When we first hit the road in our RV, we quickly realized something was missing. Sure, the inside was comfortable and functional, but we found ourselves craving a space where we could relax, unwind, and truly enjoy the great outdoors. That’s when we decided to turn our RV campsite into an outdoor living room.
This space has become our favorite “room” at camp. We enjoy it when we're sipping coffee at sunrise, hosting a campfire happy hour with friends, or curling up under twinkle lights with a good book. Our outdoor living area adds so much joy (and square footage!) to our RV lifestyle.
An outdoor living room adds comfort, style, and serious campsite charm.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how we transformed our RV space into a cozy and functional outdoor living room. From creating a solid foundation and choosing the right furniture, to adding soft lighting and personal touches, we’re sharing everything we’ve learned to help you create your own outdoor oasis, no matter where you park.
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Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Spot
The first thing you have to do is pick the perfect patch of space. For us, this meant paying close attention not just to where we parked the RV, but how we parked it.
Whenever possible, we try to position our RV so that the main door opens up to the most scenic, shaded, or private area of the campsite. This gives us a built-in backdrop for our outdoor space and keeps the setup feeling calm and tucked away from traffic or neighboring campers.
If the site is spacious enough, we angle the rig to block prevailing wind or direct afternoon sun, which makes a huge difference in comfort.
We’ve also learned to check for campground features that can make or break an outdoor setup. Sites with gravel pads and grassy areas tend to be the easiest to work with, while sloped or uneven terrain can require a little more creativity. Proximity to trees, natural shade, or even a picnic table can help shape the layout and cut down on what you need to bring with you.
The key is to work with what you have and to think of your outdoor space as an extension of your RV, not just a place to drop your chairs.
Creating the Foundation
Once we've picked the perfect spot, it's time to build the “floor” of our outdoor living room. This simple step makes a huge difference in comfort and appearance. It can instantly make the space feel more intentional and inviting.
We start with a large, weather-resistant outdoor rug that adds color and defines the living area. This helps soften the ground underfoot, and also keeps dirt and sand from being tracked into the RV. For sites with loose gravel or uneven terrain, we sometimes use interlocking modular patio tiles or waterproof mats to create a flatter, more stable surface.
If the ground is particularly sloped or bumpy, we take a few extra minutes to level it out with a small rake or by repositioning the rug until it sits just right. It’s amazing how a little prep work at this stage makes the whole space feel polished and cozy.
This simple foundation really sets the tone for a “room” that just happens to be under the open sky.
Furnishing the Space
With the foundation set, it is time to bring in the furniture, and this is where the space really starts to feel like home. We like comfort, functionality, and a layout that makes it easy to kick back and enjoy the outdoors without feeling like we are just lounging around a campsite.
We start with cozy, oversized camp chairs that has become our go-to spot for morning coffee or evening chats. On cooler evenings, we even set up a hammock between nearby trees, which is perfect for afternoon naps or stargazing sessions.
To make the space more functional, we bring in a couple of lightweight folding tables and side tables. These give us a place to set drinks, snacks, or books, and they tuck away easily when not in use.
One of our favorite additions is a collapsible ottoman that doubles as both a footrest and hidden storage for blankets, citronella candles, and other outdoor essentials.
Adding Shade and Shelter
One of the biggest game-changers for our outdoor living room was adding proper shade and protection from the elements. At some point you will have to deal with the blazing sun, surprise rain showers, or buzzing mosquitoes. A little coverage goes a long way in making the space truly livable.
We typically start with our RV’s built-in awning, which provides instant shelter and defines the main area. On days when we want more coverage, or if we're in a spot without trees, we add a sunshade extension or a freestanding screen tent. These are especially helpful for blocking low-angle sun and creating privacy from neighboring campsites.
For a more budget-friendly or DIY approach, we've also used tarps, reflective shade cloths, and even old bed sheets creatively strung up with bungee cords or rope.
And let’s talk bugs. Depending on where we’re camping, they can go from mildly annoying to downright relentless. We’ve found that zippered mosquito netting around the awning, portable mesh domes, and our trusty Thermacell units help keep the pests at bay without ruining the vibe.
Lighting the Vibe
Once the sun goes down, the right lighting can completely transform your outdoor space and for us, it’s what makes our RV living room feel downright magical.
We use classic string lights hung under the awning and around the edge of our space. They provide a soft, ambient glow that’s perfect for relaxing or entertaining after dark. We also added a few solar-powered lanterns and stake lights around the perimeter to help define the area and add a warm, welcoming touch.
For a little extra flair, we occasionally swap in LED light strips or fairy lights, especially if we’re in the mood to create more of a whimsical or festive vibe. On special evenings, we’ll even light a couple of tiki torches (bonus: they double as bug deterrents!).
It’s amazing how a few well-placed lights can make your outdoor setup feel like an extension of your living room…. cozy, calm, and full of charm.
Personal Touches
Next we add those small details that make the space feel truly ours. Once the foundation, furniture, and lighting are in place, we focus on layering in personality and comfort.
We love to incorporate throw pillows and cozy blankets in colors that matched our vibe (earthy tones and nature-inspired prints) that bring a sense of calm to the space.
To add a bit of life, we occasionally tuck in a few small plants and potted herbs. A rosemary bush in a galvanized bucket, a pot of mint, and a tiny succulent garden gives our campsite some greenery, and even adding fresh flavor to meals and drinks!
For ambiance, we added a Bluetooth speaker for background music and swapped in seasonal décor, like a mini pumpkin in the fall or twinkle-star garland in the summer.
Functional Additions
While comfort and style are definitely important, we also wanted our outdoor space to be useful. With a few smart additions, our RV patio turned into a hub for cooking, entertaining, and even powering up.
One of our favorite upgrades was adding a small outdoor cooking setup. Depending on the trip, we’ll set up a portable grill, camp stove, or even a folding prep table with space for utensils and ingredients. Having a mini kitchen outside keeps the RV cool and makes mealtime more social.
We also invested in a portable propane fire pit. It’s safe, clean, and perfect for campgrounds where traditional fires aren’t allowed. On colder nights, we’ll pair it with a compact outdoor heater to stay warm… just make sure to follow safety guidelines and never leave them unattended.
For convenience, we added a weatherproof power strip tucked under the awning. It allows us to charge devices, power lights, and even run a fan when needed. A solar-powered charging station is another great option, especially if you're off-grid or want to keep cords to a minimum.
If you love making your campsite feel like home, you’ll also enjoy our ideas for camping lights perfect for night cooking and ambiance.
Tips for Your Own Setup
Turning our RV space into an outdoor living room has been one of the most rewarding parts of our camping journey. It’s where we sip coffee, share stories, cook meals, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in comfort. And the best part is it’s totally customizable.
Whether your style is rustic, modern, boho, or just plain practical, your outdoor space should reflect you. Start with the basics and build it out over time. Even a few small upgrades can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your campsite.
Here’s a quick list of must-haves to help get you started:
Outdoor rug or mat – defines your space and keeps things clean
Comfortable seating – camp chairs, a loveseat, or even a hammock
Side tables – for snacks, drinks, or a good book
Lighting – string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered fixtures
Shade or shelter – awnings, sunshades, or screen tents
Bug protection – netting, repellents, or Thermacell devices
Personal touches – pillows, décor, plants, or signs
Functional extras – cooking gear, fire pits, and power access
Ready to build your own outdoor RV oasis? We’d love to see it!
Share your favorite tips, photos, or go-to products in the comments below.
Let’s inspire each other to make every campsite feel like home.
