Campervan accessories - 59 motorhome must haves
In this must-have campervan accessories guide, you’ll find a list of items that are essential for a fun, comfortable and safe journey in your motorhome or van conversion.
We’ve got a comprehensive list of 59 essential items for your campervan kitchen, bathroom, storage, security and day-to-day living needs.
Bookings: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a booking, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank You!
Campervan accessories for the road
The following accessories for campervans made driving and day-to-day touring around so much easier.
1. Levelling blocks
Levelling blocks might not come to mind immediately when thinking of campervan accessories, but they are an important part of any campervan accessories kit. A leaning van is not very comfortable to cook, relax and sleep in - trust us on that!
Wild camping and even some campsites aren't always pitch-perfect. Having just two basic levelling blocks helps a lot with levelling up your home on wheels.
2. European safety driving kit
Planning to travel around Europe in a van? You'll need a European Safety Kit to be compliant on EU roads.
The kit includes a set of headlamp beam deflector stickers (for UK vehicles only). I'd recommend upgrading to a set of magnetic GB stickers that are easier to remove after your trip.
If you get stopped by police during their random checks, you might be asked to show the safety kit. For some countries, you may also need an extra warning triangle.
3. Reversing camera
Reversing a large campervan is no easy job even for an experienced driver and backing into things is never fun! Fitting a reversing camera is a must for an easier life on the road in any size campervan or motorhome.
It takes a bit of technical knowledge to install it and if you aren't confident with electrical gadgets, you should get a motor electrician to install it for you. Or, go for a wireless version to avoid running any cables.
4. Thermal insulation blinds
One of the biggest regrets we had when first travelling in a campervan was not having some internal thermal insulation blinds on the front windows.
Now we have the blinds and use them almost every day. Not only are they great for regulating the temperature but also give you more privacy. We can now sit on the swivel front seat with lights on, read a book or work on a laptop without attracting any attention.
Quick tip: These blinds come in different sizes so check your make and model before ordering!
Van camping accessories
Vanlife is all about engaging with the great outdoors as much as possible. There's nothing quite like an evening spent underneath the stars or having a morning brew with a view. Here are a few van camping accessories to help you make the most of your natural surroundings.
5. Outdoor camping chairs and table
No campervan accessories list is complete without some outdoor chairs and a table to enjoy those long summer evenings.
There are options to suit all budgets, from basic camping stools to some luxury camping chairs.
Well-priced camping furniture can also usually be found at a local outdoor outlet store. We snagged 2 chairs for just £20 on sale in a store.
Add in an adjustable height camping table for some flexibility in your camping setup.
6. USB rechargeable LED torch
It can get pitch black pretty quickly if you're camping in the wild or even on a campsite. Having a LED torch you can grab easily makes all the difference.
I'd go for one you can easily recharge from your USB sockets so you never have to worry about batteries.
7. Collapsable solar lantern
If you want to sit outside after sunset then a collapsable solar lantern can easily provide some gentle light. You can leave it folded up on your dashboard to charge in the daytime so there's no extra drain on your leisure batteries either.
8. Portable fire pit
Sitting around a cosy campfire late into the evening with a drink or two in hand is just one of the many joys of van life.
Having a portable fire pit is a great way to do this safely without scorching your surroundings. Plus, this one can fold down when not in use so won't take up much space in your van.
9. Camping shovel
A camping shovel isn't maybe the first thing you think of as an essential camper van accessory but it's surprisingly handy. It's ideal for burying your business in the woods, digging your tires out of a rut and many other things besides.
10. Camping knife
A sturdy camping knife can come in really handy, if you want to cut some small bits of wood to make a campfire, for example.
11. Smidge insect repellent
Midges, the tiny pesky critters are a real problem when touring Scotland in your campervan. They all reside in the most beautiful spots of the country but are not dangerous, just very annoying.
If you are planning to do the epic North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland, arm yourself with some Smidge insect repellent. It's really effective and works well with other insects too.
Kristina
Motorhome kitchen essentials
Having a kitchen or galley stocked with useful campervan accessories can help you whip up some fantastic meals in no time at all. All of the following bits and bobs have helped us to prepare some cracking meals whilst saving on eating out.
12. Campervan kettle
Being able to make a quick brew completes the campervan experience so a kettle is an essential bit of kitchen kit. If you have a gas hob in your van then these traditional whistling kettles come in a lovely range of colours.
