After seven years of camping in my small trailer, I’ve tested countless gadgets, gear, and upgrades. Some were game-changers, while others collected dust in storage. If I could only keep 10 items from everything I’ve tried, these are the small camper accessories I refuse to camp without.
Whether you’re new to the small camper life or a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade your setup, these must-have camper accessories have genuinely made my camping experience easier, more comfortable, and way more enjoyable.
Why Trust My Small Camper Gear Recommendations?
I’m Randi, and at 62, I do a lot of solo camping in my small camper. I don’t just review these products—I live with them on the road, test them in real conditions, and only recommend what actually works. These aren’t just theoretical picks; they’re the small camper accessories I reach for on every single trip.
Bonus Alert: I told myself I could only include 10 items, but there’s one more gadget I use constantly that deserves a spot on this list. Stick around to the end to see what made my bonus pick!
10. Napoleon Travel Q Portable Gas Grill: The Best Portable Grill for Small Campers
Finding a grill that’s actually small camper friendly is harder than it sounds. Most are either too bulky, don’t get hot enough, or turn into a nightmare when it’s time to clean up.
The Napoleon Travel Q changed everything for me. After trying my share of so-called portable grills over the years, this one finally got it right.
Why I love it:
- Heats up fast and cooks evenly
- Removable grease tray makes cleanup super easy
- Folds down small enough to fit in tight camper storage
- Perfect for someone who doesn’t want food smells lingering inside the camper
Since I’d rather cook outside than deal with those long-lasting food odors in my small space, I use this grill constantly. It makes campsite cooking easy, even for someone like me who’s not a gourmet chef.
My Favorite Grill—Perfect for Two & Made to Travel
The Napoleon TravelQ 285 is the ultimate portable propane grill for camping, tailgating, or small outdoor spaces. With 2 powerful burners and a griddle, it cooks evenly and fast. Compact, easy to pack, and just the right size for two—this is hands-down my favorite grill for RV adventures!
9. Carmtek Camper Levelers: How to Level a Small Camper the Easy Way
Let me tell you a quick story. I used to use wood blocks to level my camper side to side. It was like solving a frustrating puzzle every single time I set up camp. You would have laughed watching me struggle.
That all changed when I discovered the Carmtek camper levelers. Now I just roll my camper onto these curved levelers until it’s perfectly level, and I’m done. No more block-balancing game, no more frustration.
Once you use these levelers, you’ll never want to go back to the old way of doing things. They’re one of those simple small camper accessories that make a huge difference in your setup routine.
These curved levelers make leveling your camper stupid easy!
No more stacking (and restacking) those annoying plastic blocks—just drive up until you're level and chock it in place. BOOM, done! Faster setup means more time to relax by the campfire.
8. AllStays App: The Ultimate Camping Trip Planner
This one completely changed how I plan my camping trips. You know that frustration when you’re trying to find a campground and you have 10 different tabs open? Google Maps, random campground websites, reviews that don’t match the photos, and you’re not even sure if the place is open or has the kind of camping you’ll actually enjoy.
I’ve been using the AllStays app since 2018, and it’s been my go-to camping planner ever since.
What makes it essential:
- Visual map-based search shows every campground around you
- Includes state parks, county parks, and even city parks
- Filter results to find exactly what you’re looking for
- See campground photos and read user reviews before committing
This app has saved me countless hours and completely eliminated those “this looked better online” moments. As an AllStays ambassador, I have a special 10% discount available for readers.
AllStays is the ultimate campground-finding supertool — a visual, map-based app that helps RVers quickly spot campgrounds, filter for exactly what they need, and plan smarter trips in seconds. This is my #1 go-to RV app!
➡️😍 GRAB MY SPECIAL 10% SAVINGS HERE!
7. Autobox Solar Wireless Backup Camera: Solo Camping Gear Essential
Packing up your trailer without a spotter is something every solo camper knows too well. Even after all these years, I still get nervous backing up. Every campsite is different, and obstacles can sneak up on you fast.
I wanted a backup camera for a long time, but most looked too complicated. Plus, I didn’t want to drill holes into my camper.
The Autobox solar wireless backup camera was the answer. The installation was incredibly easy—it’s solar powered, requires no wiring, and connects wirelessly to the screen in my tow vehicle.
