Top Campervan Accessories | Gadgets for Easy & Memorable Trips

Starting with campervan accessories can really turn camping into an amazing adventure.

Speaking from experience, I’ve converted my van and lived out of it, traveling around Argentina for 5 months. This journey taught me a ton about what you need to make your camp life better and easier.

So, if you’re new to this, just finished up your van conversion, or you’re on the lookout for tips to level up your camping game, you’re in the right spot. I’m here to share with you the essential accessories that are game-changers for living and traveling in a van.

Whether it’s your first trip or you’re already a camping enthusiast, the tips and picks in this post are going to make your outdoor experiences a lot more enjoyable.

Let’s get into it and help you find the best campervan accessories for your adventures.

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What Are the Most Important Accessories for a Campervan?

Camping Table

What you really want when living out your perfect van life, is the ability to enjoy nature as much as possible.

A camping table is a great way to have a place to eat or work while camping. Camping tables come in different sizes, so choose one that will fit your campervan.

Look for something that is light in weight, easy to set up, and doesn’t take up too much space when stored away.

Camping Chairs

I’m sure this is no surprise after the point above.

Living on the road is always more fun and convenient with the right campervan gadgets. Camping chairs are a great way to relax at your campsite and are a must to have on the road.

You can use them around the campfire, or just to sit and enjoy the view.

Pick camping chairs that are comfortable and durable. You want to be able to use them for years to come!

Campervan Kitchen Stove

If you’re planning on doing any cooking while camping, a campervan kitchen stove is a must-have accessory.

A campervan kitchen stove is small and compact, so it doesn’t take up much space. This is especially great for small vans.

It’s also easy to use, so you can cook your meals with ease both inside and outside. Finally, they are portable if you wish to cook while on a hike or camp somewhere in a tent away from your campervan.

Water Kettle

Get a cute and lightweight water boiler, or camping kettle, to use with your camping stove or over an open fire.

Camping is nothing without warming drinks to go with cozy nights and mornings. A well-covered boiler will also be your best friend for boiling water fast and use for cooking.

Not only do you have to wait for less, but it will also save you from using up all your gas for your stove super quickly.

Portable Solar Panels

If you’re looking for a way to power your campervan without using a generator, portable solar panels are the way to go.

Solar panels are an environmentally friendly option that will help you save money on your camping trips. They can be used to power lights, charge electronics, refrigerators, and other small appliances in your campervan.

Simply place the solar panels outside facing the sunlight and plug whatever you need into the generator that comes with the kit.

Heck, you can even plug in a wifi device and work remotely on the road right out in nature.

Carbon Dioxide Alarm

Safety should always come first and one of the most important van camping accessories to buy for your campervan is a carbon monoxide alarm.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. A carbon monoxide alarm will alert you if there are high levels of carbon monoxide in your campervan and keep you safe during your travel.

These alarms are easy to plug into any power plug and don’t take up hardly any space.

First Aid Kit

In terms of campervan accessories, always give extra thought to safety. You should always have a first aid kit with you when you travel, and this is especially true when you’re camping.

A first aid kit will come in handy if you get injured while camping. Be sure to include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and anything else you might need in your first aid kit.

Leveling Blocks

If you’re going to be camping in an area with uneven ground, leveling blocks are a must-have accessory.

Leveling blocks help to level out your campervan so that it’s stable and comfortable. You want to be able to always sleep straight and never be afraid of your campervan tipping over in the middle of the night!

Portable Camping Toilet

Another important van accessory to buy is a portable toilet.

When you’re camping, there are often no bathrooms nearby and you want to have your human needs covered. A portable toilet allows you to go to the bathroom without having to leave your campsite.

Portable toilets come in different sizes and styles, so choose one that will fit your campervan and meet your needs.

Camping Shower

A camping shower is another great way to stay clean while camping. You can use it to take a shower, wash your dishes, or even rinse off your camping gear.

Shower anywhere by filling it up with water and hanging it from the back of your van, a tree, or anywhere else fit.

Select a good-quality camping shower that is durable and easy to use.

Water Pump

To have a water system in your campervan you need a water pump while camping. You can use it to fill up your water tank or simply to have a supply of fresh water for cooking and cleaning.

Be sure to get a good quality water pump that is durable and easy to use.

Water Purifier

A water purifier is a great way to make sure you always have clean drinking water. Depending on where you travel to, you might not always have purified water available to you.

The last thing you want on your travels is to get sick, and making sure you only drink clean water is a great way to prevent this.

You can use your water purifier to fill up your water tank, fill up your water bottle, or simply have a supply of fresh water for cooking and cleaning.

Portable Fan

A portable fan is a great way to keep cool while camping. If you don’t have air conditioning in your campervan, a fan will help to circulate the air and keep you cool.

Get one that is battery or solar-driven.

Portable Electrical Heater

An electrical heater is awesome for cold locations or high altitudes.

This accessory saved my life when camping in Patagonia!

They are genius since you plug them straight into a plug and they heat the space quickly.

Know that you’ll probably have to stay at a campground or somewhere with stable electricity since heaters use a lot of power.

Fairy Lights

In terms of van life essentials, you won’t find anything more important than fairy lights.

When you think of nights in your campervan you are probably seeing beautiful Pinterest pins and dreamy nights.

Fairy lights are a great way to make your space feel warm and inviting. They are invaluable for creating a perfect atmosphere and are handy since you can place them wherever you want.

If you plan to use them outside get some that are both durable and possibly waterproof.

