10 DIY Pop Up Camper Remodel Ideas (2024)

Pop up Campers are an ideal choice for camping enthusiasts with a flair for a compact and minimalistic lifestyle. Over the years, this lightweight camping wonder has helped thousands hit the great outdoors faster without investing heavily in travel trailers and other expensive RVs.

Camping can be fun and memorable when you tailor your camper to your taste. It starts by exploring the myriads of pop up camper remodel ideas you can think of.

Coming up with an idea can be challenging sometimes if you’re only concerned about hitting the road, setting up, and having a great time.

But that shouldn’t be a hassle anymore with these diy pop up camper remodel ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned nomad or a weekend explorer, these ideas can help you revamp your popup camper’s interior and exterior, making it a cozy home on wheels.

1. Pop Up Camper Remodel Essentials

With an old 1990 to 2000 popup camper, my first move is to thoroughly assess the camper’s condition. Identifying areas that require repair, replacement, or upgrade can make the project easier and faster.

Check the fixtures, appliances, flooring, and more. Make a list of every damaged, rustic or old part. Check out permanent stains on the walls and highlight faded paintings on walls and cabinets.

2. Pop Up Camper Interior Upgrades

If you have an old popup camper that has served 2 to 3 owners, the camper will likely come with mostly factory materials that are already weak and outdated.

Consider modernizing the camper’s interior with updated materials, colors, and designs. This could involve new upholstery, cabinetry, and countertops to give your space a fresh, contemporary look.

If you prefer hands-on projects, a DIY approach can be immensely satisfying. From repainting cabinets to crafting custom storage solutions, a DIY pop up camper remodel will allow you to infuse your personal touch into every aspect.

Theme and Style

Do you have a personal theme and style? Why not infuse it into your pop up camper space? Here are some fantastic ideas to explore.

Pop Up Camper Decor Ideas

Decide on a theme that resonates with your personal style. You may be drawn to a vintage bedding set-up, a rustic cabin vibe, a sleek and modern aesthetic, or a free-spirited bohemian atmosphere. You can tailor your decor choices to ooze your style effortlessly.

Rustic vs. Modern Camper

I’d choose the modern, ecstatic, and elegant feel. But if you love the contrast between rustic elements like wood finishes and modern, minimalist design, it would be a perfect blend of style.

Blending rustic with modern styles can create a unique, inviting atmosphere that combines the best of both worlds. Decide what and where you’d want each style, and design accordingly.

Bohemian Camper Makeover

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Infuse your camper with vibrant colors, patterns, and eclectic decor pieces for a boho-inspired transformation. Think layered textiles, macrame, and plants to create a cozy, laid-back vibe. One area to consider for this creative and artistic display is the bed area.

3. Floor Upgrades

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Adding a new floor to your pop up camper can completely change the look and feel of the interior. Consider vinyl plank flooring, sheet vinyl, or peel-and-stick tiles.

When choosing a flooring option, focus on durable, easy-to-clean materials suitable for a camper. Peel and stick tiles are perfect for campers. They are easy to make, and you can find a range of colors that match your style. Finish the flooring with an indoor/outdoor rug, and now you have a stunning-looking floor.

4. Wall Design and Upgrade

The look and design of the walls matter a lot. It creates an ecstatic look that gives the entire space a cozy and warm appeal. Here are some pop up camper floor upgrades to try.

Wallpaper vs. Paint

Decide what you want your wall to look like. Do you want patterns and textures through wallpaper or a clean, painted finish?

Depending on your design and pattern, wallpapers can add personality to your space. On the other hand, paints create a timeless and versatile backdrop. Whichever style you choose, you can create a captivating and welcoming space in your pop up camper.

5. Cabinet Color Upgrade

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Cabinet color upgrades are essential for an excellent pop up camper remodel. Give the cabinet a new look by changing its color. If you have brown wooden cabinets, consider changing the paint to white.

We love white because it brings life and creates the perfect ambiance in any space.

Check the cabinet handles for tarnish or breaks. Remove any rusty handles and replace them with modern handles to complete the popup camper cabinet makeover.