When I’m trying to park my camper near trees or in tight spots, it takes away the guesswork and most of the stress. I still get nervous sometimes, but I honestly can’t imagine backing up without this camera now. It’s one of the most practical small camper accessories for solo travelers.
The Auto-Vox Dual Camera Kit is a total game-changer for RV camper life—one camera makes backing into campsites a breeze, while the second camera serves as a night-vision security cam so I can see exactly what’s lurking outside after dark!
6. Moonshade Portable Awning: Maximum Sun Coverage for Small Campers
Hot, sunny campsites with no shade are a classic camping challenge. Time and time again, the sun would be beating down with no coverage. My camper’s awning was so small it was basically useless.
Then I discovered the Moonshade portable awning, and now I use this thing all the time.
Why it’s a must-have:
- Lightweight and provides maximum sun coverage
- Attaches almost anywhere—to your camper, SUV, or van
- Sets up in under five minutes by myself
- Completely changes how comfortable it is to hang outdoors
When I’m camping under trees, I don’t need it. But when the sun’s beating down around my camper, this has been one of my absolute favorite pieces of gear.
I love my MoonShade awning because it gives me the shade I need wherever I set up camp—without the hassle. It’s super portable, lightweight, and ridiculously easy to use, making it one of my favorite small camper camping upgrades!
5. Jackery Portable Power Station: Boondocking Accessories Essential
This piece of gear has given me the freedom to camp virtually anywhere. Whether I’m boondocking in the middle of nowhere or just trying to avoid a crowded campground, I love my Jackery portable power station.
It lets me power everything I need without hookups. I can recharge my portable fan, use a toaster, and keep my phone and all my gadgets fully charged. Coffee drinkers can even power their coffee maker right from this thing.
Before I had my Jackery, I was always worrying about running down my camper’s battery or being stuck somewhere without power. If you’ve ever gone off-grid, you know that “uh-oh, I’m at 20%” feeling.
What makes it perfect for small campers:
- Charges from your tow vehicle or solar panels
- Quiet operation—no noisy generator needed
- Freedom and flexibility to camp anywhere without worrying about power
- Essential for extended boondocking trips
The Jackery completely changed my camping game. It’s like having power to camp anywhere without stress.
The Jackery 1000 is a portable power station with 1002Wh of capacity—perfect for camping, emergencies, or off-grid adventures. It powers everything from phones to small appliances, quietly and reliably. I love my Jackery!
4. Starlink Mini: Stay Connected While Camping Off-Grid
I know what some of you are thinking: “Randi, why do you need internet when you’re camping?” I get it. But as a YouTuber, I need to upload my camping gear review videos while I’m out on the road.
Most campgrounds and remote spots I stay at have poor or no cell coverage. That’s where the Starlink Mini saves the day.
I got my Starlink earlier this spring, and now I honestly can’t imagine camping without it. The Mini is so small it hardly takes up any space in my camper, but it gives me fast, reliable internet anywhere I go—and at a surprisingly affordable price.
Even if you’re not uploading videos, having solid internet can be a lifesaver for:
- Remote work
- Checking weather conditions
- Keeping in touch with family
- Streaming movies on rainy nights
This is one of those camper upgrades that’s made a huge difference in my camping freedom.
The Starlink Mini is a ultra-portable satellite internet system designed for RVers, and anyone needing reliable connectivity off the grid. Unlike traditional Starlink dishes that require permanent mounting, this compact device is about the size of an iPad Pro and weighs just 2.43 pounds.
3. RV Lock Keyless Entry Door Lock: Security and Convenience Combined
This is one of the very first upgrades I made to my camper over seven years ago, and I still use it every single camping trip.
We’re constantly going in and out of our campers, and having to dig around for keys every time was such a pain. With the RV Lock keyless entry door lock, I just punch in a code and I’m in. No more stressing about where I put the keys or if I locked myself out.
This lock was super easy to install, and mine has lasted all these years without a single issue.
But here’s what really sold me: Most camper manufacturers use the same universal key. That means my old key could have opened your camper, and yours could have opened mine. Pretty scary, right?
What started as a convenience upgrade quickly turned into a crucial safety upgrade as well. This is one of those must-have camper accessories I wouldn’t want to camp without.
