5 Best Apps for Overlanding in 2022

Our recommendations for all of the best iPhone and Android apps for overlanding to help you out on- and off-road this year.

While you’re out on the road, your phone is your only connection to the world wide web. Of course you can (and should) print out paper maps, read lots of books, and have a contingency plan in case of emergencies.  However, we know that’s not possible all the time. Here, we’ve put together a list of the best apps for overlanding that can help you out of those tight spots while you’re out adventuring. We spend a lot of time helping you build a gear box, so why not give you some gear for your phone, too?

1 / Gasbuddy

We use Gasbuddy for more than just off-roading and overland adventures. Honestly, it’s helpful on road trips of literally any kind. When we know exactly where we’re headed, our preferred method is searching along a route. If not, though, Gasbuddy is also excellent at finding the cheapest gas based on your location.

Another great way we use Gasbuddy is to plan ahead for our whole trip with their Gas Cost Calculator. If we’re planning on splitting gas costs between a couple of people, this tool helps a ton. It keeps our costs low and helps us budget ahead of time. Plus, with gas prices looking the way they have been recently, we want to save every penny we can.

The reason we think Gasbuddy is an underrated app for overlanding is because it isn’t specifically intended for overlanders. Because of that factor, it might not be on your radar yet. If it isn’t we highly recommend you take a look.

Get Gasbuddy free for iPhone or Android, or use their website.

2 / Maps.Me

Maps.me is a necessity, in our opinion. It’s not just your tried and true map app, like Google or Apple Maps. By letting you download maps ahead of time, it keeps you connected and on track even when you don’t have cell service. As long as you can keep your phone charged, you can use a map from Maps.Me.

Unlike Google maps, Maps.Me allows you to change transportation modes on a downloaded map. So, say you want to take a hike near your camp spot: just tell Maps.Me you’re walking and it will adapt.

One of our favorite ways to use Maps.Me is actually as trip planning inspiration. The app is great and easy to use, but their website also has a ton of great resources for trip planning as well. If you’re making a stop along a journey and don’t really know what to do, check Maps.Me. On their website, there’s a search feature for almost any location or attraction. Of course, this includes camping and other cool outdoor stuff, but they’ve also got filters for historical sites, entertainment, businesses, and more.

Get Maps.Me for free on iPhone or Android, or use their website.

3 / iOverlander

iOverlander is an app built for overlanders, by overlanders. It’s famous among the overlanding community, so it’s no wonder this app made our list. They’re also a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to helping others, so we love patronizing them when we can. Though they do ask for donations on their website, they keep their services totally free.

The brilliant minds behind iOverlander realized that while it’s great to stay focused on your journey, that can also sometimes mean you forget to plan around a destination. Or, when disaster strikes, they know you need a place to crash that’s cheap and close by. On their map, they’ve got national and state parks and campgrounds, but also a handy list of Walmart parking lots.

The most important things to know about iOverlander are its humble beginnings and recent growth. iOverlander literally started as a spreadsheet – just a collection of overnight crash spots shared between friends. Now, it’s both an app and a website. These platforms both take submissions, as well, so if you see a spot, share a spot!

Get iOverlander for free on iPhone or Android, or use their website.

4 / Gaia GPS

This app is so good, it’s the only paid one on our list of best overlanding apps. For free, you can access online maps in limited areas, but the paid membership gets you so much more. With a membership, you can access online and offline maps as well as Gaia’s extensive database of maps. The paid membership gives you access to Nat Geo Trails Illustrated, High Resolution Satellite Imagery, USFS, and weather maps.

Nat Geo Trails is one of our favorite Gaia features for hiking and other adventures on foot. It’s generally super accurate and keeps us on track all the time. With Gaia, you can also print these maps as a useful backup tool. We love Gaia’s topo maps for hiking and backpacking as well.

Another great thing you can do with Gaia maps is map overlay. With this feature, you can overlay a trail map with a topo or satellite map. This makes it super easy to plan hiking trails. It’s also super helpful if you want to make sure the hike you’re on is the one you think you’re taking. (We’ve all been out on the trail and realized it’s way longer than the map is telling you it is…)

Get Gaia GPS for free on iPhone or Android, or use their website.

5 / OnX Offroad

OnX Offroad is our favorite all around best app that’s specifically made for off-roaders. In fact, it’s one of the Tread staff’s most-used apps. While it does require a paid subscription, we believe it’s well worth the investment.  More than just showing you terrain maps and some trails, OnX Premium displays aerial, topo, and hybrid basemaps with comprehensive trail overlays and customizable waypoints. With Onx Premium, you can save unlimited offline maps and see all the trails around you at once, not just a pre-selected handful. They keep record of over 500k recreation sites that you can access any time you need.

While OnX Offroad is a fairly new app, the OnX crew developed it after spending 10 years working on OnX Hunt, a similar software designed for hunters. It was the staff’s passion for off-road adventures that led them to develop OnX Offroad. They saw the flaws in existing map systems and worked to make them better, and that’s what they’ve done with OnX Offroad.

