A great RV campsite doesn’t just happen—you find it with the right tools and a little prep. These 11 trusted apps and websites make it easier to discover quality RV parks, see real-time availability, book confidently, and arrive prepared.
1. Campendium — Best for honest reviews and cell coverage intel
Campendium is a go-to directory for RVers thanks to detailed user reviews and cell-signal reports.
- Best for: Vetting RV parks and public lands using real traveler feedback and checking reported cell coverage.
- Why RVers like it: Filters for rig length, hookups, and fees; reviews often mention road grades, noise, and site spacing. User-submitted cell coverage reports help remote workers decide where to stay.
- Booking and prep: Campendium links out to the park’s booking page. Read reviews for notes on big-rig access, leveling, and generator rules before you reserve.
- Price: Free to use; optional membership for extras.
- Learn more: https://www.campendium.com
Source: Campendium site shows filters, reviews, and carrier coverage badges on listings (https://www.campendium.com).
2. The Dyrt — Best all-around directory with sold‑out alerts
The Dyrt combines a large campground directory with maps, robust filters, and cancellation alerts.
- Best for: Comparing options (public and private) and getting notified when booked campgrounds have openings.
- Why RVers like it: Camper reviews, photos, detailed filters, and The Dyrt Alerts monitor sold‑out campgrounds and notify you of cancellations.
- Booking and prep: Book direct through The Dyrt where available or via links to the campground. Use alerts for high-demand national and state parks.
- Price: Free directory; optional PRO adds features like offline maps and discounts.
- Learn more: Alerts overview (https://thedyrt.com/alerts), PRO features (https://thedyrt.com/pro)
Sources: The Dyrt Alerts (https://thedyrt.com/alerts) and PRO features (https://thedyrt.com/pro).
3. RV LIFE (Campgrounds + Trip Wizard) — Best for RV‑safe routing plus where to stay
RV LIFE pairs campground reviews with RV‑specific trip planning and navigation.
- Best for: Planning RV‑safe routes and building itineraries around verified campgrounds.
- Why RVers like it: RV LIFE Campgrounds has traveler reviews; Trip Wizard creates RV‑friendly routes based on your rig’s height, weight, and propane restrictions, and integrates with RV LIFE Safe GPS.
- Booking and prep: Research campgrounds within Trip Wizard, check site length/amps, then book via the park. Use RV‑safe routing to avoid low clearances en route.
- Price: RV LIFE Pro subscription bundles Trip Wizard and GPS.
- Learn more: Trip Wizard (https://tripwizard.rvlife.com), RV LIFE Campgrounds (https://campgrounds.rvlife.com)
Source: RV LIFE Trip Wizard features (https://tripwizard.rvlife.com).
4. Campspot — Best for real‑time availability at private RV parks
Campspot is a booking marketplace with live inventory from independent parks and resort-style campgrounds.
- Best for: Seeing what’s actually available tonight or next weekend and reserving instantly.
- Why RVers like it: Real-time availability, clear site types (pull-through, back-in, full hookups), and map search make booking straightforward.
- Booking and prep: Reserve directly in-app; check site details for length limits, amperage, and late arrival instructions.
- Price: Free to use; you pay the campground’s rate.
- Learn more: https://www.campspot.com
Source: Campspot marketplace and booking flow (https://www.campspot.com).
5. Recreation.gov — Best for federal campgrounds, permits, and timed entries
Recreation.gov is the official portal for reserving many federal campsites and permits.
- Best for: National park, national forest, BLM, and other federal recreation sites.
- Why RVers like it: Direct, official bookings; detailed facility pages; some locations support next‑day or same‑day inventory releases.
- Booking and prep: Check each listing’s vehicle length limits, generator hours, water availability, and seasonal closures before you reserve.
- Price: Free to use; standard reservation and processing fees apply.
- Learn more: https://www.recreation.gov/about
Source: Recreation.gov About page lists participating federal agencies (https://www.recreation.gov/about).
6. ReserveAmerica — Best for many state parks and private campgrounds
ReserveAmerica is widely used by state park systems and private campgrounds for online reservations.
- Best for: State park stays in states that use ReserveAmerica, plus private park bookings on the platform.
- Why RVers like it: Familiar interface, calendar views, and filters for hookups and site length.
- Booking and prep: Each park page lists equipment restrictions and site specifics—verify rig length and electric service before you click “reserve.”
- Price: Free to search; reservation/processing fees vary by park.
- Learn more: https://www.reserveamerica.com
Source: ReserveAmerica reservation platform (https://www.reserveamerica.com).
7. KOA (Kampgrounds of America) — Best for predictable amenities and family‑friendly stays
KOA’s network offers consistent standards and easy online booking across North America.
