DLM Distribution

Practical Tools for Campervan and RV Travel

One of the most common questions on the road is simple: Where can I stay tonight?
Whether you’re planning days ahead or looking for a last-minute overnight stop, today’s campervan and RV travelers have more tools than ever to find reliable places to camp, park, or rest for the night.

Between GPS navigation, mobile apps, and review-driven websites, finding a suitable spot—whether a full campground or a simple overnight stop—has become far easier and more flexible. Below is an updated, practical guide to some of the most useful and widely trusted apps and websites available today.

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Reliable Apps and Websites for Finding Campgrounds

RV Parky (rvparky.com)

RV Parky remains one of the most versatile tools for campervan and RV travel. It allows you to quickly locate campgrounds, RV parks, overnight parking locations, and rest areas across the United States and Canada. The app uses your phone’s location to show nearby options in real time, which makes it especially helpful when plans change or you’re searching late in the day. Reviews and basic amenity details help you decide quickly.

Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov is the official reservation platform for U.S. federal lands, including national parks, national forests, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer established campgrounds and want to reserve sites in advance. You can search by location, activity, or campground name, and manage reservations directly through the app or website.

ReserveAmerica

ReserveAmerica focuses primarily on state park systems and some regional campgrounds. It’s a strong complement to Recreation.gov, especially when traveling through states with popular park systems. Site details, availability, and reservation tools are straightforward and reliable.

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Apps for Reviews, Free Camping, and Flexible Stops

Campendium (campendium.com)

Campendium is widely used for its detailed reviews, clear photos, and accurate campground data. It includes everything from full-service RV parks to free camping options on public land. Filters allow you to search by vehicle size, cell coverage, amenities, and price—useful for campervans and smaller RVs.

The Dyrt (thedyrt.com)

The Dyrt offers a large database of campgrounds with user-submitted reviews and photos. It’s especially helpful for finding state parks, local campgrounds, and smaller facilities that may not appear on larger reservation platforms.

iOverlander (ioverlander.com)

Originally popular with international overland travelers, iOverlander has become a go-to resource in North America for finding free camping, dispersed sites, rest areas, and overnight parking spots. Listings are community-driven, so checking recent reviews is important, but it’s one of the best tools for flexibility.

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Private Land and Hosted Camping Options

Hipcamp (hipcamp.com)

Hipcamp connects travelers with private landowners offering campsites, ranging from simple grassy fields to well-developed RV sites. It’s a good option when public campgrounds are full or when you’re looking for something quieter and more personal.

Boondockers Welcome

Boondockers Welcome matches RV and campervan owners with private hosts who allow free overnight stays on their property. These stays are typically short and intended for self-contained vehicles, making them well suited for campervans.

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Specialized and Membership-Based Camping

KOA (koa.com)

KOA campgrounds are consistent, easy to find, and offer predictable amenities. While not always the most scenic option, they’re reliable for overnight stops, laundry, showers, and easy access from highways.

Military Campgrounds and FamCamps

For active-duty service members, retirees, and eligible families, military campgrounds offer excellent value. Apps like AllStays (with military campground listings) help locate these facilities across the U.S.

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A Few Practical Tips for Finding a Good Overnight Spot

Not every stop needs to be a full campground. Rest areas, truck stops, and certain retail locations may allow overnight parking in some regions. Always check local regulations, signage, and recent reviews. When in doubt, ask permission or choose established campgrounds.

Reading recent reviews is critical. Conditions, policies, and access can change quickly, and up-to-date feedback from other travelers is often the most reliable information available.

Finally, if you use an app to find a good spot, consider leaving a review after your stay. These platforms work best when travelers contribute accurate, current information.

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The Bottom Line

Finding a place to camp or stop for the night no longer requires guesswork. With the right mix of apps and websites, you can plan ahead or adapt on the fly—whether you prefer full campgrounds, public land, private stays, or simple overnight stops.

A little preparation and the right tools can make every travel day smoother and far less stressful, letting you focus on the journey instead of the logistics.