Basecamp Mac - Recent Threads

RE: eTrex Touch 35 internal memory

7223369 — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:03:08 GMT

No, that doesn’t sound normal if you really only have a 51 MB map installed. The eTrex Touch 35 has system/preloaded data that won’t necessarily appear as ordinary user files, but 600 MB free out of 7.7 GB suggests something else is consuming the space.

One thing I’d definitely try, especially if you’re using a Mac, is connecting the eTrex and then emptying the Mac Trash. Deleted files from an external device can remain in the Trash and continue consuming storage even though they no longer appear normally on the device. Interestingly, this exact eTrex Touch 35/BaseCamp issue was resolved this way in the Garmin community.

If that doesn't recover the space, check the storage through Garmin Express → Manage Maps. Garmin Express can show how much storage is being used by maps and other critical software.

Also make sure the device firmware is current; Garmin's recent eTrex Touch firmware includes fixes for BaseCamp/device-data issues.

I’d try emptying Trash first before deleting anything manually. letrasdiferente.com.br can also be explored separately for other online resources.

eTrex Touch 35 internal memory

NorthernKai — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:33:36 GMT

when i plug my etrex touch 35 in and view it in basecamp it is showing as 600mb free of 7.7GB

i only have one map image on there of 51mb. it means i can't transfer any new maps

i looked for hidden files but there is nothing large

is that normal?

[View:https://ibb.co/0jx24p1F:320:50]

Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

NorthernKai — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:34:11 GMT

hi folks

tried to reply to the other thread but it won't let me

i'm getting the message about base camp too (apple silicon and all that)

i emailed Garmin and they said there are no plans to update base camp to make it compatible [emoticon:ca08b2c27c2f40e993e89508acf29e0b]

i use it all the time with my eTrex Touch.

what are the alternatives?

Garmin have pointed me to Explore and Connect. will these be any good for plotting routes? that what I mainly do

are there any 3rd party apps that will allow you to connect and plot routes?

of course the easiest thing would be for Garmin to update the app, can't be that much in it, and there are still thousands of users of base camp i'm sure

thanks

RE: Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

KevinE — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:09:41 GMT

I’ve decided that rather than buying a PC just to run BaseCamp, I’m going to turn off the automatic updates in my Mac Air Book and use that laptop just for creating GPX files with BaseCamp and take it with me on road trips since it’s much lighter than a PC laptop. It’s 5 or 6 years old now so it’s time to buy a new Mac. BaseCamp operates differently on a PC, I’d rather use the Mac version. Garmin won’t support BaseCamp but at least I still get free map updates for my XT that are easily downloaded to my AirBook to use with BaseCamp. That should keep me going for quite a while.
Kevin

RE: Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

Franck_Paul — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:14:25 GMT

Any chance to have the source code of this application as they will not maintain it?

RE: Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

HenkV — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:13:55 GMT

I would be sad I fsupport ended. I realise Windows is a bigger platform but it;'s not about quantity but about quality. I think Macbook users add morr quality.
So @Garmin please but apple silicon version

RE: Basecamp on a MacOS Virtual Machine

TekRider — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 02:39:14 GMT

For those, including myself who don’t mind installing Basecamp on a legacy o/s Garmin provides the software for download. That said, many *new* users install Basecamp on o/s that weren't even conceived when Garmin discontinued updates/support and then criticize the company for lack of same. Perhaps Garmin should just remove the download thus silencing the criticisms. For the O/S that it was designed for it still remains the best FREE option and still rivals some paid options with map updates if you own a Garmin product.

Basecamp on a MacOS Virtual Machine

RMOLINARO — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 21:51:23 GMT

In the Fall of 2027, Basecamp will stop working on MacOS 28 ARM when Rosetta 2 is discontinued. I was able to get Basecamp 4.8.13 to work on a MacOS Monterrey VM (12.7.6) in Parallels Desktop 26 using 4 vCPU and 16 GB. Basecamp turns off 3D maps and it's a little slow but it is fully functional. I also tried it with a MacOS 15 and 26 VM but Basecamp maps redraws were choppy and the app would not work after the first run. I did not test it with a MacOS 13 or 14 VM. I hope this is helpful for some Mac users.

