20 RV and Camper Travel Hacks

Camping is the ultimate way to get into nature and doing so with a camper or RV makes it easier (and more comfortable!) than ever before. That is, if you set your camper or RV up for success before hitting the road. To get you started, we've put together our top 20 camper and RV travel hacks, including everything from camper storage ideas to ways to make your camper more secure to how to ensure you actually make it to your destination.

Campers and RVs all have one thing in common: They're cramped. In this revamped vintage Chinook RV, stylist and decorator Courtney Favini Lichty designed the table with folding hairpin legs, which allows it to drop down when not in use, transforming the area into a long, solid seating space with plenty of room to walk around.

Buying a used camper is a lot like buying someone else's house. You wouldn't ask them to leave their bed for you to sleep on, right? So, why would you sleep on used mattresses and cushions in a camper? Clean up dingy used camper cushions by removing the old cover and making new covers out of your favorite fabric.

To prevent loose items from rolling around the inside of an RV while traveling, it's simple: use storage bins. They keep items in their place and organized whether you're driving or camping, while easy-to-read labels help you to know where everything is at a glance.

Installing a wood countertop in your RV? Don't scrap the sink cutout! Instead, use it as a sink cover to maximize your counter space when not using the sink. When you are using your sink, you have a gorgeous wood cutting board to use.

Don't let your RV's thin walls prevent you from hanging your favorite artwork. Just use removable adhesive strips. This will securely attach the picture to the walls without the use of nails or screws, even if the walls are curved, as is the case with many different models. Once you need to take them down, simply remove the adhesive strip.

Campers and RVs are often dark inside, which can make everything from playing cards to making dinner more difficult than it should be. To remedy this, install supplemental lighting throughout your camper. Pro Tip: In closets and cabinets, install battery-powered motion-sensor lights that turn on when you open the door.

If you find that you're not utilizing your camper's oven very much, do away with it and opt for more cabinet and counter space instead. Keep a low-profile, stowaway stove on hand for quick meals.

Every camper and RV owner has been there: You arrive at your destination and open the refrigerator or cabinets only to find the contents spilling out all over the place. To keep food and other items secure during travel, place small tension rods to hold them in place.

Before you begin your camper remodel, think through your floor plan, primarily the layout and functionality of your kitchenette. While many campers come equipped with a cramped, awkward kitchen space and less-than-useful appliances, this is your chance to streamline the area and outfit it with appliances and tools you'll actually use.

The secret to securing items inside an RV? Clear museum gel. Museum gel is easily removable, nontoxic and completely clear, making it a discrete option for mounting anything from functional items to decorative items on a variety of surfaces.

To keep stacked dishes from rattling around and breaking while on the road, it's a good idea to place cut pieces of shelf liner in between the dishes. Shelf liners should also be put on the shelves and in drawers to keep dishes from sliding around. Pro Tip: For inexpensive shelf liners, head to the dollar store.

The ultimate campground hack? Successfully parking your camper. Some people can back their travel trailer into a tight campsite in one go, while others, well, can't. Thankfully, for those who struggle with spatial relations, there are wireless backup cameras. Mount one on the back of your camper and start parking your camper like a pro.

Mounting spice jars to a magnetic strip keeps them in place inside an RV while traveling. Bonus perk: The glass jars suspended from the magnetic strip also make identifying spices while cooking an easier feat than ever before and keep drawers and cabinets from getting cluttered.

Take your green thumb on the road! We know what you're thinking: "Why didn't I think of that?" Campers and RVs, just like your house, benefit from the addition of plants. If you don't want the hassle of bringing your plants into your home after your trip, simply use faux plants.

To help keep your RV or camper organized, turn a clear shoe organizer into a camping essentials organizer. This creates ample space to store flashlights, first-aid supplies, bug spray and other common camper stuff, while the clear material ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Tired of wearing a headlamp just so you can see your books and crosswords? Install foldaway sconces beside your bed and sitting areas to give you task lighting when you need it and tuck away when you don't.

RVs are ideal for long trips to the middle of nowhere, but don't be surprised when the middle of nowhere doesn't have a gas station on every corner. To keep yourself and your camper moving, it's smart to bring along some extra fuel.

Blackout blinds are the ultimate hack for getting a good night's sleep in a camper or RV, while opting for a roll-up variety ensures they take up as little space as possible. To maximize the blackout blind's effectiveness on curved camper walls, place magnets around the window to hold the blinds tight against the wall.

To save space and pack more efficiently for your camping trip, pantry essentials like seasonings and spices can be poured into a pill case. In most larger cases, there is enough room for one to two tablespoons of spices. This will make cooking on camping trips much easier and way more flavorful than before.