As exciting as the idea of camping may seem, it’s important to recognize all the hard work involved in making a fun camping trip. You must prepare everything (including food and entertainment) in advance, and fight against potential bad weather. That’s just scratching the surface.
This is where some camping apps for your iPhone can help you out. Here are some of the apps for your iOS device to make camping easier and more enjoyable.
1. Useful Knots: Setting Up the Campsite
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for (var i = 0; i Useful Knots is one of the most important apps for helping with multiple camping aspects like setting up camp, hiking, and boating. The free version of the app provides you with access to over 100 knot guides, meaning no matter your knot needs, Useful Knots will have a perfect tying method. Impress yourself and your friends by learning a skill that you can take on camping trip for life.
Download: Useful Knots (Free)
2. Compass (Apple): Finding Your Way
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for (var i = 0; i While there are many fancy and exciting options available on the App Store for compass apps, the best camping option is the classic Apple Compass.
The app uses a built-in magnetic field detector within the iPhone to help determine the correct direction. Also, you can enable location settings to determine your latitude and longitude.
Whether you’re off-trail hiking or searching for a hidden location on the campground map, it’s always good to have a compass when heading out into the unknown. It’s pre-installed on every iPhone, so you don’t need to download anything either.
3. PictureThis: Naming the Plants Around You
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for (var i = 0; i PictureThis is a great app for helping you learn about those strange vines growing all over your campground. The app can help you discover everything you would want to know about a plant with one simple snap.
Using the app is extremely simple. Point the camera directly at the plant in question and snap a photo. Within seconds, you will have a complete breakdown of the plant including the geography of the plant, pests, diseases, depictions in pop culture, and more.
Download: PictureThis (Free, subscription available)
4. Merlin Bird ID: Early Morning Bird Watching
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for (var i = 0; i One of the best ways to start a day of camping is by getting up bright and early to spy on some beautiful morning birds. With Merlin Bird ID, you can quickly identify every bird—no matter how big or small.
If you can take a picture, Merlin Bird ID uses the iPhone camera to identify almost any bird. If you’re struggling to capture a photo, Merlin will ask you five basic questions and give you a list of potential birds.
With an app this fun and easy to use, soon you’ll be getting up before the sun to hunt down a rare new find. As they always say, the early bird catches the worm!
Download: Merlin Bird ID (Free)
5. Fishbrain: Find the Perfect Fishing Hole
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for (var i = 0; i Fishbrain has a community of over 10 million fishermen who discuss perfect fishing spots, places to avoid, and general tips to make you the ultimate angler. You can mark locations for the community to use, or mark them personally and keep the best fishing spots for yourself.
Once you’ve picked your spot, the forecast option will help you to decide what the perfect fishing time is for you. Search through different fish species to select the ultimate bait. If you are setting up camp with hopes of a successful fishing trip, you need Fishbrain as the ultimate fishing friend.
Download: Fishbrain (Free, subscription available)
6. Apple Music: Setting the Campground Scene
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for (var i = 0; i Apple Music is an absolute must-have when leaving for the wilderness. If you’re not going to have access to the internet, you can pre-download music to your phone and play it at the campsite.
Whether you’re with a group of friends looking to sweat out the hard week, or you’re escaping from reality with your family, Apple Music has the right sound to make any campsite the perfect setting.
Download: Apple Music (Free trial, subscription required)
7. Reddit: Campfire Conversation Starters & Stories
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for (var i = 0; i Reddit may not be the first place one goes when looking for great bonfire entertainment. However, the app is abundant with amazing subreddits dedicated to every subject.
Whether you are searching for scary stories, short tales, debate topics, or recent events, Reddit has forums for open discussion and conversation. Simply pull out your phone next to the fire and ask what everyone is interested in discussing tonight.
Download: Reddit (Free, in-app purchases available)
8. Heads Up!: Laughing Around the Bonfire
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for (var i = 0; i Heads Up! is an updated version of Charades and is great for playing around the fire with a huge group of campers, or even just in couples.
To play, one person selects a category and brings the phone to his or her forehead. At that point, the remaining players will try to describe the word displayed on the iPhone screen without saying the actual word. Skip by tilting your head backward, or tilt your head forwards when you get the correct answer.
Download: Heads Up! ($0.99, in-app purchases available)
9. iTorch Flashlight: Your Pocket SOS
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for (var i = 0; i iTorch Flashlight offers not only a classic flashlight, but also a strobe option that communicates the Morse code signal for SOS. The app will automatically turn the flashlight on and off to communicate SOS to any other campers in the area.
The stock Apple flashlight available in Control Center does not include the same safety features involved with iTorch. This is an app you’ll want to have but hopefully won’t have to use.
Download: iTorch Flashlight (Free)
10. Night Sky: Stargazing Stakeout
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for (var i = 0; i If you’re a fan of all things astronomy, take your favorite blanket out to a clearing at your campground and play with Night Sky to learn all about the universe and the lands that float above us in the sky.
The app uses augmented reality and geographic location to line itself up perfectly with the stars above. You can use the app to learn about different constellations and planets, in addition to exciting features like Night Sky Guided Tours and satellite flyover notifications. After spending your day on Earth, enjoy a night of camping in the stars.
Download: Night Sky (Free, subscription available)
Unplug and Unwind
When camping, you may want to shut off your iPhone notifications and enjoy some peace for the weekend, but your phone has handy tools and even lifesaving technology that should be kept close by. This is especially important when you are far from the safety net you experience when in a populated area.
Despite all that, if you realize camping is not your cup of tea, you might want to look at other affordable travel options.