Skip the expensive tent and convert your minivan into a camper for the ultimate in minivan “glamping”. Here’s a quick way to turn your van into an RV. It’s a DIY minivan camper conversion that’ll be sure to win over your whole family, and get you camping in relative comfort, on a limited budget.
What is “glamping”? It’s glamorous camping for those of us who love the idea of nature but would rather skip the whole “sleeping on the ground” part. If you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway but don’t want to deal with tents or sleeping bags, converting your minivan into a cozy camper could be the perfect solution.
Here’s how to easily transform your minivan into a homey camping spot for one, two, or even a few kids. I’ve tested this myself, camping with an eight-year-old and a five-year-old in my minivan, so I can confirm it’s totally doable!
Minivan Camper Conversion Steps
It doesn’t take much to convert your minivan into a camper for two adults or for one adult and a few kids. I slept in my van with an eight year old, and a five year old.
Step 1: Remove the Back Seats (or Fold Them Down)
If your minivan seats fold into the floor, you’re in luck! You’ll have plenty of space to sleep without having to remove the seats entirely. However, if your seats don’t fold down, you’ll need to remove them. (Don’t worry – it’s usually not too difficult.) Just make sure you have a spot to store the seats nearby, or you can always drive a second vehicle to your campsite. Either way, clearing the seats will give you the room you need for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Step 2: Add Battery-Operated Lights for a Touch of Magic
There’s something about twinkling lights that adds a magical feel to your minivan camper. They’ll not only help you find your way around once the sun sets but also give the space a cozy, starry-night feel (minus the actual stars).
To hang your lights, use cubicle clips (the ones with teeth). These clips easily slide into the fabric roof of your minivan and hold your string lights in place, creating a warm, glowing ambiance. Trust me, it’s like camping with fairy lights—pure magic!
Step 3: Create a Privacy Screen for Extra Coziness
It’s nice to have a little separation between your sleeping area and the front seats. To create a sense of privacy and coziness, use a lightweight blanket or sheet. Clip it behind the front seats using binder clips (or, again, cubicle clips). The clips will easily latch onto the fabric ceiling of your van, giving you a comfy “bedroom” vibe that makes all the difference.
Step 4: Build Your Bed (Using Dog Beds!)
Say what? Yes, you heard me right. For a comfortable, easy-to-make bed, I recommend oversized dog beds with removable, washable covers. They’re firm, portable, and surprisingly comfortable for adults and kids alike.
Place two side-by-side on the floor of your van to create a solid base. Layer sheets, blankets, and pillows on top, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a cozy van bed. Bonus: the dog beds are soft, supportive, and easily cleaned, so you don’t have to worry about spills or messes. Plus, they fit perfectly in the minivan!
Step 5: Use Clear Bags for Packing Clothes
One of the perks of glamping in your minivan is the ability to organize your things, even if you’re in a smaller space. Since it’s going to get dark in your van once the sun goes down, clear bags are a game changer. You’ll be able to find your clothes and gear without rummaging through your bags. It’s so much easier to see what’s inside when it’s packed in a transparent bag—no flashlight required!
