6 Interior Pop-Up Camper Remodel Ideas: How to Transform Your Space on a Dime - Neighbor Blog (2024)

An interior pop-up camper remodel isn’t your typical DIY renovation. For starters, you’ll have to work within a confined space–a pop-up camper like The Road Warrier 3965 tallies up to around 390 square feet. While some pop-up camper models sleep 8 people comfortably, add some power tools into the equation (and some restless little ones), and that 390 square feet will start to feel smaller and smaller.

A camper remodel can also unearth some unexpected challenges like concealed water damage or broken black tanks. You may even make a mistake (or two, or two hundred)–using the wrong paint is just one example of a camper remodeling faux pas.

Whether you’re choosing to repair an improperly stored camper that has suffered some wear and tear–or you just want to make your pop-up camper popwe’ve got you covered.

We’ll equip you with pop-up camper interior ideas that’ll make your camper a cozy home away from home (without emptying your pockets).

Idea #1: Refresh Your Pop-Up Camper Walls

Sprucing up the interior of your pop-up camper with paint is the easiest way to change the ambiance of your camper.

Picture this: you walk into your pop-up camper and are welcomed by a color that reflects your unique personality and style. Because there isn’t a lot of wall space in a pop-up camper, you can introduce a pop of color on the walls or RV cabinets to infuse personality into the space. That’s how the Pop-Up Princess brightened up this camper.

The bright blue cabinets paired with green textiles give the camper a bright, bohemian vibe.

Or.. if you prefer to be boring, you can keep it clean and simple with a coat of bright white to make the space feel bigger.

Pro Tip: use a satin or eggshell finish for your paint. It gives a softer feel and doesn’t show wear and tear as quickly.

6 Interior Pop-Up Camper Remodel Ideas: How to Transform Your Space on a Dime - Neighbor Blog (1)

Photo courtesy of The Pop Up Princess

Idea #2: Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting is often overlooked in a pop-up camper remodel, but it can make a significant difference in the overall ambiance of your space. The right lighting can create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for those cozy nights after a long day of exploring the great outdoors.

LED lights run off of very little power, making them an energy-efficient option. Typically, they give off a brighter, white light.

If you’re a fan of DIY projects, you could even wire up some light fixtures yourself using LED strip lights. They’re budget-friendly and can be customized to fit your camper’s interior.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself camping where there are no electrical hookups, you can use LED light strips like the ones pictured that run off battery power.

How Neighbor is changing storage Transparent monthly savings Renters save 30-50% on RV storage, on average. No rate hikes. Keep your RV nearby Hosts in your neighborhood means that your RV is always close by. Storage made simple Don't settle for stone age tech and long contracts. Neighbor makes it easy.

Idea #3: Reupholstering Cushions and Seating

RV cushions take the brunt of the wear and tear of a good camping trip. Dirt, food, sweat, smoke – everything gets on the cushions. And when your camper isn’t stored properly, it’s your cushions that absorb the smells of rodents and start to grow mold.

Breathe new life into those old camper cushions and seating by reupholstering them. Reupholstering is a fun project that can transform the look and feel of your camper.

Use materials like vinyl, faux leather, or a tough canvas. Not only are these materials more durable, they are easier to clean and aren’t nearly as susceptible to mold.

Glamp N’ Chicks gives you a beautiful example of blending faux leather and canvas for a rich-feeling dining area.

6 Interior Pop-Up Camper Remodel Ideas: How to Transform Your Space on a Dime - Neighbor Blog (2)

Photo courtesy of Glampnchicks on Etsy

Money Saving Tip: If you’re using canvas for your cushion covers, don’t go to Joann’s for the fabric. Canvas drop cloths at your local hardware store are cheaper and still just as durable.

Bonus: You can easily dye the canvas any color you want using DyeRite and a little color theory.

Idea #4: Personalize Your Storage

When it comes to small spaces like a pop-up camper, storage is key. Personalizing pop-up campers transforms the space from a run-of-the-mill camping vehicle to a functional basecamp for your adventures.

During your renovation, you can take out unused amenities or old camper cabinets that don’t serve your needs and replace them with storage.

