Turn Your Minivan Into a Camping Machine With These Top Tips
Whether you’re into a DIY minivan camper conversion, a kit or a custom build, these ideas will inspire you to start minivan camping right now.

If you’re looking for the perfect stealth camper van, a minivan camper is a great way to camp on the road without being noticed.
Minivan camper conversions are less expensive than the more popular, larger camper vans, and they get significantly better gas mileage, saving you money on long drives. Minivan campers are great options for someone looking to start van life on a budget.
When converting a minivan into a camper, you’ll most likely need to remove the rear seats to make room for a bed, but once you’ve done that, there’s plenty of space for you to stretch out and enjoy some downtime.
Minivan campers are much easier to drive, and since they are smaller both in length and height, they are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. You can even go through a drive-through coffee shop in a minivan camper!
Even though minivan campers don’t offer much space for daily living inside, some people add amenities like tables, a toilet, storage, etc. But a minivan camper will do the job if you are just looking for somewhere to sleep and store your gear on fun road trips.
Have we piqued your interest?
Table of Contents
5 Popular Minivans and Why You Should Consider Them
We’ve got all the details on why these minivan models are popular for minivan camper conversions. You can have everything you need in a van build without the extra cost of full-size vans.
1) Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is cost-effective, fuel-efficient, versatile, and has all-wheel drive, making it a great choice for minivan camper conversions. They are also widely available due to their popularity as affordable, safe family vehicles.
Most any mechanic can work on a Toyota Sienna camper, so you won’t have to worry as much about breaking down or needing parts for maintenance.
2) Chevy Astro Van

The Chevy Astro Van is one of the most popular vans for a camper van conversion. They can be found online on websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for less than $6,000.
Chevy’s are well known for their ease to work on, so if you’re mechanically inclined, this is a perfect option for your minivan camper conversion.
3) Dodge Caravan

If you’re looking for a little more room for an extra person or two, or even just additional leg room, the Dodge Grand Caravan is a great choice. This is also a good option if you want a camper to convert easily and quickly back into a minivan.
If you’re only thinking about traveling in a minivan camper for a short period of time, the Dodge Grand Caravan holds its resale value better than most minivans.
4) Kia Sedona

Probably known best for the ability to be converted to a camper quickly with no permanent modifications, the Kia Sedona is another great option for the minivan camper on a budget.
The middle seats of a Kia Sedona can be removed easily, and the rear bench seat folds flat, making the perfect space for a foam mattress bed. This doesn’t leave much room for storage but certainly makes for a great base camp for those wanting to get out and explore without spending a lot of money upfront.
5) Honda Odyssey

Another good choice for someone wanting more legroom in their minivan camper conversion is the Honda Odyssey. It can easily accommodate a bed for someone up to six feet tall to sleep comfortably without contorting into different positions while trying to rest.
The Honda Odyssey is known for its longevity and ease of fixing and maintenance. It has large windows, which is wonderful for those picturesque campsites, although you may want coverings for colder weather.
Steps for building a DIY minivan camper conversion
Now that you have all of the materials, where do you start? The process can be overwhelming, but when you break the build-out into sections, the process seems a lot more doable.
1) Remove the seats
You’ll need to remove all seats behind the driver’s seat to make room for your camper van components. Most minivans have two rows of seating that will need to be removed.
If you plan on converting your minivan camper back into a traditional minivan after use, store your seats in a safe place where they won’t be damaged when not in use.
Minivan camper conversions are small and only comfortable for one or two people. If you want to travel with more than two people, you may want to consider a larger campervan conversion.
2) Decide what storage space you need
Before starting your conversion process, you will want to consider your storage options. Most campervan conversions have storage under the bed that is accessible from the rear hatch and sliding doors. This could be anything from a full kitchen setup to a portable toilet to simple milk crate storage bins.

Here are a few things to consider before starting to build out anything:
- Are you including a refrigerator or portable toilet in your minivan camper?
- Do you need a full kitchen, or will you use simple camping cookware like a jet boil?
- How many changes of clothes do you need with you?
- How much water do you want to carry?
- Are you traveling with a pet? If so, what storage space do you need for them?
- Are there additional must-have amenities you want to bring, such as a portable power source?
3) Build your bed frame
The most important component of your campervan conversion is your bed. You’ll want a comfortable place to sleep after a long day of exploring.
Measure accordingly when building your bed platform, and don’t be afraid to take up a few extra inches to accommodate your height if there is room. You won’t regret the legroom!
4) Add your storage and amenities
Now that your bed frame is built, you can add items like a cooler, storage containers for clothing, and a camp stove.