If you don't have a gas hob then you could try a 12v electric kettle that plugs into the van's cigarette lighter for a convenient cup of chi.
13. Essential coffee kit
Coffee and campervans are made for each other. Few things can beat that gorgeous coffee smell first thing in the morning.
To make things easy in a camper, get a sturdy French press or an Italian coffee maker. Check if the coffee maker isn't too small for your gas burner. In this case, you might need to go a size up or get the gas ring reducer.
14. Bamboo plates and bowls
Forget plastic plates, bowls and mugs. They are tacky and food tastes bad eating from them. Get a bamboo dinner set instead!
They look classy, come in nice colours and designs and look like real crockery, but don't break and are much lighter. Plus, they are biodegradable.
15. Bamboo travel mugs
These are some of our favourite items in our van conversion. Before hitting the road, fill them up with tea and coffee to save your pennies on takeaway drinks. Plus, bamboo travel mugs make a great present for the van lifers (just saying 😉).
16. Proper cutlery
Not everything in your campervan has to be a special 'motorhome' version of the actual thing. Packing regular cutlery like this lightweight 16 piece set can make your van feel more like a true home. So, ditch the plastic camping knives and folks!
17. Stacking saucepan set
This neat set of 3 saucepans that have a detachable handle, allowing them to stack inside each other. Ideal for saving on space in your campervan kitchen cupboards.
18. Ridge monkey grill
A true must-have for your campervan kitchen, a Ridgemonkey grill will let you whip up an amazing toasted sandwich or even cook a pizza on your gas hob. This compact version has detachable handles and a neat storage bag, so it won't take up much kitchen cupboard space.
19. Flexible chopping board
Forget heavy wooden chopping boards, grab a lightweight flexible chopping board. They make it easy to slide your ingredients where you want them and can bend around other stowed items.
20. Collapsible Containers
You won't know you need them until you buy them! These space savers will be an amazing addition to your campervan accessories collection.
The best thing about these collapsible containers is that they don't take up much space in a drawer/cupboard when not in use. If you don't fill them up with food leftovers fully, you can squish the container to save space in the fridge. A top item for any campervan kitchen.
21. Collapsible colander
Just like the collapsible containers, the collapsible colander is a useful item for your van life. Of course, you can get a regular one, but when you have limited kitchen space, this collapsible item is the best.
22. Collapsible washing-up bowl
A funky collapsible washing-up bowl is another super useful campervan accessory. Apart from washing up, it's also handy for carrying your dishes to the washing-up room at a campsite.
23-26. Sturdy kitchen tools
Okay, this is not a revelation, but it's important to invest in sturdy tools to help you create some great food on the go. It's worth paying once for some better kitchen kit than having it break in the middle of nowhere!
23. 🥔 Hands down, the best peeler we've ever owned: Buy Now
24. 🧀 Our recommendation for the greatest greater: Buy Now
25. ✂️ Quality kitchen scissors to cut through anything: Buy Now
26. 🍷 Don't forget a solid bottle opener for evening drinks: Buy Now
27. Camp stove toast maker
If you don't have a grill in your van but still want to enjoy some toast whenever you fancy it, grab one of these clever campervan kitchen accessories.
Plonk this fold-up toast maker on your gas hob or camping stove to toast your bread to perfection.
Accessories for a tidy vanhold
Keeping your campervan clean and tidy makes it much nicer to be in. No one likes doing chores but these essential campervan accessories will help you banish the dirt and dust in no time.
28. Telescopic ladder
If you've got solar panels, vents or antennas on your van's roof then you might need to access them at any time. That's where this nifty telescopic ladder comes in handy. It folds down to a 90cm x 90cm flat square but can extend up to nearly 4m high when needed.
29. Campervan rechargeable vacuum cleaner
This campervan accessory truly sucks! Getting a rechargeable vacuum cleaner is a great way to keep those tricky-to-reach places dirt-free in a few seconds. It can be topped up via a USB socket running off your 12v power system.
30. Dustpan and brush
When your vacuum battery gives up and you want to get the crumbs out of the campervan, a mini dustpan brush comes in very handy.
It's also good for quickly brushing out all the stones and dirt from the front of the van after a muddy hike.
31. Campervan dustbin
Keep your rubbish well out of site with this handy mini dustbin that can be mounted on the back of a kitchen cupboard door. Using two is an easy way to keep any food waste or recycling separate from your main rubbish.