- Best for: Travelers who value predictable amenities, clean facilities, and locations near highways or destinations.
- Why RVers like it: KOA categorizes parks as Journey, Holiday, and Resort to set expectations, and many sites include full hookups and Wi‑Fi.
- Booking and prep: Book on KOA.com; check site type and pull‑through availability for overnighters. KOA notes it has more than 500 campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada.
- Price: Free to search; KOA Rewards membership is optional for perks.
- Learn more: https://koa.com/about/
Source: KOA About page notes 500+ locations (https://koa.com/about/).
8. Good Sam — Best for rated parks and member discounts
Good Sam combines a large campground directory with ratings and member discounts at participating parks.
- Best for: Finding RV parks with standardized ratings and saving at parks that accept Good Sam.
- Why RVers like it: The directory is extensive, ratings cover facilities and restrooms, and membership includes campground and retail perks.
- Booking and prep: Use the directory to identify rated parks and follow links to reserve directly. Verify discount eligibility and site limitations at checkout.
- Price: Directory is free; membership is optional for discounts.
- Learn more: Directory (https://www.goodsam.com/campgrounds-rv-parks/), Member benefits (https://www.goodsam.com/club/benefits)
Source: Good Sam campground directory and benefits pages (links above).
9. Hipcamp — Best for unique private land RV stays
Hipcamp lists bookable RV sites on private land—farms, ranches, vineyards, and more.
- Best for: Unique stays near popular destinations when traditional campgrounds are full.
- Why RVers like it: Filters for RV sites, hookups, and site access; listings often include photos, host notes, and driveway details.
- Booking and prep: These are host-run properties—confirm turnaround space, surface type, and any generator/fire restrictions before booking.
- Price: Free to browse; service fees apply at checkout.
- Learn more: https://www.hipcamp.com/about
Source: Hipcamp About page and listings (https://www.hipcamp.com/about).
10. Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome — Best for scenic one‑night stopovers
Memberships that unlock overnight parking at non-traditional spots or generous hosts.
- Best for: Overnighting en route at wineries, farms, museums (Harvest Hosts) or at host driveways and properties (Boondockers Welcome).
- Why RVers like it: Memorable stays off the typical RV park circuit. Harvest Hosts requires self‑contained RVs; hookups are uncommon.
- Booking and prep: Read each host’s rules and arrival windows; plan to be self‑sufficient and support hosts (e.g., by making a purchase where applicable).
- Price: Paid memberships; details on each program’s page.
- Learn more: How it works (https://harvesthosts.com/how-it-works/), FAQ (self‑contained requirement: https://harvesthosts.com/faq/), Boondockers Welcome (https://harvesthosts.com/boondockers-welcome/)
Source: Harvest Hosts How It Works and FAQ (links above).
11. Campnab — Best for snagging cancellations at sold‑out parks
Campnab monitors reservation systems and alerts you when a site matching your criteria opens.
- Best for: High-demand national/state parks where sites book instantly.
- Why RVers like it: You set dates, park, and site filters; Campnab scans and texts/email alerts when a match appears so you can book quickly.
- Booking and prep: Act fast when alerted—inventory can go in minutes. Confirm site length/amps in the official booking system before paying.
- Price: Paid plans vary by scan frequency and duration.
- Learn more: https://campnab.com/how-it-works
Source: Campnab How It Works (https://campnab.com/how-it-works).
How to choose the right app for your trip
- For federal lands: Start with Recreation.gov; set The Dyrt Alerts or Campnab for hard-to-get parks.
- For state parks: Check ReserveAmerica or your state’s official portal, then add an alert tool if dates are tight.
- For private parks with instant booking: Use Campspot, KOA, or Good Sam’s directory to filter and reserve.
- For route-first planning: Build your path in RV LIFE Trip Wizard, then layer in campground research.
- For unique or overflow options: Browse Hipcamp and Harvest Hosts/Boondockers Welcome for memorable alternatives.
Pre‑arrival RV campsite prep checklist
- Confirm rig fit: Overall length, height, and slide clearance match the site and access roads (use RV LIFE routing for low bridges).
- Verify utilities: Hookup type (30A/50A), water availability, dump station access, and any sewer restrictions.
- Review rules: Generator hours, pet policies, quiet hours, fire bans, and check‑in procedures listed on the booking page.
- Check connectivity: Look at user-reported cell coverage (e.g., Campendium) if you need to work online.
- Save offline: Download reservation details, gate codes, and offline maps in case service drops.
- Plan arrivals: If arriving late, confirm self check‑in instructions and campsite markers with the park or host.
- Backups: Set campground cancellation alerts (The Dyrt Alerts or Campnab) for alternate dates or nearby parks.