Tools and Resources for Planning Your Stay

Gone are the days when planning an RV trip meant flipping through bulky campground directories and paper maps (though those still have value). Today, we have a wealth of digital tools that can save time, money, and headaches at every stage of the journey. In this section, we’ll cover:

Tools for finding campsites – websites and apps to discover that perfect campground or boondock.
Tools for planning routes and itineraries – ensuring you get from Point A to B efficiently and know where to stop.
Tools for navigation – both on highways and off-grid, including special considerations for RVs.
Tools for on-the-ground adjustments – resources for last-minute info like ranger stations and offline maps when you have no signal.

By leveraging these, you can stay updated and make informed decisions rather than winging it (though a little winging it is fun when armed with knowledge).

Tools for Finding Where to Go

Websites and Apps for Campsite Discovery

A few go-to online resources can help you find both on-grid and off-grid sites:

Campendium:
A top favorite among RVers. It’s a free website (and app) with a massive database of campgrounds – public, private, and free dispersed sites. What makes it great are the user reviews with details that matter (cell signal reports, rig size fit, recent road conditions). You can filter for free camping, hookups, price, amenities, etc.
If you’re boondocking, Campendium’s community might have already documented that obscure forest road site with GPS coordinates and warned “road in is narrow, not for big rigs” or noted “beautiful and quiet – watch for cows.” For established campgrounds, you’ll see photos and tips on best sites. It’s like crowd-sourced scouting – very useful.
iOverlander:
Originally geared to overlanding travelers, it’s a crowd-sourced map of camping points worldwide (including informal sites, water fill points, mechanics, etc.). Many van-lifers use it. It will show everything from a known trailhead one can overnight at, to established campgrounds.
It’s especially handy in less-documented regions (say you’re in Baja Mexico – iOverlander shines there). For U.S. use, it has overlap with Campendium but might list some very offbeat spots like “old quarry – decent for one night.” It works offline too if you preload maps.
The Dyrt:
Another popular app covering over 40,000 campgrounds (public and private). It’s user-reviewed and now offers a Pro membership with features like campground booking and offline maps.
The Dyrt is great for finding lesser-known public camps (like small state parks or city parks) and seeing recent reviews. They also have a filter for free/dispersed sites. If you prefer a slick app interface, The Dyrt is user-friendly.
FreeRoam:
This newer app is fantastic for boondockers. It maps public land boundaries (so you know if you’re on BLM, national forest, etc.) and includes a database of campsites. It also overlays cell coverage maps for major carriers – super helpful if you need connectivity.
FreeRoam lets you input your RV length and desired amenities, then shows suitable areas. It’s great for exploration: you can visually see large swaths of BLM land and then zoom into roads for likely clearings. I often use FreeRoam to identify a promising area (say, “BLM land near a river 20 miles from town”) then cross-check it on Campendium for any listed sites.
Recreation.gov / ReserveAmerica:
These are booking platforms for public campgrounds (Recreation.gov for US federal sites; ReserveAmerica used by many state parks). While these are for booking, they’re also planning tools – you can search an area on Rec.gov and see all the federal campgrounds, their availability calendars, site details, etc.
This helps you integrate reservations into your plan. Rec.gov also now has some “instant book” dispersed sites in high-demand areas (like certain designated spots in Utah BLM land) – worth checking if your boondock area requires that. State park reservation sites allow you to see what’s available when, and sometimes have campground maps and photos.
Google Maps & Google Earth:
Don’t underestimate simply using Google. Searching “campground near X” will show many results (though not all small or free ones). Google Earth’s satellite view is extremely useful for finding clearings, evaluating road conditions (you can sometimes gauge if a road is paved or the size of rigs at a site by zooming in), and seeing terrain.
I often toggle Google’s map to satellite to double-check a potential boondock’s layout (Is that a pull-through or just a picnic area? Is there space to turn around?).
Specialty and Regional Sources:
There are apps like USFS & BLM Visitor Maps, which show official campgrounds and some dispersed info. Also, niche websites: e.g., UltimateCampgrounds covers a lot of public agency campgrounds (including free ones by fish & game depts, etc.). State tourism or state park websites sometimes list lesser-known camp areas.
And of course, word of mouth – ask fellow travelers or on forums (“Any good boondocks near Sedona that a 30’ trailer can reach?” – you’ll often get gold info from those who’ve done it).

