Finding that hard-to-book camping spot just got a little easier with Arvie.
With more RVers on the road than ever before, it’s getting harder to lock down coveted sites. But technology is finally simplifying this process.
Today, we’re looking at Arvie, a recently launched app that claims to help travelers in their quest for the perfect spot. But is it worth your time and money?
Let’s get into the details!
What is Arvie?
Camping spots at national and state parks are notoriously hard to find during peak season. But with more folks out there looking for the ideal space, it’s bleeding into shoulder times, too. To solve this issue, a suite of new apps offers to scan booked-up campgrounds for cancellations. While they all claim to look for these openings, some will also reserve them.
Arvie, which launched in 2022, joins the fleet with some exciting features.
It was founded by Mark Peterson after he experienced what it was like to find a campsite in the modern RVing boom. When he saw the existing services offered, he felt something was missing. So, he created a subscription-based search engine that scans and books on one platform.
Many of the apps in the camping space notify users when sites open up. But Peterson’s technology will alert and auto-book at the most popular parks nationwide. And with 4,300 locations in their database, they’re poised to raise the bar for their competitors.
How Does Arvie Work?
The primary features that set Arvie apart are their Real-Time Checker, One-Click Booking, and Sold-Out Search with Insta-Book. While some of these are similar to other platforms, Arvie’s last element is unique.
Real-Time Checker scours several websites for availability and presents the results to users. Their interface is straightforward, making the process smooth and stress-free. You can find sites at thousands of campgrounds around the country. They combine national and state parks alongside several privately held locations.
One-Click Booking is an ingenious idea that makes reservations a breeze. When you join, your profile will include all the information needed to hold a spot. It can even apply your discounts for Good Sam, KOA, and AAA memberships. Best of all, you never pay any added fees.
Sold-Out Search with Insta-Book is the most innovative tool this app provides. It uses one-of-a-kind search engines to scan the sold-out campgrounds you select around the clock. When a site meeting your criteria opens up, there are two options. You can receive a notification that tells you about it so you can take action. Alternatively, it’ll reserve the spot for you.
Combined, these three features are powerful and convenient. Coupled with a seamless user experience, Arvie seems like the next big thing.
Compare this similar program: What Is the CampScanner and How Does It Work?
How Much Does Arvie Cost?
When signing up for Arvie, you’ll first notice they offer a seven-day free trial. If you take advantage of it, you could book out your year for free. But if you need longer to decide if it’s worth it, they have a few options.
Their Pause-It Plan, which is as innovative as the app, is a commitment-free monthly program. For $19.95 a month, you have unlimited campground searches and one-click instant reservations for open sites. You’ll also get up to five Sold-Out inquiries at a time with the option to Insta-Book.
At this tier, the app will run a new scan every five minutes. And you can pause your membership whenever you’re not using it.
The Annual Plan is the cheapest, tailor-made for avid RVers. For about $13 per month, you’ll have all the features of the monthly version, with one significant difference. Instead of five Sold-Out Searches, you’ll get ten. Even better, these run every two minutes, so you’ll have an edge over other campers.
Unlike the Pause-It Plan, you won’t be able to set this subscription aside when you’re not using it. However, you’ll get a year’s use for around ten percent of the cost.
Dive deeper into RV Travel on a Budget!
Will I Save Money on Campsites Using Arvie?
Campers who spend a lot of time online reserving their own spots will see the biggest impact of this app. You’d pay the same rate if you went through the park’s website yourself. And although it doesn’t charge a booking fee, it also doesn’t include discounts unless you have your own already.
We love that it’ll apply deals from our existing memberships, like AAA and Good Sam.
Additionally, you’ll save time using Arvie to snag hard-to-find sites nationwide. Especially for important trips, you can rest easy knowing you’ll have a spot in your favorite campground.
Other Budget Camping Membership Programs
Several budget camping membership programs exist to help you save money when reserving locations through other websites. And if you’re using Arvie, you won’t have to plug in your information every time you book. Here are a few top picks.
Passport America
Passport America is one of the most popular camping memberships in the country. For around $44 per year, you’ll get up to 50 percent off sites at over 1,100 parks. You’ll also have access to trip routing and a mobile app. Plus, you’ll get a subscription to RV America Magazine.
Users get invites to MyRVmail and Passport America Caravans and Rallies, as well as discounts on RV insurance. When you join, you’ll also have the option to get DriveQuest’s extended warranty with roadside assistance.
Good Sam
Camping World’s membership program, Good Sam, provides many benefits that RVers love. You’ll get deals at participating campgrounds, parks, and resorts. And with over 2,000 locations in the US and Canada, you’ll never be bored.
Other extras include gas savings at certain stations and coupons for dining, shopping, and travel. Their one-year Standard Membership is around $40 and gives you an all-access pass to these perks. For around $110, you’ll get a three-year plan with concierge service and their tech helpline.
KOA Rewards
If you stay at KOA campgrounds regularly, you’ll want to enroll in their rewards program. And with so many to choose from, you’re likely already a frequent flyer.
For around $40, you’ll get ten percent off your daily registration rate and accumulate points for cheaper stays in the future. They also offer a free night during their Rewards Weekend at participating locations.
Users also get discounts from shopping partners to sweeten the deal.
Don’t forget to check out this one, too: Is the CampersCard Discount Membership Worth It?
Is Arvie Worth It?
Because of their Pause-It Plan, Arvie is worth it for even the casual RVer. But even if you sign up for the Annual Plan and only use it a few times, you’ll get your money’s worth. By combining their search tools with existing discount memberships, you can maximize your savings.
Not only will you get those hard-to-grab sites, you won’t have to keep checking your phone to do it!
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