6. Kitchen and Cooking Upgrades

Kitchen Renovation

When modifying the kitchen, start by installing new countertops. Move to upgrade the appliances to modern and functional ones.

Install Modern Sink and Faucets

Pop up camper remodel is incomplete without upgrading the kitchen. One area you should pay attention to is the sink and faucets. For a luxury feel, consider stainless washing hand basins and taps. There are pop up camper accessories to give your kitchen an elegant, luxury finish.

7. Lighting and Ambiance

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LED Camper Lights

Illuminate your pop up camper interior with LED lights. Pick different spots along the ceiling, particularly the bedding and dinette area and install a few bulbs. You can choose a variety of lighting designs, but ultimately, something that effectively and efficiently adds a warm, welcoming glow to your space.

Ambiance and Mood Lighting

Those intimate and relaxing moments will come. Dimmable lights or color-changing options will let you set different moods throughout the day and night. Consider lighting you can adjust to instantly transform the ambiance.

8. Bedding and Comfort

The sleeping area needs to be creative and comfortable. Here are some pop up camper remodel ideas for the bedding area.

Pop Up Camper Mattress Options

For a comfortable sleep, make sure the mattress is at least 4 inches. Anything below may be uncomfortable for a long night’s sleep.

Check the mattress for wear and tear. If you find anything below comfort and strength, consider investing in a new camper mattress suited to the size and shape of your sleeping area. A memory foam or hybrid mattress is an ideal pick for a restful night’s sleep.

Bedding and Linens

The bedding set-up and linen texture matter as much as the mattress. Focus on high-quality, moisture-wicking bedding and linens. The material should be soft, easy to clean and well-suited to the conditions inside a popup camper.

Finish up the bedding set up with soft and durable pillows. Choose pillows that offer adequate support and comfort for your individual sleep preferences.

9. Window Treatments

Windows are essential for privacy in a pop up camper. They also provide warmth and keep the interior super cool. Here’s how to boost your pop-up camper remodel adventure with a window makeover.

Pop Up Camper Window Blinds

Blinds are simple and can give your window a minimalist but classic look. Select blinds that offer privacy and light control. Consider options like cellular shades or roller blinds that are easy to adjust to suit your needs.

Curtains

Curtains can add a real touch of elegance and glamor to your entire space. Consider white fabrics, well-tailored to keep the area cool and classic.

10. Bathroom Upgrades

For pop up campers with bathrooms, consider some key improvements to make your camper bathroom attractive and functional. Here are some changes that matter the most.

Portable Camping Toilets

There are some pop up campers with bathrooms, while some can only boast of outdoor showers. A portable camping toilet can enhance comfort and convenience during your adventure. Try available options such as compact folding designs, cassette toilets, and more advanced models with flushing capabilities.

Shower Solutions for Campers

Install a camper shower for easy washing. There are other compact shower options that can be hung outside your camper. These are handy when you need a convenient way to freshen up after outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts Pop Up Camper Remodel Ideas

Pop up camper remodel ideas are endless. Depending on your preference, you can explore other areas for your pop up camper revamp. Areas such as the outdoor space, awning, and canvas can also have a total overhaul. Consider replacing a damaged awning and canvas. If cleaning is an option, here’s how to clean a pop up camper canvas like a pro. Now, armed with these practical ideas and tips, you have a clear roadmap to transform your popup camper into a comfortable and stylish haven.

10 DIY Pop Up Camper Remodel Ideas (2024)

FAQs

How can I improve my pop-up camper? ›

Consider investing in additional storage. Pop-up camper storage is typically limited to a few cabinets and possibly some under-bench or under-bed storage inside, plus a few external storage compartments. So you will definitely want to pack light and keep things as organized as possible.

What to do with an old pop-up camper? ›

If you want to know how to dispose of an RV, some options include paying to have it removed, finding an RV salvage or junkyard, or breaking it down into its component parts. You could also donate it to charity.

