Van camping can be a lot of fun. For us, it’s a great way to see new places, have exciting adventures, and connect with nature. Of course, we also often face some challenges with van camping. For instance, we may not always have access to all the amenities we’re used to. That’s why we’re always trying to level up our experience by getting new accessories for camper vans. Trust us; these accessories can help you step up your game. Below are some of our favorites, and we think they’re essential accessories. With them, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the best that van camping has to offer. So, check them out, get out there, and have fun!
Table of contents
- Solo Stove Lite
- SocTone Telescoping Ladder
- Scosche PBJ300-1 PowerUp 300A Jump Starter
- JBL Charge 4
- CLAONER Solar Outdoor Lights
- Advanced Elements Summer Shower
- YETI Hopper Flip 8
- Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
- VILLEY Portable Camping Side Table
- Camp Chef Deluxe BBQ Grill Box
- SUNNYFEEL Camping Director Chair
- CGEAR Sand-Free Outdoor Mat
- ShadePro RV Awning
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Accessories for Camper Vans
- What equipment do I need in a camper van?
- Do I need a toilet in my campervan?
- What are the disadvantages of traveling in a campervan?
Solo Stove Lite
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Looking for a stove? You won’t be disappointed with the Solo Stove Lite, the brand’s smallest and lightest model. At just 9 oz, it’s extremely light and during testing, it didn’t take up much space in our pack. We were also impressed by the stainless steel construction, which can easily last for years. It’s small but mighty.
When we first used this wood stove, we didn’t expect much from it. However, it managed to leave a deep impression. It burned nice and hot, and the added airflow from the holes in the top produced a nice flame in under a minute. Need another reason to get this stove? It’s backed by a lifetime guarantee! Visit its official product page to learn more about it.
Pros
- It comes with a lifetime guarantee
- This stove is lightweight and compact
- The double-wall construction makes it sturdy
- Strategically placed air holes produce flame quickly
Cons
- The stove is not big enough for large groups
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SocTone Telescoping Ladder
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Let’s say you want to get something from your camper roof rack. Unless you can fly, it’ll be hard to get whatever it is from up there. This is why we think the SocTone Telescoping Ladder is a great accessory. We’ve used this ladder to hang our solar shower, clear our solar panel, and install our car rack for SUP. Talk about versatility!
The quality of this ladder isn’t something you should ignore. Made of aluminum, it felt sturdy and stable during testing. We’ve never felt unsafe using the ladder. On top of that, it can be extended to 12.5 feet, which should be more than enough for most people. Thanks to the locking mechanism, extending and retracting the ladder is smooth and easy.
Pros
- At 21.6 lbs, it’s pretty light and easy to carry.
- It can hold a weight of up to 330 lbs.
- This ladder can be used in a variety of configurations.
Cons
- The plastic feet feel cheap.
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Scosche PBJ300-1 PowerUp 300A Jump Starter
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Best for Emergencies. For emergency situations, you’ll want to have the Scosche PBJ300-1 PowerUp 300A Jump Starter in your trunk! Though small and portable, it’s nothing short of powerful. With a 5400mAh lithium-ion battery, it was able to jump-start the six-cylinder engine of our camper van. Scosche’s unwavering commitment to safety is evident in the device’s protection features, including low-voltage protection, spark-proof technology, and reverse polarity safeguards.
In addition to that, this portable jump starter also doubles as a versatile power bank. During testing, its integrated 5V USB port allowed us to charge our smartphone, tablet, or other USB-powered gadgets, a lifesaver in emergencies. With its competitive price and unwavering reliability, this jump starter is surely a worthwhile investment for any motorist.
Pros
- It has a useful battery level indicator.
- Though small and compact, it’s highly durable.
- It has 10 safety protection features in total.
Cons
- It may not be powerful enough for larger engines.
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JBL Charge 4
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Of course, van camping won’t be the same without those blasting tunes! For us, having a reliable Bluetooth speaker in our camper van is a must. That said, one can always rely on the JBL Charge 4. We were surprised by this speaker as it delivered a surprisingly powerful sound for its size. The bass was deep and punchy, the highs were clear, and the mids were well-defined.
Additionally, the battery life was also pretty impressive. With a 7800mAh battery, it was able to play music for the whole day. We weren’t surprised, though, as we learned that it could provide up to 20 hours of playtime. Best of all, this speaker is tough! It’s water-resistant and can withstand being dropped. We’ve dropped it multiple times and it was still able to work properly. Also, have you checked out these powerful outdoor speakers for RVs?
Pros
- It comes with a USB-C charging port.
- You can connect up to two devices to this speaker.
- There are many exciting colors to choose from.
Cons
- No power adaptor is included.
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CLAONER Solar Outdoor Lights
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For that peace of mind, you may want to consider installing the CLAONER Solar Outdoor Lights when you’re sleeping in your camper van. As the name suggests, these lights charge in the sunlight. Once fully charged, you can use them at night. When we used them, we were impressed by the three working modes. Aside from the “always on” mode, there are two other modes that rely on motion sensor technology.
