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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.

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Rank Your Memberships

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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.

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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.

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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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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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Effortless RVing

The 5 Best Free RV Route Planner Tools

Whether you’re new to RV life or a seasoned pro, planning your route is important. But who has time to look at the maps, estimating turns and clearances? That’s where an RV route planner tool comes in.

I’ve used a few different ones over the years and found a few best free RV route planner tools. They make routing a breeze by showing you gas stops, rest areas, RV parks, and campgrounds along your journey. You can even filter for hookups, amenities, and reviews. 

No more guessing if that countryside road can handle your coach. I’ve reviewed the best RV trip planner tools, so you can plan for worry-free travels. 

1. Roadtrippers

2. the dyrt, 3. koa rv trip planner, 5. recreation.gov, best free rv route planner tools: take your pick.

Options are quite limited for the best free RV route planner . Most tools are paid and require a monthly or one-time fee. However, I’ve searched for hours and found these planners that offer a free version. 

Pick your best RV route planner app or tool from the following list: 

When you’re traveling in a big rig, you need to be sure your route is RV friendly. Not all roads are created equal for large vehicles. The last thing you want is getting stuck somewhere with no way to turn around. Roadtrippers, a free RV trip planner , helps solve that problem.

You start by entering your RV size and tow vehicle. Then put in where you’re starting from and headed to. This app analyzes the information and generates the best route for your vehicle. It only sends you down roads that can properly accommodate your rig.

This is a big advantage over navigation apps like Google Maps. Those are great for cars but don’t account for an RV’s needs. Roadtrippers was designed with RVers in mind. You can feel more at ease following its directions.

You can also compare gas prices along your route. This helps budget fuel costs for the trip. And scheduling overnight stops is convenient when campground spots book up fast.

The free app limits you to 5 stops maximum when planning a trip. There is a paid version that offers more features. 

If you’re in need of a reliable resource for finding great campgrounds across North America, The Dyrt should be your go-to cross country RV trip planner . With its massive database of places to pitch your rig, route planning becomes a breeze.

Whether browsing on their well-designed website or easy-to-use app, the wealth of details, photos, and reviews on each location takes the guesswork out of where to spend the night. Want to find a spot with a certain hookup? Just filter for it.

Beyond campground listings, The Dyrt treats users to an online magazine packed with tips, destinations, and gear roundups. As if that wasn’t enough, they regularly run contests where you can score everything from coolers to camp chairs.

For serious route mapping, The Dyrt’s PRO upgrade delivers. Its innovative Trip Planner builds customized itineraries factoring your rig size and route preferences. Simply enter start/end points and vehicle specs, and the app will plan a route for you. You can also download maps for offline use, so you’re never lost without a signal. 

KOA offers one of the best free RV route planner tools. With this tool, it’s easier than ever to get your next RV outing on the calendar without stressing over the details.

All you need is an internet connection and a few minutes of your time. Create a personalized account on the Trip Planner site and start adding your favorite KOA locations along your proposed route. You can search by area or campground name, filter by amenities like Wi-Fi or pools, and view all the key details like rates and policies. Save your selections to view later or book right from the site.

While it’s not an app, the Trip Planner works great from any device. Everything syncs seamlessly between devices, so you stay organized wherever you go.

Once your route is planned, making reservations is just a click away. No more calling individual parks or trying to piece together dates. The Trip Planner takes care of booking your whole trip at once. You’ll even get an itinerary emailed to you for easy reference on the road.

The RV Life is undoubtedly one of the best free RV route planner tools. Although the free version is quite limited, you can still make good use of its various features. 

Within the app, you can search thousands of campgrounds across North America. Fellow RVers have left reviews for most spots, sharing details on amenities, noise levels, and even wifi reliability. These reviews have saved me from more than one disappointing night. You can also browse pictures to get a sense of each campground.

I’ve also found great discussions on the built-in RV forums. Folks ask questions about certain areas or campgrounds all the time. It’s easy to search old posts too if you have a similar query come up.

If you’re looking for an easy way to plan your trail and book campsites along the way, Recreation.gov is a perfect free tool. It lets you search over 3,600 campgrounds nationwide. You can filter by location, amenities, and more. It’s especially great for finding spots in our National Parks and Forests. Just type in the area you’re headed to see your options.

