Hipcamp, the veritable Airbnb platform for campers, launches in app form to connect users and campsites from almost anywhere.
Unless you’re on waiting lists to snag campsites at major national parks, most of the time you can snag a tent pad for dispersed camping or at designated camping areas. But depending when you roll in, you may have to pass many of the primo sites to find one open.
Hipcamp went live in 2013 in part to take some of the guesswork out of finding a campsite. And it provided a clearinghouse to help campers find camping opportunities, often in places they never knew existed. Hipcamp not only listed all manner of public campsites, but it also launched a land-share program with private landowners willing to host campers (for a fee). Hipcamp now boasts more than 4 million users.
And today, the brand went live with its first mobile app. With it, users can find, share, list, and reserve campsites from Hipcamp’s catalog of nearly 360,000 locations.
Hipcamp Mobile App
Currently only available for iOS devices, the Hipcamp app aims to satisfy campers of all interests and experience levels. To this end, users can pare down their search for campsites based on their preferences.
For example, Hipcamp users can search by general location to find public and private sites near their destination. They can further drill down by filtering for sites that have amenities (like restrooms/showers), tent pads, cabins, other structures, and more.
There are even search functions to narrow down areas that suit particular activities, like hiking, fishing, and surfing. Of course, the app also has pricing and date information as well.
But the Hipcamp app also gives campers a chance to share their experiences with prospective travelers. Users can upload photos, post reviews, and offer on-the-ground tips (like secret swimming holes).
Starting today, the app is available for free to iOS users. And Hipcamp promises an Android version soon.
