31 Best Campervan Accessories That Make Van Life Easier

Exploring new places by campervan is simply the best way to travel. I may be a bit biased, but I’m guessing if you are looking for the best campervan accessories then you might think so too!

While each trip (and traveller) is unique, there are some accessories for campervans that make every road trip better.

So if you are planning your next adventure and looking for the best motorhome accessories, you have come to the right place.

In this accessories for campervan guide we share some of the most useful camper van accessories that make life easier, more comfortable and in some cases more fun!

We’ve had plenty of time and experience to refine this list based on our campervan trips in Europe, Africa, America and Australia.

We’re confident that regardless of whether you are looking for campervan essentials, must have motorhome accessories, vanlife accessories or the best camper accessories, you will find some great options for your next adventure in this list.

Our Top 3 Best Campervan Accessories

If you don’t have time to read the entire campervan accessory guide, here are 3 of our top campervan essentials from the reviews below:

How to choose the best Accessories For Campervans

As you probably already know, there are endless campervan and motorhome accessories on the market.

And unless you are a campervan road trip veteran, it can be difficult to know which accessories and gadgets are actually useful and which are just a waste of space.

So to help you choose which campervan equipment is right for your van, consider the following factors.

Type of trip

If there is one thing that road tripping in cars and campers in Europe, Africa, America and Australia has taught us, it is that there is no single campervan packing list that is right for every kind of trip.

Long term trips or full time travel will be different to short weekend or weeks away, the destination will impact your requirements too.

So consider the type of trip you are planning to determine what gear is most needed:

• Are you mostly wild camping or staying in paid campgrounds?
• What time of year are you traveling? Winter van life essentials will differ to Summer ones.
• Will you be moving every few days or staying longer at each location?
• What continent are you traveling on? Europe motorhome trips have some unique accessory requirements not required in other places.

Read more: Guide to Europe by campervan

Who Are You Travelling With?

Your camper van must haves will be heavily influenced by your travelling party.

The essential campervan accessories for a couple, solo and family will differ, and may even change from trip to trip.

From the games you pack to the type of campervan cooking equipment you need, consider your travelling group when choosing the best motorhome accessories.

Type Of Van

While much campervan equipment is useful no matter what type of van you travel in, there are some unique needs determined by the size of your van.

We cover both motorhome accessories and smaller camper van accessories in this guide.

Obviously there is a lot less space in a VW campervan than a large motorhome, so consider your space and set up when choosing the best camper accessories for your trip.

Van Owners vs Van Renters

If you own your motorhome, you have complete flexibility to customise and personalise your van with the best motorhome equipment.

On the other hand if you are renting a van, we recommend you first ask the rental company for an van equipment list.

That way you can work out what you should buy in advance to make your trip more comfortable and ensure you don’t double up on anything.

Summary Of The Best Camper Van Accessories

All the best motorhome accessories in this guide are grouped into the following sections:

• Campervan and motorhome gadgets
• Must have campervan accessories
• Useful motorhome accessories
• Van accessories for camping
• Campervan kitchen accessories
• Security camper van accessories
• Campervan bedroom accessories
• Storage campervan essentials
• Cool and fun campervan accessories
• Motorhome accessories for pet owners

And if you can’t find what you are looking for, check out these campervan gift guides for more inspiration:

• Best gifts for motorhome owners
• The best road trip gifts for travel lovers
• Best travel gear for kids

Okay, so let’s get into it and help you find the best vanlife accessories for your next adventure.

Essential Motorhome Gadgets

1. Satellite Navigation

Satellite navigation is one of the most essential accessories for campervan road trips.

There are plenty on the market to choose from but we love the TomTom brand of satnav gadgets, particularly for Europe travel.

For those in larger motorhomes traveling in Europe, pay particular attention to whether the Sat nav allows you to tailor the trip based on your vehicle size and weight.

We know from (bad) experience that it is very easy to get caught on tiny lanes, steep hairpin turns and narrow village roads you shouldn’t be on in a large camper.

