RV Campsite Apps Compared: WikiCamps vs CamperMate vs Hipcamp

Screens of WikiCamps, CamperMate, and Hipcamp apps displayed on tablets in a caravan, showing campsite app tools for Aussie travellers.

Planning an RV trip across Australia used to involve paper maps, local notice boards, and the occasional word-of-mouth tip from fellow travellers. Today, it’s a different story. Whether you’re free camping in the Outback or booking a powered site near the coast, mobile apps have become essential tools for finding campsites, navigating remote areas, and managing road-life logistics.

Among the many options, WikiCamps, CamperMate, and Hipcamp have emerged as the three most popular and widely used apps for RV travellers in Australia. Each app caters to different types of users: some prioritise crowdsourced information, others focus on curated stays or direct bookings, and some excel in offline usability.

But with overlapping features and similar promises, which one should you rely on? In this article, we compare WikiCamps, CamperMate, and Hipcamp across key categories: app usability, campsite coverage, offline access, booking systems, user-generated reviews, and extra features. Whether you’re a grey nomad doing the Big Lap or a weekend warrior escaping the city, this guide will help you choose the right app—or combination of apps—for your style of travel.

App Overviews

WikiCamps

WikiCamps is a veteran in the RV and camping scene, known for its crowdsourced directory of campsites, caravan parks, rest areas, dump points, and visitor facilities. Developed in Australia, it’s a paid app (one-time fee) that’s especially popular among grey nomads, full-time travellers, and digital minimalists who appreciate reliable offline functionality and an enormous, user-built database.

Its strength lies in the depth of information—millions of contributions including reviews, GPS coordinates, photos, facility tags, and comments help users evaluate each site before arrival. It’s not just an app—it’s a knowledge base built by the people who use it every day.

CamperMate

CamperMate is a free app that combines campsite discovery with broader road-trip assistance. It features real-time deals, local alerts, fuel stations, things to do, and nearby services—all supported by tourism bodies and commercial partners. While its coverage of traditional campgrounds is solid, it’s also used as a broader travel companion app, especially popular with backpackers and short-term vanlifers.

It leans into user engagement but maintains a cleaner, more app-driven experience than WikiCamps. Its business partnerships with caravan parks, tour operators, and regional councils also give it an edge when looking for verified or promoted locations.

Hipcamp

Hipcamp is the newcomer with a twist—it’s built around the idea of Airbnb for camping. Instead of listing free rest stops or public parks, Hipcamp specialises in bookable campsites on private land—farmstays, vineyards, bush properties, eco-retreats, and glamping setups. Its listings are curated, often hosted, and designed to connect travellers with unique outdoor stays away from the crowds.

Hipcamp is a great tool for those looking for privacy, scenery, or something a little different than the standard caravan park. It’s gaining traction quickly in Australia, especially among younger travellers and families seeking unique stays or weekend escapes.

User Interface and Ease of Use

WikiCamps

WikiCamps offers a feature-rich interface, but it’s more function-over-form. The app prioritises data density and offline utility, which means it can feel a little clunky or outdated to first-time users. There’s a learning curve—especially when using advanced filters or customising map layers—but for seasoned RV travellers, its depth is worth it.

Search results are map-based, and each site includes a detailed page with user-submitted reviews, amenity icons, nearby locations, and photos. The app doesn’t offer in-app booking, which keeps things simple but requires more manual planning.

WikiCamps works best for travellers who want full control of their planning process and don’t mind a bit of tapping around to get the most accurate info.

CamperMate

CamperMate’s interface is cleaner and more modern. The app is intuitive from the first download, with a focus on quick access to information. Its filter system is beginner-friendly, and icons are clearly categorised by accommodation type, fuel, services, and points of interest.

The app uses a live map view and supports location-aware searches, making it a good option while driving. It includes special offer tags and commercial partner highlights, which can help with spontaneous booking or finding deals—but may feel a little salesy to some.

For most users, especially those doing shorter or more spontaneous trips, CamperMate strikes a strong balance between simplicity and usefulness.

Hipcamp

Hipcamp has the slickest interface of the three apps, with a user experience similar to Airbnb or other modern booking platforms. It’s fully booking-oriented: you select your region, choose filters (e.g. dog-friendly, fire pits, cabins, toilets), and browse listings that include pricing, availability calendars, and host profiles.

Unlike WikiCamps and CamperMate, Hipcamp is not designed to show public campgrounds or rest areas—it only displays bookable private sites. The search and booking process is smooth, and the visual layout is appealing, but it lacks general touring info like dump points or petrol stations.