Using these tools in combination is powerful: for example, you might find a cool-looking campground on The Dyrt, then read detailed reviews on Campendium, then book it via ReserveAmerica. Or identify a BLM area on FreeRoam then find a precise site report on iOverlander. Plan with tools, then go verify conditions in person – you’ll rarely be unpleasantly surprised.

Community Resources & Reviews

Beyond apps, tap into the collective knowledge of the camping community:

Websites like iRV2, Forest River Forums (if you own a FR RV), Escapees discussion boards, Reddit’s r/GoRVing or r/vanlife, and Facebook groups for RVers are invaluable. You can search past threads or ask directly.
Example: a forum search might yield “Dispersed camping on Mogollon Rim – best spots?” with threads describing sites and roads. People often share favorite spots (maybe not the super-secret ones, but plenty of leads).
Just remember to practice discretion and not over-publicize fragile spots – many forums encourage sharing via private message to avoid blowing up a place’s popularity.

YouTube & Blogs

Many travel vloggers and bloggers reveal their camp spots and review them. If you recall seeing a YouTuber camp at a lake you want to visit, check their video description or comments – they might name the site or give GPS coordinates.
Some blogs (e.g., WheelingIt, Technomadia’s older posts) have extensive campground and boondock reviews with pros/cons and photos.
A quick Google of “Boondocking near [Destination] blog” might surface personal accounts with tips. For instance, search “Boondocking near Grand Canyon” and you’ll find blog posts mapping free sites in Kaibab National Forest with notes on road quality and views.

“Campendium in Real Life”

If you’re at a campground or popular boondock and meet fellow campers, don’t hesitate to (politely) pick their brain: “Hey, I’m heading toward Montana after this – any awesome places you recommend?”
Campers love swapping stories. I’ve gotten some of my best leads from random conversations – like a couple telling me about a hidden BLM spot in Idaho that wasn’t on any app (I later added it to Campendium to pay it forward).

How to Interpret Reviews

When using community info, consider the context:

Check the date – a review from 2015 might be outdated (that great spot could now be closed or crowded). Give more weight to recent reviews.
Note the reviewer’s perspective: if a big motorhome says “road was awful, never again” and you have a 4x4 truck camper, you might find it fine. Conversely, if a van-lifer gushes “so easy to get to!”, that doesn’t guarantee it’s RV-easy – see if they mention rig type.
Also, some folks are very picky (downrating a campground for weak Wi-Fi or no cell signal, which might not bother you if you’re seeking solitude). Read multiple opinions to balance out extremes.
Cell Signal Reports: Many apps allow users to note cell coverage (Campendium does with bar counts, OpenSignal/FreeRoam data can overlay too). If connectivity matters, pay attention to those.
E.g., if Campendium shows “Verizon 4G 5 bars” at a boondock, you can be fairly confident of working internet if you have Verizon. If everyone says “no service even with booster,” plan to be offline or bring a satellite device.
Amenities & Cleanliness: On public campgrounds, one review might say “bathrooms were dirty” while another found them fine – could depend on season or staffing.
If multiple mention something (e.g., “lots of road noise from highway” or “beware of raccoons raiding coolers”), consider it likely.
Security: If a review ever mentions feeling unsafe (rare), heed it – maybe the site became a local party spot or had recent break-ins.
But one person’s paranoia shouldn’t cancel your trip either – look for consensus.
Many community reviewers also provide photos – extremely helpful to visualize site space, grade, surroundings.
If unclear about a review detail, you can sometimes comment or reach out to the reviewer (on Campendium or forums) for clarification – often they’re happy to help a fellow traveler.

In short, use digital tools to scout ahead. They’re like having a hundred scouts who went before you and left notes. While spontaneity is fun, having at least a shortlist of vetted options for each stop can save you driving hours searching or settling for a less ideal spot when a gem was just a mile further.

