If you love the RV lifestyle—the freedom, the adventures, the ever-changing scenery—you probably also know the feeling of decision fatigue. Where to go next? How to get there? Where to stay?
Thankfully, technology has made it easier than ever to plan your journey and make the most of life on the road. After trying many different “solutions,” we keep returning to a few RV apps time after time because they work so well.
Ari demonstrated each of these apps in a YouTube video, if you’d like to see them in action.
Harvest Hosts: Unique Stays and Route Planning
Harvest Hosts is a favorite among our RV apps for good reason. This app (and website) lets you find unique overnight spots at farms, breweries, wineries, churches, museums, and more. With their recent acquisition of Boondockers Welcome, you can also stay in driveways across the country.
Key Features:
- Route Planning: Enter your start and end points, and the app shows all available hosts along your route.
- Flexible Filters: Search by host type (farm, attraction, winery, etc.), availability by date, rig size, pet-friendliness, and more.
- Airstream Club Integration: If you’re a member of Airstream Club International, you’ll see exclusive hosts that are exclusively offered to Airstream owners.
- Same-Day Booking: Filter for hosts who accept last-minute stays.
- Dump Stations: Locate dump stations along your route (or turn that layer off to make the map less cluttered).
- Tracked stays: Keep track of your past and upcoming stays, all in one place.
- Messaging: Communicate easily with hosts and receive notifications via app or text.
The Dyrt: Campgrounds and Dispersed Camping
When you’re looking for a more traditional campground experience or want to explore BLM land, The Dyrt is a go-to RV app. Both the app and website are user-friendly and packed with valuable features.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive Maps: Search for established campgrounds, dispersed camping, and BLM land.
- User Reviews & Photos: Get insights from fellow travelers, including photos and videos.
- Pro Features: Upgrade for a route planner; just set your start and end points, daily driving limits, and budget. The app suggests campgrounds and stops based on your preferences.
- Customizable Filters: Narrow results by amenities, star ratings, cell service, and more.
MyRadar: Stay Ahead of the Weather
Weather can make or break an RV trip. MyRadar is a robust weather phone app with a web version and PC app, too. It offers accurate forecasts and real-time radar.
Why It Stands Out:
- Live Radar: See storms, precipitation, and severe weather alerts in real time.
- Wildfire & Power Outage Layers: Track wildfires and outages along your route.
- Detailed Forecasts: Get hourly and 10-day forecasts, including temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and cloud cover (great for solar users).
- User-Friendly Interface: Quick overviews and easy-to-read data help you plan for the days ahead.
Google Maps: Satellite Views for Smarter Stops
While Google Maps isn’t ideal for RV navigation (it doesn’t account for rig size or weight), it’s invaluable for scoping out locations.
Pro Tips:
- Satellite View: Zoom in to see campground layouts, access roads, and nearby amenities.
- Gas Station Recon: Check pump layouts and access before pulling in with your rig.
- Area Exploration: Get a sense of nearby towns, roads, and services.
Final Thoughts
Traveling by RV is all about freedom and discovery, but the right RV apps can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re searching for a unique overnight stay, planning a cross-country route, keeping an eye on the weather, or scoping out your next stop, these apps are must-haves for every RVer.
Keep on trekin’, and we’ll see you out there!