Also check the maps the device includes – some are specific to North America or Europe, others have world maps that are regularly updated.

A good satellite navigation gadget gives you peace of mind that you can get to your destination safely and quickly without having to rely on mobile reception and your mobile phone battery.

>> Click here to check the price and read reviews on Amazon

2. Power Inverter

Power inverters are absolutely essential travel accessories in the modern age of travel.

Laptops, mobile phones, headphones, tablets, mobile speakers, camera batteries and e-bikes all need charging and the Bestek 500w inverter is the best campervan gadget for the job.

Depending on where you are from, you will need to buy either the 12V to 240V (Europe and Australia) or the 12V to 110V (North America) version, both linked above.

>> Click here to check Amazon for the price and read the reviews

3. Reversing Camera

Reversing and parking a large motorhome can be fraught with danger and anxiety. Even small long vans can be tricky to reverse safely in busy campgrounds.

Which is why a reversing camera is a great investment and one of the best gadgets for campervans.

And best of all, this one is wireless and solar powered, so there is no need for expensive professional installation. Perfect for campervan owners and renters alike!

The Auto-Vox reversing kit presents high definition images, even in low light. It is quick and easy to install and can be switched between vans easily.

The parking lines displayed on the monitor are adjustable and it comes with a 12V car charger for those cloudy days when the solar doesn’t charge it up.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

4. Foldable Solar Panels

One of the best van life accessories for complete freedom to travel and stop where you please are portable compact solar panels.

We connect these panels up to our camper leisure battery to recharge it through the day. It is also compatible with portable power stations to store the solar power power too – in fact they come with 10 connectors for different power charging options.

Folded down they are just 42 x 36 x 5 cms (16.5 x 14.3 x 1.9 inches) so they are easily stored away when not in use. Plus the angled legs mean you can adjust the panels to maximise the charge.

Tip: Campervan electrics can be complicated, so do your research on what your van requirements before purchasing.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

Must Have Campervan Accessories

5. Van Travel Kit

For road trips to Continental Europe, a European safety travel kit is a legal requirement in all vehicles.

So if you are planning a European motorhome trip, safety kits are campervan must haves.

For campervan renters, a safety kit will most likely be provided by the rental company, but if you are purchasing a van, check whether it is included.

This one includes all the safety essentials plus a small first aid kit too.

Also note that if your van is registered in the UK, check whether the pack includes a UK sticker (not GB) as this has recently changed.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

6. Tiered Levelling Blocks

Regardless of whether you plan to wild camp or stay in campgrounds, a pair of levelling ramps are camper and motorhome essentials.

No more looking for perfectly flat campsites to set up, the levelling ramps make it easy to level your camper in just a few seconds.

On our 5 month Europe campervan trip we used levelling ramps a lot.

We love these Thule ramps as they have three tiers for easy use and a maximum height of 112mm (4.5 inches).

They are super sturdy and the included carry bag means you keep the mud and dirt out of your van.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

7. Quick Dry Travel Towels

We travel with microfibre towels on every trip and wouldn’t consider taking anything else, so of course they are essential camper van supplies.

Quick drying, compact and super absorbent, they are a much better alternative to regular bath and beach towels for travel.

These ones by Fit-Flip are perfect for your next trip. They come in a huge range of sizes and colours to suit everyone and the press stud tab makes it easy to hang to dry anywhere.

>> Click here to check Amazon for the price and read the reviews

8. Dustpan And Broom

While larger vans may have room to store a handheld vacuum or large broom, every van should have a compact dustpan and broom on board.

You might be surprised how much dirt, sand and grass comes inside the van – particularly if you travel with kids or pets!

A dustpan is perfect for keeping floors clean (especially good for sweeping up sand) and it takes up next to no space.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

9. Van Privacy Blinds and Thermal Screens

Privacy blinds and thermal screens are a great addition for small and large vans.

Not only do they provide better privacy, they create a darker space for a better night sleep and offer thermal benefits to keep the cold and heat out.

While some larger motorhomes have integrated screens, many older vans do not – so it is worth looking for screens to fit your particular van.