32. Kärcher window vac
Moisture building up on the inside of your windows can be a right pain and can cause issues in the long term. Using a Kärcher window vac is an easy way to remove any condensation buildup without smearing the glass with a random cloth.
33. Doormat
A lovely-looking doormat is a great way to keep dirt and grit from outside at bay. You can make a statement at the same time with a campervan-themed design!
34. Dehumidifier bags
If your camper has been unused or in storage for a while moisture and dampness can quickly become a complete pain.
Using these reusable Ganvol dehumidifier bags is a simple way to suck any moisture and bad smells out of your camper cupboards and drawers before you use them. They can also be left on the dash overnight to help reduce condensation build-up in the cab.
35. Fly screen and magnets
It's lovely to sit in your van with the doors wide open in good weather but it is also inevitable that you'll be joined by a range of bugs. Not good.
Our solution to keep them out is to use this extra wide fly screen across the back doors and attach it using some extra strong magnets. The screen has an opening down the centre that stays closed with magnets so that you can still get in and out of the van.
Campervan storage accessories
Space really is a premium in any campervan or van conversion. Here are some nifty storage ideas to help you keep your camper clutter-free and make the most of every spare inch of storage.
36. Storage net pockets
When space is at a premium, these storage net pockets give you an ideal spot to keep a book, Kindle, glasses, phone or anything else you need easy access to. They attached easily to any flat surface using 5 small screws (not included).
37. Laundry bag
Keep your dirty, smelly clothes stowed away neatly with this quirky laundry bag with a campervan design. It can fold away when you're not using it and makes it easy to carry your washing to the nearest washing machine.
38. Non-slip mats
To stop stuff sliding around in draws, cupboards and shelves when you are on the road, grab a roll of non-slip matting. It can be cut up to fit any space and makes a grippy surface which also helps to deaden sounds for a double win.
39. Fabric storage boxes
Keep your small items under control with these 14cm x 14cm fabric storage boxes.
Being made from fabric, they stop stuff from rubbing or clattering around in cupboards and draws. Plus, they can be folded down for easy storage if you're not using them.
40. Non-slip hangers
Even if you don't have any dedicated wardrobe space in your camper, having some non-slip hangers will prove very useful.
These non-slip hangers are ideal for drying wet coats, freshly washed clothes, swimming gear and much more.
41. Packing cubes
Some Pro Packing Cubes are a great campervan accessory. They help to keep your drawers and cupboards organised and neat.
If you are driving between different climate zones, it helps to keep your t-shirts and warmer clothes organised so that you can access them quickly when you need them. Happy days.
Campervan furnishings and bedding
No matter the layout or design of your van conversion, a few quality furnishings can soon make it look super cosy and inviting. Grab a few of the following campervan essentials to easily create a cosy place to chill or sleep on your travels.
42. Wool throw
Picture a rainy evening and you are wrapped in a cosy blanket, reading your favourite book on your Kindle while having a lovely glass of wine.
A herringbone wool throw, aside from keeping you warm, can add a lot of character and quickly become one of your most used decorative campervan accessories.
43. Quality bedding and linen
Some quality bedding is definitely one of the most essential campervan accessories and will help you get a great night's kip on your travels.
The exact duvet you get depends on how hot or cool you usually feel at night. A 10.5 Tog duvet will do the job nicely for European campervan travel most of the year-round outside of the northern winter months.
It's your call on what covers and linen will match the look of your van's interior. I'd suggest something that's easy to wash and dry on the road like this Dalbury easy-care bed set.
44. Simba hybrid pillow
This Simba hybrid pillow is hands down the most comfortable pillow we've ever owned. The ability to add or remove the little 'nanocubes' to adjust the firmness combined with the cooling fabrics is what makes this pillow worth the price tag.
45. Mattress topper
Using a plush mattress topper is a cost-effective way of adding some extra comfort to your campervan setup. It can really help to even out the mattress if you have a bed made up of multiple pieces of foam seating, preventing your bum from getting stuck in the gaps!
Campervan bathroom essentials
These campervan bathroom essentials can help you to keep fresh, even if you don't have a dedicated bathroom or wet room in your camper.
46. Flexible washing tub
Flexible silicone buckets are great for bathrooms and can be combined with a portable shower unit as a place to clean yourself or for hand washing clothes. When not in use, it can store all your shower (and other) stuff.