Once you’ve picked out the route, you can book sites right on the Recreation.gov app or website. It’s an easy one-stop shop to get your camping reservations in order. I really appreciate how it shows all the key details like electric hookups, bathroom facilities, and pet policies.

If any destinations along your route are first-come, first-served, don’t worry. The app lets you claim those sites right from your phone when you arrive. No need to scramble for a spot or wait in line at the ranger station. Just scan and pay. It’s perfect for spontaneous explorers like me.

About The Author

David Kelly

David Kelly is the founder of Effortless RVing. He is an accomplished writer and passionate traveler who specializes in the RV lifestyle. With a keen eye for undiscovered gems and a love for adventure, David's articles provide a unique and insightful perspective on camping and RV travel. As a former Sales Manager at Camping World, David is dedicated to staying up-to-date with new trends in RV world and the ever-changing landscape of RV travel, making him a valuable resource for both experienced enthusiasts and newcomers to the lifestyle. Whether you're looking for RV product reviews, tips, inspiration, or a glimpse into the camping lifestyle, David's sharing posts are a must-read.

One Response

Hi, I am planning a 2 to 3-month trip, from Ottawa Ontario to Santa Monica CA following the historic Route 66. Would like to visit major cities and parks. And to get back using a different routes. I have a fifth wheel (35ft) .

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The Traveling Child

If kids live there, kids can visit!

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.

The Traveling Child is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to  amazon.com ,  amazon.co.uk ,  amazon.ca . Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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RV LIFE - RV GPS & Campgrounds 4+

Campground locator & rv gps, social knowledge, llc, designed for ipad.

• 4.6 • 33.1K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

RV LIFE is the app where wanderlust and wisdom intersect. It's a place to share experiences and inspire confidence to conquer the adventure ahead. Trusted by millions of RVers, RV LIFE helps you locate the perfect campgrounds, navigate your RV safely, and journey with confidence. Install our free app today to elevate your RV adventures and join our thriving community of trusted RVers. Crafted by RVers, for RVers: As RVers, we've experienced the limitations of car-based GPS apps and the frustration of needing an app to work when you are offline. Designed specifically for RVers (sorry, tent campers), we've developed an RV-specific platform for researching, trip planning, navigation, maintenance tracking, and more. The most important features of our app, our campground directory, and map plus the GPS’ turn-by-turn directions function offline in remote locations with no internet. Customized RV GPS Navigation and Safe Routes: Our GPS navigation, customized for your RV's height, length, and weight, ensures you avoid low clearances, hazardous mountain passes, and inappropriate guidance that comes from using car-based GPS services. Enjoy turn-by-turn, offline directions, voice navigation, lane guidance, and real-time traffic alerts. The Unrivaled Authority in RV Park Directories: For decades, we have been the go-to directory for RVers. Explore every RV campground, RV park, and RV resort, easily accessible through our intuitive map-based interface. With over ten million data points derived from firsthand insights from fellow RV travelers, we provide you with the highest quality data to ensure you are informed during your travels. Our specialized RV park database offers in-depth information relevant to RVers, such as campground amenities, internet speeds for gauging cellular coverage, feedback on sewer and water connections, lot spacing, tow vehicle parking, etc. Confidently navigate knowing you have access to world-class data crowdsourced by verified RVers. Gain insights, such as things to do, places to eat, and other advice, from fellow RVers who've journeyed there before you. Our RV-focused filters simplify the process of finding well-rated, popular RV campgrounds. You can search by type (National Parks, KOAs, BLM, etc.) and RV discount (Good Sam, Passport America, AAA). Insider RV Tips from Fellow RVers: Take advantage of RV tips offered by other RVers, covering topics like RV area attractions, top dining options, and more, accessible from any RV campground's detail page. Pro members have access to our celebrated trip planner, RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Plan your itinerary from any browser, then easily access your trips from our app, ensuring safe navigation to your next destination. The trip planner operates in a browser, facilitating convenient planning from your laptop, tablet, or phone. Save More with RV LIFE Pro: Turn your phone into a reliable, RV-safe GPS and save money by upgrading instead of purchasing an expensive RV GPS device, complete with offline, turn-by-turn navigation. Browse Thousands of Articles: RV articles covering topics such as RV destinations, RV DIY projects, helpful RV hacks, RV product reviews, and more. We're fortunate to boast over 20,000 five-star reviews from satisfied RVers who trust RV LIFE to guide their journeys. 'We use this app for everything! Love the reviews and the opportunity to learn from other campers. We've not been disappointed when finding campsites on the road. Easy to use.' - Teachr1990 Our biggest achievement isn't that major media outlets like the Washington Post, BBC, Forbes, and USA Today have sung our praises. Our real badge of honor comes from the feedback of our fellow RVers. RV LIFE is frequently featured on RV blogs and YouTube channels. The respect and trust we've earned from the RV community and the media alike—that's our north star. Let's hit the road together. We love feedback and suggestions (please don’t be shy): Email [email protected]