With these resources, you’ll quickly build a repertoire of dream sites and reliable stops. Many experienced RVers build their entire itinerary around recommendations from these tools – and rarely get a dud.
Of course, if you prefer to find places on your own, the tools won’t spoil it – you can always arrive and then use them only if needed. But as the saying goes, “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” In this case, benefit from the wheels that already rolled before you.

Next, let’s assume you have some destinations in mind – how do you plot the course and timing? We’ll discuss route planning and itinerary tools to connect the dots smoothly.

Tools for Planning Your Route & Itinerary

An epic trip isn’t just about where you go, but also how you get there. Efficient route planning saves fuel, avoids stress (like low bridges or tight turns), and ensures you hit the must-sees along the way. Here are tools and tips for mapping out your journey:

Route-Planning Apps

Regular car GPS apps (Google/Apple Maps, Waze) are great, but specialized tools cater to RV needs:

RV-Specific GPS Units/Apps:
Products like Garmin RV or Rand McNally RV GPS allow you to input your rig’s dimensions and will route accordingly (avoiding low clearances, weight-restricted bridges, etc.).
They can be pricey, but many swear by them after one too many harrowing Google Maps misroutes. There are also apps like CoPilot GPS (with RV mode) or RV Life’s Trip Wizard that do similar on a tablet/phone.
These are handy to prevent, say, being routed through downtown with a 13’ rig where a 11’ underpass lies in wait.
Google Maps & My Maps:
Google Maps itself doesn’t know your RV, but you can still use it for general route planning and travel time estimates.
A trick: use Google My Maps (a feature of Google where you can create a custom map) to build a multi-stop itinerary, add notes, and even import campsite coordinates from other sources.
It’s not for navigation, but for big-picture planning. Some RVers use My Maps to color-code stops (red = reserved campground, green = boondock option, etc.) across a whole region.
Roadtrippers:
Mentioned earlier, this app/website is great for multi-stop trip planning with an eye for attractions. You input your start, finish, and can add via points (campgrounds, sights, eateries).
It’ll show route on a map and approximate driving times. It’s integrated with points of interest – e.g., you can say “show attractions on route” and you might discover a quirky museum or beautiful overlook you didn’t know about.
The free version limits stops, but the paid version allows dozens of stops on a trip and collaboration with friends.
It’s more for fun itinerary building than hardcore navigation, but I find it useful to ensure I’m not missing cool stuff between main destinations.
Furkot:
A powerful (if slightly complex) online planner. You set your daily start/stop times, driving preferences, and Furkot will help divvy up your trip into days, suggest overnight stops, and show mileage.
It’s like having a digital AAA TripTik. You can even have it find campgrounds or hotels along the route and integrate those.
It caters to motor routes and is used by motorcyclists a lot, but it has RV info too. If you love detailed planning, Furkot is amazing (and free).
Michelin or AAA Route Planners:
Old-school style but still around. AAA’s TripTik online can highlight things like scenic byways and construction zones. Michelin’s site in Europe does times factoring in elevation, etc.
These might be overkill, but if you have AAA, getting physical maps with routes marked can complement digital plans (I often use digital to plan but have a paper map as backup and big-picture reference).

Fuel-Stop & Resupply Planners

On a long haul, know where you’ll fuel up and restock:

