Clever Campervan Kitchen Ideas – Build Your Dream Kitchen on Wheels

Designing a kitchen in a campervan is like playing Tetris – every inch counts, and clever storage solutions will make or break your van life cooking experience. If you’re planning a conversion for full-time travel or weekend adventures, let’s dive into practical layouts, tips from overlanders, and small camper with kitchen ideas to inspire your build.

How to Design a Kitchen in a Campervan? Tips and Tricks

Before picking your campervan kitchen layout, ask yourself:

What’s your cooking style? Love cooking elaborate meals or just need coffee and oatmeal?
How often will you cook inside vs. outside?
What kitchen appliances are essential for you? (e.g. portable induction cooktop, toaster oven, or simple single burner hob)
Where do you want your fridge? Under the countertop or in a slide-out drawer?
Do you prefer a standing kitchen or cooking from outside?

Expert tip: Always plan your kitchen setup around your electrical system, water system, and ventilation. A proper propane hookup or Dometic portable stove setup will ensure safety.

Rear Kitchen Layout

Placing your camper van kitchen at the back of the van (rear kitchen layout) is ideal for people who want to cook outdoors without cluttering the living area. Simply lift your tailgate and enjoy plenty of room and ventilation.

Best for: small camper with kitchen needs, minimal interior cooking, overlanders who prefer eating outdoors.

Expert note: This layout works great with a slide-out kitchen or pull-out pantry for extra counter space. You can integrate a fridge that slides out and wood countertops for a rustic feel.

Side Kitchen Layout

A side kitchen layout runs along the side of the van, usually behind the driver or passenger seat, keeping your kitchen accessible even in bad weather.

Best for: vanlifers living full-time, allowing cooking inside with lots of counter space.

Expert note: Choose kitchen cabinets with clever storage – a pull-out drawer for spices, under-counter fridge, stainless steel sink with faucet, and a cutting board insert will maximize countertop space.

Galley Kitchen Layout

The galley kitchen layout is common in Sprinter, VW Crafter, and LWB conversions. Cabinets run along both sides, just like on a boat, creating a kitchen aisle.

Best for: people who want lots of storage options and a true tiny home feel.

Expert note: Check your bulkhead position and ensure enough floor space to cook food comfortably without blocking the sliding door. Installing upper kitchen cabinets and spice rack here is efficient.

Swivel Kitchen Module Layout

This modular kitchen layout uses a swivel unit that can rotate outside the van when needed, combining indoor and outdoor cooking options.

Best for: people who want flexibility and love cooking both indoors and outdoors.

Expert note: Swivel kitchens are great in camper vans with a sliding door on the side. Choose lightweight kitchen furniture like Rover Vans’ Kitchen Moon modules for easy installation.

Camper with Outdoor Kitchen - Popular Outdoor Kitchen Layouts

Many van build enthusiasts install a camper with outdoor kitchen to keep grease, moisture, and smells out of the living area. Cooking outdoors under the stars, brewing morning coffee with mountain views, or grilling fresh fish by the lake – that’s what van life cooking dreams are made of.

Slide-Out Kitchen Drawer

A slide-out kitchen (also called pull-out kitchen) is mounted in the rear or side of your van build. You pull it out like a large drawer, revealing your stove, sink, and prep area.

Best for: Small camper with kitchen needs and minimal interior installations.
Features: Compact propane stove, stainless steel sink with faucet connected to your water system, small fridge that slides out underneath, and a cutting board or extra counter space.
Expert tip: Use lightweight ply or aluminium frame for the drawer to avoid adding excessive weight to your van floor.

Rear Hatch Kitchen

The kitchen is permanently mounted at the back of the van. You open the rear doors or lift the tailgate to access the full kitchen setup.

Best for: Vans with high roofs (Sprinter, VW Crafter) that have enough height to work comfortably when standing under the open hatch.
Features: Built-in countertop with a two-burner propane stove or Dometic hob, under-counter fridge, and overhead cupboards for kitchen needs and utensils.
Expert tip: Install an awning or rear tent for cooking shelter in rainy weather.

Slide-Out Rear Kitchen with Side Prep Table

An extended version of the basic slide-out drawer, where the kitchen slides out from the back of the van, and an additional fold-down table swings out to the side for extra counter space.

Best for: Serious outdoor chefs needing room for chopping, prepping, and plating.
Features: Large countertop space, built-in sink with faucet, fridge compartment, propane burner, and sometimes a toaster oven.
Expert tip: Install sturdy locking slides rated for at least 250lbs to hold your entire kitchen setup securely.

Why Choose an Outdoor Campervan Kitchen?

Keeps the living area clean and grease-free
No need for complex ventilation inside
Enjoys better airflow and natural light while cooking
Adds “outdoor living” vibes to your vanlife experience
Great for cooking messy meals like fish fry or bacon without lingering smells

If you’re dreaming of a camper with outdoor kitchen, think about your daily cooking routine, storage options, and how often you plan to cook outdoors vs. indoors. Combining a small indoor galley for quick meals with an outdoor slide-out kitchen for full cooking sessions is often the best camper van kitchen idea for flexibility on the road.

How Much Does It Cost to Design a Camper Van Kitchen Layout?