Version 4.5.4

+ Dark Mode support added on CarPlay. + Improved routing when switching from online to offline. + Fixed routing inaccuracies when using offline routing. + Additional minor bug fixes and stability improvements.

Ratings and Reviews

33.1K Ratings

The app/planning tool has a lot of nice features. Currently, I am planning a 30 day road trip and find it very helpful. I like that I can use the web based tool on my PC and the App on my iPad and iPhone. It’s very versatile. The mapping/route planning feature gives us assurance that the roads are safe for our 40’ motor home. And, the research options make it easy to find campgrounds, points of interest, restaurants, etc. I particularly like that it shows where the campgrounds are on the map. I think it would be helpful if they color coded the campgrounds based on ratings. The calculations of mileage, time, and expense are also helpful. I used the export function to export the trip details into an EXCEL spreadsheet. Very easy. I was disappointed that the exported file did not have separate columns for gas, campsites, and food. That would really enhance the budgeting capabilities.

Planner is great. GPS 4.0 is good but needs work still

We are full-time RVers going strong for 1 year and have used this app for trip planning. We depend on this app 100% and even use the RV Safe GPS. Yes, the estimated eta is conservative and we always arrive at our destination earlier than the estimate compared to Waze, Apple, and Google estimates, but I think that’s because most safe RVers drive slower than the marked speed limit. There are settings for entering your max speed on the highways which you can experiment with. My only negatives are very minor with the GPS. In the older versions of the app, we only had one incident where we were directed down a back road that was was one way and narrow with tight turns where an adjacent main road would have been desired. Also, the new 4.0 version map display seems to have issues. I’ve had to kill the app and restart it to reset the map and remove splotches of graphical objects. In addition, the CarPlay map seems to be zoomed way in and I’d like to be able to zoom it out a bit. Overall, I love the app and will continue to use it. GPS part just needs some work still. I’m an app developer and sometimes wonder why they don’t just tap into the Waze or Google map API. I would especially appreciate the turn by turn voice from one of their engines rather than the robotic sounding one.

Ok planner. Useless GPS/Nav. Its developers never try to use the app.

The UI is horrible and I can’t explain how terrible the navigation part is. Don’t rely on it. I’ve missed so many exits and been routes into dead ends so many times I lost count. It’s also at least 2 blocks behind on your location. It’ll say something like turn left from the left two lanes, but there’s 2 or 3 exits on that side and it doesn’t say an exit number or road to follow. The map can never figure out if I’m zooming or rotating the map. Why would I rotate? This was nice at first. I paid for it. Then I routed to so many rest stops that have been closed for years apparently. There’s no way to update the app data. It’s useful for looking up some parks. The directions on the exact same route are often dead wrong. It tells you a super confusing but entirely wrong next turn OFTEN in cities, and doesn’t even label the highway you’re getting on (Ex:“275 North”) so you can self correct. Most recently I’ve noticed whenever you leave the app, it snaps back to your current location. The stupidest possible choice for a travel app. So you click on an rv park in another stage, go to their webpage to check it out, and when you come back you have to re-scroll around to find that area again because it snapped back to your current location. None of the developers have ever used this app.

App Privacy

The developer, Social Knowledge, LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Search History
• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Annual Plan $65.00
• Monthly Plan $19.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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RV Trip Planning with RV Life Pro (Routes & Places to Stay)

If you want to make rv trip planning easier, we have some tips and tools for you. from the 330 rule to our favorite rv trip planner apps….

