Most people probably go camping to escape their daily lives, leaving behind the tedium of conference calls, budget meetings, and overflowing inboxes for the serenity of nature. But you might be surprised: 84% of people say they couldn’t go even a single day without their smartphone. They’re are a fixture in our lives, and you should leverage them to get the most out of your day-to-day.

So don’t leave the phone at home: make it part of your trip! Your phone can be an assistant, not a distraction, with the right apps.

Before you head out, check Camping Trip Planner to make sure you’re stocked with the essentials. This app allows you to get as nitty-gritty as you want, right down to estimating the weight of your haul. You’ll also want to scope out the perfect place to camp out with Camp & RV – the app collates all sorts of helpful data in addition to user reviews so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting before you show up. If you’re looking for luxury camping, check out places that offer cabins with WIFI such as Colorado glamping experiences.

An up-to-date smartphone like the Galaxy Note Edge on T-Mobile’s reliable network can

even help you prepare dinner, identify constellations, and track animals. Leafsnap, an app developed by the Smithsonian in collaboration with Columbia University and the University of Maryland, will identify plants by visual recognition: just snap a photo and the app will let you know what it is and, of course, if it’s poisonous.

There’s no reason to ditch your smartphone when you go on vacation. It can be useful if you know how to use it! Read on for the info that will make your phone a permanent fixture on your camping trips.