Trip Planning

You can explore campsites, permits, tours, and more across federal agencies like National Parks and Forests, all in one place. You can even win lottery permits for popular spots, often with real-time availability. A must-have app!

A very useful freebie, iOverlander helps you find unique campsites, boondocking spots, and off-the-beaten-path adventures shared by fellow travelers. Especially useful are the user reviews, tips, and updates on amenities, road conditions, and accessibility from those same travelers. It definitely doesn’t hurt to have this app on your phone!

A mix between recreation.gov and iOverlander, this app will have it all! Book campsites or find a spot along the road. The only downside is that not all features are free to use, but the membership might be worth it if you plan on doing more camping!

Hipcamp elevates your road trip by unlocking unique camping options beyond traditional parks. Discover hidden gems on private land, from farms with farm-fresh breakfasts to stunning glamping sites. Enjoy flexibility with last-minute bookings, all while supporting local landowners.

Not an app, but a website that offers route planning and dispersed camping sites with reviews from fellow travelers (like you!). When you do use this site, please keep in mind whenever parking in BLM areas or any public park, do not disturb the wildlife and of course, leave no trace.

For those who are more into roadside attractions, hidden gems and detours for their road trips, this app is for you! Simply set your route and Roadtrippers will show you every quirky roadside attraction along the way with places to stay and activities.

Visiting California for the wine? Look no further! Harvest Host provides unique stays on farms, wineries, breweries, and more with no camping fees, all while supporting local businesses. The only fee is the membership fee starting at $99/year.

This app goes one step further in road trip planning by allowing for budgeting and sharing your journey with friends and family. Especially useful when wanting to organize and optimize, Wanderlog will help you save not only on gas, but in time by storing packing checklists and plane tickets all in one app.

View live radar in multiple locations to better prepare for any upcoming storms or any type of weather. WeatherBug will also provide air quality data, pollen count and lightening maps.

Awesome way to view a live map of wind currents and weather conditions (they even have a way to view ocean waves and new snowfall). Keep in mind, this is separate from the windy.app (also a great resource, especially for people who like wind and water sports).

Another weather app to help with anticipating snow or rain along the way. They will also provide you with live updates of fires and weather alerts.

The National Park Trail Guide App can be a valuable tool for hikers of all levels, especially when exploring national parks. Its offline accessibility, detailed information, GPS tracking, and safety features can help you have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.

AllTrails offers a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for planning, navigating, and sharing hiking adventures. Boasting a massive database of trails worldwide, it caters to both experienced and beginner hikers, providing valuable tools and information for all hikers alike.

Gaia GPS offers a comprehensive set of features and functionalities specifically tailored for hikers. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a casual nature enthusiast, it can be a valuable tool for planning, navigating, and recording your hiking adventures.

Komoot is great for not only hiking, but biking and trail running as well. Aside from providing you a way to customize your route for your activity, Komoot will give route suggestions based on your preferences (distance, difficulty, terrain).

Many of the maps available on Avenza Maps include detailed information, such as trails, campsites, water sources, and points of interest. This information can be invaluable for planning your trip and staying safe on the trail.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting to explore the world of mountain biking, MTB Project can be a valuable resource for planning, navigating, and sharing your adventures. It connects you with a global community of riders and helps you discover new trails, improve your skills, and contribute to the ongoing development of the sport.

Whether you're a budget-conscious explorer or simply looking for a more informed approach to fuel stops, GasBuddy can be a valuable tool for your next road trip adventure. What’s more? You can sync it with Waze or Google Maps for a seamless experience.

PolarSteps allows you to add photos, videos, and notes to each stop, capturing memories and creating a personalized journal. Whether you're looking for a practical tool to plan your route and track your expenses, or a creative way to share your journey with others, it’s a valuable option for road trip enthusiasts.

Find Penguins is a travel tracker app specifically designed for road trips, offering unique features and benefits that traditional travel apps might not. It also transforms your trip data into a visually stunning and personalized travel journal. Add photos, videos, text entries, and customize your journal to create a lasting memory of your adventure.