Hipcamp is best for travellers who want a planned, hosted experience, rather than a tool for free camping or facilities discovery.

Campsite Types and Coverage

WikiCamps

WikiCamps is unmatched in sheer site variety and national coverage. Its database includes:

  • Free camps and rest areas

  • Paid campgrounds and national park sites

  • Caravan parks, showgrounds, and station stays

  • Dump points, day-use areas, and overnight stopovers

Because it’s built on crowdsourced contributions, WikiCamps often includes sites that don’t appear on official tourism maps—like roadside pull-ins, 24-hour truck bays, or obscure bush camps. This makes it especially useful for off-grid and budget travellers.

Coverage is strong across the entire country—from remote stretches of the Nullarbor to suburban Melbourne. However, information can sometimes be outdated or inconsistent, depending on how active the user community is in a given area.

CamperMate

CamperMate covers most major caravan parks, commercial campsites, and public campgrounds, with an emphasis on tourism-friendly areas. It also includes:

  • Some free camps (particularly in coastal and east coast regions)

  • Paid parks with booking links

  • Icons for fuel, showers, ATMs, Wi-Fi zones, and activities nearby

Compared to WikiCamps, CamperMate is less comprehensive in remote areas but stronger in urban and tourist-centric zones, where it partners with councils and operators. This makes it a great fit for holidaymakers, families, and first-time travellers seeking convenience.

Hipcamp

Hipcamp’s listings are exclusively private properties and hosted stays, which means the type of site differs significantly from the other two apps. It focuses on:

  • Farmstays and vineyard camping

  • Off-grid bush blocks

  • Glamping setups with pre-pitched tents or eco-accommodation

  • Secluded tent/RV-friendly areas on private land

Coverage is expanding, especially along the east coast, in Victoria, and around key nature hubs. However, Hipcamp does not include free camps, rest areas, or national parks, so it’s not suitable for travellers needing open-access or council-run sites.

It’s a platform designed for those seeking unique stays—not resource mapping.

Offline Access and Data Usage

WikiCamps

Offline functionality is one of WikiCamps’ biggest strengths, making it the top choice for travellers heading into remote or reception-poor areas. After downloading the app, users can preload full offline maps, campsite listings, reviews, photos, and amenities data for any state or the entire country.

This is particularly valuable for:

  • Travellers in the Outback, highlands, or national parks

  • Grey nomads or full-time RVers relying on solar or limited data

  • Trip planning in flight mode or when saving mobile data

The trade-off is that offline files can take up significant storage space (multiple GBs), and must be updated manually to stay current.

CamperMate

CamperMate offers partial offline access. Users can download regional maps and some content, but not all features (like live deals or newest reviews) are available offline. It’s more geared toward users with intermittent or mobile-based data access, such as coastal travellers or those sticking to major highways.

If you’re regularly travelling off-grid, CamperMate may feel limited compared to WikiCamps. However, for typical holiday routes, offline usability is usually sufficient.

Hipcamp

Hipcamp is built for online-only use. Because it’s a booking-focused app, real-time availability, pricing, and communication with hosts require constant connectivity. It does not support offline browsing of listings or cached maps.

This limits its use in areas with poor coverage unless you’ve booked and saved directions in advance. If you’re planning to use Hipcamp, it’s best to finalise bookings before entering blackspot zones or carry a backup navigation tool.

User Contributions and Review Quality

WikiCamps

WikiCamps is entirely user-driven, and that’s both its greatest asset and an occasional drawback. Its crowdsourced model means listings grow organically—users add campsites, update GPS data, upload photos, and leave detailed reviews. This has led to one of the most comprehensive collections of RV camping information in Australia.

The quality of contributions varies by region. Heavily travelled areas often feature:

  • Multiple photos per site

  • Long, helpful reviews with tips on road access, mobile signal, and site condition

  • Comments updated regularly (e.g. “toilets out of order as of June 2025”)

However, in remote zones or lesser-used areas, you may find incomplete data or outdated entries. There’s limited moderation, so it’s up to the community to keep information fresh and accurate.

For experienced RVers who contribute as they go, WikiCamps is a living map of local knowledge.

CamperMate

CamperMate blends user-generated reviews with official tourism content and partner listings. This results in more balanced and moderated site pages—especially for commercial parks or council-approved locations.