What can haul a pop-up camper? ›

On average, pop-up campers weigh around 2,000 pounds. Some smaller pop-up trailers weigh well below 2,000, while larger ones can clock in far above 3,000 pounds. Standard passenger sedans are often best at towing pop-up campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds.

What is the life expectancy of a pop-up camper? ›

A pop-up camper can last as many as fifteen years if you look after it. But, of course, the actual time frame depends on how often you use it and maintain it.

How do I make my RV look homey? ›

It can be as simple as hanging a few hats, signs and pictures, adding a lamp, putting up some string lights and plants, or stacking your favorite books.

How to make a camper cozy? ›

  1. Consider the Benefits of a Self-Conversion. If you've read any of my previous books, then you'll already know how much I love the notion of a self-build campervan. ...
  2. Decorate with Trinkets. ...
  3. Make Some Good Blackout Curtains / Blinds. ...
  4. Allow Yourself the Comfort of Having a Toilet on Board. ...
  5. Make Sure Your Space Is Well Heated.
Nov 30, 2023

How to update camper walls? ›

My advice to painting the walls or cabinets in an RV is to first lightly sand the surface, then clean with TSP, follow it up with a good griper primer, and finally your paint. Chalk paint is another option to consider when it comes to painting your cabinets because it allows you to skip the sanding or priming process.

Is it cheaper to build your own camper? ›

Firstly, building a camper is cheaper than buying one. Some highly customized campers can be as costly as $18000. But when building your own, you can assemble materials such as used axles and wheels and then build the frame of your Diy Squaredrop trailer for a cheaper cost.

Can you leave a pop-up camper open? ›

Should I store my pop up expanded or closed? Leaving your camper “up” might seem like a good idea. However, since pop ups are constructed with soft sides, typically canvas, leaving it popped up is an invitation for critters and pests to enter and set up house or cause destruction.

What are the disadvantages of a pop-up camper? ›

When the outside is hot, you feel it inside too. Noise from outside is an issue: Pop-up campers have thin walls, hence you can tow them easily. However, the thin walls allow loud noises to penetrate the tents. Storage problem: You might have to pay to store your pop-up camper.

What are pop up campers called? ›

They are also known as tent trailers or foldout campers. These campers have a large mattress, mess area, and a functional bathroom. Instead of hauling a heavy trailer, you get a camper that folds up nicely, something that allows you to tow and maneuver with ease.

Where is the best place to store a pop up camper? ›

Your Driveway or Street Parking

If you have an average-sized driveway, a pop up camper should be able to fit in it. This is a free option that makes it easy to hit the road when you feel like it. Then, once the trip is over you're, you simply return home and drop off the camper.

How much does a 10 foot pop up camper weigh? ›

Pop up campers weigh between 1,400 and 4,000 pounds. When empty and unloaded the average weight for pop up campers is about 2,300 pounds. However, they can also carry an average cargo load of 1,100 pounds. For maximum vehicle weight, a pop up camper can range from 2,700 to 4,000 pounds (GVWR).

What is the best SUV to pull a pop up camper? ›

GMC Acadia

GM built this SUV with adventuring in mind and it's worth considering as a travel trailer tow vehicle. Models equipped with the 2.0-liter engine can tow up to 3,000 pounds with the trailer package installed, while vehicles powered by the 3.6-liter engine and the trailer package can tow up to 4,000 pounds.

How do I keep bugs out of my pop-up camper? ›

Tips for Keeping Your RV Bug-Free
  1. Cover the Entrances. In the effort to keep the creepy crawlies away, try not to make it too easy on them by offering an open door to your space.
  2. Inspect and Repair. ...
  3. Screens. ...
  4. Reduce Your Contact Points. ...
  5. Mothballs. ...
  6. Excellent Housekeeping. ...
  7. Seal Your Dry Foods. ...
  8. No One Gets A Free Ride.

Does a pop-up camper have to be perfectly level? ›

The first, and most obvious one, is comfort. It's a whole lot easier to sleep, eat, and cook on a level surface, but there are other equally important reasons a level camper is a must. If your pop up has a 3-way fridge, you'll need your camper level for it to operate efficiently.

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