These ones by Fuel Lagoon are perfect for Transporter vans. They are tailored specifically for your vehicle and are ideal for stealth camping.

>> Click here to check the price and read the Amazon reviews

10. Dirt Trapper Door Mat

Another useful tool to keep your motorhome or camper clean is a good quality door mat.

These are great to put in the entry to prevent sand, dirt and moisture being tracked into your van.

Coming in a range of colours and sizes, these dirt trapper mats are heavy duty, machine washable and have a non-slip base to keep them in place.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

Useful Motorhome Accessories

11. Telescopic Ladder

A telescopic ladder is one of the best pieces of camper van equipment – for both small vans and larger campers.

Compact yet tall when fully extended it has a multitude of uses to make van life easier.

They are great for performing maintenance on your van, accessing the roof safely, to access roof top tents and even handy to reach high beds inside motorhomes and Transporters.

This one contracts down to just 88cms (34.6 inches) in length and 69cm in width. It has 13 steps with separate locks on most rungs so it doesn’t need to be fully extended to use.

A ladder has so many uses and we think it is one of the best van camping accessories.

>> Click here to check the price and reviews on Amazon

12. Collapsible Buckets

I love anything collapsible when storage space is tight, and these collapsible buckets are one of the top must have items for vanlife.

The plastic rim keeps them sturdy and the dual handles make them really easy to carry when full of water.

There are just so many uses for these buckets. They are perfect for:

• Carrying dishes to the camp kitchen
• Washing the dishes
• Doing the laundry
• Collecting firewood
• As an ice bucket for drinks when entertaining

The buckets measure 38 x 28 x 14.75 cms (15.2 x 11.2 x 5.9 in) and measure 5cm (2 inches) thick when collapsed.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

13. Portable LED Light

Whilst all vans come with internal lighting, many don’t have good external lighting.

Which is why a good quality portable light is one of our must have campervan accessories.

Perfect to use at your camp table outside in the evenings, they are also great to take hiking, for short overnight camping trips and to use down by the river or beach.

We love this one by Eventek as not only is it super bright and USB rechargeable, it acts as a power bank too so you can charge your phone at the same time.

It will last for up to 144 hours with normal use before charging, and has adjustable brightness and a hook for hanging.

>> Click here to check Amazon for the price and read the reviews

14. Mini Portable Fan

Anyone who has travelled in a camper van in the peak of Summer without air conditioning will know why a mini fan is a really useful motorhome accessory.

We suffered through 35 degree days in Croatia before buying a fan for our camper and it made such a huge difference!

This one is USB rechargeable so you don’t need to have then van connected to mains power for it to work.

The small clamp makes it easy to move around the van where you need it and it can last up to 24 hours when run on low.

It measures just 20 x 24.5 x 13.25 cms (8 x 9.8 x 5.3 inches) so if you can find space for it, we highly recommend one for Summer road trips.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

Van Accessories For Camping

15. Lifesaver Jerrycan

We have traveled to many places where the water is not safe to drink. And when we backpack, the Grayl water filter bottle is what we use to filter drinking water.

But in the camper, the Lifesaver Jerrycan is a much better option, particularly for van camping off the grid.

Plus even when the water is safe to drink, many campervan water tanks (particularly rentals) seem to make the water taste pretty bad.

So we use a water filter to make safe drinking water taste better too!

The activated carbon filter in the Lifesaver jerrycan removes 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and parasites from the water supply to provide clean and safe drinking water.

The can stores 18.5L of water at a time and has a total filter capacity of 20,000 litres. To access the water simply pump straight into your bottle.

For off grid campers, this is one of the best pieces of van camping equipment.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

16. Scrubba Wash Bag

We own and love the compact Scrubba wash bag.

The cost of using campground washing machines can really start to add up.

So if you are trying to travel on a budget, the Scrubba means you can do the day to day washing for no cost.

Weighing just 145g and folding up into a tiny bag, it is a really convenient, affordable and mess free way to wash clothes when road tripping.