User reviews are generally helpful and concise, often supplemented by:

  • Official photos and park descriptions

  • Location-specific alerts or offers (e.g. “Kids stay free this weekend”)

  • Consistent amenity tags like pet-friendly, powered sites, or showers

While the community is active, CamperMate isn’t quite as deep as WikiCamps in remote areas. However, for urban, coastal, and popular holiday zones, review quality is high and more consistent.

Hipcamp

Because Hipcamp focuses on hosted, bookable properties, most reviews are similar to what you’d find on Airbnb. Guests rate the overall stay experience, communication with the host, and property features.

Reviews tend to highlight:

  • Scenic beauty or privacy

  • Cleanliness and host friendliness

  • Accuracy of photos and amenities

While helpful for assessing hosted sites, Hipcamp lacks crowdsourced content on public infrastructure, nearby services, or unlisted rest areas. Review volume may also be lower for newer properties, but quality is generally strong due to platform moderation.

Booking, Pricing, and Extra Features

WikiCamps

WikiCamps operates on a one-time paid model—a rarity these days. You pay a small fee upfront (usually under $10) for lifetime access to the app and all its features, including offline downloads and regular updates. There are no in-app purchases, subscriptions, or ads, making it an attractive option for long-term RV travellers.

However, WikiCamps does not support direct bookings. You’ll find contact info for campsites, including phone numbers and websites, but you must book externally. This can be a downside for travellers looking to confirm stays instantly or manage everything within one app.

Key features include:

  • Custom trip planner

  • Facility filters (e.g. pet-friendly, toilets, water, power)

  • Dump point locator and water refill search

  • Community comment threads per location

It’s a functional toolkit, not a booking engine.

CamperMate

CamperMate is free to download and use, with monetisation coming from partnerships, deals, and featured listings. Many caravan parks and holiday parks integrate direct booking links, which allow you to reserve spots through third-party systems or the operator’s website. Some parks also post special offers exclusive to CamperMate users.

Extra tools and features:

  • Fuel station and price locators

  • ATM, toilet, and Wi-Fi icons

  • Local event and activity promotions

  • Real-time alerts from tourism bodies or local councils

Its combination of useful filters and integrated bookings makes it ideal for more structured holiday planning.

Hipcamp

Hipcamp is a fully booking-oriented platform, and it’s free to use. Every listing includes per-night pricing, minimum stay requirements, and booking calendars. Most properties are request-to-book or instant confirmation, and all payments are handled in-app, similar to Airbnb.

Pricing varies widely—from $15 for basic bush camps to $250+ for luxury glamping—but the emphasis is always on private land and unique experiences.

Additional features:

  • Host messaging and profile reviews

  • Wishlist/favourites function

  • “Leave no trace” sustainability indicators

  • Filters for amenities like toilets, showers, camp kitchens, fire pits

If you’re looking for curated, host-led camping, Hipcamp offers the smoothest and most complete booking experience among the three.

Pros and Cons of Each App

WikiCamps

Pros:

  • Massive user-generated database covering free camps, dump points, and obscure locations

  • Full offline access—ideal for remote and off-grid travel

  • One-time purchase with no ongoing fees

  • Detailed filters and planning tools for serious roadtrippers

Cons:

  • No booking functionality

  • Interface can feel dated or unintuitive for new users

  • Occasional outdated or unverified info in less-travelled regions

  • Steeper learning curve for casual or tech-averse travellers

CamperMate

Pros:

  • Free to use, with optional direct booking for some sites

  • Clean, beginner-friendly interface

  • Real-time updates and offers from partners

  • Useful extras: fuel, toilets, activities, and regional alerts

Cons:

  • Limited offline functionality

  • Less comprehensive in remote areas compared to WikiCamps

  • Some listings are commercially promoted, not always community-rated

  • Booking system varies by operator (not always in-app)

Hipcamp

Pros:

  • Seamless booking experience for private and unique campsites

  • Beautiful interface with host communication and secure payments

  • Ideal for scenic, off-grid, or non-traditional stays

  • Growing network of hosts in popular nature destinations

Cons:

  • No free or public campsites listed

  • Requires internet access for search and booking

  • Less useful for touring logistics (e.g. fuel, dump points)

  • Smaller coverage in remote or inland regions

Which App Is Best For You? (Traveller Type Breakdown)

Grey Nomads and Full-Time Travellers

For long-haul explorers doing the Big Lap or chasing the sun year-round, WikiCamps is the standout choice. Its depth of free and low-cost sites, offline access, and detailed amenity filters make it ideal for those who value independence and resource planning. Full-timers often rely on it not just for finding campsites but for locating dump points, water fills, and day rest areas essential to life on the road.