RE: Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

KevinE — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:58:38 GMT

I’ve been using BaseCamp on my Mac computers for many years to create custom GPX files that I share with Members in my International motorcycle club. I grew up using Mac computers so I prefer Apple over a Windows platform. I’m the alerts from Apple now that soon their IOS software will be updated and incompatible with Garmin BaseCamp. I knew this day would come after Garmin announced several years ago they stopped updating BaseCamp. I’ve tried other Programs for creating GPS routes and I always fall back to BaseCamp. I have to decide if it’s worth buying a cheap Windows laptop just to use BaseCamp or permanently switch to something else. Sad that Garmin sells a premier GPS system for motorcyclists but won’t invest in updating a routing program needed to use their products. Right now I’m leaning towards buying a Windows laptop because I have a BaseCamp library of hundreds of GPX files. Too much work transferring all those files and folders into something completely new and unfamiliar. I don’t think Garmin really understands how much many of us Riders rely on the GarminXT and BaseCamp.
I have a new BMW GTL that replaced the Garmin based GOS units with their BMW Motorrad smartphone App and navigation system. It doesn’t work anywhere near as good as a GarminXT and you still need to create GPX files and import them into your phone using a program like BaseCamp, MyRouteApp, etc. most of the other BMW Owners I know have given up on the BMW navigation App and bought a GarminXT. Personally, I think that when BMW cancelled their relationship with Garmin around 2019, they did Garmin a big favor. Most BMW Owners are so frustrated with their Motorrad navigation system they are buying GarminXT’s.
kevin

RE: Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

willcasp — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 20:18:06 GMT

This is on Garmin. OS's have to evolve. It is a security issue. If Garmin wants to support the Mac ecosystem, there is a heavy tax for that. Apple made it clear that Rosetta 2 was a temporary feature to buy developers time.

RE: Basecamp on a MacOS Virtual Machine

willcasp — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 20:15:35 GMT

I am painfully aware of this. I have not seen any sort of formal announcement from Garmin about Basecamp EOL. Only rumors from users who talked to various support staff. I am questioning using my current or future Garmin products if Garmin seems fit to treat its users this way. I am using the web app version of Explore. Seems to do better than some third party options, still has quirks.

RE: Basecamp on a MacOS Virtual Machine

TekRider — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 19:09:42 GMT

You’re out of luck than as Garmin doesn’t support Basecamp on ANY O/S. A little bit of reading and you’ll see that has been the case for many years.

RE: Basecamp on a MacOS Virtual Machine

willcasp — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 19:03:23 GMT

I am switching to Windows to run Basecamp, until Garmn abandons that too. I am not keeping unsupported operating systems around to run apps that the developing companies won't update. In this day of AI's and zero days, it is not safe to run unsupported operating systems.

RE: Basecamp on a MacOS Virtual Machine

3554491 — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:59:24 GMT

Thanks for sharing the VM testing details. The Monterey setup sounds like a useful workaround, especially if Basecamp 4.8.13 remains fully functional there despite the disabled 3D maps.

It’s interesting that the newer macOS VMs had choppy map redraws and stability issues. Testing Ventura or Sonoma next could help narrow down which version provides the best balance between compatibility and performance. Hopefully this helps other Mac users keep their existing Basecamp workflows running. I also find resources like myperfecthotel.com.br useful when planning trips around these kinds of tools and setups.

RE: The end is nigh for Basecamp Mac users

RussOnTheRoad — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 19:30:01 GMT

Not for long.

The end is nigh for Basecamp Mac users

FRED5279 — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:21:58 GMT

I opened Basecamp for Mac in my Macbook Air M1, and MacOS 26.4.1 pops up a warning that Basecamp will soon no longer function, with a link to this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102527?cid=mc-ols-rosetta-article_102527-macos_finder-52526201

RE: The end is nigh for Basecamp Mac users

daknudsen — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:47:25 GMT

Thank you, Gormur. I used your letter as a template for my own plea to Garmin. I can't imagine losing the thousands of routes and other data points that I have invested in Garmin's antiquated Intel software.

RE: The end is nigh for Basecamp Mac users

Gormur — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:59:29 GMT

I sent an Open Letter to Garmin

I have been a loyal Garmin customer since 2007 and have purchased five Garmin GPS devices over the years. I have always trusted Garmin's hardware, but I am increasingly disappointed by the lack of investment in professional desktop software for Apple Silicon Macs.

Apple's transition to Apple Silicon was announced years ago, yet BaseCamp remains an Intel application dependent on Rosetta. That is not a long-term solution.

Looking for alternatives, I discovered QMapShack and have also been introduced to the TwoNav ecosystem. It is disappointing that open-source developers and competitors seem to be moving forward while Garmin's desktop software appears to be standing still.

This issue affects more than individual users. Professional guides, tour operators, and expedition companies depend on desktop software to plan routes, manage waypoints, and prepare multiple GPS units before trips. In places like Iceland, where GPS navigation is a critical safety tool for travel in the highlands, reliable desktop software is an operational necessity—not a luxury.