The Scrubba has a roll down and clip closure to contain the water and an internal washboard to agitate the clothes inside to remove dirt more effectively than in a bucket.

Officially it can fit 2 shirts, 2 pairs of socks and 2 panties at a time, but we have washed more than that in ours at one time.

It also doubles up as a drybag for paddling trips out on the lake or river.

Australian readers can see it here.

>> Otherwise click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

17. Portable Outdoor Shower

Portable outdoor showers may not be considered van essentials, but if you want to free camp as much as possible, they make showering free and easy.

With USB rechargeable batteries, this one can pump 4 litres per minute and comes with an extra high pressure sprayer to use for cleaning your van, pet or sporting equipment.

Water is pumped from your bucket for a smooth and steady flow and the hook and suction cup options mean you can enjoy your shower hands free.

>> Click here to check the Amazon price and read the reviews

18. Driveaway Awning

If you love to road trip in your Transporter or small van, but just need a little extra space, a driveaway awning is one of the best camper accessories.

There are plenty of driveaway awnings to choose from, but those by Vango are highly rated for their quality and features.

The internal door is adjustable to fit your van and the clear windows ensure inside is nice and bright.

The Vango TBS system adds stability by reducing pole flex in high winds and and the sewn in groundsheet makes it fully functional to store your camping gear out of the weather.

>> Click here to check the price and read the Amazon reviews

Accessories For Campervan Kitchens

19. Stackable Saucepan Set

For easy campervan cooking, a set of good quality saucepans that don’t take up too much precious space is essential.

We own and love this sturdy stackable saucepan set by Stansport and highly rate it for form and function.

The set includes 4 different sized pots, a 25cm frypan, universal lid and detachable handle. All the pots and handles nest inside each other, so the total space required is 25cm in width.

They are made of high quality 18/10 stainless steel and have 2mm aluminium clad bottom for even heating.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

20. One Touch Multi Cooker

Many camper vans and motorhomes have just a gas cooktop in the kitchen, which limits your meal options quite a lot.

So for long motorhome trips when you plan to have access to mains power, this one touch multi cooker is simply one of the best campervan cooking accessories.

Particularly great if you are traveling with kids and need to get food ready quickly or in advance, it has 11 one touch cooking functions including a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker and steamer to name a few.

It may seem excessive, but if you have room and want to cook a wide range of meals in your van, it really is a great addition to your motorhome kitchen accessories.

>>

21. Moka Pot Coffee Maker

For the coffee lovers there are so many camper coffee options these days.

From the aeropress to low voltage coffee makers and hand held espresso makers, you really are spoilt for choice.

However my favourite campervan coffee maker is the moka pot – it is what we have packed in our van.

It runs on the gas cooktop and produces a strong espresso coffee in just a few minutes.

The compact size and durable aluminium construction mean you don’t need to worry about it breaking or taking up too much space either.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

Security Accessories For Campervans

22. Steering Wheel Lock

Theft of and from campervans is always a risk when leaving your van in unfamiliar cities and towns.

But it feels a little less risky with a steering wheel lock in place.

Not only is it a visual deterrent to would-be thieves, this one by Stoplock is attack tested and comes with a 10 year guarantee.

There are different sizes, so check the dimensions to suit your van before purchasing.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

23. Pacsafe Travel Safe

One of the best security accessories for vans, this compact travel safe is what we use when we travel to keep our valuables safe.

Perfect for large and small vans, it removes the need to install a permanent safe.

With stainless steel mesh wire embedded in the fabric it is cut resistant and is locked with a steel cord and lock. When not in use it stores flat.

The anti theft bags come in a range of sizes from 5L to 15L.

We have the 12L bag and it can comfortably fit a laptop, tablet, digital camera, phones, wallets and passports and more.

The best option is to lock it around a permanent fixture in the van when you are out and about, with your valuables locked safe inside.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews at Amazon

Read more: Best anti theft backpacks for travel

Campervan Bedroom Accessories

24. Mattress Topper

Unfortunately many camper mattresses are not that comfortable, even when new.