To view pricing for OnX Overland’s Premium and Elite year-long subscriptions, head to their website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are some of the best overlanding apps available in 2023?

Top Overlanding Apps You Need in 2023

Whether you’re venturing into the wilderness or planning a camping trip, having the right tools can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some of the best apps for overlanding enthusiasts in 2023:

Trail Navigation and Mapping

• Comprehensive Mapping Solutions: Most seasoned overlanders consider Gaia GPS a must-have due to its extensive map library, which includes National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps. It offers detailed mapping options, offline capabilities, and even specialized maps tailored for different activities like hunting, skiing, and overlanding. A free version provides basic functionality, while premium memberships add advanced features.
• Community-Driven Exploration: iOverlander, developed by fellow adventurers, is perfect for finding campsites and amenities like water and fuel. Its standout feature is user-generated content; reviews, photos, and tips from previous travelers offer invaluable insights about destinations. It’s completely free, supported by contributions from its community.
• Offline Mapping Tools: Overland Bound One combines map resources, points of interest, and community support. It allows users to import GPX files for offline trail usage, making it a powerful tool for planning adventures beyond cellular coverage.
• Trail Exploration and Planning: OnX Offroad helps you discover and prepare for trails with in-depth information, including difficulty levels and trail conditions. Its database includes over 500,000 recreation points, accessible even when offline. The app also integrates with your vehicle’s display screen if you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It offers various subscription tiers, with advanced property boundary insights available at higher price points.

Camping and Reservations

• Centralized Booking System: The Recreation.gov app is indispensable for booking campsites in U.S. National Parks. With real-time availability, it simplifies planning by allowing you to compare locations, reserve sites, and even pay via mobile, eliminating cash or check transactions. This app keeps track of your past visits and lets you make reservations offline, finalizing them once connectivity is restored.
• Flexible Camping Options: The Dyrt Pro offers a wide range of camping options, from free spots to discounted campground reservations. With maps covering public lands managed by the BLM and USFS, this app is perfect for finding the ideal site along your route. A yearly subscription is economical considering the potential savings on campground fees.

Nature Exploration

• Citizen Science and Nature Identification: iNaturalist empowers nature lovers by allowing users to photograph, share, and discuss findings. In collaboration with scientific institutions, this app not only enhances your understanding of biodiversity but also contributes valuable data to global research initiatives. Keep track of your encounters and join citizen science projects to further your interest in the natural world.

These apps are crucial for any overlanding journey in 2023, offering valuable tools and insights to enhance your adventures. Enjoy seamless navigation, community-supported planning, and interactive nature exploration right at your fingertips.

What benefits does The Dyrt Pro offer for finding and reserving campsites?

Unlock the Benefits of The Dyrt Pro for Campsite Adventures

When it comes to finding and securing the perfect campsite, The Dyrt Pro offers a suite of features that make your outdoor adventures seamless and stress-free.

Discover Free Camping Options

• Comprehensive Map Access: Gain access to extensive public use maps from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Forest Service (USFS). These maps guide you to free dispersed camping areas, ensuring you can camp without cost on your routes.
• Offline Functionality: No need to worry about losing service in remote locations. The app’s offline capabilities keep you informed and prepared, wherever your journey takes you.

Optimize Your Camping Experience

• Cell Service Information: Verify cell service availability at potential campsites before you travel, ensuring you stay connected when it matters most.
• User-Generated Reviews: With over a million campsites reviewed by fellow campers, you can choose sites rated and reviewed by others just like you. Get insights on the best camping spots and essential tips for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Save on Campground Fees

• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy savings at over 1,000 campgrounds nationwide, making the annual fee of $35.99 an investment that quickly pays for itself.

The Dyrt Pro positions itself as the leading camping app in the United States by offering campers the tools and information they need to enhance their adventure, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking a memorable camping experience. Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or a weekend getaway, this app has you covered.

How does Overland Bound One support overlanders in their adventures?

For those who crave the thrill of off-road exploration, the right tools are crucial. Overland Bound One delivers a powerful suite of resources to ensure your adventures are not only thrilling but also well-planned and supported.

• Trail Navigation and Maps: The app offers extensive maps detailing various off-road trails, complete with significant landmarks and attractions worth visiting along the way. It ensures every journey is guided, making it easier to discover both popular routes and hidden gems.
• Trip Planning Tools: Before setting out, use the app’s planning features to map your route and prepare for any terrain. By providing offline map capabilities and layering options, you can view your course even in the most remote locations without data service.
• Community Support: The adventure doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Tap into the app’s vibrant overlanding community for insider tips, shared experiences, and real-time updates on trail conditions. This collective knowledge can enhance your journey and ensure you’re never alone in tackling challenges.
• Integration of GPX Files: Importing GPX files allows you to follow in the footsteps of previous adventurers. Whether you’re retracing a famous journey or just exploring a recommended path, this feature enriches your navigation experience, providing proven trails to ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration.

