Booking a campsite used to involve making endless phone calls or hoping something would be available when you showed up. But today, finding and booking a campsite is a breeze with the number of specialized apps available.
Let’s take a look at some of the best apps for booking campsites and how they can help you plan your next outdoor adventure.
Why Use an App for Booking Campsites?
The days of last-minute scrambling are over if you use the right app. You can:
- Check real-time availability: No more guessing if a site is free.
- Access campsite reviews: Know what to expect from other campers’ experiences.
- Easily filter by preferences: Whether you want lake views, electric hookups, or pet-friendly spots.
- Book instantly: Make reservations from your phone without worrying about phone calls or outdated websites.
1. CampsiteTonight
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CampsiteTonight is a game changer for campers looking to book sites quickly and efficiently, especially for last-minute trips. The app has access to campsites from multiple platforms—covering national, state, county, and private parks—all in one place. Instead of hopping between different apps, CampsiteTonight simplifies your search and directs you to the right site to complete your booking.
Key Features:
- Search once, see results everywhere: Pulls listings from various platforms, showing you real-time availability across national parks, state parks, and more.
- Availability Alerts: If you set alerts for specific campgrounds or dates, the app can directly add the site to your Recreation.gov cart for a quick checkout.
- Maps: Offers satellite and terrain views. Upcoming features include cell coverage maps to help you choose a site with connectivity.
Why It Stands Out:
- Free availability data: Unlike other apps, it offers free access to checking availability across multiple parks.
- Add to Cart alerts: This unique feature comes with their premium plan. Once you set an alert, the app adds any last-minute cancellations to your cart, and you'll just have to checkout after that. Make sure you act as soon as you get the notification!
Pricing: Free to download, Premium membership available for $59.99/year
Best for: Frequent campers and spontaneous adventurers who need an efficient way to find and book campsites.
2. The Dyrt
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You’ve probably heard of The Dyrt if you're an avid camper. It’s one of the most comprehensive platforms for discovering and booking campsites in the U.S. With over a million campsites in its database, you’ll find everything from private campgrounds to state parks and national forests.
What makes it great:
- User reviews: Detailed feedback from fellow campers helps you choose wisely.
- Filtering options: Easily sort by amenities, accessibility, and location.
- Offline access: If you upgrade to their pro version, you can download maps and campgrounds for use when you’re off the grid.
- Camping rewards program: Get discounts at some campgrounds and earn rewards for booking through the app.
Pricing: Free basic version, Pro membership $35.99/year
Availability: iOS, Android, and web
Best for: Campers who want plenty of options to choose from, as well as feedback from other campers.
3. Hipcamp
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Hipcamp has made a name for itself by offering unique camping experiences apart from the usual state parks and public campgrounds. Think glamping, cabins, and even private landowners who rent out spots on their properties. It’s like the Airbnb of the camping world.
What makes it great:
- Unique stays: Stay on farms, vineyards, private ranches, treehouses or yurts.
- Detailed listings: Photos, descriptions, and reviews help you know exactly what you’re getting into.
- Socially responsible: Hipcamp works with private landowners to open up spaces for campers while promoting sustainability and land conservation.
Pricing: Free to use, 10% commission charged to hosts on bookings
Availability: iOS, Android, and web
Best for: Adventurous campers looking for one-of-a-kind stays, or folks looking for something more private than a public campground.
4. Recreation.gov
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If you're looking to camp in the most iconic outdoor spots in the U.S., Recreation.gov is your go-to app. This app lets you book federal sites, including national parks, national forests, and other federally managed recreation areas.
What makes it great:
- Access to top locations: From Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, if it’s managed by the federal government, you can book it here.
- Lottery systems: For highly sought-after campsites or activities, you can enter a lottery to try your luck.
- Multi-purpose: You can also use the app for booking permits, tours, and tickets for activities like guided hikes or historical site visits.
Pricing: Free to use, reservation fees vary by campground
Availability: iOS, Android, and web
Best for: Campers interested in camping at national parks or federal lands, especially those wanting to snag a spot in popular destinations.
