Ever opened your pop-up camper, eager for a weekend escape, only to be greeted by chaos? You’re not only. I’ve been there—marching into a clutter of tangled cords, scoundrel flip-flops, and anonymous spots from last summer.
Pop-up campers are magical for street journeys and weekend escapes, however let’s be authentic… they’re not accurately recognized for kind storage room. So, over the years, I’ve gotten imaginative. Like, MacGyver-meets-Marie-Kondo type of original.
If you’re on a assignment to exploit each corner and gap of your comfortable camper, you’re in the correct place. These 12 pop-up camper storage ideas come straight from my own trial-and-error (and some late-night scrolling through camper hacks forums).
Let’s dive into the clever, the practical, and even the slightly ridiculous—but effective—ways to tame your pop-up space.
1. Hanging Shoe Organizers (but Not for Shoes)
Let’s kick things off with a classic hack: the hanging shoe organizer. Don’t underestimate this hero of vertical storage! Hang one on the inside of your camper door or a closet rod, and suddenly you’ve got a dozen little cubbies begging to hold sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, flashlights, socks—you name it.
I once used one entirely for kitchen items and called it my “pantry on a hanger.” Bonus points if you cut it in half to fit your space better. It’s a game-changer, trust me.
2. Collapsible Everything
If it folds, flattens, or nests—get it. Collapsible bowls, sinks, laundry baskets, and even buckets are a dream in a pop-up camper. You save a ton of space and still get the functionality.
I used to bring a full-size salad spinner (I know…), until I found a collapsible one that tucks neatly under the bench. Now I’m a full convert. It feels like wizardry every time I flatten that colander.
3. Under-Bench Storage Bins
You’d be surprised how much hidden storage lives under your seating benches. Stackable plastic bins or soft-sided fabric boxes work wonders here.
I keep one for dry food, one for extra linens, and another for games and rainy-day stuff. Pro tip: label them. Nothing’s worse than opening five bins to find a can opener.
Also, don’t forget to secure them while driving unless you enjoy a surprise avalanche.
4. Tension Rods with Hanging Baskets
Okay, this one took me a few tries to perfect, but when it clicked—chef’s kiss. Install a couple of tension rods between the sides of your camper (think windows or above a kitchenette), then hook on small baskets or caddies.
I keep one near the stove area for spices, paper towels, and dish soap. Another one lives near the bed holding books, glasses, and my must-have midnight snack (peanut M&Ms, if you must know).
5. Magnetic Strips for Metal Tools
This one’s more than just smart—it’s oddly satisfying. A magnetic strip on the inside of a cabinet door or near your kitchen prep area keeps knives, scissors, and bottle openers handy without taking up drawer space.
I also added one to our “utility zone” to hold the flashlight, multi-tool, and metal lighter. No more digging through drawers while yelling “WHERE’S THE LIGHTER?!”
6. Ceiling-Mounted Netting
Yes, you can use your ceiling. And no, it’s not as weird as it sounds. A stretchy mesh cargo net screwed into the camper’s ceiling is ideal for storing lightweight things like jackets, rolled-up towels, or beach gear.
It’s like an attic, but cooler. Just make sure not to overload it or you’ll bonk your head every time you sit up in bed. (Ask me how I know.)
7. Command Hooks Everywhere
Command hooks are the MVPs of camper storage. They go up easily, come down cleanly, and are perfect for hanging keys, towels, hats, and bags. I’ve even used them to hang a tiny collapsible trash bin by the kitchen area.
Just make sure to clean the surface first and wait the recommended hour before hanging stuff—yes, I’ve had one fail mid-toast.
8. Drawer Organizers (Not Just for Kitchens)
Those little drawer dividers you use in your kitchen at home? Bring ’em. Use them in your camper’s small drawers or even inside bins to keep things sorted.
I use one to separate batteries, matches, bug bite sticks, and chargers—otherwise, they all end up in a “junk drawer” situation, which becomes a black hole. You can even find adjustable ones that work for odd-shaped drawers.
9. Bedside Hanging Pockets
Ever lie in bed and realize your book, chapstick, and phone have all vanished into the abyss of your sleeping bag? Enter: bedside organizers.
I rigged up a hanging fabric caddy from the bed rail using Velcro straps, and now I’ve got a cozy bedside cubby. No more fumbling in the dark or waking up with my Kindle jammed into my back. Heaven.
10. Velcro Straps & Cable Clips for Cords
The cord chaos is real. Power cords, charging cables, extension cords—they love to tangle at warp speed.
I use Velcro straps to keep long cords neat and tidy, and cable clips to route small ones along the wall or behind shelves. Suddenly, your camper looks less like a tech spaghetti bowl and more like a tiny, efficient spaceship.
My inner organization nerd rejoices.
11. Slide-Out Pantry Drawers
If your camper has a narrow vertical cabinet, don’t let it go to waste. Add slide-out drawers or baskets to turn it into a mini pantry.
I found a set at a home store that fit perfectly and suddenly had space for canned goods, snacks, and even a sneaky wine bottle or two.
Not to mention, it feels super satisfying to slide the drawer out like you’re in a tiny gourmet kitchen. Yes, I’m dramatic—but it feels fancy.
12. Use the Camper Door Wisely
Last but not least—the humble camper door. It’s prime real estate! I attached a slim hanging organizer on ours with pockets for sunscreen, flip-flops, and bug spray.
You can even add a small whiteboard for meal planning or a checklist of things not to forget (like, oh, locking the roof latches—again, don’t ask). Every bit of vertical space counts in a pop-up.
Wrapping it all up
Living out of a pop-up camper doesn’t mean you have to live in clutter. In fact, once you find your storage groove, it’s kind of addicting. There’s something magical about making a tiny space work exactly the way you want.
Every hook, basket, and bin becomes part of a cozy little system that makes your trips smoother and a whole lot more fun.
So whether you’re a seasoned camper or just setting out on your first big adventure, I hope these ideas help you feel a bit more in control of the chaos. And hey—if you’ve discovered a genius storage trick I missed, drop it in the comments. We storage nerds have to stick together.
Happy camping, friends. And may your camper always be organized enough to find your marshmallow sticks without a scavenger hunt.