My Must-Have Apps for Nomad Life
If you know me, you know I’m someone who values the freedom to take your own path, to be spontaneous, and to explore the beauty of the world. I recently took a road trip across the United States, living out of a car which was about as free as I’ve ever felt. Today, I'm here to share some of my favorite apps that helped me along the way.
Most Used Apps
Boondocking Apps - One of the defining features of my adventure was my decision not to plan my route or book accommodations in advance. Instead, I embraced boondocking – the practice of dispersed camping on public lands. To help me with this, I relied on some fantastic boondocking apps that quickly became my best friends.
Boondocking = camping on public lands, often in remote and beautiful locations, away from established campgrounds for freeeee!
Hiking Navigation Tools - While I was all about embracing the unknown, I also wanted to make the most of my time in national parks and hiking trails. That's where hiking navigation tools came in handy. They helped me understand trail systems, provided insights before arriving at a park, and offered downloadable maps so I avoided feeling lost.
Finding the Right App for You
Choosing the right app for your adventure all comes down to your priorities. Here's what mattered most to me:
Flexibility and Spontaneity: Typically, finding a place to stay came down to selecting the best spot between point A and point B. The ability to search locations directly on my path and “favorite” a few to choose from was most important to me.
Reviews: As a first time boondocker, I needed the reassurance of fellow campers. Reading reviews gave me peace of mind, knowing that someone had tested the waters (or the campgrounds) before me. Reviews are also just funny to read because people are crazy.
Cell Signal: Because I was working remotely while on the road, internet was a top priority. Trusting the apps to confirm the location had a reliable internet speed was essential for me, especially when I arrived at a new spot late at night to test my hotspot.
A Few Navigation Tools & Their Differences
Now, let's break down some of the apps that proved to be real game-changers for me:
This app was my go-to for finding places to sleep. It's incredibly comprehensive, providing photos, reviews, coordinates, and even cell signal information, specifying which carriers have coverage in a particular area. It also lists essential features like water hookups and electrical connections.
iOverlander
When I needed more than just a place to sleep, iOverlander was my trusty sidekick. It's not only great for finding spots to rest but also for locating amenities like laundry facilities, gyms, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Like Free Roam, it offers reviews, coordinates, and information on available amenities.
The Dyrt
While I used The Dyrt less frequently, it's worth mentioning because it's a great resource for campgrounds. However, be prepared to pay for most places listed on the app. If you're willing to splurge occasionally for a more comfortable stay, this app is worth considering.
NPS (National Park Service)
For exploring national parks, the NPS app is a must-have. You can download park information for offline use, including details on what to see, things to do, where to stay, visitor centers, and available amenities.
All Trails
All Trails helps you find trails near you, categorizing them by difficulty, length, and activity type. You can also download maps for offline use which is comforting for those more beginner hikers.
Apps Aren’t Everything!
“Although these Apps can give you a pretty good picture of the vibe of spots along the road, they can’t share the full picture. One story that stands out is the time I read mixed reviews about a boondocking spot in Oregon. Some mentioned sketchy people and drug use, but I figured it couldn’t be that bad (and it was already dark and I was tired). Well, I was in for a surprise – and you know what I mean if you know anything about Oregon! It serves as a reminder that sometimes, turning around is the safest and wisest decision.”
Find Your Groove
Finding your groove on the road will happen - just keep doing what feels most comfortable. For the first week or so, I oped for hotels instead of staying in the car while I got the hang of working remotely. At the end of the day, your journey should reflect your values and desires at that time!
