Organizing Small Camper Kitchens: Tips and DIY Projects for Maximum Space

Living in a small RV will teach you very quickly that every inch matters. Especially when it comes to organizing the kitchen. The difference between chaos and calm often comes down to clever organization.

I’ve lost count of the mornings I spent searching for coffee filters behind a stack of plates, only to find them buried in the back of a cabinet that seems to swallow everything. Cramped quarters don’t have to mean sacrificing functionality or your sanity.

The secret to organizing a small camper kitchen is making the most of vertical space and creating zones for cooking, storage, and cleanup that fit your layout and travel style.

For me, the best solutions blend simple DIY projects with smart storage hacks, turning dead space into something useful. Whether you’ve got a tiny travel trailer galley or a slightly bigger motorhome, the right tweaks can make your kitchen feel way more spacious.

It’s not about buying fancy gadgets or gutting your kitchen. It’s about understanding how you cook and move, then building systems that match your habits.

Wall-mounted storage, under-cabinet organizers, and a few DIY tricks have helped me create a kitchen that works as hard as I do, whether I’m boondocking in the desert or parked at a packed campground.

Key Takeaways

• Start by figuring out your cooking habits and set up storage zones that match how you use the space.
• Use vertical wall space and under-cabinet areas – they’re gold mines for storage without eating up counter space.
• Simple DIY projects and smart gadgets can turn cramped quarters into efficient cooking spaces for any camping style.

Assessing and Planning Your Camper Kitchen Layout

Smart planning starts with knowing exactly what you’re working with and what needs a home. Accurate measurements and a detailed inventory can save you a ton of headaches and help you use every inch.

Measuring Available Storage Areas

I always grab my tape measure and a notebook to document every storage spot in my camper kitchen. You’d be surprised how many hidden spaces pop up once you start looking.

Upper cabinets need three numbers: height, width, and depth. I also check the space between shelves to see what containers will fit.

Lower cabinets and drawers often hide the most storage potential. I measure the inside and note any plumbing or wires that steal space.

Don’t skip the vertical wall space between cabinets and counters. These spots are perfect for magnetic strips and wall-mounted organizers.

I like to sketch my RV kitchen and jot down each measurement. It becomes my go-to guide when I’m shopping for storage solutions.

Door swing clearances matter, too. I’ve learned the hard way that some organizers block cabinet doors from opening.

Creating a Functional Inventory List

My inventory process starts by pulling everything out and grouping items by how often I use them. This reality check always surprises me – do I really need three spatulas?

I make three piles:

• Daily use: Coffee maker, plates, basic utensils, cooking oil
• Weekly use: Mixing bowls, baking sheets, special spices
• Occasional use: Holiday stuff, extra serving dishes, odd gadgets

For each item, I note its size and where it lives. This helps me figure out exactly what storage I need for my camper kitchen.

Counting exact quantities helps me ditch duplicates. Four can openers? That’s just silly.

My inventory list becomes a cheat sheet for buying containers and organizers that actually fit my stuff and space.

Clever Storage Solutions for Tiny Spaces

Smart storage transforms cramped camper kitchens into functional spaces. Magnetic organization, multi-purpose containers, and collapsible tools can help you make the most of every nook.

Using Magnetic Organization Hacks

Magnetic solutions can save soo much space in small RV kitchens. My magnetic knife strip above the sink freed up a whole drawer and keeps my knives safe during bumpy drives.

Some of my favorite magnetic organizers:

• Spice containers that stick to the fridge
• Tool holders for metal utensils on cabinet doors
• Paper towel holders that mount under cabinets
• Small bins for measuring spoons and bottle openers

I stick magnetic strips inside cabinet doors for small metal items like can openers. It’s a simple fix, but it works.

My top trick? A magnetic strip on the fridge side for my most-used spices. They’re always in sight and within reach, unlike bulky spice racks that hog counter space, which is in short supply.

Selecting Versatile Containers

Picking the right containers can make all the difference in your small RV kitchen setup. Stackable, clear containers with airtight seals win every time for dry goods.

I go for square ones—they fit together better. I like using different sizes from the same brand so they nest when empty.

