Like all millennials, I rely on apps to organize my life, and boondocking is no exception! I’ve talked a lot about how we added solar panels to our RV’s roof last year so that we can spend more time off-grid. In 2023, we spent over 100 nights boondocking with our toy hauler, and I anticipate that number will be even higher in 2024. So obviously we now have strong feelings about the best boondocking apps.
My favorite reasons for boondocking are:
- Absolutely unbelievable views right from my couch
- Tons of room for our three kids to roam and act like kids without RV park rules limiting their play
- Saving tons of money by paying $0 in rent
If you’re interested in learning how to boondock and want to download everything I know about it just like we were friends sitting around a campfire together, I’ve got you:
Boondocking 101 Guide
This 10-page guide will assist RVers in learning the basics of boondocking, or camping off-grid! We share everything we’ve learned as a family living off-grid and boondocking in our RV.
Okay, so maybe I’ve convinced you that you should try boondocking. But you may be wondering how we find places to park our RV? Well, there’s an app for that! A few, actually. Here are our picks for the best boondocking apps.
Best Boondocking Apps
iOverlander
iOverlander is the absolute best boondocking app in my opinion. It’s definitely the one we use the most. iOverlander wins for me because of the sheer number of boondocking locations that the app lists. It’s definitely the most comprehensive database of free parking spots that I’ve found. It also tops my list of best boondocking apps because it lists other crucial services that boondockers need. We use iOverlander to find hot showers, laundromats, propane refills, dump stations, potable water fills, and more.
The only thing to note is that a lot of the spots are catered towards van life dwellers or stealth campers. We are not fitting in tiny spots or flying under the rader with our 37′ fifth wheel. The app does have a checkbox to note if a spot is viable for big rig RVs like ours, but there isn’t a way to filter by that feature. It’s worth it, but that’s my only complaint.
Campendium
Campendium is another one of the best boondocking apps that we use frequently. I like it because it’s RV-centric, so I feel confident that we’ll fit in most of the spots I find there. I also use it to cross-reference spots I find on iOverlander for that reason. It also shines because it names each spot with a unique name, making it easy for RV folks to share locations like “Lone Mesa Dispersed,” unlike iOverlander, which allows users to set the location name (sometimes randomly). Finally, I really appreciate that Campendium prompts users to review the cell service at each location by carrier. That information is really useful for those of us who are full time RVers working remotely. This is a free app, although it has a paid version we’ve yet to use.
Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts is the best boondocking app for stays that are also an experience. I’ve written a whole Harvest Hosts review, but the short version is that this is a subscription service that offers one night stays at gorgeous locations like farms, vineyards, and breweries. Harvest Hosts shines as an overnight stay as you’re traveling somewhere else (not sitting down in one location for an extended time period). It also allows us to experience fun excursions like farm or vineyard tours right where we’re camped.
Boondockers Welcome
Boondockers Welcome is another paid subscription that rounds out this list of the best boondocking apps. Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome are partner programs, but they differ slightly in what they offer. Boondockers Welcome hosts are regular folks who offer up places to park in places like driveways and big parking lots. Unlike Harvest Hosts, there’s no “experience” offered and many hosts offer stays of one to five nights. And 75% of hosts offer some form of hookups, unlike Harvest Hosts where hookups are rare.
I hope this list of our picks for the best boondocking apps was helpful to you! Don’t miss our favorite boondocking in Alaska spots and our list of RV boondocking gear. Let me know in the comments if you have another best boondocking app or favorite boondocking location to share!
Disclaimer: Product links in this blog post may be Affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission for each purchase made through these links at no extra cost to you. Affiliate income helps fund our family travel and allows me to keep creating inspiring family travel content for you. I so appreciate when you use my links to make purchases you would have made anyway.
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