One of the modes will turn the dim light bright when it detects movement, and the other one will turn the off light bright when there’s movement. As outdoor lights, they’re highly durable, too. We were shocked when we found out that they’re waterproof and frost-resistant. Need something more portable? Check out these candle lanterns and battery-operated outdoor lanterns!
Pros
- These lights are eco-friendly.
- They provide amazing coverage of illumination.
- They’re rechargeable.
Cons
- They’re only available in packs.
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Advanced Elements Summer Shower
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Best for Showering. If your camper van is small and can’t accommodate a full shower, then this solar shower is one of the top accessories for a camper van you should consider. The Advanced Elements Summer Shower was easy to use, and it heated up water quickly in the sun so we were able to enjoy the warm water. Based on our experience, this shower can retain heat pretty well, too.
This camping shower has several different capacities, from 5 gallons up to 10 gallons, depending on your needs. On top of that, it comes with a temperature gauge. We were thrilled when we found out about this feature, as it allowed us to know the exact temperature of the water. It was easy to read, and the shower was able to heat up the water to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in just over two hours.
Pros
- It can heat up water quickly on a sunny day.
- This shower has a large capacity.
- The handle is wide and comfortable to hold.
Cons
- The hose is too long for some people.
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YETI Hopper Flip 8
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Best Cooler. Imagine relaxing in your hammock under the bright, warm sun with your favorite song playing in the background. What’s keeping it from being a perfect moment is cold drinks! That’s why we think a small cooler is a great camper accessory. Enter the YETI Hopper Flip 8. We were really impressed with this cooler when we first received it. It was easy to carry and it could keep our beverages cold for the whole day.
During testing, we decided to leave the ice inside the cooler for more than 24 hours. The result? The ice was still there and mostly intact, making it one of the best coolers for keeping ice. Aside from that, we also love the DryHide Shell, which isn’t only waterproof but also puncture-resistant. And if the 8-liter variant isn’t big enough, you can check out the bigger options. Need more convincing? Take a look at this review by Food & Wine! Also, if you decide to get this cooler, make sure to check out these accessories for YETI coolers, too!
Pros
- This cooler comes in a variety of different colors.
- It has a leakproof zipper.
- It can hold up to 6 cans of beverages along with ice.
Cons
- It’s a YETI cooler, meaning it’s more expensive than many other coolers.
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Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
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Hammocks have to be one of the best accessories for camper vans. As frequent campers, we love adding hammock hooks to our camper van so we can relax outside. So, including this Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock is a must. When we tested this hammock, it was so comfy and though we didn’t sleep there, we definitely could.
The material is worth two thumbs up, too. It’s made from soft, breathable nylon. When we touched it, it felt soft against our skin. Weighing 24 oz, it was lightweight as well. Even better, we were able to fold it up into so small like an eggplant. And in case you’re wondering, it’s strong enough to accommodate a weight of up to 400 lbs. Speaking of hammocks, make sure to check out these backpacking hammock tents and hammocks with stands.
Pros
- The high-quality nylon material is highly durable and machine washable.
- It comes with tree straps and carabiners.
- There are so many colors to choose from.
Cons
- It can be hard to hang in some locations.
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VILLEY Portable Camping Side Table
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We think the VILLEY Portable Camping Side Table is another accessory that you may need. For outdoor kitchen or placing some of your stuff above the ground, this table will do the work. This is a foldable table, and during testing, setting it up was a piece of cake. It took us mere seconds to set up the table and fold it down. Better yet, no tools were required.
“Among all of the camping tables I’ve tested, this has to be among the best. It’s sturdier than it looks and highly functional.”
WOW Travel
In addition to that, it’s also lightweight. We were able to carry it around easily. Despite that, it’s strong. The sturdy construction can support up to 66 lbs of weight. We got the green variant and it looked fantastic. If you’re not a fan of green, you can get it in blue or gold. Also, it’s available in three sizes, which are 16″, 19″, and 24″. Speaking of which, have you read our list of the best camping tables with adjustable legs?
Pros
- It comes with a carrying bag for easy transport.
- This table is versatile enough to be a side table, beach table, and bedside table.
- It has a lightweight and portable design.
Cons
- It can be a bit wobbly on uneven terrain.
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Camp Chef Deluxe BBQ Grill Box
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Best for Cooking. Want to cook outside and keep your camper van smell-free? Then we’re sure you’ll love to have the Camp Chef Deluxe BBQ Grill Box. We aren’t professionals when it comes to cooking. Despite that, we found this grill box to be easy to use. Plus, with a heat diffuser system, our patties were cooked evenly and we never had to deal with flare-ups.
Though compact, this portable camping grill is highly durable. It’s made of heavy-duty cast iron, so it can last for years to come. Initially, we were worried about using it outdoors, but we were relieved when we learned that it was powder-coated. This allows the grill box to have better protection against the elements.
