Road trips are synonyms for freedom for me. There’s no need to book accommodation in advance; we can decide on the spot if we want to spend more time somewhere or skip it altogether. We chose to buy a car big enough to install equipment to sleep in it, which makes planning so much easier!
However, it’s not always simple to find the right spot for the night – or a public toilet when you need it most. That’s where a few handy apps can really help.
Why we chose to sleep in our car
Travelling with our own sleeping setup gives us the flexibility to stay in remote places and wake up close to nature. It also saves money and means we’re not tied to strict bookings. But it does take a bit more research to make sure we’re camping legally and safely.
Best apps to find campsites and facilities
CamperMate is a must-have app if you’re road tripping around Australia or New Zealand. It makes it easy to find campsites (both free and paid), public toilets, showers and many other services you’ll need on the road. Users leave reviews and photos so you know what to expect.
While browsing for road trip apps, I also came across WikiCamps Australia. That’s the one most people recommend, although I haven’t used it yet. It seems quite similar, but I opted for the free CamperMate as we only travel periodically and have time to plan in advance.
One advantage of WikiCamps is that it works offline, which is perfect if you’re heading into remote areas with little or no mobile reception.
Some campsites have fees or require permits. Always check the details on the app and pay any applicable fees – it helps keep these sites open and well-maintained for everyone.
Responsible travel tip: Always camp in designated spots, respect local rules and leave no trace. Be mindful of noise and campfire restrictions (make sure you’re familiar with these tips to minimise your campfire impacts), and take all rubbish with you. Responsible camping keeps these beautiful places open for everyone.
A unique alternative: Hipcamp
Another app I love is Hipcamp. If you’d rather stay on private land, Hipcamp connects you with local landowners offering campsites, farm stays and even quirky glamping spots. Most listings are paid but often include perks like hot showers, fire pits or beautiful views you won’t find at public campsites. It’s a great way to find somewhere unique, often with fewer crowds and a more local feel.
If you’re new to Hipcamp, here’s a coupon code that will give you (and me!) $10 credit for your first stay: ELOISET668EFD.
Have you used any of these apps? I’d love to hear your experience – leave a comment below!
Ready to hit the road?
If you’re planning a road trip around Australia, don’t miss these itineraries:
- 7-day road trip in Tasmania or
- 2-week road trip along the south coast of Western Australia
- 4-day road trip off the beaten track in South Australia
- 20-day road trip from Brisbane to Sydney (or a one-week alternative)
- 3-day itinerary on the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne
And don’t forget to check out my tips on the camping equipment we love, including how we transformed our car into a simple home on wheels!