5. RV Life
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RV Life is an app tailored specifically for RV owners, van-lifers, and long-term road travelers. It provides a wide range of tools and resources, from finding the best campgrounds to navigating RV-friendly routes. The app combines campground listings with community-driven reviews, helping users make informed decisions about where to stay. There are also route planning features that help drivers avoid low clearance areas and tight turns that could be problematic for larger vehicles.
What makes it great:
- RV-specific route planning: One of RV Life’s standout features is its GPS tool, which calculates routes based on your RV’s height, weight, and length, ensuring you avoid obstacles like low bridges or narrow roads.
- Campground reviews: With listings for RV parks, campgrounds, and even boondocking spots, RV Life offers community reviews that cover everything from amenities and cell service to the quality of the sites.
- Maintenance tracking: It also helps you keep track of RV maintenance, ensuring you’re road-ready with all essential checks completed.
Pricing: The app has a free version, but for full access, including the GPS navigation feature, the subscription costs $59.99 per year.
Availability: iOS, Android, and web.
Best for: RV owners, van-lifers, and road warriors who want detailed campground reviews and RV-friendly route planning tools.
Other Options
- Reserve America: Another solid option for booking public campgrounds, especially in state parks.
- iOverlander: Perfect for finding free and dispersed campsites in off-grid locations.
- BookOutdoors: It helps you find and book a variety of outdoor accommodations, from traditional campsites to luxury glamping experiences.
Review Location Details Before Booking
Before finalizing your booking, always review the specific details of the campsite:
- Campsite amenities and services: Check for essentials like restrooms, potable water, and hookups if you need them. Some campsites might also offer additional amenities like showers, fire pits, or picnic tables.
- Rules and regulations: Pay attention to regulations like quiet hours, campfire restrictions, or generator use. This can affect your experience, especially in crowded areas.
- Photos and maps: Take a look at the campsite's layout and surroundings to assess proximity to restrooms, neighboring sites, or lakes and trails.
- Availability and pricing: Confirm that the campsite is available on your desired dates and that the cost fits your budget. Some apps even offer price comparisons between different campgrounds in the same area.
Which App is Right for You?
The best app for booking campsites depends on your camping style and preferences. The Dyrt and Campendium offer a wide variety of options with detailed reviews, perfect for those seeking flexibility. Hipcamp and Tentrr are ideal for campers looking for unique or glamping experiences. If you're heading to national parks or federal lands, Recreation.gov is your app. For spontaneous campers, CampsiteTonight is an excellent option.
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or new to camping, these apps will help you find and book the perfect spot without hassle. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best app to reserve campsites?
The best app to reserve campsites depends on your camping needs, but The Dyrt is a top choice for its comprehensive database, user reviews, and variety of campsite types, ranging from national parks to private campgrounds. It provides real-time availability, helpful filters, and offline access for its Pro users, making it perfect for most campers. For last-minute bookings, CampsiteTonight is excellent, especially with its 'Add to cart' feature that adds available campsites directly to your cart on Recreation.gov.
What is the best website to book campsites?
Recreation.gov is the best website for booking campsites in U.S. federal lands like national parks and national forests. For a broader range of options, including state parks and private campgrounds, Reserve America is another highly recommended website. Both offer reliable booking systems and cover a wide variety of public campgrounds.
Is there an app for free campsites?
Yes, iOverlander is an excellent app for finding free campsites, particularly for those interested in boondocking and dispersed camping on public lands. It offers the latest information on free camping spots, including locations on BLM land, national forests, and other remote areas where camping is allowed without a fee.
Is there an app like Airbnb for camping?
Yes, Hipcamp is often called the 'Airbnb for camping'. It offers a range of unique stays, from traditional campsites to glamping options like yurts, cabins, and treehouses. Many of the listings are on private land, giving you access to exclusive, off-beat camping experiences, much like how Airbnb offers stays in private homes.
Related Reads:
How to Make Last-Minute Camping Reservations Stress-Free
Best Group Campsites in California: Where to Camp with a Crowd