We usually chuck our laundry bag into this tub and shove it into the bathroom. This way, everything stays in one place and is easy to access.
47. Acrylic mirrors
A mirror is an essential part of the bathroom, but you don't want too much heavy glass in your campervan.
We used a reflective acrylic sheet as a larger mirror in the bathroom and fixed it in place with Velcro so it easily be moved if needed.
We also have a smaller acrylic mirror we can hang above the sink for shaving and skincare routines etc. It certainly beats staring into the wing mirrors first thing in the morning!
48. Scrubba laundry wash bag
Living in a van full-time means that sometimes proper laundry days can be few and far between.
But to smarten up your van life, or campervan holiday, get a Scrubba wash bag to wash your laundry anywhere and anytime.
You probably couldn't wash your double sheets in it, but for clothes and especially smaller nicknacks like pants and socks (which we all run out of all the time), this pocket-size wash bag is ideal.
49. Slippers for shower trips
A simple tip, but if you don't own a pair and are planning a motorhome lifestyle, then get yourself some quick-drying shower slippers or flip-flops today. They are ideal when using public showers and will have you getting your trainers wet.
50. Microfibre towels
Fluffy towels are lovely, they are soft and so cosy. They also take a lot of precious campervan space and never dry. As much as you might love them, consider trying microfibre towels.
Microfibre towels are lightweight, barely take up any space and dry quickly. Plus, they are great for the beach or gym and come packaged in a convenient storage bag.
51. Rechargeable portable shower
Shower in a van conversion is a very debatable topic. Is it one of the main campervan accessories or could you go by without it? It all depends on how you're going to travel. Will you wild camp or stay at campsites?
We decided to get a rechargeable portable shower which works well inside as well as an outdoor shower. You can combine it with a flexible silicone bucket to create an instant campervan shower.
It has the built-in water filtration system which means that the mechanism reuses the same water. This helps to save water which in some places can be hard to come by when wild camping.
52. Pop-up shower/toilet tent
If you don't have room for a shower or loo inside your campervan conversion then this popup shower/toilet tent is the perfect alternative. It gives you some privacy and easily folds down when you're not using it.
You could combine this with our trusty flexible washing bucket and rechargeable portable shower above for an instant wash in the great outdoors.
53. Travel wash bag
Going to a public shower is always a gamble. You're lucky if you get a hook to hang your clothes on let alone a whole bench for your toiletries, so it helps to have your toiletries organised.
A nice toiletry bag is also great for keeping your items all in one place so you don't have to scramble around the van early in the morning. As will all things vanlife, being prepared creates less chaos in a small space.
54. Bathroom command hooks
Being in a campervan you can never have enough hooks to hang stuff on. These strong waterproof command hooks are perfect to easily stick on your shower room walls for towels, coats etc. No drilling required!
Campervan safety and security accessories
Making sure that your camper is safe and secure will give you peace of mind on your travels. The following campervan accessories make this super easy to do.
55. LPG stickers
If you are using LPG gas in your campervan, you are required to add an LPG sticker inside the van to indicate the placement of the gas bottle.
Plus, you need to place another sticker on the outside of your van in case of emergencies, next to your GB sign for example.
56. Fire extinguisher and blanket
While this is not a legal requirement, you should still get a small fire extinguisher and fire blanket for your own safety. Place it somewhere easy to access and close to an exit.
Fire can spread rapidly in a motorhome and these two items could save your life.
57. Carbon monoxide alarm
Another essential campervan accessory that's not required by law but highly recommended is a carbon monoxide detector. It will help to detect if there's any gas leaking in your motorhome and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
It's a small gadget and doesn't take up much space. Plus, the battery, once activated, should last for around 7 years. Always follow the instructions to get the best placement.
58. Campervan padlocks
These round heavy-duty padlocks can give an added layer of security to any van conversion by installing them on the back or side door openings.
The hasp will need to be bolted into place from the inside, so it's best to install them at the start of your conversion if possible.
59. Safe for valuables
Knowing that your valuables are stowed away securely any time you leave your van can help put your mind at rest.
Installing a small safe in your motorhome gives you somewhere to safely keep passports, cash, cameras and other valuable stuff.
They come in a range of sizes, from 14L up to 34L, and are easy to fix into an existing cupboard or garage area.
Looking for a simpler solution? Grab this fake Baked Bean tin to stash your cash!