The Pop-Up Princess gives us a great example of how to create storage and shelving in a pop-up camper using something as unsuspecting as a tension rod.

Pro tip: Add gear-specific wall shelving or racks so that whatever your adventure holds, you know your gear has a place.

Remember, the goal is to keep your camper tidy, functional, and uncluttered. So don’t get carried away with adding too much storage. Keep it only to what you need.

Idea #5: Upgrade Your Flooring

If you’ve ever had to deal with a leaky camper, then you know that you’ll probably need to replace the flooring. After replacing the cheap particle board subfloors with the upgraded ¾ inch ply board, you have several options on the market for camper-compatible flooring–including the following:

Option #1: Luxury Vinyl Tile

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is affordable and easy to install. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. LVT is a floating floor system. That means the tiles adhere to themselves to form a waterproof barrier to protect the subfloor.

Option #2: Peel and Stick Vinyl Flooring

A cheaper option than LVT, peel-and-stick flooring offers diverse, trendy styles. They’re not as durable, but they’re still relatively water-resistant and easy to install.

Warning: If you do a lot of snow camping, these may not be a good option. The tiles are designed to sit flush next to each other, but defects in manufacturing and lower quality mean there’s usually a small space between the tiles. This means that water can seep through the cracks and – over time – cause problems in your flooring.

Even so, these are great options if you need a quick flooring fix.

Option #3: Area Rugs and Mats

If you hate the feeling of a cold floor in the morning, add a nice rug next to your bed. This is a little accent piece that can make cold mornings more endurable. Plus, they can be easily swapped out if you fancy a change.

Some options for flooring for your camping setup include:

  • Small welcome mats
  • Indoor/outdoor carpet for under the awning
  • Carpet runner to protect your new flooring and keep things cozy during colder camping nights.

You can see these flooring upgrades put in action by April Gilleland. She really brightened up her space with light-colored flooring and then defined the living areas with soft rugs.

6 Interior Pop-Up Camper Remodel Ideas: How to Transform Your Space on a Dime - Neighbor Blog (3)

Photo courtesy of businessinsider.com

Idea #5: Add Your Window Treatments

Updating your camper’s window treatments can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your space. Window treatments are not only essential for controlling light and privacy in your camper, but they also add a finishing touch to your pop-up camper makeover.

DIY Curtains

If you’re a fan of DIY projects, making your own curtains is a great way to customize your camper and save money. With some affordable fabric and simple sewing techniques, you can create custom curtains that reflect your style and personality.

You can even make your own winter shades. Just be sure to use a thicker material that can serve as insulation when it’s cold outside.

If you’re not a seasoned sewing pro, don’t worry. Making your own curtains is as simple as two straight stitched lines to form a casing for your curtain rod. Finish with a simple hem – another straight stitch around the perimeter – and you’re done.

Pro tip: Again, you don’t need to spend $6/yard to make nice curtains. Go to a thrift store and find a pair of pillowcases or sheets in the pattern or color you like. A pair of pillowcases should be enough for four camper windows.

Roller Blinds

For a sleek and modern look, roller blinds are easy to use and offer great control over light and privacy. Plus, they’re available in a variety of fabric options, so you can choose one that suits your style. They’re easy to install, making them a great choice for your pop-up camper remodel.

Pro Tip: Be sure to carefully measure the outside of the frame of your camper windows, so you can find the right size. And don’t be surprised if you have to get blinds cut or make a special order to fit your windows.

Insulating Window Coverings

If you camp a lot in winter, then consider cutting some insulating foam board to fit in your windows. You can layer thick winter curtains or blinds over this, and they’ll keep out the chill on cold nights.

If you use a heater, this insulation foam board will trap heat, so you can use a fraction of the energy and still stay warm.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can transform your old pop-up camper into a comfortable and functional space that works for you.

Now after putting all that effort into your epic pop-up camper redo transformation, it would be a shame to see it ruined by poor storage practices.

So protect your hard work! Store your camper in a safe place that’s covered and protected from weather and rodents.

Safe…covered… protected…sounds expensive, doesn’t it?

Traditionally, yes! Finding a climate-controlled storage facility is on the pricey side, but with Neighbor it’s different.

Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that offers safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units for your camper.