Many people have extremely simple setups for their campers, with a few containers on the floor, and some have full kitchens on slide-out drawers. There’s no right or wrong way to set up your minivan camper. It will all depend on your individual needs, budget, and what space is available in your minivan.
5) Add window coverings
Window coverings for your minivan camper are essential when you spend extended periods of time traveling in it. We suggest something insulated or a blackout covering for your windows so you can sleep peacefully and have some privacy.
Window coverings also help tremendously to insulate your minivan camper from heat and cold.
6) Pack up and hit the road!
Now that your minivan has been converted, you can put in your mattress and fill up your living space with everything you need for your van life adventure!

Don’t forget these essentials that will make life on the road much more enjoyable!
- Comfortable bedding (a good pillow goes a long way!)
- Toiletry bag to keep everything organized and accessible
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Portable power source
- Water filter
- Basic mess kit
- Laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Bungee cords (you’ll thank us later)
You can also get a minivan camping tent to expand your space!
Minivan Camper Conversion Kits & Custom Builds
Multiple minivan camper conversion kits are available on the market if you’re not interested in a DIY camper conversion.
Minivan camper conversion kits are easily installed in your minivan and make it your own tiny home on wheels with some functional amenities like a bed, storage, and table.
We’ve gathered the important details about minivan conversion kit companies and what they are best suited for.
1) Oasis Custom Minivans
Based in Colorado, Oasis Campervans has been in business since 2014. Their minivan camper conversions are hand-crafted and comfortable.
You can be confident that your Oasis Campervans conversion kit will have all the amenities you didn’t know you needed, and none that you wish you hadn’t gotten.
2) Roadloft

If you’re looking for something easy to install instantly and easily removable, Roadloft has custom minivan camper conversions for all of the most popular minivans.
Offering multiple layout options with one kit, Roadloft’s minivan conversion kits are perfect for the weekend warrior or part-time adventurer that still needs a functional, traditional minivan for everyday use.
3) Contravans
Based out of Denver, Colorado, Contravans is very versatile and provides camper van conversions for minivans, as well as cargo vans and SUVs.

They have a wide variety of quality upkit options, including refrigerators, rooftop tents, bike racks, and awnings.
4) Freeway Campers
If you’re looking for something that can fit into multiple minivans, Freeway Camper has minivan camper conversion kits that will fit almost any minivan.

Known for a more luxurious minivan camper conversion style, Freeway Camper also offers rooftop tents, conversion kits for SUV’s, and even solar add-ons.
5) Vanpackers
Looking for a place for everything and easy accessibility to all your gear? Vanpackers specializes in optimal storage solutions their minivan camper conversion kits.

With easy-to-install modular options for all of the popular minivans, Vanpackers is perfect for the traveler who wants to utilize every inch of storage available in their minivan.
6) Riverleaf

Simplicity and comfort, along with ease of installation, are what you can expect from Riverleaf InstaCamper Boxes.
Currently offering two different minivan camper conversion styles that are compatible with the most common minivans. here’s what the Arches Kit has:
- 2 removable drawers
- Collapsible basin sink
- Portable gas stove & windscreen
- 3″ Sectional mattress with cover
- Table leg stand
- Table leg base
And here is what you’ll get with the Grand Teton kit, which is a bit larger.
- 4 Removable drawers
- Faucet with 12V submersible pump
- Stainless steel basin
- 4 Gal fresh water container
- Portable gas stove & windscreen
- Sectional mattress with cover
Use the coupon code WAYWARD50 to get $50 off your order on a Riverleaf camper conversion kit.
DIY Minivan Campers for Inspiration for Your Build
If you don’t want to go with a custom conversion or a conversion kit, you can easily build out your own minivan. Here are some examples to get you fired up!
Amanda’s 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan camper conversion