GasBuddy:
Indispensable for finding fuel stops and cheapest prices. The GasBuddy app has a trip cost estimator – enter start/end and your MPG, it suggests fuel stops and cost.
This helps avoid stretches where fuel is scarce; e.g., GasBuddy might show no stations for 120 miles on your route, prompting you to fill up beforehand.
Also, if you have memberships (Good Sam, Pilot/Flying J cards) check their apps for locations – e.g., the Flying J app shows RV lanes and dump stations at their truck stops.
RV Friendly Gas Stops:
Look for “RV friendly” on highway exit signs (these stations have large parking lots or dedicated RV lanes).
Apps like Allstays and Trucker Path can filter truck stops (often the easiest for big rigs). Having a planned fuel stop removes that stress of “Will I find diesel out here?”.
I often note on my route where the last reliable station is before a remote stretch.
Allstays (Camp & RV):
A comprehensive (paid) app that shows not just campgrounds but lots of en-route services: rest areas, dump stations, propane sellers, Walmarts (and if overnight parking is allowed), truck stops, etc.
It’s a bit old-school interface but info is gold. For example, you can quickly see ahead if there’s a rest area in 40 miles (for a break or overnight) or if you have to detour into a town for a dump station.
It also marks low clearance bridges – useful if not using an RV GPS.
Maildrops & Supply Stops:
If you have a long trip and need mail or Amazon packages, plan those in. You might decide “We’ll be in Denver area around Oct 1 – let’s use General Delivery or an Amazon locker there” (see Mail & Package Delivery for how).
Mark it in your plan so you remember to swing by that location. Same with big grocery runs or laundromats – maybe plan a mid-trip night at a private RV park in a town so you can do laundry and stock up at a full supermarket, then head back out.
Some planners (or just a personal calendar) can slot these tasks in on appropriate days.
RVer Communities:
Apps like RVillage or forums might alert you to travel buddies or meetups along your route. Not exactly route planning, but it can enrich your itinerary if you coordinate to meet friends or attend an event (like a small RV rally or Astra community meetup if they have one).

Itinerary Mapping & Scheduling

Once you have the pieces (stops, routes, dates), it helps to assemble them in a timeline:

Calendar method:
You can use a digital calendar (Google Calendar, iCal) to block out where you plan to be each day/night. Include travel time.
For instance, create an event “Drive from A to B – 3 hours” on the appropriate afternoon, and “Night at XYZ Campground – reservation #123”.
This not only keeps you organized but if you share the calendar with family, they know your general whereabouts (useful for safety check-ins).
I like using the calendar’s “notes” section to paste in gate codes or special instructions for that stop.
Checklist method:
Some prefer a simple list:
Day 1: drive 200 miles, stay at ____;
Day 2: explore ____;
Day 3: etc.
You can print it or keep in a notebook.
Flexibility:
Don’t jam-pack every day. Leave wiggle room for spontaneous detours or resting.
For example, maybe plan 300 miles driving one day, but next day only 50 miles with a free afternoon to relax or handle any needed repairs.
If you must be at a certain place by a certain date (like a national park reservation or an event), work backwards to build in buffer days in case of delays.
It’s far less stressful to have an extra day somewhere (hey, more time to enjoy it) than to play catch-up if you fall behind.
Cross-reference seasonal closures:
If your itinerary spans seasons, ensure you’re not planning to go over a mountain pass that closes on Nov 1 on Nov 3rd.
It happened to a friend – had to reroute last-minute because a road shut for winter.
Tools: DOT websites, seasonal closure lists on recreation sites. Also consider holidays – camps fill up on Memorial Day, etc., so either secure reservations or avoid popular spots on those dates.
Trip Wizard (RV Life):
This is a web tool specifically for building RV-safe itineraries. You add stops (from their extensive campground database or custom points) and it will show drive distances, travel times (you can adjust assumptions), and even fuel usage based on your MPG.
It highlights if a leg is too long (per your preference) and allows sharing or printing of a nice trip plan.
It’s part of a subscription (with RV Life Pro), but many full-timers love it. Especially good for complex, multi-month trips.
Paper maps & pins:
Some of us still enjoy marking a big paper map with routes and stickers for stops. This gives a satisfying overview and is a good backup if tech fails.
You can reconcile your digital plan to a paper atlas so if your phone dies, you still know where you’re headed and roughly how far.
Daily departure/arrival timing:
Use tools to gauge how long drives take with an RV. A rule: assume you’ll average slower than a car – maybe 50-55 mph including stops.
So a “4-hour drive” on Google might be 5-6 hours in reality when towing (fueling, stretch breaks, slower up hills).
Plan driving days with that in mind. Arrive before dark if possible, especially to new or off-grid sites (setting up in daylight is much easier).
Tools like Roadtrippers or TripWizard help visualize this by segmenting days.

