We are often asked, “How do you find such great campgrounds and places to visit?” After a number of years of RV travel, we have found a number of website and phone apps that are invaluable in our RV trip planning. We break the video into two sections – the first demonstrating the web sites we use and the second showing the phone apps used as we travel from destination to destination.

Website based Google Maps

We start our RV travel planning to determine our stops along the way. We follow the 330 Rule – 330 miles per day or stopping at 3:30 in the afternoon, whichever comes first. Using Google maps, we map out the distance between campgrounds to fit this rule.

Website based ALLSTAYS

What a wonderful website. There is also an accompanying phone app for IOS devices, but we prefer the user experience offered by the website. ALLSTAYS has a feature rich PRO Version of the site and app that is well worth the costs (about the amount for a one night stay in a campground). We show the free parts of the site that is still very helpful in finding a campground based on the location from your Google Map search.

Website TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor also has a phone app version, but we prefer the ease of use offered by the website. We show the trick to finding campground reviews along with the useful information including reviews, sites in the area and restaurants.

Website Passport America

Passport America also has a phone app, but the speed in locating campgrounds and the support information is a breeze from the web. Passport America is membership based, but we found the payback often occurs in the first week of joining. Finding member campgrounds that offer camp sites at a 50% discount is huge and helps us maintain our travel budget.

Gas Buddy Phone App

This app saves us hundreds of dollars on our trips. In seconds you can find the best gas and diesel prices close to your location. You can also use for trip planning looking at the next destination, very helpful where State lines may be crossed and fuel prices jump in cost.

Google Maps Phone App

We give a brief overview of why and how we use Google Maps phone app as an alternative to a standalone GPS. For more information about how use Google Maps as a GPS see our blog at http://ilovervlife.com/google-maps-for-rv-travel/

Rest Stops Phone App

The helpful app show rest stops by state and highway. Easy to use and accurate to the mile marker. Great for those long trips where a leg stretch and bathroom break is needed.

Lowes Connect and Pilot/Flying J Phone App

Fuel getting low? Need to take a break and feed the family? Great apps to check on the next truck stop where the big rig RV will fit. Added benefit with the Pilot/Flying J app showing which truck stops are RV friendly.

Weather Bug Phone App

Great addition to our travel apps to show weather forecast along with maps and alert of potential weather hazards that may lie ahead.

These websites and phone apps have and continue to serve us well as we plan and travel around the US. A great addition to consider for your RV travel planning needs.

Website and apps discussed on this video:

Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps
Allstays: https://www.allstays.com/
Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/
Passport America: https://passportamerica.com/
Gas Buddy: https://www.gasbuddy.com/App
Google Maps (app):
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps&hl=en_US
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps-transit-food/id585027354?mt=8
Rest Stops:
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insofttech.reststops&hl=en_US
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/usa-rest-stops/id528988698?mt=8
Loves Connect:
Andriod: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loves.finder&hl=en_US
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/loves-connect/id421276073?mt=8
Pilot/Flying J:
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pilottravelcenters.mypilot
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pilot-flying-j/id474259675?mt=8
Weather Bug:
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aws.android&hl=en_US
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/weatherbug-weather-forecast/id281940292?mt=8

Not sure about what RV accessories you need as you start RV travel? Check out our RV Accessories page where we have listed a wide range of products from essential items to those “nice to have” RV products to make RV life more enjoyable. Every item listed is being used or has been used by Joan and I as we’ve traveled across the country in our RV.
 

Receive the latest updates from I Love RV Life! Sign up to receive an email notification as we post new RV travels, RV tips and information about RV life in general. It’s simple. Just enter your name and email address on the right side of the page and click subscribe.

Purchased use of Digital Juice BackTraxx 1 End User License Agreement for Travelin. The Music may be used, altered, or incorporated according to the guidelines described herein into any production (including but not limited to, broadcast, commercial, industrial, educational, and personal).