If you’ve recently bought a campervan, hired a campervan with us or you’re planning your next road trip, your smartphone can be one of the most useful things you pack. The right camping app can help you find campsites, discover stopovers, plan walking routes, check facilities and feel more prepared before you set off.
There are plenty of camping apps available, from campsite booking tools and route planners to a dedicated site finder app for campervans and motorhomes. Some are ideal for finding family friendly campsites, while others can help you explore more remote places, including apps with information on approved overnight stops and wild style camping locations.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best camping apps UK travellers can use to make their next campervan trip easier, smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a wild camping app, a campsite finder or a simple way to plan your route, these apps are well worth downloading before your next adventure.
How can camping apps enhance your trip?
A good camping app can make trip planning much easier, especially if you’re travelling in a campervan and want the freedom to change your plans as you go. Many camping apps include campsite listings, maps, reviews, facilities, prices and availability, so you can quickly compare places to stay before you arrive.
A site finder app can be especially useful when you’re already on the road. Instead of searching manually for nearby places to stop, you can use filters to find campsites, touring parks, motorhome stopovers or campervan friendly locations based on your route.
Some apps also include offline maps, route planning tools and user recommendations, which can be helpful in more rural areas where phone signal is limited. If you are using a wild camping app or an app that shows remote overnight stops, always check local rules, land access and parking restrictions before you stay overnight.
Our 6 best camping apps UK to download
1. Uncover Britain Road Trips
Explore the UK’s best camping spots with Uncover Britain Road Trips. Whilst not technically an app, this site is mobile-optimised and provides detailed information on campsites, including facilities and amenities, so you can find the perfect place to park your campervan. With two levels of subscription available, you can plan the ultimate road trip with route suggestions and points of interest along the way all from your mobile phone. Even without an internet connection, you can access maps and directions offline. Uncover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track camping spots for a unique outdoor experience. If you’re looking for inspiration before planning your journey, take a look at some of our favourite campervan routes UK travellers can explore, from scenic coastal drives to countryside road trips.
Key features:
- Mobile-optimised website, so no need to download an app
- Get access to information on campsites, including reviews and ratings
- Offline access to maps, directions and route guides
- Provides recommendations for nearby attractions, restaurants and activities
- Real-time updates on campsite availability and bookings
2. WikiCamps UK
WikiCamps UK is one of the best camping apps and is ideal for those who want to enjoy their camping trips without the need for an internet connection. With this app, you can easily find campsites, caravan parks, and even wild camping spots throughout the United Kingdom. The information provided includes amenities, facilities, and prices, allowing you to plan your stop-off points accordingly. Plus, you can explore customer photos and reviews to help you choose the perfect spot. Don’t forget to save your favourites for future reference with its handy wishlist feature!
Key features:
- Offline access to a comprehensive campsite database
- Filter campsites based on your preferences and specific amenities
- Up-to-date campsite availability information
- Ability to make bookings directly through the app
3. SearchForSites
Find the perfect stopover for your camping trip with SearchForSites. This site finder camping app allows you to discover campsites, motorhome parking areas, and wild camping spots. Get detailed information on facilities, fees, and nearby attractions to plan your trip effectively. With the SearchForSites app, you can find campsites along the way and on the go! Save your favourite camping spots for future reference, ensuring that you have all the information you need at your fingertips.
Key features:
- Get offline access to listings and information when in remote locations
- Filter search results based on your preferences, such as price and amenities
- Accurate directions and navigation to your chosen campsite
- Share recommendations and contribute to the camping community
4. Park4night
Discover hidden gems for camping and caravanning across Europe through Park4night. This camping app allows you to connect with a community of campers who share their favourite camping spots. You can find detailed information about campsite amenities and facilities, as well as explore wild camping spots off the beaten track. Even without an internet connection, Park4night provides access to offline maps and listings for campsites. Enhance your camping experience by tapping into this community-driven resource.
Key features:
- Discover secluded camping spots in remote locations
- GPS and compass features for easy navigation
- Recommendations from other campers for the best spots
- Plan your trip to explore the night sky with its stargazing feature
5. AllTrails
Explore the great outdoors with AllTrails, one of the best camping apps UK. Discover the best hiking trails and camping spots near you, thanks to detailed maps and trail information. Record and track your hikes and camping adventures, while finding campsites with amenities like toilets and water sources. Share your experiences and recommendations with the AllTrails community, making it easier for fellow nature enthusiasts to plan their next adventure. AllTrails is available for both iOS and Android users, providing a user-friendly interface and a wealth of outdoor resources.
Key features:
- Campsite search feature to find the perfect spot based on your preferences
- Offline map and GPS tracking to navigate with confidence
- Personalised hiking trails and camping spot recommendations
- Route planning and trip logs for multi-day backpacking trips
- Connect with fellow hikers and campers to share experiences and tips
6. Campercontact
Campercontact is a site finder app that provides access to a comprehensive database of campsites across the UK and Europe. With this camping app, you can easily find campsites that meet your specific preferences, such as being pet-friendly or located near the beach. The app also allows you to view photos and reviews from other campers, helping you choose the best site for your needs. Additionally, you can book campsites directly through the app or contact campsite owners via email. One of the great features of Campercontact is that it offers offline access to campsite information, so there’s no need for an internet connection.
Key features:
- Find campsites for your specific needs such as Wi-FI and other amenities
- Perfect for finding spots for campervans and motorhomes
- Access to detailed information on facilities and services at each location
- Discover camping spots near popular attractions and points of interest
- Stay up-to-date with site availability and prices
Let us make your camping trip truly memorable!
There’s no doubt you’ll save time searching for places to stay and be more organised when planning your next trip if you download any of these camping apps. With these apps, you can plan your itinerary, navigate your route and enjoy your camping trip with ease!
We hope we’ve provided you with some of the best camping apps UK to make your next trip a smooth success. If you’re ready to embrace the world of camping, why not take a look at our range of campervans for sale and add a touch of luxury to your road trip? Or why don’t you try it out first by hiring a campervan with us? Either way, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more.
FAQs For Camping Apps
What features do camping apps typically offer?
Camping apps often include features like campground locators, GPS navigation, weather forecasts, packing checklists, survival guides, and user reviews of campsites.
How do camping apps help with trip planning?
Camping apps can help users discover nearby campgrounds, filter them based on amenities and activities, check availability, and make reservations. They may also offer trip planning tools, allowing users to map out their routes, mark points of interest, and estimate travel times.
Are camping apps free to use?
Many camping apps offer basic features for free, but some may require a one-time purchase or subscription for access to premium features or ad-free experiences.
Can camping apps work offline?
Some camping apps offer offline functionality, allowing users to access maps, trail information, and other essential features without an internet connection. However, users may need to download specific maps or content beforehand.
Do camping apps provide safety information?
Yes, many camping apps include safety-related features and guidance to help users feel more prepared outdoors. This may include weather alerts, emergency contact details, first aid advice, local hazard warnings, wildfire updates and information about camping regulations in certain areas.
How accurate are campground reviews on camping apps?
The accuracy of campground reviews can vary depending on factors like the number of reviews, the credibility of the reviewers, and the app’s moderation policies. Users should read multiple reviews and consider the overall consensus when evaluating campgrounds.
Are camping apps available for both iOS and Android devices?
Yes, most camping apps are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
Can camping apps help with finding dispersed camping or backcountry sites?
Some camping apps offer information on dispersed camping areas or backcountry sites, including their locations, regulations, and accessibility. However, users should always research local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before camping in remote areas.