Camping Blankets

Blankets are a must-have for any campervan, and preferably even camping style. T

hey will keep you warm at night and can be used as a makeshift bed during the day. Get blankets that are durable and easy to clean.

You want to be able to use them for years to come!

Camping Pillows

Pillows are another essential for any campervan. They will help you sleep comfortably at night and can be used during the day for lounging.

Pick ones that you’re not afraid to get dirty or use outside. The great part about living the van life is the ability to go and enjoy nature at all times.

Get pillows, covers, and blankets that you can take outside to create a wonderful lounge or perfect sunset set-up.

Hammock

Hammocks are a great way to relax while camping. They are also a great way to take in the scenery and enjoy the outdoors.

A hammock creates the ultimate camping vibe and relaxing setup that you dream of when living on the road. A road trip is great but a road trip with a hammock is even greater.

Drying Camping Clothing Rack

A drying rack, or clothing line, is a great way to dry your clothes while camping.

If you are planning on doing any laundry while on the road, a drying rack is essential. Get one that is easy to set up and take down, as well as durable.

You want to be able to use it for a long time without it rotting or your clothes constantly falling down on the ground.

Dish Drying Rack

A dish drying rack is a great way to dry your dishes while camping. If you are planning on doing any cooking while on the road, a dish-drying rack is essential.

Get a light plastic version that is easy to dry and store in some storage cupboard in your campervan.

Tent

A tent is a great way to have some privacy while camping or staying somewhere remote. Also, if you are planning on camping with friends or family, a large tent is essential.

A tent provides perfect shelter if you wish to lose yourself in the wilderness for one or more nights.

Make sure to get a good quality one that will keep you both warm and dry!

Car Satelite GPS

A car satellite GPS is a great way to stay on track while camping.

A car satellite GPS will help you find your way if you get lost, as well as help you avoid getting lost in the first place!

Get a good quality one that has a strong signal so you will find your way around e everywhere you go.

Do some research on each item to make sure you are getting the perfect accessory for your needs.

Air Compressor

Bring a portable air compressor with you on your camping trip.

Though you might not think it, this might be the most important thing of all the accessories for your campervan. An air compressor will allow you to take the air out and fill the air back into your tires.

This means you can go off-road and get yourself out in case you get stuck.

Want to go to the beach with your campervan? Take some air out of your tires and you are covered!

Not only can you have greater experiences with your campervan with an air compressor, but it will possibly also save you some money since you won’t need to call anyone to pull you out of the sand or mud.

Trust me, I used my air compressor several times a week when I lived in my van!

Campervan Insurance

Make sure you have the right converted van insurance or camper van insurance when you travel around with your campervan on top of your travel insurance.

Having proper insurance is extremely important since you want your amazing home on wheels to be covered.

Finding insurance that covers you properly is a challenge. Spend some good time researching and reading the fine print!

What Is Van Life?

Van life has become a popular term on the internet but what is it exactly?

In short, van life is the act of living in or traveling with a van. This can be either a converted van or an RV.

People who choose this lifestyle usually do so for one or more of the following reasons:

• To save money on accommodation
• Because they wish to have the freedom
• To live a simpler life with less stuff
• To be closer to nature

Whatever your reason might be, van life is a great way to do all of the points above.

How to Start Van Life

The best way to start your van life journey is by doing your research. There are many helpful websites, YouTube channels, and books that can help you get started.

Once you have an idea of what you need, it’s time to start looking for your dream van. This can be done either by buying one or converting one yourself.

If you decide to buy a van, make sure to do your research to find the best deal. Many great websites and forums can help you with this.

If you decide to convert a van, there are also many great resources available to help you with this process. YouTube channels such as Van Conversion 101 and Exploring Alternatives are a great place to start.

Make your design and make a budget to try to predict how much it will cost you to convert your van.

After that, it’s as simple as heading off on your trip. We started by doing a road trip in Argentina, your adventure could look completely different.

Van Life With and Without Campervan Accessories

Once you have your van, it’s time to hit the road! But before you do, there are a few things you should know about living in a van.

The most important thing is to be prepared for anything. This means having a plan for where you are going to sleep, what you are going to eat, and how you are going to stay clean.

Sleeping in a van can be done in a few different ways. The most popular and easiest is to sleep in a sleeping bag on the floor of the van.

However, if you want more comfort, you can also look into camping mattresses or even convert your van into a campervan with a bed and other amenities.

When it comes to food, there are many great options available. You can either cook your own meals or buy ready-made meals that just need to be heated up. If you decide to cook your own meals, make sure to bring along all the necessary cooking equipment.

Finally, staying clean while living in a van can be a challenge. Many great portable showers and toilets can make this process much easier.

The number of accessories you have for your campervan sort of determines your limitations on luxury, convenience, and comfort. Think about the kind of camping trip you would like to have a pick from this list of accessories to cover your needs.

Bear in mind that you’ll need different stuff depending on where you go.

Camping in New Zealand requires different needs compared to camping in Spain. Use your common sense and try to think about the weather and different activities you might get into.

Make sure you get everything you need before hitting the road as shopping options might be limited later. With these accessories, you’ll have a great time camping and make some amazing memories!

Conclusion

And that’s it for the best campervan accessories!

You don’t need to spend a fortune on camping gear when camping in your van. However, there are a few essentials that you want to bring along with you to be safe, warm, and clean.

On top of that, you might want to bring some stuff for camping games to have more fun and not get bored.

With the list of great campervan accessories above you should be covered in terms of the most common camping situations and needs.

For more info related to camping equipment, read my guide on camping accessories for vans. There I deep dive into camping gear.

All the best

//Josephine