I can't live without this RV keyless door lock - the RVLOCK V4. This RV lock with programmable lock features gives me total peace of mind for RV security when I'm away from my camping trailer! As one of my favorite RV upgrades, this keyless RV lock has made such a difference in convenience and safety. No more fumbling with keys or worrying about losing them - the RV door access is quick and simple with just a code!
2. Quick Zip Sheets: The Solution for Small Camper Beds
This fixes a problem every small camper owner knows way too well—wrestling with fitted sheets in those tight corners.
Trying to stretch regular fitted sheets around a camper mattress when it’s up against a wall means you’re practically crawling around like a gymnast, bumping your head on the ceiling, and breaking a sweat every time you make the bed.
I used to dread changing sheets. It was one of my least favorite camper chores.
Then I found Quick Zip sheets, and oh my gosh—total game changer. The fitted base stays on the mattress, and the top sheet just zips on and off. No more lifting, tugging, or frustration.
I’ve had mine for years and they’ve held up perfectly. The zippers are still smooth and the fabric feels like new. Trust me, once you try these sheets, you’re never going to want to go back to fighting those corner pockets again.
My QuickZip sheets are seriously one of my favorite things. It's this genius system where the base stays put on the mattress, and I just zip off the top part to wash it. No more lifting the whole mattress or doing that weird dance where I'm half-crawling on the bed trying to tuck corners! I just unzip the dirty sheet and zip on the clean one - takes me like 30 seconds now.
These sheets are super comfortable too - and it fits my camper mattress perfectly (with my Froli system underneath!). And having the spare zip sheet means I can quickly change them mid-trip if needed.
1. Froli Sleep System: The Best Camper Mattress Upgrade
We finally made it to number one—the upgrade that completely changed how I sleep in my camper.
I made this upgrade years ago after noticing my bedding was damp along the wall. I was worried that mold might start growing underneath my mattress because there was no airflow getting underneath it.
The Froli sleep system solved that problem instantly. But it did so much more.
Why it’s my #1 pick:
- Lifts the mattress for proper airflow and prevents moisture buildup
- Springs make sleeping significantly more comfortable
- Turned my camper bed into something that feels like a luxury hotel bed
- Prevents mold and extends mattress life
The first night I slept on it, I knew I’d never want to go without it again.
The Froli sleep system isn’t cheap, but here’s an important heads-up: it’s not sold on Amazon. A viewer once told me they bought what they thought was a real Froli there, but it turned out to be a cheap knockoff. Save yourself the disappointment and get the authentic product with a 15% discount.
My Froli turned my horrible camper bed into something that feels like a luxury hotel mattress. It's this ingenious spring system that goes under the mattress - those plastic star-shaped springs adjust to my body weight and sleeping position perfectly. My back gets the support it needs, and I wake up feeling actually refreshed instead of broken.
GRAB YOUR SPECIAL 15% SAVINGS HERE! (Use PROMO code Randi at checkout)
Bonus: Zap-It Bug Zapper Racket
It’s small, it’s satisfying, and it zaps away one of camping’s most annoying problems.
When mosquitoes find their way inside my camper—which unfortunately happens a lot—I reach for the Zap-It bug zapper racket. One quick zap and problem solved.
It’s simple, lightweight, and one of those camping gadgets I keep in my camper all the time. Sometimes the best small camper accessories are the simplest ones.
ZAP IT! Electric Fly Swatter
Finally, say goodbye to buzzing bugs and hello to satisfying zaps! The ZAP IT! is a lightweight, 3,500-volt electric swatter that fries mosquitoes and flies on contact—no gross splats! Comes with 2 AA batteries so you're ready to swing indoors or out. It’s weirdly satisfying!
Finding the Right Small Camper Accessories for You
These have been my top 10 small camper must-haves based on seven years of real-world testing. Every item on this list has earned its place by making my camping life genuinely easier, more comfortable, or more enjoyable.
Your perfect list might look different depending on your camping style, but these small camper accessories are a solid starting point for anyone looking to upgrade their setup.
The key is choosing gear that solves real problems you face on the road, not just gadgets that look cool but collect dust. Start with the basics that address your biggest pain points, and build from there.






