Katie and Pierce
Turning your RV campsite into a cozy outdoor oasis doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few thoughtful touches, any standard campsite can become a stylish home-away-from-home that’ll make other campers stop and stare.
Here are some great ideas to use for inspiration!
1. Create a Wooden Deck Platform
A wooden deck platform is seriously the best upgrade ever for any campsite! It keeps everything clean and mud-free, plus it feels so much nicer underfoot than camping on dirt or gravel.
For those concerned about storage, there are tons of collapsible options that fold up pretty small. Many campers get super creative with pressure-treated lumber platforms, but those plastic deck tiles work great too for something lighter and easier to transport.
2. Hang String Lights Overhead
String lights are basically magic in a box! The minute the sun goes down and they flicker on, the whole campsite vibe changes from “roughing it” to “welcome to our outdoor living room.”
Solar-powered options are perfect for boondocking without hookups. The warm glow creates such a cozy atmosphere compared to the harsh overhead light on most RV awnings. They’re an easy upgrade that makes a huge difference in evening ambiance.
3. Use an Outdoor Area Rug
An outdoor rug instantly makes a campsite feel like an actual room instead of just a patch of dirt where the RV is parked. It defines the space and adds color and pattern to natural surroundings.
Geometric patterns tend to hide dirt really well. After a rainstorm, all it takes is a quick shake and it’s good as new. Just make sure to get one made specifically for outdoor use or it’ll end up as a soggy, moldy mess. Not exactly the camping vibe anyone wants!
4. Add a Portable Fire Pit
A campsite without a fire pit is just a parking spot with a view. Getting a portable fire pit is a total game-changer, especially at those campsites where the provided fire rings are less than ideal or nonexistent.
Both wood and propane options have their merits. Propane versions light in seconds and don’t leave clothes smelling like smoke. Wood-burning pits offer that authentic campfire experience. Either way, a fire pit naturally becomes the heart of any outdoor space, drawing people together for conversation and marshmallow roasting.
5. Create a Comfortable Seating Area
Camping chairs have come a long way from those flimsy budget specials that collapse unexpectedly! Investing in comfy outdoor seating makes a huge difference, especially after a long day of hiking or sightseeing.
Zero-gravity loungers, padded camping chairs with actual back support, or even inflatable furniture for those with limited storage space can transform the comfort level of any campsite. Because nothing ruins the camping mood faster than uncomfortable seating that leaves weird grid marks on legs!
6. Set Up a Retractable Awning or Canopy
Sun protection is no joke when camping! Nothing kills the outdoor fun faster than feeling like you’re being slow-roasted all day. Most RVs come with awnings, but sometimes extra coverage is needed depending on where the sun hits.
Shade sails that attach to an awning and stretch to a nearby tree can double the shaded area. Side curtains block that brutal early morning or late afternoon sun. These additions make it possible to enjoy morning coffee outdoors without sunglasses and sunscreen!
7. Add Outdoor Privacy Screens
Campsite privacy can feel like an oxymoron sometimes, with neighboring RVs so close it’s possible to hear conversations clearly. Privacy screens are lifesavers when trying to create a sense of personal space in busy campgrounds.
Bamboo screens roll up small for storage but look charming when set up. They’re perfect for blocking the view of outdoor shower areas or just creating a visual barrier from the path where everyone walks their dogs. They define the space as private while adding natural texture to the campsite.
8. Incorporate Potted Plants
Adding plants to a campsite might sound unnecessary, but a few potted greens make a huge difference in creating a homey, established feeling, even for weekend trips. They soften the hard lines of an RV and add life to the setup.
Hardy succulents travel well and need minimal care. Herb plants like rosemary, mint, and basil not only look great but provide fresh ingredients for campsite cooking. Plants help blend the campsite into natural surroundings while adding color and texture.
9. Install Solar Path Lights
Tripping over tent stakes or stumbling on the way back from the bathhouse at night is a common camping experience! Solar path lights are not just decorative but practically essential for preventing midnight mishaps.
Low-profile stake lights that sit close to the ground work wonderfully. They soak up sunshine all day and create a subtle glow along walkways at night. No electricity needed, and they’re incredibly simple to use. All you need to do is stick them in the ground for an instant campsite upgrade.
10. Create an Outdoor Kitchen Station
Taking cooking outside keeps heat, moisture, and food smells out of the RV while making meal prep part of the outdoor experience. Food just tastes better when cooked in the fresh air, too!
A fold-up table, a couple of storage bins for supplies, and some organization for utensils is all it takes to create a functional outdoor kitchen. Keeping spatulas and tongs in a caddy prevents them from blowing away when neighboring RVs come and go. Simple but effective!
11. Hang Macramé and Textile Accents
Macramé hangings at a campsite might sound fancy, but they pack flat, weigh practically nothing, and instantly make an outdoor space look thoughtfully decorated rather than hastily assembled.
Plant holders hanging from the awning or a wall hanging on a privacy screen adds personality and texture. Look for items made from synthetic cord if they’ll be exposed to the elements. These little textile touches often attract compliments from passersby and make a campsite stand out.
12. Build a Stone or Gravel Path
A pathway from the road to the RV door makes a setup look intentional rather than random. Plus, it significantly reduces the amount of dirt tracked inside, which means less cleaning and sweeping during the camping trip.
For weekend trips, a few flat stepping stones create an instant path. For longer stays, a bag of gravel can create a more defined walkway. It takes minimal time to set up but makes the whole campsite look considerably more established and well-designed.
