Camping is one of those activities that blends adventure, nature, and simplicity. But in a world of crowded parks, evolving rules, and fragmented campground information, finding the reliable, up-to-date campsite can be a challenge. Enter The Dyrt — a camping platform (website + mobile app) aiming to be the most comprehensive, community-driven source for campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, and free camping across the U.S.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into The Dyrt: its history, structure, features (free vs paid), user community, benefits and drawbacks, tips for use, and future direction. Whether you’re a weekend camper, vanlifer, or planning a cross-country road trip, understanding The Dyrt can make your journey smoother.
What Is The Dyrt?
The Dyrt is a digital platform and mobile app designed to help campers discover, evaluate, and book campgrounds across the United States. It combines user-generated reviews, photos, maps, and advanced filters to allow campers to find the right site for their needs.
Some key points about The Dyrt:
-
It aggregates public and private campgrounds, RV parks, glamping sites, and free/dispersed camping locations.
-
The content is largely user-generated: campers submit photos, reviews, tips, and updates about campsites.
-
It offers a free tier and a premium “PRO” membership with extra tools.
-
It aims to support commission-free bookings for campground owners.
-
It also features tools to help campers plan routes, download offline maps, and find free camping.
In short: The Dyrt is positioned as a “Yelp + map + booking engine + community” for camping.
History & Background
To understand how The Dyrt reached its current state, here’s a brief overview of its journey and evolution:
-
Founded in 2013 by Sarah Smith and Kevin Long to centralize campground information and improve discovery.
-
In the early days, the platform was relatively simple but gradually added features and community incentives.
-
To encourage users to contribute, The Dyrt gamified participation: users can become “Rangers,” “Guides,” or “Legends” depending on their contributions.
-
The Dyrt has grown significantly and now features a massive database of campgrounds and user reviews.
-
It has expanded features like Instant Book, route planning, offline maps, and in 2025, a “Drive Time” feature to filter campsites within a certain driving window.
-
Recognized in the startup and outdoor travel space, it has been listed among the fastest-growing companies in the U.S.
From humble beginnings, The Dyrt has become a serious player in camping tech, bridging the gap between campers and campground owners.
How The Dyrt Works — Key Features & Tools
Core Features (Free + Paid)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Campground Discovery & Search | Search for campsites by location, type (tent, RV, glamping), amenities, and reviews. |
| Photos & Reviews | Users upload photos, write reviews and share tips for each site. |
| Filters & Advanced Search | Filter by price, amenities, distance, hookups, etc. |
| Offline Maps | Download campground maps for use without internet (PRO feature). |
| Route / Trip Planning | Plan camping stops along a route. |
| PRO Maps & Free Camping Layers | PRO users see public land, free dispersed camping areas, and overlay maps. |
| Drive Time Tool | Find campsites within a given driving time from your location. |
| Alerts / Notifications (Dyrt Alerts) | Get notified when a saved campsite becomes available. |
| Booking / Instant Book | Some campgrounds allow booking directly; The Dyrt does not charge commission. |
| Discounts & Deals | PRO members may get discounts on certain campgrounds. |
| Advertising for Campgrounds | Campgrounds can list and promote themselves to reach campers. |
Free vs PRO
-
Free Tier: Basic campground search, viewing reviews/photos, and simple filters.
-
PRO Tier: Adds premium features like offline maps, free camping layers, alerts, drive-time filtering, and discounts.
-
PRO costs around $36 per year.
Pros & Advantages
-
Comprehensive Coverage — includes both well-known and lesser-known campgrounds.
-
Active Community — user-contributed photos and reviews keep information up-to-date.
-
Useful PRO Tools — offline maps, alerts, and drive-time filters are valuable for long trips.
-
Commission-Free Booking — owners don’t lose money to booking fees.
-
Route Planning — makes logistics easier for multi-day trips.
-
Strong Branding — widely recognized as one of the top camping apps.
-
Community-Driven Mission — focused on user sharing and transparency.
Challenges & Limitations
-
U.S.-Only Focus — limited to American campgrounds.
-
Dependent on User Activity — remote areas may lack recent data.
-
App Usability Issues — occasional bugs and design complaints.
-
Refund Complaints — some billing disputes reported.
-
Overwhelming for Casual Users — PRO features may be more than casual campers need.
-
Accuracy of Free Camping Info — dispersed camping access changes over time.
-
Competition — faces alternatives like Hipcamp, Campendium, and recreation.gov.
Use Cases & Tips
Occasional Camper
-
Use the free tier to check photos and reviews before a weekend trip.
-
Apply filters for must-have amenities.
Road Tripper / Vanlifer
-
Upgrade to PRO for offline maps and free camping layers.
-
Use Drive Time filters to maximize camping time.
-
Set up alerts for hard-to-get campsites.
Campground Owners
-
List on The Dyrt to increase visibility.
-
Encourage reviews to build credibility.
-
Use Instant Book to simplify reservations.
Best Practices
-
Always confirm details with official sources.
-
Save maps and info offline before heading out.
-
Contribute your own reviews and photos to help others.
Recent Updates
-
Drive Time Feature (2025): Helps users find campsites within a certain driving window.
-
Annual Camping Reports: Data-driven insights into camping trends.
-
Growing Partnerships: Discounts, advertising, and exposure for campgrounds.
-
Ongoing App Upgrades: Better maps, filters, and UI improvements.
Who Should Use The Dyrt?
The Dyrt is ideal for:
-
U.S. campers, RVers, vanlifers, and road trippers.
-
People who value user reviews and a community-driven platform.
-
Campground owners seeking exposure without commission fees.
It may not be as useful for:
-
Campers outside the U.S.
-
People who prefer offline guidebooks.
-
Occasional campers who won’t use PRO features.
Conclusion
The Dyrt is one of the most powerful camping apps available today, offering both free and paid features to support casual campers and hardcore adventurers. While it has limitations like U.S.-only coverage and some occasional app issues, its strengths in community reviews, map tools, and commission-free booking make it a go-to resource.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a months-long cross-country journey, The Dyrt can help you discover, plan, and book your perfect campsite with confidence.