• 1 If you want to make RV trip planning easier, we have some tips and tools for you. From the 330 Rule to our favorite RV trip planner apps…
• 2.1 Leave Room for Serendipity
• 2.2 How Far Should You Travel in a Day? (330 Rule)
• 3.1 You Can Implement the 330 Rule in the App
• 3.2 Help with RV Trip Budgeting
• 3.3 Where to Stay?
• 4 Cost of RV LIFE Pro

Living an RV Lifestyle is an adventure. But even if you are the wandering type (like me), it can still be beneficial to put some energy into planning your trip. 

Planning can help you get to your destination on time. It can also help you make an accurate budget for your adventure. And it can ensure you get to do everything you hope.

So, while I always recommend you leave room in your itinerary for serendipity, I also recommend the following tips and RV trip planning tools. They can help you customize a route that is perfect for you and your rig. And save you a bundle in gas and campground fees!

If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our  full affiliate disclosure here.

Top Tips for RV Trip Planning

RV trip planning can be stressful and overwhelming. Sometimes, you don't even know where to start. How much time do you need? How far can you drive in a day? How do we know the best route?

Well, the following will help get you pointed in the right direction!

Leave Room for Serendipity

Jennifer and I consider ourselves serendipitous travelers. This means we only like to have a loose plan that leaves room for exploring.

If we see something cool worth checking out, we will! Even if that means we do some re-planning along the way. 

If we don't do this, we've learned that we get hyper-focused on following the itinerary and miss out on great opportunities. You never know what you'll encounter on the road, and you don't want to push past it because you're following a strict schedule and plan.

So, we've learned over time to leave room in our plans for serendipity. Whenever we do any RV trip planning, we give ourselves plenty of wiggle room to explore.

How do we do this? We use the 330 rule…

How Far Should You Travel in a Day? (330 Rule)

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Once you know your destination, you can start planning your RV trip. You first need to know how far you will be traveling. That will help determine how many days you need to be on the road. 

That is where something called the “330 Rule” comes into play. The 330 Rule goes like this:

• Do not travel more than 330 miles in a single day 
• Do not travel past 3:30 pm. 

We know that there are exceptions to every rule. But this is our thinking behind the 330 Rule.

Traveling more than 330 miles in a single day makes you more likely to become fatigued. It also helps you combat “sitting disease” and the frustration you will feel with a late set-up. Overall, limiting your driving to 330 miles per day can help you feel healthier and happier. 

We also like to get to where we are going by 3:30 pm. That gives us a little time to set up and settle in. We can enjoy dinner and check out the town a little bit. 

How To Plan the Perfect Route with RV LIFE Pro

Next up is planning the route. Jennifer and I use a planning tool that we discovered a while back. And we love it! So much so that we became partners with them so our followers can save 25% with the discount code RVLIFESTYLE.

It is called RV LIFE Pro . 

We know there are other great tools and apps available to you. If you already have one that you really like, then by all means use it! If you do not have one, then this is a great option. 

We like the RV LIFE Pro app suite because it comes with four tools in one! They are: 

• RV LIFE Trip Wizard
• RV LIFE Campground Reviews
• RV LIFE App (RV-Safe GPS)
• RV LIFE Maintenance Tracker

RV LIFE Trip Wizard is especially helpful as an RV trip planner tool. It can create unique routes based on your rig’s height and weight, helping you avoid dangerous low clearances, steep grades, propane restrictions, and weight limits. 

It basically takes the guesswork out of routing your rig and saves you many hours tracking down information piece by piece. 

You Can Implement the 330 Rule in the App

Another feature is its use of “distance rings.” They show you the spot you will be at your travel day's end. You can look at the area you’ll end up in and check out interesting sites and campgrounds nearby. 

The best thing is that the distance rings are customizable. If you want to follow my 330 rule, then you can set that as your distance and let the app do the routing work for you. 

Help with RV Trip Budgeting

The RV WIzard also helps you budget for your trip, which I am sure comes in handy with the rising cost of traveling! (Inflation is another story, but I am sure we have all recently felt the all-mighty dollar's pinch recently!) 

This tool can help estimate gas costs as well as campground fees. It will also update as you make changes to your trip!

And, if you are staying close to home because gas is too costly right now to drive any great distance, then the app can help you find some cool spots to check out. 

Where to Stay? 