With these comprehensive tools, the journey into the wild becomes more about the adventure and less about the unpredictability. Overland Bound One gives overlanders confidence and support every mile of the way.

What makes OnX Offroad suitable for finding trails for various off-road vehicles?

OnX Offroad is our favorite all-around best app that’s specifically made for off-roaders. In fact, it’s one of the Tread staff’s most-used apps. While it does require a paid subscription, we believe it’s well worth the investment. More than just showing you terrain maps and some trails, OnX Premium displays aerial, topo, and hybrid basemaps with comprehensive trail overlays and customizable waypoints. With OnX Premium, you can save unlimited offline maps and see all the trails around you at once, not just a pre-selected handful. They keep record of over 500k recreation sites that you can access any time you need.

Why Choose OnX Offroad?

• Versatility Across Vehicles: Whether you’re navigating in a SxS, 4×4, ATV, dirt bike, or snowmobile, OnX Offroad caters to a variety of off-road vehicles, ensuring you find trails suited to your ride.
• Detailed Trail Insights: Each trail comes with open and closed dates, difficulty ratings, and photos, providing you with all the necessary information to plan your adventure and match your skill level.
• Seamless Integration: With offline map capabilities, you can download maps to your phone or tablet, making it easy to explore even in remote areas. Plus, the app syncs with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can view trails right on your vehicle’s dash display.
• Flexible Pricing Plans: OnX offers three different pricing plans, starting with a free option and going up to $99 per year. The Premium plan, at $29.99, is ideal for most users, offering extensive features without the need for property boundary details available in the Elite plan.

Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a weekend warrior, OnX Offroad provides the tools and insights you need to enhance your off-road experience.

What are the available pricing plans, and how do they differ?

OnX Offroad offers three membership tiers: a free plan, a Premium plan at $29.99 per year, and an Elite plan at $99.99 per year. The Elite plan includes additional features such as viewing property boundaries and landowner information, which may not be necessary for most users, making the Premium plan a sufficient choice for many.

Does OnX Offroad offer offline maps and system integration capabilities?

Yes, users can download maps for offline use and the app can be integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing trail maps to be displayed directly on the vehicle’s dashboard.

How extensive is OnX Offroad’s database of recreation points?

The app boasts a vast database of more than 500,000 recreation points, providing users with a wide range of options for exploration.

What specific trail information can users expect from the app?

Users can access details such as trail open and closed dates, difficulty ratings, and photos to ensure they are well-prepared before embarking on their journey.

For what types of vehicles is OnX Offroad designed?

OnX Offroad is tailored for a variety of off-road vehicles, including side-by-sides (SxS), 4x4s, ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles.

Why is Gaia GPS considered a must-have app for overlanders?

4 / Gaia GPS

This app is so good, it’s the only paid one on our list of best overlanding apps. For free, you can access online maps in limited areas, but the paid membership gets you so much more. With a membership, you can access online and offline maps as well as Gaia’s extensive database of maps. The paid membership gives you access to Nat Geo Trails Illustrated, High Resolution Satellite Imagery, USFS, and weather maps.

Nat Geo Trails is one of our favorite Gaia features for hiking and other adventures on foot. It’s generally super accurate and keeps us on track all the time. With Gaia, you can also print these maps as a useful backup tool. We love Gaia’s topo maps for hiking and backpacking as well.

Another great thing you can do with Gaia maps is map overlay. With this feature, you can overlay a trail map with a topo or satellite map. This makes it super easy to plan hiking trails. It’s also super helpful if you want to make sure the hike you’re on is the one you think you’re taking. (We’ve all been out on the trail and realized it’s way longer than the map is telling you it is…)

But what truly sets Gaia GPS apart for overlanders is its comprehensive and detailed maps, which include the entire line of National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps, ensuring you’ll navigate trails with no worries. For those who subscribe to the Premium Membership, it unlocks specialty maps for hunters, skiers, and, our favorite, overlanding. This versatility is crucial for adventurers who explore a variety of terrains and need reliable navigation tools.

Whether you’re trekking across remote landscapes or planning a multi-sport adventure, Gaia GPS offers the navigation confidence you need. With its robust features and extensive map offerings, it’s no wonder Gaia GPS is considered a must-have for overlanders.

How does Gaia GPS ensure reliable navigation on trails?

Users can confidently navigate trails using Gaia GPS, as it incorporates high-quality mapping resources designed to minimize navigation errors and enhance the outdoor experience, allowing for worry-free exploration.

What additional features does Gaia GPS offer for specific outdoor activities?

For those who enjoy varied outdoor pursuits, Gaia GPS provides specialized maps that cater to hunters, skiers, and overlanders. These features are accessible with a Premium Membership, offering tailored navigation tools for different adventures.

What makes Gaia GPS maps comprehensive and detailed?

Gaia GPS stands out for its vast and intricate map collection, which includes the full range of National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps. This ensures users have access to some of the most trusted and precise mapping resources available.