4 DIY Small Camper Storage Ideas
Small campers make you think differently about storage. Instead of simply adding more cabinets, I wanted each project to solve several problems without taking up more of our limited space.
These four DIY camper upgrades added hidden storage, improved organization, and made our camper work better for the way we actually use it — while using mostly scrap wood and simple woodworking techniques.
DIY Camper Upgrades Video
Making Better Use of a Small Camper
Our camper already had a decent layout, but after using it for a while we started finding spaces that weren't working as well as they could. Rather than completely rebuilding the interior, I focused on a few targeted woodworking projects that could make better use of the space we already had.
The result was four upgrades that solve several different storage and organization problems.
Under-Bed Storage Drawers
The original bed had a large storage compartment underneath it, but getting to it meant lifting the mattress and hinged bed platform.
I converted that space into large pull-out drawers that can be accessed from the front of the bed. The drawer fronts blend into the existing camper cabinetry, and 12V magnetic locks keep the drawers secured while we're traveling.
This gave us much easier access to one of the largest storage areas in the camper without sacrificing the original storage capacity.
Camper End Table, Shoe Storage & Trash Can
One of the most useful projects actually solves several problems at once.
I built a narrow cabinet beside the bed that works as a bedside table while also providing shoe storage and a space for a full-size kitchen trash can.
The top was made using the sink insert that came with the camper, allowing me to reuse something we already had while matching the rest of the interior.
Blackstone Griddle Storage
Our exterior refrigerator compartment wasn't particularly useful for the way we camp, so I converted it into storage for our 17-inch Blackstone griddle.
The griddle now has a dedicated place where it can slide in and out easily, with additional shelf storage above it for cooking supplies.
It's a relatively simple modification, but it turned an underused compartment into storage for something we bring on almost every camping trip.
TV Wall & Storage
The final project created a dedicated TV wall at the front of the bed.
I used upcycled plywood parts from my shop, wrapped in designer shelf paper to create a finished mounting surface for a 24-inch TV and articulating mount while hiding the wiring behind it.
These upgrades weren’t about adding more stuff to a small camper — they were about making the space we already had work harder. Most were built with scrap materials and simple woodworking methods, and each one solved more than one problem.
Hardware & Products
Quick links to grab any of the tools and hardware you see in the video.1
Full Motion TV Wall Mount
Used for the custom camper TV wall so the TV can be positioned where needed while keeping the installation compact.
Buy on Amazon
12V Magnetic Cabinet Locks
Used to automatically secure the under-bed storage drawers while traveling.
Buy on Amazon
12V Electrical Wire
Used to wire the magnetic drawer-lock system into the camper's 12V electrical system.
Buy on Amazon
12V Illuminated Button Switch
Used to control the magnetic locking system for the under-bed camper drawers.
Buy on Amazon
Drawer Hardware
Used for the large under-bed storage drawers to make the original storage area much easier to access.
Buy on Amazon
Camper Mattress
The upgraded mattress we use in the camper above the redesigned under-bed storage system.
Buy on Amazon
Simplehuman Trash Can
Fits inside the custom end-table storage unit so we can keep a full-size trash can without giving up floor space.
Buy on Amazon
17-Inch Blackstone Griddle
The griddle that the exterior camper storage compartment was redesigned to hold.
Buy on Amazon
Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker
A compact coffee maker that works well in the limited counter and storage space available in the camper.
Buy on Amazon
Gray Con-Tact Shelf Paper
Used throughout several of the camper storage projects to give the finished surfaces a consistent look.
Buy at Home Depot1Some of the product links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them - at no extra cost to you. Using these links helps support the channel and lets me keep creating woodworking and workshop projects like this one. Thank you for your support!