13. Set Up a Hammock or Hanging Chair
A hammock or hanging chair creates the perfect spot for afternoon relaxation at any campsite. There’s something inherently vacation-like about gently swinging in the breeze with a good book or cold beverage.
Portable hammock stands are great options when suitable trees aren’t available. Hanging egg chairs make statement seating that everyone wants to try. These suspended lounging spots become the most sought-after seats at the campsite, perfect for morning coffee or stargazing.
14. Use Lanterns for Ambient Lighting
String lights provide overall illumination, but lanterns create that cozy, intimate feel that encourages gathering and conversation. They’re the camping equivalent of mood lighting!
Battery-operated lanterns that mimic real flame provide ambiance without fire risk. Placing them on tables, hanging them from tree branches, or clustering different sizes together creates a warm atmosphere for evening meals and gatherings that elevates even the simplest camping dinner.
15. Create an Outdoor Bar Cart
A dedicated drink station eliminates constant trips back and forth to the RV refrigerator. It keeps refreshments accessible and adds a touch of luxury to the camping experience.
A small cart or table dedicated to beverages, cups, bottle openers and other drink accessories creates an instant happy hour spot. When boondocking for days away from civilization, having a proper refreshment area gives structure to the evening and creates a sense of occasion.
16. Add Weatherproof Throw Pillows and Blankets
Pillows and blankets are the easiest way to add color, comfort, and coziness to otherwise utilitarian camping furniture. They send a clear message that this campsite is meant for relaxing.
A basket of outdoor-friendly textiles next to the seating area prepares the campsite for unexpected chilly evenings. The pillows make camp chairs actually comfortable for extended sitting. Quick-dry, weather-resistant fabrics ensure they won’t stay soggy after unexpected rain showers.
17. Install a Pergola or Shade Structure
For longer camping stays, a portable pergola creates a defined outdoor room that significantly enhances the campsite. It adds architectural interest while providing functional shade and structure.
Bamboo and canvas pergolas can fold surprisingly small for transport. With string lights woven through the top, plants hanging from the sides, and perhaps outdoor curtains for additional privacy, a simple pergola transforms a basic campsite into a legitimate outdoor living room.
18. Use Outdoor-Friendly Art and Signs
Personalized decor helps a campsite feel established and unique. Weather-resistant art pieces or custom signs immediately convey personality and turn a temporary spot into a home away from home.
Customized campsite signs with family names or camping mottos become conversation starters with neighboring campers. Whimsical outdoor art pieces add character and make the space distinct from the rows of similar RVs typically found at campgrounds.
19. Create a Coffee or Dining Table from Natural Materials
Natural material tables blend a campsite into its surroundings beautifully. Tree stumps, large rocks, or pieces of driftwood can serve as side tables that look organic rather than manufactured.
Folding tables made from reclaimed wood offer both functionality and rustic appeal. When camping somewhere with abundant natural materials, incorporating found objects (that are returned before departing) creates harmony with the environment that plastic tables simply can’t match.
20. Add a Portable Outdoor Shower or Foot Washing Station
A foot-washing station by the RV steps will save the floors and everyone’s sanity, especially at beach or desert campsites where sand gets everywhere. It’s practical but also adds a spa-like touch to the camping experience.
A simple solar shower with a wooden platform surrounded by privacy screens creates a luxurious outdoor bathing experience. There’s something magical about showering outdoors with the sun warming the skin and birds singing nearby—much more enjoyable than cramming into a tiny RV shower stall!
21. Design a Meditation or Yoga Space
Camping offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature. Setting aside a special spot just for quiet reflection or morning stretches enhances that connection and creates a dedicated space for mindfulness.
A flat area with a nice view makes the perfect spot for rolling out a yoga mat or sitting quietly with morning coffee. Having a designated area for quiet activities provides balance to the more social aspects of camping life and offers a retreat space within the campsite.
22. Layer Multiple Outdoor Rugs
Layering different outdoor rugs creates visual interest and makes a campsite look professionally designed rather than hastily assembled. It’s a simple decorator trick that works just as well outdoors as it does in living rooms.
Starting with a large neutral rug as the base, then adding a smaller one with more pattern or color on top creates depth and intentionality. A small welcome mat by the steps completes the look. Multiple smaller rugs are easier to clean and store than one massive ground covering.
23. Basket Storage
Natural baskets keep a campsite organized while looking intentional and stylish. They’re a significant upgrade from the plastic bins often seen at campsites and contribute to the overall aesthetic.
Large baskets work perfectly for firewood, medium ones for blankets and pillows, and smaller versions for frequently used items like sunscreen and bug spray. With a coat of waterproofing spray, they’ll withstand the elements while keeping the campsite tidy and visually appealing.
24. Create an Outdoor Movie Theater
Watching movies under the stars takes camping entertainment to the next level. With affordable mini projectors widely available, any campsite can become a private outdoor cinema experience.
Projecting onto the side of an RV or a hung white sheet creates an instant movie screen. Add some comfortable seating, popcorn, and blankets for chilly evenings for a cinema experience that rivals indoor theaters. Just remember to keep the volume reasonable during quiet hours!
25. Install Adjustable Deck or Stair Lights
Lighting steps and deck edges serves both safety and aesthetic purposes. It prevents nighttime trips and falls while adding a sophisticated glow that elevates the entire campsite after dark.
Solar step lights or LED strip lighting along deck edges create a resort-like atmosphere with minimal effort. The subtle illumination highlights the structure of the outdoor space and provides just enough light for safe navigation without disrupting the peaceful nighttime ambiance of the campsite.