The RV LIFE PRO app suite includes RV Life Campground Reviews which, you can probably guess, has campground reviews. Over 400,000 of them!

Jennifer and I like this feature because it contains reviews left by real RVers . You get honest pros and cons about different spots in the US from people that have actually stayed there. 

Cost of RV LIFE Pro

RV Life Pro  (currently) costs  $59 per year  if you purchase the annual membership ( less than $5 per month ). The annual membership also comes with a 7-day free trial. The monthly subscription is (currently) $19.99 per month and does not include a 7-day free trial.  BUT NOTE the discount code below!

In all honesty,  just one  of these tools is easily worth $5 per month, let alone all four combined. That is why I don’t hesitate to say that RV LIFE Pro is worth the money for most RVers.

And this is important – if you want to enjoy using all the RV Life Pro tools add this coupon code: RVLIFESTYLE which gives you 25% off the price! If you already use RV Life Pro – your cost is already low and locked in.

–> Note that discount codes must be entered on a computer  – if you try to sign up with the mobile app, there is no place to put the coupon code.  <–

Use this link for a discount:  https://rvlifestyle.com/RVlifePro

Published on 2022-12-08

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

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Planning an RV Trip: The Complete Guide

Contributing $114 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019, RVing is one of the fastest-growing trends inspiring solo travelers, families, and couples to hit the road. RV travel allows you to visit areas you might not travel to otherwise. You can drive on your own time and stay at some of the most majestic places on earth.

Whether you’ve planned an RV trip before or it’s your first time, you’ll learn something from our complete planning guide.

Planning Your Trip

The great thing about planning an RV trip is the endless possibilities of destinations and the flexibility of the trip; you can rent an RV just about anywhere, meaning you can fly to a closer point, or you can leave right from your own home.

When choosing routes and destinations for a first-time trip, do your research and plan to stick to the proven routes; don’t venture off the path too much, especially if you’re not used to driving a motorhome or towing a trailer . Once you’ve tackled a few easier trips, you’ll be more comfortable going off the beaten path.

National and state parks will be expensive, and the most crowded during the summer months. Try to visit these popular spots on shoulder seasons for a more enjoyable experience. Book ahead to save the most money and make sure you can secure your entry when you plan to go.

Transportation

One of the first decisions to make: will you rent or buy an RV? Depending on how often you want to RV, buying one to call your own will be the more cost-efficient option. If you’re renting, you’ll want to rent early, off-season, and get the right size for your companions to get the best deal.

Renting an RV

Renting an RV can be done at rental agencies or dealers. If this is your first time hitting the road, we recommend renting from an agency, such as Cruise America , which will help you choose the right motorhome. Since it’s your first time, chances are you won’t have a towing vehicle or want to tow a trailer; you’re not used to towing, so going with a motorhome will be more comfortable and safer for you on the road.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about renting an RV:

• Prices will fluctuate based on availability and seasonality.
• Motorhomes will go between $175 to $275 per night on average for an older model (10 years and older), depending on the Class you rent. Newer RVs run between $150 to $450 per night on average .
• Trailers are often the cheapest option going between $50 to $125 per night on average.
• Fifth wheels go between $60 to $150 per night on average.
• For trailers and fifth wheels, you’ll need to have a vehicle capable of towing safely, or you’ll need to rent a vehicle to tow.
• RV websites like Outdoorsy , RVshare , and others allow you to rent RVs directly from owners. This could be a cheaper alternative depending on your plans.

Want to know more about renting a vehicle when planning your trip? Read our guide to renting an RV and make sure you’re getting the best possible deal for your trip.

Buying an RV is an investment, no matter the type you decide to get . If you’ve been planning an RV trip and know it’s going to be something you do in the future, purchasing an RV will save you money long-term.

If you’re ready to buy, there are lots of things to consider; read our guide to buying an RV to get started on your next adventure.

Where to Stay

There are three primary places to stay when RVing: RV parks, campgrounds, and boondocking locations. RV parks and campgrounds, including resorts, are the easiest places to book ahead of time for your motorhome or trailer. Book early to save money and ensure you have a place to park for the duration of your trip. The longer the stay, the more you’ll save, too. RV memberships are another great way to save money on parking, but if you aren’t going to RV much, or this is a one-off trip, the investment isn’t worth it.