  • Best choice: WikiCamps

Backpackers and Young Couples

Budget-conscious and often spontaneous, backpackers and young couples are drawn to CamperMate for its intuitive interface, zero cost, and bonus features like fuel prices and last-minute deals. The ability to see verified parks and use simple filters helps streamline quick planning, and the casual design suits those who don’t want to dive too deep into app complexity.

  • Best choice: CamperMate

Families with Kids

Families planning structured holidays—often during school breaks—benefit from the booking and convenience features of CamperMate and Hipcamp. CamperMate supports finding powered sites and commercial parks with kid-friendly amenities, while Hipcamp offers private stays with space and quiet that many parents prefer.

  • Best choice: CamperMate (for structured trips), Hipcamp (for nature stays)

Off-Grid Campers and Remote Travellers

For those exploring Australia’s wilder side—whether desert tracks, national parks, or remote beach trails—WikiCamps is essential. Its offline maps and community-sourced intel make it the most reliable tool when reception drops out or Google Maps turns blank.

  • Best choice: WikiCamps

Weekend Warriors and Holidaymakers

Travellers heading out for short breaks or long weekends are often looking for easy bookings, scenic sites, and smooth planning. Hipcamp caters perfectly to this with its curated listings, beautiful site photos, and secure in-app payments. It’s especially useful for those after something different from the usual caravan park.

  • Best choice: Hipcamp

Conclusion

Choosing the right RV campsite app in Australia isn’t about which one is “best”—it’s about which one aligns with your travel style, needs, and preferences. WikiCamps, CamperMate, and Hipcamp each bring something unique to the table, and many experienced travellers use a combination of them to cover all bases.

  • WikiCamps is unbeatable for off-grid planning, free camping, and remote resource discovery. Its offline access and community-built depth make it an essential tool for full-time travellers and serious roadtrippers.

  • CamperMate is ideal for casual road trips and first-time travellers looking for convenience, live updates, and a friendly user experience—all without spending a cent.

  • Hipcamp appeals to those craving memorable, hosted stays and private escapes, especially around the coast or countryside. It’s best suited for weekend trips, families, and travellers seeking unique sites over practicality.

In the end, the smartest move might be to download all three apps and use them in tandem. Use WikiCamps for planning and offline info, CamperMate for live offers and mainstream parks, and Hipcamp when you want something quiet, scenic, and out of the ordinary.

FAQs about ydney's RV travel guide

Which RV app is best for free camping in Australia?

If you’re focused on free or low-cost camping, WikiCamps is by far the most useful app for Australian travellers. It has the largest and most comprehensive database of free campsites, including rest areas, bush camps, showgrounds, 24-hour stops, and sites on Crown land. Because it’s crowdsourced, the app often lists hidden gems that aren’t on government or tourism maps.

The real value comes from its user reviews and photos. Travellers leave detailed feedback on everything from toilet conditions to whether it’s safe to stay overnight. You can also filter for pet-friendly spots, amenities like fire pits or water, and GPS coordinates for precise navigation.

While CamperMate includes some free sites (especially in coastal or eastern regions), its focus leans more toward commercial parks. Hipcamp, meanwhile, does not list free camps at all—only paid stays on private land.

For anyone doing the Big Lap or wanting to camp without spending a fortune, WikiCamps is the go-to tool.

Yes—but only WikiCamps offers full offline functionality. Once you download the app and pre-load the maps and data files for your chosen region(s), you can access campsite listings, reviews, GPS coordinates, and photos without needing an internet connection. This makes it invaluable in remote regions where coverage is limited or nonexistent.

CamperMate offers partial offline access—you can download regional maps, but some features like recent reviews, deals, or booking options require reception. It works well for popular routes with stable coverage but may leave gaps in the Outback or highland areas.

Hipcamp, on the other hand, is an online-only platform. Because it’s a booking-based system, you’ll need mobile data or Wi-Fi to search listings, check availability, contact hosts, and make reservations. It’s best to use Hipcamp when planning ahead or in areas where reception is reliable.

For fully off-grid adventures, WikiCamps is the only app that holds up without connectivity.

The safety and reliability of campsites listed on these apps vary based on the source of the listing and the moderation approach.

  • WikiCamps is entirely user-driven. Listings can be added by anyone, which means the app has many hidden and lesser-known sites. While this is a huge advantage for discovery, it also means the information isn’t always officially verified. However, user reviews often highlight safety concerns, road access, or suspicious activity, making it easier to gauge suitability.