I do not want to leave the Garmin ecosystem, but software is becoming the deciding factor. After nearly 20 years as a Garmin customer, I sincerely hope the company will invest in modern, native Apple Silicon software before more loyal customers are forced to look elsewhere.

I have also sent this feedback directly to Garmin management. If others here share these concerns, I encourage you to let Garmin know as well. The more customers speak up, the more likely it is that this issue will receive the attention it deserves.

RE: Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

TWZF8 — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:00:05 GMT

Sadly I have to agree, the number of devices bought over the years for the new features and its still the best navigation system imo - we have vehicles from Ford, Mercedes, and Jeep/Ram and sadly none of their GPS systems come close to the directions provided by Garmin navigation systems hence why we used them over the Google Maps based systems which contain numerous errors and don't adapt to the vehicle (RV). The number of automotive device choices is sadly declining with none providing the capability that I have now.

RE: Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

NorthernKai — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:46:27 GMT

we have two threads on this topic and they are both gaining traction and support from the community

lets keep it up and hopefully Garmin will make the right decision.

RE: Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

6920135 — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:37:17 GMT

I am so sad that Garmin has not decided to update BaseCamp to run on Apple Silicon. I agree with them that I wish Apple would continue to support Rosetta and let me keep running old software, but they also can continue to support their users. I have tried Explore and Connect and they are not a substitute. Without BaseCamp, I will not buy any more Garmin devices. I have been buying Garmin since before "Selective Availability" ended - before most people knew what GPS was. Can't even count the number of devices.

Perhaps Garmin hasn't thought about this fully? In the age of phones that can do everything their devices can do, what value do they add? People ask me that all the time when they see me toting around my GPS. BaseCamp is a big part of the answer - planning routes and then saving tracks and organizing all of that. I actually spend hours with all that. They are still charging very high prices for maps that are now available widely - haven't changed their business model. I suspect they are just in the "cash cow" phase and seeing how much they can milk it for as they fade into the sunset.

This reminds me of the choice Quicken made back in the early 2000s. They dropped Mac support in the days just before the iPhone was released - seemed to some like Apple was going away so why support it. I kept an old Mac running to keep using the old Quicken. Several years later Quicken realized their mistake and started making a Mac Version again. I tried it but it had lost much of its functionality and so today I am still running their 20 year old software on 20 year old hardware and Quicken gets no money from me. This seems likely to be the future for Garmin with me. If I adapt to life without them, I won't ever go back.

RE: Base Camp for Mac (support ending)

TWZF8 — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 12:55:06 GMT

Please GARMIN update Basecamp!! Phone based apps are just too small to read and to do any serious review of the routing, especially when looking at cross country trips, which is the majority of my efforts - minimum of 4 days, combination of interstate, us highways and local roads each trip. Sorry Garmin, I just can't see doing a 2000 to 4000 mile road trip on cell phone.

RE: The end is nigh for Basecamp Mac users

1936863 — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:21:47 GMT

Pelota Libre TV es una opción bastante usada por quienes quieren ver fútbol en vivo por internet. En el sitio suelen aparecer distintos canales deportivos con partidos en directo, tanto del fútbol argentino como de torneos internacionales.

RE: The end is nigh for Basecamp Mac users

8724201 — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 01:02:52 GMT

One free or almost free "plan B" option is to install VMWare (free) on your Mac. Then install Windows 11 (also free if not activated) on the VMWare installation. If desired, you can activate Windows 11 for less than $20. Regardless, you can then install the Windows version of all the necessary Garmin Utilities (BaseCamp, Express, etc.). I've tried it and it does work, so if Garmin refuses to update BaseCamp, this might buy a few more years.

Alternative to BaseCamp Mac for editing/creating GPX files for Tracks and Waypoints

gcerullo — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:32:16 GMT

I've noticed a few posts where people are asking for an alternative to BaseCamp Mac now that support for Apple Silicon doesn't seem to be forthcoming. The best I've found so far is the website GPX.Studio (https://gpx.studio).

I've been using it to create GPX files for biking and hiking routes that I can load on to my Garmin Oregon handheld (hiking) and Garmin Edge (biking).

For the Oregon I just export the GPX files from the gpx.studio app to the Mac file system and then copy them to the GPX folder on the Oregon using the macOS Finder.

For the Edge bike computer the exported GPX files are first uploaded to the Garmin Connect web site before being sent to the Edge.

The GPX.Studio app uses a few different basemap's including various versions of OpenStreetMap. It's very fast, unlike the dog that is BaseCamp, and fairly easy to use once you get a hang of it.

Hope this helps those of you looking for a BaseCamp alternative. Let me know if you have any alternatives that you found useful. I'm open to trying anything.