Amanda is from Sweden and has been traveling full-time since 2018. Last year, she moved to Canada with her boyfriend on a working holiday visa.
To explore the country, they bought a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan and converted it into a DIY minivan camper.
They removed all the passenger seats at the back of the van and built the campervan interior from scratch. The couple installed a double bed with storage underneath and shelves on both sides. The bed turns into a couch.
In front of the bench, they can hang a table platform by tying ropes to the coat hooks placed around the van. This is where they eat their meals and work.
Next to the couch, there’s a small kitchen with a sink, running water and a gas stove. The tap is electric and it charges off USB while they drive around.
They also installed a slide-out kitchen counter that extends outside of the vehicle, so they can cook outside and prevent steaming up the van. Between the driver and passenger seats, they placed a cooler that charges off the engine’s battery.
Find out more about the minivan camper conversion on Amanda’s blog.
Glenn’s 2004 Toyota Sienna minivan camper

Glenn used to own an iconic VW camper, and absolutely loved it, but the cute old van kept breaking down. Frustrated, he sold the VW camper and bought a Toyota Sienna to convert into a camper.
He did everything DIY for only $200. He took the completed Sienna minivan camper on a 12,000-mile road trip around the USA with his partner Francesca and their dog Pi.
At the back of the vehicle, there’s a double campervan bed that converts into a couch. In the middle, there’s a narrow table for eating meals or working on a laptop.
On the left-hand side of the minivan camper conversion, there are various shelves to keep kitchen utensils, fruit, and more. There’s also a big storage space under the bed, where Glenn keeps his clothes and cooking equipment.
He even added a front porch by installing a tarp which is held up by two bamboo sticks.
You can see more pictures of Glenn’s minivan camper on his blog.
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Lisa’s 1997 Chevy Astro minivan camper conversion
Lisa moved to Canada from Germany to work and travel solo. Having decided to live in Vancouver – one of the country’s most costly cities – she chose to convert a minivan into a camper, rather than paying for expensive rent to live in an apartment.
Lisa went for a 1997 Chevy Astro Van – one of our favorite mini rigs.
At the rear of the minivan camper conversion, there’s a comfortable single bed, which also turns into a sofa or a double bed, thanks to a slider. Under it, there’s a slide-out drawer that offers lots of storage.
In the middle section of the vehicle, she installed a very simple but cute kitchen with a sink, water filter and foot pump. She also added a flip-up piece of ply to add to the kitchen counter space. In the cold Canadian winters, she uses a propane heater to stay warm.
Lisa’s minivan camper is full of clever storage ideas, such as the hanging hammock above the bed. What makes it extra cozy is the lovely soft furniture and blankets she decorated the interior with.
Check out Lisa’s Youtube channel.
Maya’s and Michael’s Dodge Grand Caravan minivan camper

Maya and Michael were born in Slovakia, where they caught the travel bug. They’ve road-tripped thousands of miles in the USA and Canada in their minivan camper, a Dodge Grand Caravan.
When they moved to New Zealand, they bought the same vehicle (a Chrysler Grand Voyager) to keep living the van life there.
Maya’s and Michel’s minivan build is amazingly simple. They installed a platform bed at the back of the van, under which there’s lots of storage.
That’s it.
They cook on their camping stove and store their bikes either inside the van or on a roof rack.
This simple minivan camper conversion gives them the freedom to travel and cook anywhere. They don’t need many comforts inside, because they’re all about living outdoors and practicing lots of sports.
Find out more about the conversion on Maya’s and Michael’s blog.
ForestyForest’s Chevrolet Uplander Minivan Camper
ForestyForest is a solo van lifer who travels the US and Canada aboard his minivan camper.
He started by converting his Chevrolet Uplander DIY with a removable custom build. Then, he decided to go all out and install new equipment permanently.
Being a solo traveler and not exceptionally tall, ForestyForest managed to get a lot out of the space available in his minivan camper.
Inside, he built various shelves, a single bed, a table that serves as a kitchen, a desk, and a dining table. He’s added a diesel heater and a cooler.
The whole minivan camper is closed off by a wall, and the passenger seat has been removed, so there’s also enough space to store a bike inside the minivan.
You can find out more about ForestyForest on his YouTube channel.
What Do You Think About Minivan Camping?
Whether you’re looking to take on the task of converting your minivan into a camper yourself or you’d rather hire a professional – it’s easy to find inspiration for your project.
Remember that investing in your minivan RV is also investing in your comfort while on the road. Minivan conversion kits offer everything from cozy beds to refrigerators and even portable toilets.
It will be worth taking the time to determine what campervan conversion suits your needs so you can start out on your van life adventure with confidence and comfort.
Happy minivan camping!
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