How do I use Google Maps or Apple Maps to save favorite locations?

When you and your Airstream finally arrive at your destination, there is nothing better than stretching your legs and exploring your new home base. During the best trips, you’ll want to remember the exact location so you can return. If you travel a lot, you don’t need to rely on your memory alone. Here are a few tips for saving your favorite campsites, boondocking spots, or parking spots to remember your best adventures.

Note: Instructions may differ from device to device and may change slightly when apps and websites are updated. Use this information as a general guide.

How Do I Use Google Maps To Save My Favorite Campsite Locations?

Create A List In Google Maps

1. Open Google Maps on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device
2. Click on the “saved” tab
3. Click on “+ New List”
4. Name the List. This could be something like “Best Airstream Campgrounds” or “Boondocking Spots To Explore.”
5. Add an optional description if it’s helpful.
6. Set the list as private (only you can see it), shared (you choose who to share it with), or public (anyone can find and view it online)

Add Places To Your List Using Search

1. Open the list on which you want to add a location.
2. Click “+ Add A Place” (on desktop) or “+ Add” on mobile
3. Search for the campground or park you’d like to add.
4. Select the location.
5. You can add helpful notes for each place you add. For example, “remember to not choose lot #33 next to the dumpsters.”

Add Places To Your List By Dropping A Pin

If the location you want to add to a Google Maps List is not searchable (for example, a great boondocking location), you can instead drop a pin to save the location.

1. Open Google Maps on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
2. Navigate Google Maps so that the area you want to save is within your screen.
3. Drop your pin.
4. On a desktop or laptop: click and hold for 1-2 seconds on the spot you want to save. When you release the click, a red pin will appear.
5. On mobile, simply tap the location with your finger. A red pin will appear.
6. Note that you must be viewing the map with no other addresses, lists, etc being viewed for dropping a pin to work.
7. Once the pin pops up, location information will also come into view in a small window. Click “save,” then click the list to which you want to save the pin.

How Do I Use Apple Maps To Save My Favorite Campsite Locations?

Create A Guide In Apple Maps

1. Open Apple Maps on a mobile device.
2. In the information bar at the bottom of the screen, click on “New Guide” under the “My Guides” section.
3. Name the Guide. This could be something like “Best Airstream Campgrounds” or “Boondocking Spots To Explore.”

Add Places To Your Guide Using Search

1. Open the search bar and type in the location you want to save.
2. Select the location.
3. Click “more”  on the location’s information bar.
4. Click on “Add To Guides.”
5. Select the Guide in which you want to save the location.

Add Places To Your Guide By Dropping A Pin

If the location you want to add to an Apple Maps Guide is not searchable (for example, a great boondocking location), you can instead drop a pin to save the location.

1. Open Apple Maps on a mobile device.
2. Navigate Apple Maps so that the area you want to save is within your screen.
3. Drop your pin by touching the screen on the location you want to save.
4. Once the pin pops up, location information will also come into view in a small information bar. Click “more”.
5. Click on “Add To Guides.”
6. Select the Guide in which you want to save the location.

How Can I Use Google or Apple Maps For Airstream Road Trip Planning?

If you want to map out each stop you plan to make throughout your Airstream Road Trip Adventure, follow the instructions above for creating a list (Google Maps) or a guide (Apple Maps). You can add everything from gas stations to big box store parking lot overnights.

You can also map out your entire journey from start to finish, complete with estimated travel times and mileage between locations.

1. Open Google or Apple Maps.
2. Search for your first location, or drop a pin by clicking/touching the map.
3. Click “directions.”
4. An information pop up will appear. Select “add stop” to add the next location on your journey. On some devices, this may be under a “...” button.
5. Select the next location:
   1. On Google Maps using a mobile device, either use the search bar or click “choose on map” to drop a pin.
   2. On Google Maps using a laptop or desktop OR on Apple Maps using a mobile device, either search for the location or tap on the map to drop a pin. It’s recommended to drop all pins and save to your favorites before completing this step, as it’s much easier to select them.
6. Repeat this process until you’ve added all of your locations.

How Can I Use Google Maps To Scout Out The Best Pit Stop Locations? 

The Satellite View on Google Maps can be an Airstream adventurer’s best friend when traveling to new locations. You can use it to scout out the best locations as well as identify spots to avoid based on turn around space, distance from highways or bodies of water, construction traffic, and more. You can also use this tool to determine the best way to pull into a gas station or camping spot and then put together a plan for backing up when you are ready to leave. You can even scout campground lots ahead of time to choose a spot with more (or fewer) trees, water access, and more.

1. Open Google Maps on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
2. Click on the “layers” icon (it looks like 2 diamonds on top of one another)
3. From there, you have options to view Satellite, terrain, as well as street view, air quality, wildfires, biking paths, and more.