Useful websites and apps for long road trips

Updated March 17, 2020

In recent years, there’s been a boom of valuable, and handy, websites and apps designed specifically for the road warriors out there. Whether you’re looking for an app or website to make a long road trip easier, or looking for resources on camping information, there are plenty of apps out there designed to help make your travel experience smoother, safer and more exciting.

Here are a handful of the most helpful sites or apps recommend. 

Get a strong satellite signal

It sure is a luxury to have a satellite dish on your coach. Finding a signal, on the other hand, can prove challenging. Worry not, there’s an app for that – actually, several. Just search for apps on your mobile device using “satellite finder” or “dish alignment” to find one that suits your needs.

State Lines

Conceived and informed by full-time RVers, this handy app tracks more than 55 pieces of travel-relevant information, everything from what restraints are required to keep kids safe to pet leash laws. All data is integrated into the app so you can use it even if you don’t have a cellular or WiFi connection. If you are connected, it can provide you with information on the nearest neighboring states. Learn more here.

GasBuddy

Gas prices can vary wildly, especially if you’re trips span different regions. A website (also available in app formats) like GasBuddy will help do your best to stay on budget. Tools within the app like the heat map which shows relative prices across the country and the Trip Cost Calculator are handy planning tools. Visit GasBuddy.com.

Home monitoring

Even our homes are “smart” and connected these days. If you’re leaving a brick-and-mortar residence behind for an extended period, you can keep an eye on things with a system like LiveWatch. With it, you can not only respond to alarms or suspicious activity, but also get video streams and control things like lights, locks and thermostats. 

Coverage? 

Available only for iOS devices, this app takes the guessing out of when and where you’ll have cell phone coverage. If you’re trying to schedule your next few overnight stays, you can plug your options into this useful tool to find out where if you’ll have connectivity.

U.S. Publish Lands app

If you’re considering a night or two in the wilderness, off the grid, give the U.S. Public Lands app a look. It outlines the different types of public lands, who manages them and what kind of access is available. Similarly, apps by developer Allstays provide other overnight RV information about rest stops, Walmarts and truck stops—even dump station locators.

For the bargain hunters

Every now and then you need a new chair for the campsite, a warm coat, or you just want some new décor in the style of a region you’re exploring. Sites like Craigslist or VarageSale are good for finding just about any random thing you may need no matter where you are. These sites are just as handy if you’re are trying to unload some gear too.

Classic Camping Cookbook

Prepare meals while camping based on cooking method, ingredients, or meal type. This app also allows you to plan out your meals prior to leaving for your epic adventure.

First Aid American Red Cross

This app can be a life saver. Literally. It gives you all the first aid information you could need in a pinch.

RV Checklist

Have you ever arrived at your campsite only to realize you missed something while packing? This problem can become a thing of the past with this helpful app. It provides a comprehensive list of typical things ever RVer needs on the road.

MyNature Animal Tracks

If you have animal lovers along for the adventure, this app can be fun to use on a hike. Find out exactly what type of animal made the track that you happen upon.

Allstays Camp and RV

There are plenty of RV parks out there. How do you narrow down the ones closest to you, the best rated and the one with the most amenities? This helpful tool is worth the $9.99 price tag. It has a vast database of amazing campgrounds to help make your decision easier.

InRoute

Every RV owner knows how scary driving one can be sometimes. With InRoute, you can find routes that are less winding, have no steep grades and it will help you steer clear of inclement weather.

KOA Campgrounds

KOA campgrounds are tried and true options when searching for a place to settle in for the night. Similar to the Allstays app, this app helps you find campgrounds near you that are a sure bet.

Localeur

The best part of traveling somewhere new is trying the local’s favorite restaurant or seeing the best sites. Localeur takes real recommendations from locals and compiles them into one easy list.

National Parks App

The US has hundreds of beautiful national parks waiting to be discovered. This app makes planning a trip to Yellowstone or Yosemite so much easier.

Sanidumps

Never be stuck carting around full waste tanks again. Sanidumps is an app that locates the nearest dump station for you so you can get back to having fun!

You didn’t think we would forget the most important app of all, did you!?

The Entegra Coach app

Recommended for all owners of Entegra Coach motorhomes, this handy app allows users to locate nearby camping, entertainment, dining, fuel and even dealer service locations. It also includes Entegra Coach owner’s manuals, highway regulations specific to each U.S. state and helpful manufacturer videos specific to the product line. Finally, the app offers owners the option to share photos from their favorite Entegra Coach excursions while keeping up with other owners through the Community Chat section.

Sure, much of the appeal of hitting the road is to disconnect from the screens and digital devices that are now a huge part of our everyday lives, but when it comes to those extra-long trips, apps and sites like these can help keep you stress-free.