Essential Outdoor Applications to Carry on Your Smartphone
In the world of outdoor enthusiasts, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some of the best hiking and camping apps that are making waves in 2025.
For finding and downloading offline maps, filtering hikes by distance and elevation, and reading user reviews, AllTrails is highly recommended, especially for National Parks[1][2][3]. Gaia GPS offers topographic maps with offline navigation, weather updates, GPS coordinates, and comprehensive route planning for hiking, backpacking, and off-roading[2][5].
If you're looking for a unique camping experience, Hipcamp acts as a marketplace for private and public land camping sites, offering tent camping, RV resorts, and glamping[1][3]. Campendium specializes in free and low-cost camping options, including boondocking and dispersed camping[1]. The Dyrt focuses on public land camping with extensive campsite reviews and photographs[3].
For those who enjoy tracking their activities and sharing their experiences, Strava is a popular choice[3]. For avid hikers seeking off-the-beaten-path trails, OnX Backcountry offers accurate mileage, custom routes, and detailed trail information[4]. For Colorado hikers, COTREX (Colorado Trail Explorer) is a must-have, allowing users to track hikes, build routes, and explore trails not listed on AllTrails[4].
For a comprehensive guide to national parks, the National Park Service app is the official app, providing users with interactive maps, self-guided tours with audio, and the ability to download specific parks before visiting for offline access[6]. For those venturing off the beaten path on public lands, iOverlander is particularly useful[7].
For thru-hikers, Far Out Guides (previously GutHook) is worth the investment, allowing users to download offline maps, see recent trail updates, plan town resupply days, find campsites, and much more[8]. WTA Trailblazer, similar to COTREX but for Washington state, is another valuable tool for hikers[9].
For those seeking a more immersive experience, PictureThis can help identify flora during hikes, enhancing safety[3]. For travelers in the northern states, Aurora is an app for tracking the northern lights[10].
Recreation.Gov lists all kinds of government-run campgrounds and activities, including lotteries, federally owned campgrounds, vehicle reservations, timed entry permits, backcountry wilderness permits, and tickets for National Monuments[11].
With these apps, outdoor enthusiasts can find suitable trails, navigate remotely, choose ideal campsites, and connect with a community of fellow hikers, making their adventures even more enjoyable. Whether you're a beginner or an avid hiker, these apps are sure to enhance your outdoor experiences.
- In the realm of outdoor enthusiasts, the correct tools are crucial for an optimal experience, and one of these is AllTrails, perfect for finding offline maps, filtering hikes based on distance and elevation, and reading user reviews, especially when visiting National Parks.
- Gaia GPS is another recommended app for hikers and campers, offering topographic maps with offline navigation, weather updates, GPS coordinates, and extensive route planning for various outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and off-roading.
- For a unique camping experience, Hipcamp is a popular choice, acting as a marketplace for private and public land camping sites, catering to tent camping, RV resorts, and glamping.
- For those seeking free or low-cost camping options, Campendium is an ideal app, providing information on boondocking and dispersed camping.
- The Dyrt is another valuable app for public land camping, offering extensive campsite reviews and photographs.
- Strava is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy tracking their activities and sharing experiences with a community of fellow hikers and athletes.
- For hikers seeking off-the-beaten-path trails, OnX Backcountry is an essential app, providing accurate mileage, custom routes, and detailed trail information.
- For Colorado hikers, COTREX (Colorado Trail Explorer) is a must-have, allowing users to track hikes, build routes, and explore trails not listed on AllTrails.
