One of the main reasons I love camping is to disconnect from the digital world. But I'll be honest, my phone is still one of my most important pieces of camping kit. It's not for scrolling social media, it's for the handful of genuinely brilliant apps that can make a trip safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
Think of your phone less as a distraction and more as a digital multi-tool. This guide isn't just a list of apps; it's about how I pair them with the right physical gear to create a smart, modern camping toolkit. These are the apps I actually rely on when I'm out and about in the UK countryside.
1. OS Maps (Navigation)
Essential for UK Hillwalking
This is the only navigation app I trust for UK hillwalking. It gives you access to the official Ordnance Survey maps on your phone, with a GPS locator that shows you exactly where you are. The crucial feature is the ability to download maps for offline use, so it works even when you have no signal.
Pairs Perfectly With...
A Reliable Power Bank
"Running a GPS app will drain your phone battery. That's why I never go hiking without a fully charged power bank. It's an essential piece of safety gear to ensure you can always navigate your way home."
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2. Met Office Weather (Preparation)
Most Reliable UK Forecasts
The British weather is famously unpredictable. The Met Office app provides the most reliable UK forecasts, including detailed rain radar maps. I always check it before packing and again before setting off on a hike to see if there's any bad weather rolling in.
Pairs Perfectly With...
A Good Waterproof Jacket
"The app tells you rain is coming; a good jacket keeps you dry. Never trust a 'showerproof' jacket in the UK hills. You need a proper waterproof shell with taped seams to stay comfortable when the weather turns."
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3. Pitchup (Campsite Finding)
Best for Filtering Options
This is my go-to app for finding and booking campsites across the UK. Its best feature is the powerful filter system. You can search for sites that allow campfires, have a playground, are close to a pub, or have electric hook-ups. It makes finding the perfect site for your trip incredibly easy. See also my guide on how to book campsites online.
Pairs Perfectly With...
The Right Tent
"Finding a great family-friendly site on Pitchup is the first step. The second is having a spacious, weatherproof tent that makes your stay comfortable. A good tent is your home from home."
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4. Star Walk 2 (Stargazing)
Amazing for Dark Skies
One of the best things about camping is seeing a truly dark night sky, free from city light pollution. This app is pure magic. You just point your phone at the sky, and it uses your location to show you exactly which constellations, planets, and satellites you are looking at. It's a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
Pairs Perfectly With...
A Head Torch with Red Light Mode
"To see the stars properly, your eyes need to adjust to the dark. A bright white light will ruin your night vision instantly. A head torch with a red light mode allows you to see your immediate surroundings without affecting your ability to see the faint stars."
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5. St John Ambulance First Aid (Safety)
Works Offline - Essential!
This is an app I have on my phone but hope I never have to use. It provides simple, step-by-step advice for dealing with common first aid emergencies, from cuts and burns to more serious situations. The information is clear and easy to follow even under pressure, and it works offline. I highly recommend everyone downloads it.
Pairs Perfectly With...
A Physical First Aid Kit
"An app can tell you what to do, but it can't give you the tools. A well-stocked physical first aid kit with plasters, bandages, and antiseptic wipes is one of the most essential pieces of safety equipment you can carry."
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Are camping apps worth using if you want to disconnect?
Absolutely. I see them as tools, not distractions. Using a map app for safety or a weather app to prepare for a hike enhances your outdoor experience, it doesn't detract from it. The key is to use them for a purpose and then put the phone away to enjoy the view.
Do these apps work without a mobile signal?
It depends on the app. Weather and campsite booking apps require an internet connection. However, the best navigation apps like OS Maps allow you to download maps for offline use, which is an essential feature for hiking in remote UK areas where the signal is unreliable.
Can a phone app really replace a dedicated GPS device?
For most UK hillwalking and campsite navigation, a phone with a good app and offline maps is more than capable. The main advantage of a dedicated GPS device is its ruggedness and much longer battery life. For multi-day, remote expeditions, a dedicated GPS is still the professional's choice, but for a day hike, my phone is all I need.