So your camper stays in good condition and ready for you to make some more fun memories.

6 Interior Pop-Up Camper Remodel Ideas: How to Transform Your Space on a Dime - Neighbor Blog (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with an old pop up camper? ›

Donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations is the easiest way you can get rid of it while helping your disadvantaged neighbors. Your camper donation will show them the way to a brighter future! We will sell your vehicle through auction and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations in your local area.

How do you update an old motorhome? ›

RV updates anyone can do
  1. Paint. You'd be amazed how a coat of paint can freshen up the most dated RV. ...
  2. Replace Furniture. Most of the furniture that comes standard in RVs is dated or covered in flourishes. ...
  3. Update Appliances. ...
  4. Update Faucets. ...
  5. Change Light Fixtures. ...
  6. Update Window Treatments. ...
  7. Add Decorative Accessories.

Can you modify a pop-up camper? ›

At Campfire Travelers, we share our journey of transforming our pop-up camper into a clean and updated home on wheels for under $1000. In this blog, we detail the process of updating the flooring in our camper using peel-and-stick vinyl tiles.

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 can I use for RV interior walls? ›

RV walls are usually covered in thin plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF). In higher end or more expensive campers, you may see vinyl paneling used as well.

How do I make my RV look like a house? ›

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. Try to think vertically, and utilize hooks and hangers in these spaces to really maximize the space and functionality.

How do you make a trailer look like a house on the inside? ›

How to Remodel Your Mobile Home to Look Like a House (Interior)
  1. Remove all of the trim from your walls.
  2. Prime your walls using an oil-based primer.
  3. Fill in all of the line gaps left by the paneling with drywall mud.
  4. Tape and mud the wall joints between the sheets of paneling.
  5. Use an orange peel texture spray on the walls.

What not to do with a travel trailer? ›

Avoid Making These RV Mistakes As A Newbie
  • Mistake #1: Not having a checklist.
  • Mistake #2: Too much haste.
  • Mistake #3: Jumping on the road with no practice.
  • Mistake #4: Not planning your route.
  • Mistake #5: Not calling ahead or not asking the right questions.
  • Mistake #6: Choosing the wrong tow vehicle.
May 18, 2022

How can I make my small camper feel bigger? ›

Polished wood or stone cabinets and countertops help reflect light, making a room feel brighter and bigger. You can also add mirrors to your RV's décor. While traditional or intricate mirrors are often too heavy to hang safely on an RV wall, you can find cute plastic mirrors to hang on doors or as wall decorations.

Is it worth it to renovate an old RV? ›

Renovating an RV can significantly reduce costs compared to buying a new one. The initial investment in a used RV is generally lower than that of a new model, providing a more affordable starting point for renovation projects.

What is considered old for a motorhome? ›

If an RV is over 10 years old, you might find yourself running into issues staying at certain upscale RV parks. You could find yourself running into the “10 Year Rule”. Though it may not be accurate all the time this rule is based on the assumption that an RV over 10 years old might be too weathered or worn.

What is the average life of a motorhome? ›

How long an RV, motorhome, or travel trailer lasts depends on various factors. However, generally speaking, two decades is reasonable for a well-maintained vehicle. The average lifespan of a Class A or a Class B RV or motorhome is between 10 and 20 years.

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 value my pop-up camper? ›

What is my RV Worth? Here Are 5 Ways to Find Out
  1. NADA RV Value website. This resource gives ranges for RV sale prices based on manufacturer, model and model year. ...
  2. RVTrader.com. ...
  3. Marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. ...
  4. Professional appraisal companies. ...
  5. Your local dealer.
Apr 15, 2021

How much is an old camper worth? ›

Useable, refurbished trailers can easily run from the $2,500 to the $10,000 range. If you have the means, beautifully restored trailers can be had in the teens to over $50,000. The good thing is that we all have just as much fun at the rallies!

What is considered old for a camper? ›

You could find yourself running into the “10 Year Rule”. Though it may not be accurate all the time this rule is based on the assumption that an RV over 10 years old might be too weathered or worn. The heated debate of how this rule is applied to renovated, well maintained, or vintage RV's rages on.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 6251

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.