Many people are focusing more on outdoor adventures than they used to. Thus, those people are finding new ways to get out and explore the natural world around them. This includes finding remote locations to get away from cities and enjoying life out in nature. But how do these people get to their destinations? Enter: overlanding.
If you're interested in this practice, overlanding apps focused on adventure and survival are key while exploring the country. Overlanders prioritize finding remote, dispersed camping spots and a fun route to get there. Let's explore the best apps essential to any overlander.
What Is Overlanding?
First, let's talk about what exactly we mean by "overlanding." Overlanding is a self-reliant mode of travel focusing more on the journey than the destination. It combines a little bit of camping and backpacking with a lot of adventure. Overlanding is attractive to hearty travelers and even digital nomads seeking out destinations they've never been to.
Often, overlanders forge their own path or follow the road less taken. When you're overlanding, you can drive to out-of-the-way destinations, as your only goal is the adventure of the open road.
And while many people use the terms "overlanding" and "offroading" interchangeably, there is a distinct difference. Offroading is focused on the technical aspect of traveling over rugged terrain, while overlanding focuses more on the journey.
So let's explore some of the best apps to help you hit the road in this exciting practice.
1. iOverlander
Adventurers can use iOverlander to browse campsites by a list or a map. One of the app's best features is its ability to let you filter places by type, including established campgrounds, informal campsites, and wild camping. This means you can literally choose your own adventure.
Once you arrive at your destination, be sure to check in using the app, leave a comment, and create a running list of places you have been.
You aren't limited to finding campsites with iOverlander. You can filter the map and view areas by category, including helpful places like gas stations, mechanic shops, and pet services. That way, you're never left wondering where the best place to get an oil change or new treats for your pup is.
2. Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS allows you to navigate and track travel distances using USGS (United States Geological Survey) and USFS (United States Forest Service) maps. In addition, the app includes a feature called Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM), which enables you to see seasonal road closures and restrictions for high-clearance or 4x4 rigs.
Like onX Offroad below, you can also find dispersed campsites for all vehicle types by viewing public land designations like the US Bureau of Land Management and National Forest.
One way Gaia GPS stands out is with its Apply CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This handy feature displays your favorite maps in the app on your car's dash and even sets up turn-by-turn directions for all your saved routes.
Gaia GPS free version includes the ability to record tracks, drop waypoints, and plan routes. It also allows you to see stats like distance, speed, and elevation gained.
You'll get customized maps with specialized data and the MVUM feature mentioned above by signing up for the premium service.
3. onX Offroad
If you've ever been on a road trip, you know that wondering where you'll sleep at night is one of the questions you ask yourself most often. When you're overlanding, the options aren't hotels or motels. Instead, they're more in the vein of forests, campsites, and parks. However, not all land is treated equally, and many places you encounter may be privately owned.
One of the best onX Offroad features lets you view land by type, whether public or private, so you never get caught sleeping where you shouldn't be.
The app offers a free seven-day trial of onX Offroad Premium that's activated once you sign in. Be sure to take advantage of the trial with features like trail statuses, photo waypoints, and 3D maps. Filter in map mode with options like dirt, snow, active fires, and trail types.
In addition, while using Go & Track, you can even record your trip in real-time.
4. Boondocking
The Boondocking app doesn't offer a free option, but the small charge is worth it. Boondocking is ideal for the occasional camper who likes to find free and exciting places to stay. You can choose from multiple map types within this handy app and see weather information and driving times.
Read more: The Best Weather Apps for iPhone
The app also lets you use various filters, including water access, elevation, and nearby amenities.
Cell coverage may be hit and miss the further you venture into the backcountry. So like many of the choices in this list, the makers of Boondocking included the ability to use the app offline.
5. USFS & BLM Campgrounds
This app features over 5,700 United States Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds that are free or cost very little.
One of the best features of USFS and BLM Campgrounds is the ability to import routes from GPX files, which makes finding that overlanding spot much easier while traveling. You can also map out routes between your location and a campground.
Each location displays the campground name, whether it's owned by BLM or the USFS (both offer free dispersed camping), the local weather, elevation, and more. Map layers are extensive and include Apple, Google, and Open Street Maps.
While the app doesn't allow you to upload or view pictures of campsites, you can view any existing Flickr photos of a location.
Find Your Next Favorite Adventure
Wherever your travels take you, overlanding can be a fun and relatively cheap way to see the country. Be sure you're armed with the best knowledge to help make your trip the best one yet. You can use the above apps in conjunction with other great camping apps and never be without a scenic place to stay again.