  • CamperMate offers a balance. While it includes some user-added content, many of its listings come from partnerships with local councils, tourism boards, and verified campground operators. This gives it a slightly more curated edge, especially in tourist-friendly areas.

  • Hipcamp hosts are vetted before their property goes live. Since the platform facilitates bookings and payments, there’s a stronger layer of accountability. Reviews are tied to real bookings, and most properties are hosted stays, meaning there’s someone on site.

Regardless of platform, travellers should always:

  • Read recent reviews

  • Check images and amenity lists

  • Trust their instincts upon arrival

  • Have a backup plan, especially when free camping

Yes—both WikiCamps and CamperMate include filters for dump points, drinking water, and other essential RV services. This makes them especially useful for travellers in self-contained or long-term rigs who need to regularly empty grey/black water tanks and top up water supplies.

WikiCamps has a particularly strong listing base for dump points across regional and urban Australia. Each entry usually includes:

  • GPS location

  • Facility type (e.g. greywater only, cassette toilet compatible)

  • Comments on cleanliness or ease of access

  • User tips (e.g. best time to avoid queues, access for larger vans)

CamperMate also lists these facilities and sometimes overlays them with fuel stations, public toilets, and other amenities. It’s handy for city-based trips or touring main routes.

Hipcamp does not show public dump points or refill stations, as it focuses exclusively on bookable private campsites. Some Hipcamp hosts may offer amenities like water or compost toilets, but these are site-specific.

For managing RV services on the go, WikiCamps is the most complete tool.

Yes—with some limitations depending on the app.

CamperMate allows direct bookings for many commercial caravan parks and holiday parks. When a listing supports booking, you’ll see options to select dates, view pricing, and reserve your site. Some bookings are handled in-app; others redirect you to third-party systems like the park’s website or a booking portal like RMS.

Hipcamp supports instant booking or request-based bookings for all listings, but these are exclusively private stays (not public caravan parks). Each listing includes availability calendars, pricing, and host policies. It’s the most seamless booking experience if you’re after a unique stay on private land.

WikiCamps does not support direct bookings. While it lists phone numbers, emails, and websites for many caravan parks, the booking process must be completed outside the app. This means more manual work but also gives you direct contact with park operators—useful for negotiating, asking questions, or securing last-minute spots.

If booking convenience is a priority, CamperMate and Hipcamp both offer smoother options.

Among full-time vanlifers, retirees, and grey nomads, WikiCamps is widely considered the gold standard. Its long-standing presence in the Australian RV community, combined with offline capability and unmatched campsite coverage, has earned it deep trust across the country.

Travellers who live on the road often rely on:

  • Community reviews to avoid poor-quality or unsafe stops

  • Filters to find specific services (like pet-friendly, dump point access, or off-grid suitability)

  • Offline maps when travelling through mobile blackspots or remote terrain

  • Road access warnings and tips from others who’ve visited a site before

While CamperMate is also well-regarded—especially by newer or casual travellers—WikiCamps’ depth and reliability make it the most valued tool among full-time users.

Hipcamp is growing in popularity for weekenders or those seeking private, scenic stays, but it’s generally used as a secondary app, not a primary trip planner for full-timers.

Yes—all three apps cater to more than just RV travellers.

  • WikiCamps allows users to filter by access type (including 4WD-only sites) and lists campsites suitable for tents, swags, rooftop tents, and car campers. Many entries specify road conditions, clearance requirements, and whether the site is walk-in or drive-up. You’ll also find backpacker-friendly stops and bush camps.

  • CamperMate includes many tent-specific campsites, particularly in national parks and coastal areas. Filters let you sort by tent access, 2WD/4WD, and amenities like showers or fire rings. It’s great for car campers and those on shorter camping holidays.

  • Hipcamp features many tent-only and 4WD-exclusive listings, especially among bush properties and off-grid hosts. Some properties require high-clearance vehicles, while others are only accessible on foot. Hipcamp also supports glamping, tiny homes, and cabins, offering flexibility beyond RVs.

So, whether you’re sleeping under canvas, towing a van, or cruising in a 4WD camper, these apps all offer value—with WikiCamps and Hipcamp offering particularly broad options for tent campers and remote travellers.

Related posts:

  1. Best Free Camping Apps for RV Travellers in Australia
  2. How to Find Free Campsites in Australia with WikiCamps & CamperMate
  3. How to Book Campsites in Australia During Peak Season
  4. Top RV Travel Apps That Save Time, Fuel & Hassle in Australia
  5. Essential Apps for RV Travel in Australia (Navigation, Camping, Fuel)

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