Van life is something that is learned over time.
Habits, routines, patterns. These are all things that are brought on by experience. But we all have to start somewhere, right? One of my favorite ways of learning is through others and their experiences. Even before I first bought a van, or converted my Sprinter, I asked endless questions to individuals I found on Instagram and Facebook that had experience within this world. And then when I actually hit the road, the thing that was the most helpful was, you guessed it, applications (apps). We all know our phones can fill up fast with dozens and dozens of apps, so I’m here to help you discover the top van life apps you ACTUALLY should download before your next road trip.
A good app can be a game changer. A good app serves as a resource, can help you find your way when you are lost, can help you connect with others when you are in need, and so much more. As a traveler, especially as a solo traveler, apps have been quite important along my journey. And yes, I know, people have been traveling in vans for many, many, years, long before “this new generation even knew what a van was”. I hear that all the time. BUT, as an individual who often travels alone and wants to see some kind of review before she sleeps somewhere by herself, apps have really helped make my life on the road a lot easier.
So, here are the top 7 apps that have been extremely helpful in my van life journey and that I can’t live without.
Purpose: discovering free and paid camping
Price: free version available, PRO = $35.99
The biggest thing I need an app for is finding free camping. Yes, my skills have grown a bit over the years in just recognizing if an area is legal to overnight park in or not. I can identify a forest road, public land, and all that jazz. But finding actual great, deep forest camping, with beautiful views usually come from a personal recommendation or from an app. The Dyrt is the #1 camping app with over 17 million annual visitors (yes, you read that correctly). It contains the most most user-submitted campground locations, reviews and tips over any other camping app that exists. So obviously, it made the list of the top van life apps I’d recommend!
This app was built by a team of individuals that want to help you find those incredible campsites. That is shown through their constant updates and new features. While this app already serves its purpose well, it’s about to become that much more helpful, as they release a public lands feature this fall, with both BLM and National Forest. The best part is that the Dyrt allows you to download maps for when you’re offline, helping ensure that you never get stuck late at night in the dark without a campsite again.
Beyond what I personally use (aka free/primitive camping), I recognize that many, if not the majority, of campers and RVers use paid campgrounds when they are traveling. This is especially where this app becomes helpful. The Dyrt PRO users actually get up to 40% off a massive variety of paid campgrounds. Additionally, you can search based on price ranges, or specific features of a paid campground that you might be looking for.
Use code "soweboughtavan" for 10% off the Dyrt PRO!
Purpose: finding water, propane, dump stations, & quick overnight parking
Price: $9.99
The AllStays Camp & RV app contains a LOT of information. You’re able to view everything on the map at once, which is almost too much. But their filters are very helpful. They have well over 30 filters that you can apply (multiple at a time) to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. This app was particularly useful during the first year of van life when I had absolutely zero clue how to identify potable water, dump stations, public lands, or shower. Now, I can do a quick walk around a gas station and know by recognition if they have potable water or a dump station. But prior, this app was extremely important in learning the ropes of the road.
Purpose: locating fuel and propane
Price: free
We’ve all been there…you’re driving down the freeway and before you know it, your gas light is on but you’re in the middle of nowhere. The anxiety of this situation doubles if you drive a vehicle that requires diesel (especially ultra low sulfur diesel like the newer Sprinters) since these types of fuel are less common or frequent in specific areas. So as a Sprinter van owner, the GasBuddy app is solely how I find gas when I’m driving, putting it at the beginning of my top van life apps list. It is also extremely reliable to find propane, which is useful as a van-dweller that has a refillable propane tank. One of my favorite features includes the price point spread, showing you the variety of options with prices. It also shows you the distance from your current location to each specific gas station. Lastly, it shows you deals and sales, which is always a plus!
Purpose: planning day hikes and backpacking trips
Price: free version available, Pro = $29.99
As an avid hiker, this app is a game changer. I can’t even count how many times I have arrived at a trail head and tried to load my maps or directions for once we got on foot, and I had no service. AllTrails helps you find the actual trailhead with GPS coordinates and directions, has various rating levels to let you know exactly what you’re getting into, and is used by over 20 million explorers. The maps within this app have 8 different layers you can apply for even more detail and download maps so you still have access to them once you’re on the trail (and likely without service).
A specific feature I love is that I can save hikes for specific regions. This way, I can keep track of recommendations and always have a hike lined up for when I’m visiting a new area. Like most apps, reviews are always helpful to browse, especially with trails as they change throughout the seasons, so remember to leave your own trail reviews as well!
Purpose: downloading and listening to audio books
Price: free (content requires public library account)
I’m a sucker for easy ways to save money, and this app is a great example of that. If you haven’t heard, one of my favorite van life tips is to sign up for a public library account, purchase a kindle, and hook the two up. This allows you access digital copies of books wherever the road may take you. I do this through an app called OverDrive, who then created the Libby app for digital audio books. The app allows you to check out digital audio books, just like you would a library book, and download the file straight to your phone. This is a GREAT way to pass time on a longer stretch of a road trip, while also catching up on your reading list.
Purpose: renting vans and RVs
Price: free (rentals requires additional cost)
I’ve been renting my 2016 Mercedes Sprinter van for over a year now through Outdoorsy. The platform is extremely detailed, but for absolutely good reason. Outdoorsy has taken exceptional care of me and my renters for the entire duration of my time using their platform. Their communication portal is great and it really allows me to connect and chat with the individuals renting my van. The app allows for easy pick up and drop off of rentals, with all paperwork, photos, and signatures taken care of through the app. In my opinion, there is no better way to test out #vanlife than trying it out for yourself firsthand with a rental.
Purpose: finding restaurants, hotels, photographic overlooks, etc.
Price: free version available, Plus = $29.99
There’s something beautiful about going on a road trip and randomly coming across incredible views, cute little shops, or ocean views. But that can be rare, which is when planning comes to the rescue. RoadTrippers helps you find the best historic sites, scenic overlooks, local eateries, museums, and more. Some of my best road trips have been a mix of camping in beautiful regions with an insane view, but then visiting a local air museum that I randomly saw a sign for on the highway. When you pair the RoadTrippers app with the Dyrt PRO’s Trip Planner, I’m confident that you’ll have a well thought out road trip that will give you the best trip experience for your time and your money.
To learn more about the Dyrt PRO’s Trip Planner feature, check out my Instagram highlight detailing out my trip to Wyoming’s National Parks! I hope the top van life apps detailed above serve you well while you’re out on the open road exploring.
Safe driving, everybody!