The cost of designing your camper van kitchen layout depends on the level of detail, the type of service, and whether you want simple plans or full 3D renderings. Here’s a general idea of pricing to help you budget your design phase wisely:

Type of Design Service	Approximate Cost	Description
Basic Kitchen Layout (2D, simple plan)	$150 – $500	Basic floor plan showing cabinet, appliance, and workspace layout without technical details.
Detailed Kitchen Design (with dimensions and systems)	$500 – $1,200	Includes precise measurements, plumbing and electrical layouts, and appliance placement.
Full Van Conversion Design with Kitchen (3D renderings)	$1,200 – $3,000+	Complete campervan design with professional 3D visuals, materials list, and installation plans.

Kitchen Furniture for Campers

When choosing kitchen furniture for your campervan kitchen:

Opt for lightweight, durable materials such as ply, aluminium frames, or modular kitchen units to reduce overall van weight and improve build longevity.
Ensure the cabinets fit the fridge you plan to install.
Choose wood countertops or laminate for easy cleaning.
Add clever storage solutions like a spice rack, pull-out pantry, and under-sink drawers.
Check dimensions to fit your van conversion layout and maintain counter space for washing dishes or morning coffee prep.

Source: https://rovervans.com/products/moon-kitchen

Expert recommendation: Rover Vans’ Kitchen Moon offers compact, modular camper van kitchen setups with stainless steel sinks and built-in countertop space, perfect for DIY van build or professional conversion projects.

Is it Safe to Cook in a Campervan?

Yes, if you follow safety guidelines:

Install proper ventilation when using propane.
Keep a carbon monoxide detector in your van.
Use a Dometic portable stove or built-in burner with safety shut-off.
Never leave the stove unattended while cooking.
Ensure your water system is sealed to avoid leaks near electrical systems.

Where to Buy Camper Van Kitchen Layouts in the United States

If you’re planning your van build and wondering where to buy a camper van kitchen layout in the US, there are several trusted options.

Rover Vans (California) – Known for their modular kitchen units like the Kitchen Moon, perfect for Sprinter, VW Crafter, and Ford Transit conversions. Their shop offers ready-to-install galley layouts, pull-out kitchens, and swivel kitchen modules with clever storage.

IKEA (Nationwide) – While not designed specifically for vans, many vanlifers use IKEA base cabinets, countertops, and drawers for budget-friendly diy kitchen setups. Just make sure to reinforce them for travel vibrations.

Expert tip:
Before purchasing a ready kitchen layout, measure the exact dimensions of your camper van interior, taking into account wheel arches, bulkhead position, and your planned water system and electrical system routes. This ensures your kitchen cabinet, fridge, and stove fit perfectly without costly adjustments later.

Looking for a Ready Camper Solution?

If you’re ready to hit the road without months of DIY work, check out the ready-built vans from Rover Vans. Our conversions come equipped with beautifully crafted kitchens, clever storage, and durable materials that stand up to daily use.

We can also offer a custom build to create your dream van kitchen with the exact kitchen layout, appliances, and smart storage your road trip lifestyle needs. From compact rear slide-out kitchens to full side galley setups, our team will design, build, and install everything so you can start your adventures sooner.

Contact us: info@rovervans.com

Final Thoughts

Building your camper van kitchen is one of the most exciting parts of your van build. Whether you’re aiming for the best camper van kitchen ideas with a galley layout, a small camper with kitchen pull-out setup, or a sleek side kitchen, always plan for safety, functionality, and comfort.

👉 Ready to build a kitchen that makes van life cooking a joy? Contact us for your custom conversion design inspiration today.

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FAQ - Campervan Kitchen Ideas

How to add outdoor kitchen to camper?

Install a slide-out kitchen drawer module at the back of your van or a swivel kitchen unit on the side. Make sure it includes space for your stove, cutting board, and storage.

How to stock a camper kitchen?

Start with essentials: lightweight pots, pans, collapsible bowls, utensils, and basic spices. Add a small toaster oven or portable induction cooktop if you want more variety in meals.

Can I design and build my own camper kitchen?

Absolutely. Many vanlifers take the full DIY route — not only designing kitchen cabinets, installing wood countertops, and fitting a fridge under the counter, but also building essential systems like water, propane, and electrical setups themselves. Building your own camper kitchen gives you full control over materials, layout, and quality, but it requires careful planning and some basic technical knowledge.

When it comes to sourcing van parts and kitchen accessories, there are plenty of options. From sinks, faucets, and portable induction cooktops to propane burners, fridge units (like those from Dometic), and clever storage solutions like pull-out pantries and spice racks — you can buy individual components online or at specialty RV and van conversion stores. Choosing high-quality parts is essential for safety and durability, especially for cooking and water systems.

A popular and user-friendly tool to help with the design phase is SketchUp — it offers free versions and plenty of tutorials tailored for van conversions. With SketchUp, you can draft your kitchen cabinets, countertop, fridge placement, and even visualize how much counter space and storage you’ll have. It’s a great way to test different layouts and make sure everything fits perfectly in your small camper with kitchen.

What is the best kitchen layout for a Sprinter van conversion?

The best kitchen layout for a Sprinter van depends on your travel style, but many vanlifers choose a side galley kitchen for indoor cooking or a rear slide-out kitchen for outdoor cooking with plenty of storage space