The great Aussie camping tradition has had a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years.
DIYers have kitted out the humble panel van and turned it into the perfect on-road accommodation. Caravan parks and camping grounds have been booked solid with families and friends relishing time together in this beautiful country of ours.
Travelling far and wide to new destinations has never been easier as road-trippers share their camping knowledge through these handy apps. We’ve searched the app stores and found the best camping apps for Aussies on both Apple and Android.
1. Hema 4X4 Explorer
The developers of this premium app have thought of everything you need for your next camping or 4WD trip. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you will have acccess to over 100,000 points of interest throughout Australia.
These points of interest include campsites, caravan parks, lookouts and national parks. One of our favourite features of this app is the ability to sync your maps across your devices. You can begin planning on your laptop at home and then access everything from mobile when you’re out on the road.
With the 4X4 Explorer app you will be able to find and research thousands of campsites around the country. You’ll also be able to see reviews and photos of these camping grounds from other users of the app.
2. Camping Checklist
Before you even hit the road, this is the app to download. This handy packing tool will ensure you create a checklist that includes everything you’ll need on your camping trip.
Once you’ve created your checklist, the app allows you to tick each item once you are sure they are safely packed in your bag. There’s also a separate checklist for things you will need to go and buy, to help when you are out shopping for camping supplies. Share your lists with your fellow campers to ensure there are no double-ups, or to divvy up the goods.
3. Wiki Camps Australia
Wikicamps is the leading user-sharing app for the Australian camping community. Wikicamp users log all their favourite finds, such as roadside rest stops, camping grounds and established parks.
The easy-to-read legend can be filtered down to show you the best sites for your needs, like site length and wi-fi. Users all leave helpful reviews to help you make your camping decisions easier.
4. CAMPERX by Hema Maps
Discover thousands of campsites throughout Australia with this popular navigation app. You can use the maps to search for facilities in your next camping destination, including showers, camp kitchens, boat ramps and BBQ’s.
The app also allows you to quickly filter other points of interest including fishing spots, diving and 4WD tracks.
And with the trip planner feature, you can plot your accommodation, activities and sights to see before you set off for your next camping adventure. This app is highly recommended for those planning some off-road 4WDing along with their camping trip.
5. Campermate
CamperMate is a handy little app that helps you navigate your way around new territory. It’s free to download and can be accessed offline which is great for when you are, quite literally, in the middle of nowhere.
Find your nearest campsite, caravan park, petrol station, supermarket, public toilet or rubbish dump. Your fellow CamperMate users will also tell you where not to venture with helpful reviews from other campers. The frequently updated app will also alert you to weather warnings and safety alerts to keep you agile on the road.
6. Fuel Map Australia
Arguably the most important app to have on your phone whilst undertaking the great Aussie road trip. FuelMap gives you the location of all petrol stations nationwide and the most recent fuel prices are provided for WA, NSW and Qld every afternoon.
A very handy function of the app developed by Wiki Camps is the petrol tracking ability. You can make a log of every time you fill up, and how much you spent. This is great if you are splitting the price of petrol amongst friends.
7. NSW National Parks
For those venturing around New South Wales, there are a monstrous 225 national parks to explore. Instead of lugging around a traditional park brochure or map, download all the necessary info right into your palm.
Before you head out, download the app and pinpoint the walking tracks you’re going to embark on then you know you’ll still be navigating the right path if you go out of range. The app also allows you to locate and book campgrounds, caravan sites and homesteads within national parks.
8. All Trails
$AU29.99 per year – Apple/Android
Once the dust has settled, and you’ve set up your home-away-from-home, the next step is to organise some recreational fun for your stay. For many campers, that means taking in the beautiful nature that Australia has to offer.
AllTrails gives you access to over 60,000 walking and bike trails – attached with photos, reviews and information about its difficulty. You will undoubtedly locate hidden gems with this app.
9. Camps Australia Wide
$AU9.99 per year – Apple/Android
This handy camping bible boats over 13,500 verified camping sites nationwide. You can peruse maps, detailed accommodation information, pet-friendly stays, gas refill spots and much more necessary info for the happy campers.
10. Air Camp
This free camping app will help you find the camping spot to suit your varied need. Check out user-generated photos of sites before you make the voyage and review the spots you’ve loved the most.
Related: 81 Australian Camp Sites by State
11. Billy Goat Offroad
$US27.99 per 6 months – Apple
Billy Goat is an app designed especially for those going on an outback tour in their 4WD. The app simplifies planning by locating the best routes to take, including off=road tracks.
Billy Goat app boasts Topo maps and the ability to record your trip so you can retrace your steps next time. The app will lead you through the back roads to your nightly accommodation will a list of your nearest campsites.
12. Mad Paws
If you’ve ever travelled with your best friend, your beloved dog, you’ll already know it can be tricky to manage. Not all caravan parks or campsites allow pets, especially if you are travelling through National Parks.
Mad Paws makes your planning easier by locating pet-friendly accommodations wherever you go. If you get to a point in your travels where there is simply no way your dog can accompany you on your journey, the app also lists nearby pet sitters and kennels.
13. Australian Bites & Stings
We really hope you never have to use this app, but the reality of the Australian bush is that along with its beauty comes some dangerous inhabitants.
The Australian Bites and Strings app is designed to help both international and domestic tourists feel prepared before heading out for a bushwalk. The Australian Venom Research unit weighed in to help ensure the app gave relevant and correct information for anyone who comes into contact with venomous spiders, snakes, insects or jellyfish.
14. Hipcamp
Looking for a completely unique camping experience? Check out the Hipcamp app to find camping spots that you won’t find anywhere else.
Just like Airbnb works with private home owners to rent out short stay accommodation, Hipcamp partners with private landowners who open up their land to campers. The app contains detailed campsite information and reviews. It’s search function is great for finding a campsite that fits your personal needs.
Related Reading
11 Best Australian Fishing Apps
16 Best Free Camping Spots Australia
How To Stay Warm While Camping
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I love camping and I’m always looking for new camping apps to help make my experience even better. I think the apps listed in this post are great and I’m excited to try them out!