Awning Evenings: Our Guide to Making the Most of Your Motorhome or Campervan ‘outdoor room’

Travellers who love regularly hitting the road in their motorhome, or campervan, already know that making the most of the space available is a must. An awning transforms the area directly outside a vehicle into an extended living space, so everyone onboard can enjoy some fresh air while staying sheltered. Whether you’re enjoying a balmy summer afternoon or a cool autumn evening, setting up this functional and cosy outdoor room is a really good way to enhance your travels.

In this edition of the Dicksons blog we present a guide to turning your awning into the perfect outdoor sanctuary – a social and practical space you can make the most of, complete with essential accessories and a few creative touches.

1. What is a motorhome or campervan awning?

Essentially, awnings for motorhomes and campervans are external shelters attached to the side of the vehicle, usually around the habitation door. They’re made from durable, waterproof fabric and function as covered extensions of the living space, offering shelter from the elements while still allowing you to enjoy a bit of the great outdoors. By using an awning you’ll create a multifunctional space where you can relax, dine, or even sleep.

Awnings come in many shapes and sizes – some are fixed, some are detachable, and some are simple canopies while some are enclosed tent-like structures with walls and windows. They can be as basic or elaborate as you require, depending on your needs. The fact that awnings are so versatile makes them brilliant additions to your campervan or motorhome, but to truly get the most out of yours, there are some essential items and thoughtful additions required to help turn this space into a delightful ‘outdoor room’.

2. Essential accessories

Equip your vehicle with some basic yet essential accessories – items that’ll make the space more comfortable and functional, whether it’s being used as a lounge area, dining room or storage space.

• Camping chairs: High-quality camping chairs are a must for any awning setup. These chairs are affordable and come in a variety of sizes – there are even recliner options and heated options (powered by USB power packs). Lightweight and foldable, for easy storage, camping chairs can be stowed away in the motorhome’s garage or interior, or even tucked away in the awning when not in use.
• Fold-up table: A fold-up table is also essential for your awning. Whether you use it to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or to play a game of cards during a social evening, a sturdy table adds convenience and functionality to your outdoor indoor space. For a more versatile set-up, choose a table with adjustable legs so that you can lower or raise the surface based on your needs – dining, prepping food, placing drinks, snacks, books, digital devices etc.
• Cool box: To avoid making constant trips into the vehicle itself for your drinks, a cool box makes for an excellent addition. Keep it stocked with cool drinks and snacks (and even the ingredients for your evening barbecue). For added convenience you can opt for a cool box with a built-in battery or USB charging port. If space allows, invest in a larger portable fridge. If you’re planning longer stays in one location this will be handy.
• Lighting: Proper lighting can completely transform the aesthetic of your awning, changing it from a functional (though decent) space into somewhere attractive and cosy. As dusk falls, you’ll want to continue to enjoy your outdoor space, so using string lights, lanterns or battery-powered LED lights will create a warm inviting atmosphere. Solar-powered lights are a particularly popular eco-friendly choice, readily available at low cost, and easy to hang up around the edges of the awning. You could even put a string of them along the ground for a subtle effect.
• Groundsheet or outdoor rug: A practical and decorative addition to your awning is an outdoor rug or groundsheet. These items help to define the space, making it feel more homely, and they also keep underfoot clean and comfortable. Outdoor rugs designed for camping are resistant to mildew, making them ideal for use in various weather conditions, and they’re also easy to clean.

3. Adding a homely touch

While the essentials we’ve mentioned above provide a basic structure and functionality for your use of the awning, the real magic happens when you add little extras that make it feel like home. Although awning sizes vary dependent on their vehicle (motorhome or campervan), they can always provide a cosy space – and these are our ideas for creating your outdoor room.

• Soft furnishings: Using cushions, throws and blankets can make an awning feel like quite an exotic living room in the great outdoors. Choose weather-resistant fabrics that won’t suffer from a little moisture and add an array of colourful or patterned cushions to create an inviting and luxurious atmosphere. A few strategically placed blankets are perfect for when an evening chill sets in. All these items are easily stored inside your motorhome (interior or garage) when they’re not in use.
• Heating: If you’re camping during the cooler months, a portable heater can make all the difference to the time you spend in your awning. Electric heaters or gas-powered units can extend the amount of time you’re able to spend outdoors. Good sense for the use of this equipment obliges you to follow all safety regulations, especially in enclosed awnings, and position the heater in a well-ventilated area.
• Storage: If you’re using your awning for an extended period of time or have a lot of gear to store, consider portable storage units. Things like foldable shelving or hanging organisers can be a really clever way to keep things tidy, especially if you’re using your awning for cooking or dining, when you will need a lot of space or there are a lot of objects in use or required. Look for waterproof and dustproof storage solutions to protect items from the elements.
• Entertainment: Don’t forget to bring along things so that you can enjoy the entertainment potential of your outdoor room. Favourites include a portable speaker system so you can pump tunes streaming from your phone (or laptop, tablet or MP3 player), a pack of cards or a selection of board games, and even a projector for outdoor movie nights or looking at large scale holiday snaps. Use the side of your awning as the screen! If you’re a nature enthusiast, consider setting up a bird feeder or plant pot in the vicinity of your awning to attract wildlife and add a truly serene entertainment option to your awning.

4. The perfect atmosphere

To create the ultimate outdoor room in your awning, think carefully about the type of atmosphere you want to come up with. If you want something relaxed with a cosy evening vibe, then soft lighting, comfortable seating and warm blankets are key. For a more family-friendly activity environment, make sure you’ve got plenty of seating and a table for meals plus tech, games and activities to keep everyone entertained.

You should take into account the location of your motorhome and campervan too, when you’re considering your awning. If you’ve parked up in a really scenic spot, you could position the vehicle so that your awning makes the most of the view. If it’s possible, leave the walls open and enjoy the fully immersive panoramic experience. Alternatively, if you’re seeking privacy you can opt for an enclosed awning or even add extra screens or windbreakers to make sure you have a much more intimate space.

Awnings are much more than just quite functional extensions of your motorhome or campervan. Porch awnings provide a great multi-purpose living space that can be transformed into a homely retreat, a social hub, a practical dining area, a games arena, an entertainment space or a storage option. With the right combination of the essentials and personal touches we’ve mentioned in this edition of our blog, your awning can provide you with the perfect outdoor room to truly enjoy.