadside attractions, hidden gems, unusual landmarks, and fascinating places that most travelers never discover.
State Park Apps
Many states have their own park apps that provide trail maps, campground information, park alerts, and reservation links. If I plan to spend time in a state, I often download its park app before arriving.
Starlink
If you use Starlink for internet access, the Starlink app is invaluable. It helps identify obstructions, monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and manage your account. I use it every time I move to a new campsite.
Final Thoughts
There are thousands of apps available, but these are the ones I rely on most while living full-time on the road. Some help me save money, some make travel safer and easier, and others simply make RV life more enjoyable. Most are free or inexpensive, and the value they provide far outweighs their cost. As technology continues to evolve, I’m sure this list will change, but for now these are the apps I use most often during my RV adventures.