Top camping apps

You’ve packed your tent, the cooking kit and the waterproofs – but have you got your apps installed? Dave Standen looks at some of the best apps for campers.

Rough Guides Travel Survival Kit
iOS £0.69

This truly is an all-encompassing guide to surviving pretty much any travel situation. The advice on dodging bullets and riding out a sandstorm might not be applicable if you’re heading off for a weekend in Dorset, but there are still good tips on dealing with situations relevant to the everyday camper.

Columbia: What Knot To Do In The Great Outdoors
iOS Free

If you don’t know your Sheepshank from your Flemish Bend, then this app from Columbia is a must. It gives you step-by-step illustrated instructions on how to correctly tie 70 different knots.

The Coleman Camping Cookbook and Meal Planner
iOS Free

Although distinctly American in content, this is still a superb cookery app for UK campers. The recipes are broken down into seven methods (including camp stove, on a stick, foil and er… pie iron) and cover such delicious meals as hobo burgers, ants on a log and cowboy casserole. The recipes are easy to follow and include instructions on what you need to do at home, at camp and what equipment you need.

GoSkyWatch

Part of the beauty of camping is being able to sit out (weather permitting) under the stars. Point your iPhone/iPad at the sky and GoSkyWatch will tell you what constellations you’re looking at and provides huge volumes of related information you can use to impress or exasperate your fellow campers.

A good source of information for any camper, whether you like to book ahead or you’re more in favour of a spontaneous trip. It’s cleanly designed, easy to use and there are details of over 850 sites. Plus, seeing as it’s the AA, it automatically plans your route there.

If you’re an active type and are stuck for ideas of where to go to feed your adrenalin needs, then The North Face’s Trailhead app will give you the low down on all the nearest hikes, mountain and road bike trails, running routes and other adventurous activities.

A simple, effective weather app offering a current and five day forecast for any given location. The paid version of the app allows you to store and check unlimited locations, while the free version only offers two.


OutDoors GB with National Parks OS Maps 1:50k
iOS £4.99

This is a comprehensive GPS tracker and map app, giving you detailed information on different routes to hike, walk and cycle. You can also make, record and share your own route.

First Aid by British Red Cross
iOS and Android Free

All you need to know in case you get an injury in the field – the camping field that is. There are simple step-by-step instructions, videos and advice for most situations and also a panic button in case of emergencies first aid situations.

Your one-stop-shop for the best camping advice, inspirational travel ideas, expert tips and gear reviews. The app is free to download complete with a free sample issue of Camping Magazine - current and back issues can be purchased within the app, and you can subscribe to Camping too.

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