By leveraging these planning tools, you go from a vague idea (“maybe I’ll hit the Utah parks sometime”) to a concrete, doable plan (“I have a site at Zion on April 10, then a Boondockers Welcome near Bryce on April 13, etc.”).
It reduces the cognitive load while traveling, because each day you can reference your plan rather than figuring everything out on the fly under duress.

That said, keep plans flexible. The beauty of RVing is you can adjust as needed – just have the info handy to do so smartly. If something calls you off-course (a festival, a new friend, a breakdown), the same tools can re-route you. Maybe you’ll use your route apps mid-trip to find a new campground when Plan A didn’t pan out or extend a stay because you love a place. That’s normal – view the itinerary as a guide, not a strict schedule set in stone.

Now with destinations chosen and an itinerary mapped, let’s talk about getting there in the moment – the navigation part and last-minute research on site. We’ll cover maps, GPS options, and using ranger stations and offline info once you’re on the road or at camp.

Tools for Navigating to Your Destination

Planning is done – now you’re behind the wheel, adventure bound. What tools can help ensure you don’t miss a turn or end up on a sketchy road? And what about when you’re almost there but need a bit more local info? Let’s discuss navigation tools and on-the-fly research:

Maps and GPS

Google/Apple Maps:
Ubiquitous and generally reliable on main routes. Use them for real-time traffic (especially Apple/Google which show congestion).
One caution: they sometimes pick odd shortcuts to save a minute that aren’t RV-friendly (like a tiny back road). If you suspect that, cross-check with your RV GPS or stick to larger roads.
Google won’t warn of low bridges or weight limits, so if not using an RV-specific app, stay alert for signage and consider customizing your route (you can drag Google Map routes on desktop to a preferred road).
Waze:
Great for traffic and hazard alerts (broken-down vehicles, police, etc.), but it’s very aggressive on routing shortcuts – not always ideal for big rigs.
I’d use Waze in a car, but with an RV I prefer Google/Apple which stick more to primaries. However, some like Waze on highways just for the community-sourced alerts.
Dedicated RV GPS:
If you have one (like a Garmin RV unit mounted on dash), use it concurrently with Google Maps. The Garmin might route you a bit longer way to avoid a risk; trust that.
Many run both: Garmin for safety, Google for real-time traffic. The Garmin also can display useful info like upcoming rest areas, steep grades ahead, etc.
It may have a learning curve (Garmin’s UI isn’t as slick), but it’s tailored to our needs – e.g., it won’t send a 12’ 6” tall trailer under the “11’ 8” bridge in Durham that famously shears off roofs (YouTube that sometime for what NOT to do!).
If you lack a hardware unit, consider the RV Life GPS app which uses your Trip Wizard data and does similar routing on a tablet/phone.
Paper Atlas:
Always carry a current road atlas (Rand McNally, etc.). Electronics can fail or lose signal. A paper map helps you navigate out if GPS misbehaves, and it shows big-picture context.
Also, atlases often mark scenic routes, steep grades, or low clearance icons (Rand McNally’s Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas is actually really useful for low bridge info – it’s made for truckers).
Topographic Maps:
If going into truly unpaved territory, topo maps (Gaia GPS, paper USGS maps, etc.) help identify terrain challenges (tight switchbacks, creek crossings).
Apps like Gaia or OnX Offroad let you download topo and satellite maps for offline use – I highly recommend doing that for any area you’ll boondock with limited cell.
You can use your phone’s GPS offline to see your location on these maps. Many a time I had no service but saw on Gaia that I was one ridge over from the forest road I needed, etc.
Voice Navigation vs. Scouting:
Using voice directions is convenient, but sometimes scouting ahead with eyes (or Google StreetView) is wise.
Example: your GPS says “Turn left onto County Rd 32” but you see a rutted path – is that really CR 32 or a false turn?
Slow down, compare to map. If in doubt and road looks bad, pull over and check a satellite view or ask a local.
It’s okay to deviate if you know another safer route to same point.
Distance and Fuel Warnings:
Some GPS allow setting an alert if no fuel stops for X miles (truck GPS do this). If not, just be mindful watching the miles tick since last town.
Plan fuel as we discussed. Running on fumes while navigating an unknown road = not fun.

