RV Outdoor Setup Ideas for a Cozy Campsite

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An RV setup at night.
Photo by Michael B. Stuart on Unsplash

Looking for some RV outdoor setup ideas? Getting your camp set up right can really make a difference to any trip away.

No matter where you decide to set up, here are some RV outdoor ideas that will give you that cozy home away from home feel.

RV Rug

One of the best things you can have in a cozy RV outdoor setup is an RV rug.

A camper rug with two red and white camping chairs outside an RV trailer.

An RV rug sets up your whole camp area. Throw it down over sand, pine needles, hard standings and your outside area looks better right away.

There are literally hundreds of designs and sizes available, see my post on RV rugs for some inspiration.

Camp Rug

This is one of my top picks for an RV rug. It’s made of recycled materials, waterproof and really well made.

It’s reversible, so you get a choice of two patterns. It’s got loops on each corner to stake it down and it comes with a good strong bag for storage.

Awning Sun Shades

An RV awning shade is another excellent addition to your RV outdoor setup.

An extended RV awning with an awning shade.

RV awning shades are such a good idea in sunny climates.

As well as creating shade, they are great for creating some extra privacy.

Awning Front Shade

This is the very popular awning shade by Tentproinc. It’s a mesh breathable material, which lets air through, but blocks over 80% UV rays.

The shade will also act as a pretty good wind break. You’ll be able to find a compatible size, as there are over 35 sizes!

Awning Side Shade

Tentproinc also make a side shade version which again could be very useful in your camper outdoor setup.

This side shade will fit most RV awnings.

RV Camping Outdoor Lights

The lighting in your camp setup really does add a little bit of magic when nightime comes.

An RV with bright awning lights at night.

No camp setup is ever going to be complete without lighting. There are so many options, it’s really just down to personal taste.

I’ve picked out rechargeable, easy stow style lights, but if your plugged into shore power, the sky is the limit when it comes to outdoor string lights!

Here are a few ideas.

String Lights

String lights are the easiest and quickest way to brighten up your camp.

These lights are 32 ft long and have 8 different lighting modes. A winding handle retracts them all into a neat storage container that doubles as another light.

Lanterns x 4

This is a really cool pack of 4 rechargeable lanterns. They will charge via USB or leave them out in the sun and they will charge by the solar panel on top.

These little lanterns collapse down so you can use them like a flashlight. Super handy camp item.

Fun Lanterns

Funky lanterns are always a good addition to an RV outdoor setup.

This pair of lanterns imitate a real flickering flame (very well) and can be charged via USB. They have a handful of different light modes as well as the flame, and come with a remote control.

Party Lights

RV trailer lights


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Camco Retro Travel Trailer Party Lights | Features an 8' Strand with (10) Travel Trailer Lights | Perfect for RV Awnings and Campsite Décor (42655)

There are hundreds to choose from, but these little party lights are fun.

They are 120V, but will run forever on a good battery / inverter setup, or just good ole shore power. They are only 8ft long, so will look good hanging on the front of the awning.

Bumper Grill Mount

Getting your outdoor cooking setup organized makes everything much easier.

An RV grill with vegetable skewers.

Getting a grill mount for your RV is a game changer. 

Mounting your grill on its own movable platform means more space on your table, and more flexibility when you’re cooking.  See my post on bumper grill mounts.

Grill Mount

This is my bumper mount choice from Fleming Sales. This mount will fit any standard 4 inch square box RV rear bumper.

You can mount either a grill tray or grill mounting rack (purchased separately).

Camp Chairs

A good camp chair is pretty much a requirement in a good RV outdoor setup.

Two camping chairs next to an RV on a beach.

There are many styles, shapes and sizes to choose from.

Here are a few options that would be great in any camp setup.

Rocker Chair

This rocker chair is super popular and has a smooth sprung rocking action.

There are 4 different variations: Standard, XL, Lowrider and one with a cool side table.

Camp Love Seat

This double camp chair is perfect for couples. It’s pretty strong and will support up to 650 lbs.

It has padded seats and padded arm rests with drink holders, and comes with a heavy duty storage bag.

Hammocks

I’m a big fan of a camp hammock. This one from Wise Owl Outfitters is really well made, and the single option will comfortably support up to 400 lbs.

It’s really easy to setup and comes with all the necessary tree straps and carabiners. There are few options: single, double and a kids size.

Camp Table

You’ve just gotta have a decent camp table. You’d be kinda lost without one.

Along with a firepit, the camp table becomes the focal point of your outdoor setup.

Camp Table

This camping table from Coleman is really well made and easy to set up.

It has a really tough aluminum slatted top, with a sturdy 4 leg steel frame. The slatted top is a great idea, making it super easy to keep clean.

Firepit

One of the best things about any kind of camping is a campfire.

A firepit and camping table next to an RV at night.

The only drawback to a traditional campfire can be the smoke. Bonfire smelling clothes, stinging eyes etc.

Smokeless Firepit

This smokeless firepit has a unique design that lets you have a traditional campfire, but without the smoke.

The firepit is made from stainless steel so will never rust, and it’s got a removable ash pan for easy cleaning.

Popcorn Maker

If you’ve got a campfire going, you can toast your marshmallows, and you can also pop some corn.

This little popcorn maker will make perfect popcorn in about 4-5 minutes.

Magical Flames

This is always a big hit with the kids.

Just throw between 1-3 packets of Magical Flames on the campfire and you will get multicolored flames for about an hour.

Projector

Outdoor movie nights are always great fun.

A group of people watching a projected movie onto the side of an RV at night.

If you have an RV, it’s really easy to set up a projector screen.

Hang the screen up, put the projector on the table, and pass the popcorn!

Mini Projector

This mini projector comes with an 100 inch screen.

You can connect your phone, or USB stick and play whatever you want. The projector also has bluetooth, so you can connect a bluetooth speaker for sound. Pretty cool.

Blankets

Sat in a comfy chair with a blanket next to the campfire. There’s nothing quite like it. 

A woman sat in a camp chair with blanket next to a campfire.

Down Blanket

This KingCamp blanket is a great thing to have on hand, and can be used in 4 different ways.

It’s a down blanket that can be turned into a sleeping bag or a shawl, and when stuffed into its carry bag can be used as a pillow. It’s water resistant and super warm.

Mosquitos

Depending on where you are, biting bugs when you’re RVing can be a real pain.

A small swarm of bugs in the sunlight.

As well as the bug sprays and coil solutions there is also the bug device option. 

Bug Repeller

This Thermacell unit works by dispensing non deet bug repellent.

The device will cover about a 15 ft radius. No smell, no smoke and no bug spray on the skin.

Hopefully this handful of RV outdoor setup ideas will help with putting together your own perfect camp.

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AUTHOR

As well as a lifelong passion for RVs, Rich also has a love of fishing, surfing and hiking. His hobbies keep him traveling and he hopes his experiences will help and inspire like minded souls. More about Rich.