Last updated March 17th, 2025
Product Reviews
Planning an RV trip can be exciting, but navigating unfamiliar roads and finding the best routes can be stressful. That’s where reliable navigation apps come in. In this article, we’ll explore four of the best navigation apps specifically designed to make your RV adventures smoother. Whether you’re looking for RV-friendly routes, campground recommendations, or real-time traffic updates, we’ve got you covered.
Navigation Apps Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison table with our best picks for navigation apps based on price and various features.
| Product | Google Maps | Roadtrippers | CoPilot RV | RV LIFE GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Android, iOS, Web | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Web-based + RV LIFE App (iOS, Android) |
| Image | ||||
| Cost | Free | Free (Premium version $59.99/year) | $29.99/year | $65/year |
| Offline Navigation | No | Premium feature | Yes | Via RV LIFE GPS App |
| RV-Specific Routing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Campground Database | Limited to manual search | Yes | Limited | Extensive (20,000+ campgrounds) |
| Points of Interest (POIs) | General locations | 57,000+ attractions | Gas, restaurants, campgrounds | 57,000+ attractions and services |
| Customization Options | Avoid tolls, add stops | RV dimensions and preferences | RV dimensions and preferences | RV dimensions, memberships, and preferences |
| Multi-Stop Planning | Basic | Yes | Yes (up to 50 stops) | Yes |
| Driving Assistance | Basic (speed limit estimate) | Turn-by-turn directions | Lane guidance, speed indicators | Turn-by-turn RV GPS (via App) |
| CarPlay Compatibility | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| App size | 306.9 MB | 178.1 MB | 65 MB | 195.9 MB |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Web | Android, iOS, Web | Android, iOS | Web-based, Android and iOS. |
1. Google Maps: The Best Free Navigation App
Features
- Free to Use: No cost for downloads or features, making it accessible for all.
- Ease of Use: Familiar interface that requires no additional learning.
- Real-Time Updates: Offers live traffic conditions, recalculated routes, and estimated travel times.
- Offline Mode: Allows users to navigate even in remote areas by downloading maps ahead of time.
- Integration with Apps: Many RV-focused apps and travel websites offer options to open directions in Google Maps.
Pros
- Available across devices and integrates with numerous platforms.
- User-friendly interface. Most drivers are already familiar with the app.
- Satellite and street views help with visualizing routes and destinations.
- A fully functional navigation tool without any subscription fees.
Cons
- It is not an RV-specific app. It cannot consider RV height, weight, and propane restrictions while suggesting routes, which could lead to unsafe routes.
- Travel time estimates are based on standard speed limits and not RV driving speeds which are generally slower.
- Requires double-checking with RV-specific tools to avoid restricted roads or bridges.
2. Roadtrippers: Top Navigation App for Roadside Attractions
Price: Free with in-app premium subscription at $59.99/year.
Features
- Tailored Routing: Tailors route as per your RV’s height, weight, and propane requirements, avoiding unsuitable roads and hazards.
- Trip Planning Features: Offers automated trip planning and the ability to add RV parks, campgrounds, and roadside attractions along your route.
- Collaboration Tools: Allows collaborative trip planning with friends for group adventures.
- Offline Maps: Pro users can download maps to navigate without cellular data.
- Campground and Service Finder: Can easily locate RV parks, camping spots, overnight parking, and hookups along your route.
- Live Traffic Updates: Provides real-time traffic conditions to avoid delays.
Pros
- Customized routes based on RV dimensions.
- Combines navigation with detailed information about attractions, campgrounds, and services.
- Apple CarPlay compatibility ensures safer, distraction-free driving.
- Collaboration features are perfect for planning trips with friends or family.
Cons
- Many features, such as offline maps and ad-free use, require a paid subscription.
- Without a Pro subscription, the app requires internet connectivity for full functionality.
3. CoPilot GPS Navigation: The Best Overall Pick for RV Navigation
Price: 14-day free trial; $29.99/year subscription
Features
- RV-Specific Routing: Customizes routes based on your RV’s size and weight to avoid low bridges, propane-restricted tunnels, and unsuitable roads.
- Offline Navigation: Pre-loaded maps ensure uninterrupted navigation, even in areas with no data connectivity.
- Turn-by-Turn Navigation: Clear audio directions and visual aids like lane arrows and detailed road signage for distraction-free driving.
- Multi-Stop Trip Planning: Plan routes with up to 50 stops, optimizing for efficiency to save time and fuel.
- Point of Interest (POI) Search: Locate nearby campgrounds, gas stations, restaurants, and more. Yelp integration adds even more discovery options (requires a data connection).
- 2D and 3D Maps: Offers a choice of map views for better route visualization.
- Speed Limit Indicators: Alerts to speed limits, ensuring safer travel.
Pros.
- Thousands of pre-loaded points of interest, including ATMs, hospitals, and campgrounds make driving easier for RVers.
- Tailored navigation reduces stress and enhances safety for RV drivers.
- Multi-stop planning is perfect for long-haul adventures.
- Visual aids like ClearTurn make complex maneuvers safer and simpler.
Cons
- Requires an annual fee after the 14-day trial, which may not suit budget travelers.
- Offline maps can take up significant device space.
4. RV LIFE GPS: Best App for Locating RV-Safe Routes and Campgrounds
Price: $65/year with a 7-day free trial
Features
- RV-Safe Routes: The app automatically adjusts routes to avoid low clearances, steep grades, and other hazards based on your RV’s size and weight.
- Visual Trip Planning: Combines maps, trip itineraries, and research panels in a single screen for easy planning.
- Campground Database: Includes over 20,000 campgrounds with reviews by real RVers along with detailed information on hookups and amenities.
- Points of Interest (POIs): Access tens of thousands of attractions and essential stops like gas stations, restaurants, and more.
Pros
- Combines trip mapping, campground research, and cost calculations into a single tool.
- Routes are designed for RVs, ensuring safety and avoiding unsuitable roads.
- Reviews and details provided by a large community of RVers.
- No installation is required; works on any device with a browser.
Cons
- At $65/year, it’s more expensive than some of the other apps.
- The web-based platform requires a data connection for planning, though offline navigation is available via the RV LIFE App.
How We Compared RV Navigation Apps to Find the Best Options for You
When selecting the top navigation apps, we considered multiple aspects.
- RV-Specific Routing: 3 out of 4 apps that we have recommended provide RV-specific routing. RV drivers need to consider factors like low-clearance avoidance, propane restrictions, and weight limits while driving. Apps with RV-specific routing allow you to input your rig’s dimensions to customize routes accordingly.
- Cost: While free apps are appealing, premium features like RV-safe routing and offline access often come with a price. We evaluated whether these subscriptions offered value for money and compared their affordability for RVers. We have also included Google Maps, which is a free app that RV users on a tight budget can use.
- User Interface: A good navigation app should have an intuitive interface, allowing you to plan trips without hassle. We picked apps that are accessible across multiple platforms (web, Android, iOS) and integrate with tools like CarPlay.
- User Reviews: Real-world feedback from other RVers provides insights into how well the app performs under various conditions. We prioritized apps that had positive reviews for accuracy, reliability, and customer support.
Drive Your RV Confidently With These Navigation Apps
Each of these top navigation app recommendations has its own strengths, so it’s all about finding the one that best aligns with your travel needs. Whether you’re looking for a free and familiar app like Google Maps, or a comprehensive trip planner with campground details like RV LIFE Trip Wizard, we have an option to fit every travel need.
If you’re looking for even more tools to enhance your RV experience—beyond just navigation—check our blog featuring the best RV apps that can help with everything from finding the best campgrounds to tracking your RV’s maintenance