Gaia GPS / Offline Nav for Off-road

If you plan to navigate off the beaten path (like deep into BLM land on unmarked tracks), Gaia GPS or OnX are excellent.
They show your position on downloaded maps, so you can see if you’re on the intended forest road or an ATV trail by mistake.
They also often label forest road numbers which sometimes correspond to physical markers.
I’ve used Gaia to navigate a web of logging roads by cross-referencing the waypoints I set from research.
It also records tracks, so you can follow your breadcrumbs out.
If using these, practice beforehand (know how to download maps and interpret them).
Some areas have MVUM (Motor Vehicle Use Maps) from USFS – free PDFs that show which forest roads are open to vehicles.
Having those offline can prevent wandering onto a closed or dangerous path.

On-the-Ground Research & Last-Minute Adjustments

Ranger Stations & Visitor Centers:
When you arrive in a new area, stopping at a ranger station or visitor center can yield gold.
They often have free maps, brochures, and staff advice.
For example, a ranger might tell you a nicer boondock spot than the one you had in mind, or warn you that “Road to Lake XYZ is washed out – better to camp at ABC meadow.”
They can also update on fire bans, bear activity, or any permits you still might need.
Visitor centers (national parks, state parks) also often have interactive exhibits and tips on what to see/avoid.
And they usually have flush toilets and potable water – nice pit stop even if you have your own facilities.
Offline Resources:
If you anticipate being offline, prepare some materials:
- Download PDF guides (many parks have PDF newspapers or trail guides).
- Save webpages of interest for offline reading (most phone browsers allow “save offline” or use Pocket app). For instance, save that blog page with detailed directions to a hot spring you plan to find.
- Carry printed lists of key info (like emergency numbers, your campground reservations, etc.). If you needed to find a vet or doctor and have no service, at least you have a name/number from earlier research.
- Keep a notebook with plan details or any changes you make en route.
- Use your car radio: in remote areas, NOAA Weather Radio can be accessed with a simple weather band radio (or some RVs have it built in) – it gives forecast and emergency alerts. Also, AM/FM radio local stations can provide news (like if wildfires started or a road closed due to landslide – you might hear it on local radio even if you have no cell).
Asking Locals:
If you get turned around in national forest or can’t find the site, don’t be shy about asking fellow campers or a host if available.
People often love to help with directions or suggestions if you’re polite.
Adjusting Itinerary on the Fly:
Let’s say you planned 3 nights boondocking but a heatwave makes it miserable – use your tools to find a last-minute campground with electric hookups or a higher elevation spot.
Many of the apps above can search near your current location.
Also, in pinch, places like private RV parks or KOAs often have a few same-day spots, especially if you arrive early.
Keep an open mind – a night at an RV park with pool might salvage a hot trip, or a Walmart overnight could bridge a gap if you leave a site early.
Because you did good planning, you’ll have backup options in your pocket (like knowing the next town allows overnight at their fairgrounds, etc.).
Safety Re-routing:
If driving and weather turns (snow, severe storms), use that atlas or GPS to find a safer route or a nearby campground to hunker down.
For example, rather than insisting over a snowy pass, detour to an RV park in the valley and wait it out.
Tools like TripWizard or Google Maps can be re-consulted to adjust the route around trouble (just beware Google might not know your rig’s constraints as you reroute – double-check new routing).

In essence, navigation is about combining technology and situational awareness. Use the fancy tools, but keep your eyes open and your judgment engaged.
If your gut says “this road feels wrong,” pause and evaluate rather than pressing on because GPS said so (the classic example being someone following GPS into a lake – rare, but you get the idea).
With the tools at hand, you can travel unfamiliar roads with confidence and find your destination – even if Plan A changes.

Now that we’ve covered how to get you to these wonderful places, the next big topic is how to live comfortably once you’re there – especially off-grid.
It’s time to delve into daily living needs: managing power, water, waste, and more when camping. This is crucial for boondockers and still relevant even with hookups (since knowing your rig’s systems prevents mishaps).
Let’s get into the practical know-how for thriving at camp.

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