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10 best camping apps for Android
There is nothing like the great outdoors. You get fresh air, exercise, and you don’t even mind the occasional sunburn or mosquito bite. It’s also good to take a break from civilization for a few days, even if that break is in a safe camping ground that is very clearly labeled on every map. There isn’t a whole lot that mobile phones can do out in the wilderness and, frankly, that’s part of the charm of the activity these days. You can use it for a few basic tools, but it can’t start fires or pitch tents for you. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely useless. Some apps actually are helpful while out in nature. Here are the best camping apps for Android!
The best camping apps for Android
1Weather
Price: Free / $1.99
You’ll always want to make sure the weather is nice while camping. 1Weather can help with that. It features the basics for a weather app. That includes the current temperature, humidity, a weather radar, and an extended forecast. Those who want to look further out can use the 12-week forecast to get a general idea of how good or bad the weather will be. You get all of the features in the free version. The paid version removes the advertising. It’s not what you usually think about when it comes to camping apps. However, it’s still pretty useful.
BackCountry Navigation
Price: Free / $11.99 with in-app purchases
BackCountry Navigation is a good source of topographical maps. You can download the maps offline. That means you can use them at camp when you have no Internet. It has a bunch of map sources. They include NASA landsat data, OpenStreetMaps, USGS Color Aerial photography, and more. You can get more sources through in-app purchases. It’s a handy app to have around if you’re camping way out in the wilderness. You’ll want to try the free version first to make sure you like it. The paid version is rather expensive. It’s otherwise one of the must-have camping apps.
Compass (No Ads) by PixelProse SARL
Price: Free
Having a compass app in your camping apps collection is kind of a no-brainer. This one is pretty good. It’s super basic. There is no nonsense to get in your way. It’s just you and your compass. It’s easy enough to calibrate. It’ll also show your direction in degrees as well as visual representation. It’s also a small install size. There really isn’t much more to it than that. However, that’s kind of what you want in a compass app. The app has no ads and thus doesn’t connect to the Internet at all. There is a single in-app purchase for $3.49 to unlock the premium features.
See also: The best compass apps for Android
Fishbrain
Price: Free / $5.99 per month / $39.99 per year
Fishbrain is among the best fishing apps out there. It’s a fun activity to do while camping so we thought we’d mention it here too. It allows you to check out what other anglers are catching, how they’re catching it, and where they’re catching it. You can also contribute with your own catches and findings as well. The app covers 130 species of fish, includes a log to keep track of catches, and more. The free version of the app does some things. However, you’ll have to subscribe to get all of the features. Those who only fish as an occasional hobby can probably just use the free version.
See also: The best fishing apps for Android
Google Keep
Price: Free
Google Keep is an excellent app for campers. It lets you easily keep track of things like your inventory, emergency info, and other such things. The app works offline so no worries about staying somewhere without a signal. Some people take a lot of things out to the wilderness with them and Google Keep helps you figure out what to pack, but also keep track of it so you don’t leave anything behind. There are plenty of other good note taking apps, but Google Keep is simple and free.
Icon Torch
Price: Free
Icon Torch is a flashlight app and a very simple one. The app boasts no interface, no settings, no ads, and nothing like that. You place the icon on your home screen (or dock). Tapping the icon turns the LED flash on your phone on and tapping it again turns it off. That’s it. Most phones come with this functionality already. However, those without it definitely should have this app on hand. Everyone who goes camping needs a flashlight, after all. The app is also free with no in-app purchases.
HuntStand
Price: Free / $5.99-$19.99
Hunting, like fishing, is another frequent camping activity. HuntStand is probably the app you’ll want for that. It lets you plan out your hunting spots. It can also track weather. You can use it offline. You can use it to navigate back to your campsite from your hunting spot or vice versa. Additionally, it has a property ownership database so you don’t accidentally wind up on someone else’s property. You can also share maps with friends. You can get the app for free, but you’ll need to buy pro for everything to work. It’s a bit expensive, though.
See also: The best hunting apps for Android
Offline Survival Manual
Price: Free
Anyone leaving the warm, comfortable confines of civilization should have this app. It’s a survival manual that covers a lot of topics. That includes basic medicine, building a shelter, making tools, and how to survive in various inclement weather conditions. The amount of information provided is truly impressive. It covers almost everything you need from a basic camping trip to actual wilderness survival situations. Seriously, it’s intense. You likely won’t need this for anything other than a cursory check of something on a camping trip, but it’s still nice to have anyway. Anyway, the app is free with no in-app purchases or advertising. It’s also open source. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the best camping apps.
See also: The best Android survival games
RV Parks and Campgrounds
Price: Free / $7.99
RV Parks and Campgrounds is a resource for finding a place to camp. It supports both regular campgrounds and ones that cater to RVs. For RVs, it’ll even tell you if there are water, electrical, and sewage hookups. The list includes privately owned campgrounds, public parks, U.S. military campgrounds, and more. This one is only available in the United States. However, it’s a valuable resource for those taking a cross-country trip or looking for a safe spot to camp. That makes it one of the better camping apps.
See also: The best road trip apps for Android
WikiCamps
Price: Free / $1.99 each
WikiCamps is a collection of camping apps. They provide lists of places to camp. Each app is its own region. There is an app for the U.S., Canada, U.K., and New Zealand right now. The apps support both standard campgrounds and RV parks. It’s a crowd-source app. That means the number fluctuates as more people report new camp and RV sites. The apps tend to work fairly well. It’s definitely one to try for big road trips or planning any camping trip. Each app is free with ads. You can also purchase each one for $1.99 to remove the ads.
If we missed any great camping apps, tell us about them in the comments! You can also click here to check out our latest Android app and game lists!
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