
When I began camping as an adult, it had been about two decades since I had slept in nature. I had never researched and certainly had never booked a campsite.
Up until the past few years I had absolutely no idea where to start when it came to finding a place to camp in my camper van – or event a tent.
Thanks to the world of social media and some really kind people on the road, I quickly discovered super helpful apps sites that became crucial to me as a newbie camper, several of which I still use today!
Below are 5 resources (apps / sites) that I’ve found value in over the past few years when camping.
iOverlander
I use this free app a TON to find free sites… great for boondocking. Crowdsourced info with photos and very honest reviews of tons of free (and some paid) camping. There are also great filters with info like where you can find a good shower or find water.
Campendium
From organized RV parks to city parks and dispersed camping, I’ve found a ton of great campsites on Campendium… and I love the cell service reports for each site since I work form the road.
Hipcamp
This is like the AirBnB of camping/glamping. Tons of affordable (and many not-so-affordable if you wanna splurge) private land offered up by hosts.
(The Hipcamp link here and in the header is an affiliate link; you get $10 toward your first booking, and I would get $10 after your first camping experience.)
Harvest Hosts
If you have a self-contained camper/RV, this is an amazing way to stay at breweries, wineries, farms, and more.
It costs $99 annually to join at the time of this post. (The Harvest Hosts link here and in the header is an affiliate link… you get 15% off – I get $15.)
Allstays
Walmart parking lots are often the reason I use this app, but you can also explore where to camp in a van, pitch a tent, which rest areas to hit…. Filters help you isolate camping by independent campgrounds, state/ national parks, BLM lands… or even where to get supplies.
This is just a short list to get you started, but I’ll add some other solid ones in another post. 🙂