Boondocking , the practice of camping without any kinds of hookups or other common amenities, is another option but can be a bit trickier. Essentially, this means that you want a place to park and sleep, but you can't just do that anywhere; you'll need to do some research about places that allow overnight parking. The pros of this practice are that it's free, and you are truly flexible without needing too many amenities or having to make reservations, but it can be a little nerve-wracking the first time you do it, and you want to make sure you're staying safe.

The possibilities of what to do when going on an RV trip are truly endless. If your destination is a large city, a National Park , or a specific attraction, that’s the primary thing you’ll plan your trip around, and from there, it’s about exploring what’s in the surrounding areas.

Many RV parks and campgrounds offer shuttles to help you visit nearby attractions. They’ll also host events and activities, especially on weekends, for you and your family to take part in. If you’re staying at an RV resort, you’ll often find golfing, spas, boating, and other activities included in your stay.

Don't focus all your planning on the destination—RVing truly is about the journey as well, allowing you to discover hidden attractions, restaurants, pit stops, and more that you can stumble upon spontaneously. Take the time to explore, venture off the path, and take in everything around you.

Keep in mind that your trailer, motorhome, or camper is also a place to do things—bring board games, watch movies, cook, and relax.

What to Bring

Like any other trip, bring what makes you comfortable. You’ll need the basics, like clothes and toiletries. If you plan on doing anything specific outdoors, you’ll need the appropriate gear to do so. Depending on the weather, you may want winter coats, rain jackets, waders, or hiking boots. What you bring will be dependent on what you plan to do on the road and at your final destination.

An RV gives you the freedom to bring things you wouldn’t for other kinds of trips, such as food and drinks and pillows, blankets, and sheets. While a hotel room will have most of what you need to spend a few nights, your RV is yours to stock and make comfortable for your needs on and off the road. Because most won’t come fully loaded with what you need, take inventory when you get it to make sure you have things like dishes, glasses, cutlery, pots and pans, toilet paper, and more—if those aren't included, plan to bring the things you'll need.

If your RV comes with a refrigerator, you’ll be able to fill it up with your favorite food to snack on and cook throughout the trip. But don’t over-buy food for the trip. You can always pick up more on the way.

Some emergency items you’ll want in your RV include:

• First aid kit
• Flashlights

If you forget something, you can always stop and pick it up.

Money-Saving Tips

Without proper planning, RVing can add up quickly. Here are some tips to keep your adventure on a budget:

• Rent your RV and book your parking spots well in advance, especially if traveling in summer months. The further out you book—and the longer—the more you’ll save. This goes for what you want to do when you arrive, too.
• If you can travel out of season, do it. You’ll often save up to half off the entirety of your trip by doing this.
• If you need to buy food, drinks, or things you left behind when you arrive at your destination, try and travel farther away from tourist traps to do so. Pit stops, gas stations, and tourist attractions will charge a lot more, especially for the “necessities.”
• Plan strategically for gas stops. Several apps exist to help you save on fuel along the way. Towing a trailer or driving a motorhome can be expensive; if your ride is fueled by diesel, this could break your budget. 
• Don’t buy new things for your ride. Use what you have at home, including food and snacks. Also, plan how often you'll eat out during your trip.

Things to Consider

• Be flexible. Something will likely go wrong—you'll get lost or move at a slower pace than you thought. Embrace these unexpected obstacles, and enjoy the “adventure” it adds to your RV trip. You never know what you might discover on the road or about yourself dealing with it.
• RVing is not for everyone. Plan a small trip for a few days if it’s your first time hitting the road. If you’ve never shared a small space with family or friends, you may find out it's not for you. Better to take a few days to learn this than anything longer.
• Have backup plans. You don’t know what the weather may bring . If you’re traveling somewhere where the weather can change at the bat of an eye, make sure to have something to fill the time. Movies, board games, and books are a great way to kill time when the weather keeps you trapped inside.

Planning an RV trip is like planning any other travel adventure. Take the time to understand where you’re going, what you’ll do there, and then plan the rest of the trip around supporting your comfort and enjoyment of what you’ll do when you arrive.

RV Industry Association. " Annual Report 2019. " Page 22. 2019.

RV Share. " RV Rental Prices. "

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