photo by photoschmidt via iStock
A van offers the perfect platform for a camping setup. It is spacious, comfortable, and safe.
They are the perfect solution for people who are into adventuring but stay away from the difficult trails.
Because of the versatility and comfort they can offer, the aftermarket is full of accessories that make living out of a van even easier.
This article goes over five of the most useful van camping accessories on the current market.
| Sleep Upgrade | Best for Cold Storage | Best for Privacy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product |  Milliard Folding Mattress | TOP PICK Alpicool C20 Fridge/Freezer |  ZATOOTO Car Curtains |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | ★★★★☆ 4.5 |
| Category | Sleep | Cooling | Privacy |
| Best For | A real bed on a van floor | Food & drink storage on the road | Blocking cab windows & sun |
| Price | $169.99 as of Aug 11, 9:24 pm | $23.99 as of Aug 11, 9:24 pm | |
| Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → |
Table of Contents
- Van Camping Accessories – Portable Diesel Heater
- Van Accessories For Camping – ALL-TOP Vehicle Awning
- Van Camping Accessories – Milliard Premium Folding Mattress
- Van Accessories For Camping – Alpicool C20 Portable Refrigerator
- Van Camping Accessories – ZATOOTO Car Curtains
- Final Thoughts
- Additional Recommended Camping Accessories
Van Camping Accessories – Portable Diesel Heater
The first item on our van camping accessories list is a diesel heater from Planar.
This specific unit is great due to its portability. The relatively small size means it can be used in a van, RV, or even a tent.
Furthermore, this is one of the safest camp heating methods one can buy due to its design. Since the unit sits outside your sleeping quarters, there is far less risk of introducing carbon monoxide in the air.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Powered CO Alarm with LEDs, Test-Reset Button, Low Battery Indicator, Portable
Cheap insurance for the exact carbon monoxide risk this heater is designed to avoid.
- Battery powered, no wiring required
- Loud 85-decibel alarm plus digital display
- 7-year sensor life, set it and forget it
- Battery needs replacing on the manufacturer's schedule
There are many diesel heater options out there, but in our opinion, the one from planar is the best choice.
It is a 4kw self-contained heater that comes in a crushproof and rain-resistant case. It can run on diesel or kerosene and 12v DC. To ensure quiet operation, it’s equipped with a silencer. For longevity and ease of operation, an air intake filter and a remote wired controller are included as well.
Fuel consumption is 3-4 liters every 8 hours, and the heater will operate normally at altitudes of up to 8,200ft.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using this heater. It provides way more heat than I need for my SMRT Summit Suite rooftop tent, but it’s nice to know that I have added heating power when the time comes. The wired remote is nice, too, that way I don’t have to descend my tent ladder to adjust the temperature.
In the video above, I give a tour of this heater and compare it to another Planar heater I have – the 2 kw fixed-mount heater. As you’ll see, both options have tremendous upside!
A heater like this may be an expensive accessory, but the comfort and convenience it offers are invaluable.
Van Accessories For Camping – ALL-TOP Vehicle Awning
An awning should be on the list of van accessories for camping. Protection from the sun or rain is crucial for a comfortable camping experience and the best way to get this is by using an awning.
This specific one from All-Top provides 67 sq. ft of shade and shield from rain. The entire assembly is stored in a heavy-duty PVC bag.
Anodized metal poles with twist-lock provide durability while being easy to set up. They are also adjustable with a choice of 4 and 7 feet.
Installing the awning is easy and can be done on any vehicle with a roof rack.
ALL-TOP Vehicle Awning 8.2'x8.2' Roof Rack Pull-Out Sun Shade UV50+, Weatherproof 4x4 Side Awning for Camping & Overland (Hardware Included)
The first thing up at camp, and the difference between hiding in the van and actually living outside it.
- 67 sq ft of coverage from sun and rain
- Anodized twist-lock poles adjust from 4 to 7 feet
- Packs into its own heavy-duty PVC bag
- Needs a roof rack to mount
Van Camping Accessories – Milliard Premium Folding Mattress
A comfortable mattress can transform the way you sleep. The Milliard premium folding mattress is comfortable and also takes little space in your van. It has a three-inch foam base that is sturdy and built to last.
Furthermore, the 1-inch memory foam top layer adds superior ergonomic comfort.
The size of the mattress is 31 inches wide and 75 inches long.
All foam material used for mattresses made by Milliard is CertiPur certified and passes all relevant US regulations.
With great customer reviews and good technology, this mattress will transform the way you sleep in your van.
Milliard Premium Memory Foam Folding Mattress, Tri Fold with Waterproof Washable Cover, Space Saver Single Size (75"x25"x4)
The upgrade that turns a van floor into an actual bed.
- 3-inch foam base plus 1-inch memory foam top layer
- CertiPUR-US certified foam
- Folds compact when not in use
- Needs a day to decompress and off-gas before first use
Van Accessories For Camping – Alpicool C20 Portable Refrigerator
A fridge and freezer are crucial for a hot camping trip. How will you keep all the food and drinks cool for multiple days otherwise? A cooler can do the job, but it is nowhere near as convenient.
The Alpicool C20 offers 20 liters of storage and can fit up to 25 cans of cola. It can run as a fridge or freezer with a low-temperature setting of up to -4F.
This fridge will run great with a small solar system or a car battery.
It is made of durable plastic material that ensures it is durable and will last for years inside your van.
For the price of the Alpicool, we believe there is no better option on the market. But, if you want to explore other options, check out our Alicool refrigerator comparison!
Alpicool C20 portable compressor fridge freezer 21Quart(20Liter) for car and home - 12V/24V DC and 110V AC
Skip the ice runs entirely with a compressor fridge built for the road.
- 20-liter capacity holds up to 25 cans
- Runs as a fridge or freezer down to -4°F
- Runs efficiently off a small solar setup or car battery
- Draws more power than a passive cooler, plan your battery bank accordingly
Van Camping Accessories – ZATOOTO Car Curtains
The last item in our van camping accessories list is some privacy window curtains.
In many cases, the rear of a van is well insulated from the sun. However, the cabin upfront can be an issue due to the big windshield and side windows.
For additional privacy and to block the sun in the morning, it is good to divide the two sections of the van with curtains.
These specific curtains by Zatooto are magnetic and come in multiple sizes depending on your application.
With a rating of 4.5/5 out of 2,833 reviews, you can be assured that this quality product will serve your needs perfectly.
ZATOOTO Car Window Curtains for Privacy, Magnetic Divider Window Sun Shade
The cheap fix for the one part of a van that insulation curtains usually miss.
- Magnetic mount, no drilling or clips
- Multiple size options to fit different vans
- Blocks morning sun through the windshield
- Magnets can lose grip on curved trim over time
Final Thoughts
photo by Oleh_Slobodeniuk via iStock
The above list provides some useful van accessories for camping any new adventure will enjoy.
If you have any further questions regarding van camping or any other off-road or overland-related topic post them in the forum section of our page.