Pros
- It comes with a built-in temperature gauge.
- Relatively easy to use.
- It has a portable body, making it perfect for camping.
Cons
- You’ll have to lift the lid to see the flame level inside.
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SUNNYFEEL Camping Director Chair
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While there are so many camping chairs on the market, not all are created equal. If you’re looking for something sturdy and reliable, take a look at the SUNNYFEEL Camping Director Chair. The frame is made of powder-coated steel, meaning it’s both rust-resistant and highly durable. We’re no strangers to chairs with cheap hardware, and we could immediately tell during testing that this one was amazing. On top of that, it can accommodate a maximum weight of 600 lbs.
Based on our experience, we can confidently say that this chair is so comfortable. Not to mention, it can be folded back up easily even if you’re alone. Another plus point? It’s definitely the foldable side table. We were impressed by the table’s sturdiness and the drink holder was able to accommodate most bottles. Looking for more options? Check out these camping chairs for bad backs and high chairs for camping!
Pros
- Portable and easy to carry around.
- It’s available in multiple color choices.
- It’s easy to get in and out of the chair.
Cons
- The armrests aren’t wide enough for some people.
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CGEAR Sand-Free Outdoor Mat
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Best for Outdoor Relaxation. Unless your camper van is super big, chances are you’ll need extra space to hang out. Thus, why not let the CGEAR Sand-Free Outdoor Mat do the job for you? It instantly provides you with the perfect spot to relax outside. When we first used this mat, we were awed by its patented sand-free material. It was super effective at shaking off not only sand but also dirt and debris. We were able to shake off all of the sand from the mat with just a few shakes.
The surprise didn’t end there. During testing, we also found out that the mat was water-resistant. Furthermore, no matter how often you use the mat, the color won’t fade since it’s UV-protected. Best of all, the mat is reversible, with one side being a solid color and the other side being a pattern. Learn more about this mat by watching GearChase’s review video!
Pros
- This mat comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
- It comes complete with a travel bag.
- Highly lightweight and portable.
Cons
- It’s more expensive compared to other outdoor mats for RV camping.
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ShadePro RV Awning
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Best Shelter. When it comes to camper accessories, you’ll want to rely on the best brands possible. Therefore, it’s only fair for ShadePro to be on the top of this list. What we have here is the ShadePro RV Awning, an affordable yet protective awning made of vinyl. We’ve tried spending some time under this awning, and it was amazing. Even when it was raining, this waterproof awning was able to keep us dry and comfy.
In addition to protection from water, this awning also offers reliable protection against harmful UV rays. The installation process was also a breeze! We didn’t need any special tools and the instruction manual was clear and easy to understand. Best of all, this item comes in a variety of sizes and different colors to choose from. For more products from ShadePro, check out our specially curated lists of the best screens for camper awnings and slide-out awnings for RVs.
Pros
- The vinyl material is highly durable.
- It offers amazing outdoor coverage.
- The universal fit allows it to fit most existing awnings perfectly.
Cons
- It may not be the best option for extremely hot weather.
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Our Verdict!
There are so many accessories that can make your van camping experience enjoyable. However, not everyone needs everything. To help you narrow down the options, we’ve categorized some of our picks based on the following criteria:
- Best Shelter: ShadePro RV Awning
- Best for Outdoor Relaxation: CGEAR Sand-Free Outdoor Mat
- Best for Cooking: Camp Chef Deluxe BBQ Grill Box
- Best Cooler: YETI Hopper Flip 8
- Best for Showering: Advanced Elements Summer Shower
- Best for Emergencies: Scosche PBJ300-1 PowerUp 300A Jump Starter
How To Choose The Best Accessories for Camper Vans
To have a comfortable and enjoyable van camping experience, there are several things to consider before you decide which accessories to get. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Size
Camper vans have limited space, so choosing compact accessories is key. You’ll want accessories that are compact, versatile, and easy to store. Consider foldable furniture, collapsible storage containers, and multi-functional tools that serve multiple purposes.
Practicality and functionality
There are endless accessories available for your camper van, but do you need them all? We recommend prioritizing accessories that serve a practical purpose and contribute to the overall functionality of your camper van. You can consider items that enhance storage, cooking, sleeping, and overall comfort.
Durability
Lastly, you’ll want durable accessories. Opt for durable accessories that can withstand the rigors of outdoor camping. You should consider materials that are water-resistant, UV-protected, and resistant to wear and tear.
What equipment do I need in a camper van?
It depends on the length of your adventure along with your needs and preferences. However, the accessories above are essentials that you’ll want to always have on board.
Do I need a toilet in my campervan?
While you may not need an entire bathroom in your camper van, having something like a composite toilet is a must in case of emergencies.
What are the disadvantages of traveling in a campervan?
The most obvious disadvantage is the limited space. Thankfully, with the right accessories, you can find ways to make things work.