One of the first things we purchased when we bought our camper was a mattress topper and it has made a big difference to the quality of our sleep in the van.

The high density egg crate design is more breathable than standard memory foam toppers and it comes in a washable cover.

For long motorhome trips, a mattress topper is one of the best campervan interior accessories for a good night sleep.

>> Click here to check the price and read the Amazon reviews

Campervan Storage Accessories

25. Hanging Storage Organiser

Storage is always highly sought after in camper vans and motorhomes so handy storage accessories are always a good investment.

This over door hanging shoe storage is a great option for motorhomes to keep shoes out of the way and organised.

But it can also be used in smaller camper vans as a hanging storage for small items like glasses, phones, kindles, sunscreen and keys.

Most hanging shoe organisers are quite long but they can be easily modified to fit shorter spaces with clips or by cutting bottom sections off.

We use one of these in our camper trailer and it is perfect for keeping all those small items together in one place.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews at Amazon

26. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are more than a useful motorhome accessory, they are must have camper accessories.

Particularly in small vans, packing cubes are one of the best ways to keep clothes and other small items organised and easy to find.

And unless you have the largest of motorhomes, clothes storage is always limited, particularly when campervanning with kids.

Packing cubes mean you don’t need wardrobes or drawers, you can pop the cubes in a box, under a seat or in an overhead cupboard. Assign each person a different colour to make it even easier.

We would be lost without packing cubes and highly recommend them for travel by camper.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews at Amazon

27. Non Slip Drawer Matting

One of my biggest annoyances when traveling by camper is the rattles that come from every drawer and cupboard.

This non slip drawer matting is a good cheap way to reduce the rattles and stop things sliding around your drawers when driving.

Perfect for your cutlery drawer, it is also great in cupboards with cups and saucepans.

You can also pop it under door mats, storages boxes, bath mats or on your dash to stop things sliding around.

>> Click here to check the price and read the Amazon reviews

Cool Campervan Accessories

28. Portable Firepit

There is nothing quite like an open fire when you are camping but open fires are often not permitted.

However this raised portable fire pit makes it possible as it is raised off the ground and contained to keep it safe.

Made from stainless steel, the sections slot together to create an off ground firepit with optional bbq grill for cooking.

It stores flat and when disassembled measures just 32 x 26 x 1.9 cm (12.6 x 10.2 x 7.5 inches).

I have been eyeing a mobile fire pit off for a while now and this one is at the top of my list to buy. It is certainly one of the more unique motorhome accessories on our list.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews at Amazon

29. Inflatable Lounge

If you are looking for fun camper accessories you can’t go past an inflatable lounge.

I love hammocks, but they are often not permitted in campgrounds and sometimes there just isn’t the space or trees to attach it to.

So an inflatable lounge is the next best thing!

Super easy to inflate with no pump required, they are perfect for lounging about camp, taking to the beach or even floating on in the pool.

They come in a range of sizes and pack down small to store away.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

30. Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are definitely not essential, but they are fun campervan accessories that can completely transform the mood of your van and make it feel super homely.

There are loads to choose from online, but I like these ones as are they are USB rechargeable, waterproof for outside use, have a remote and timer and are not too long at 5 metres (16.5FT) long.

>> Click here to check the Amazon price and read the reviews

Motorhome Accessories For Pet Owners

31. Stake and Traveling Leash

If you are travelling with your pup it is essential to ensure they can be contained at busy campsites to keep them and others safe.

This stake with lock by Intellileash is a great option. It offers superior strength for pups determined to escape and is made from 10mm steel.

When combined with a tie out cable you can give your pup some freedom to move about whilst still ensuring they can’t travel too far away from your campsite.

>> Click here to check the price and read the reviews on Amazon

More Campervan Travel Guides

So that concludes our bumper accessory guide for campervan and motorhome must haves. Take a look at these guides for more travel accessory ideas:

• Best gifts for motorhome owners
• The best road trip gifts for travel lovers
• Best travel gear for kids
• Top tips for campervan travel with kids

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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