What I look for in containers:

• Clear sides so I can see what’s inside
• Stackable shapes to use vertical space
• Airtight lids for fresher food
• Easy-grip handles for grabbing from overhead cabinets

I reuse small glass jars for spices and herbs. They stack and I can spot what’s inside at a glance.

For bulk stuff like pasta, I use big rectangular containers that pack shelves tightly. Multi-purpose containers are the MVPs – I use them for food storage, mixing, and even as serving bowls sometimes.

Choosing Collapsible Kitchen Tools

Collapsible tools are a lifesaver for saving space. My collapsible colander folds flat and tucks away in a cabinet door pocket.

I’ve swapped out bulky gear for collapsible versions wherever possible. Silicone mixing bowls nest inside each other and barely take up space. Collapsible measuring cups hang from a hook and don’t clutter drawers.

My must-have collapsible items:

• Silicone food containers that fold flat
• Collapsible dish rack for drying
• Pop-up trash cans that hide under the sink
• Folding cutting boards that slip between appliances

My collapsible coffee dripper is pure gold. It fits in a drawer but pops up to make a perfect cup, no bulky coffee maker needed.

Just make sure you get quality collapsible stuff. Cheap versions break after a few folds, and that’s just frustrating.

Maximizing Vertical Wall Space in Your Camper Kitchen

Wall-mounted storage and well-placed hooks can turn boring kitchen walls into organized, usable zones. It’s a simple way to clear counters and keep your go-to tools close.

Installing Wall-Mounted Racks and Pegboards

Pegboards are flexible and fun for customizing storage. Just move hooks around as your needs change.

Pegboard Tips:

• Pick lightweight metal or plastic boards
• Mount into wall studs for strength
• Start with hooks, add shelves later

I hang everything from spatulas to small pots on my pegboard. Rearranging takes seconds, so it never gets boring.

Wall-mounted racks are perfect for spices and oils. I put mine right above the stove for easy access.

Tension rods inside cabinets make instant vertical storage. I hang spray bottles or cleaning stuff from them. No drilling required.

A magnetic knife strip saves drawer space and keeps blades safely out of the way. I mounted mine on the side of my upper cabinet where it’s easy to grab.

Adding Over-Cabinet and S-Hooks

Over-cabinet hooks use that weird space above your cabinets. I hang dish towels and oven mitts up there, out of sight, but handy.

S-hooks turn any bar into hanging storage. I use them on towel bars for measuring cups and utensils.

Best S-Hook spots:

• Under-cabinet towel bars
• Pegboard supports
• Cabinet door edges

Door space is great for kitchen towels and pot holders. The back of cabinet doors usually goes to waste.

Wire baskets plus S-hooks make awesome produce storage. I hang bananas and stash onions this way to clear up counter space.

Just pick hooks that won’t scratch. I like rubber-coated ones; they grip but don’t leave marks.

Organizing Cabinets, Drawers, and Under-Sink Areas

Custom drawer dividers, clever under-sink solutions, and stackable systems can make even the tiniest RV kitchen feel organized and efficient.

Drawer Dividers and Customized Inserts

Drawer dividers are lifesavers. Without them, everything turns into a jumble the second you hit the road.

DIY Foam Board Dividers
Cut foam board to fit your drawers and make custom compartments for utensils. I measure, sketch, and cut; it takes about 20 minutes and costs next to nothing.

Adjustable Bamboo Dividers
These expand to fit any drawer. I use them for cooking utensils, and they stay put even when the camper’s bouncing around.

Silverware Trays with Lids
The lids keep stuff from flying everywhere while driving. I found stackable ones, which save even more space.

For spices, I made a drawer insert using small mason jars in a wooden board. Each jar fits snugly, no more hunting for oregano while dinner’s on the stove.

Optimizing Under-Sink Storage

The space under the sink used to be a black hole for cleaning supplies. Now, it’s one of my most organized spots.

I put in a tension rod to hang spray bottles, which freed up the floor. Pull-out under-sink organizers work around pipes and make everything easy to grab.

My Under-Sink Setup:

• Clear bins for dish soap and sponges
• Magnetic strips on the door for small metal items
• Command hooks for gloves and brushes
• A lazy Susan for bottles I use all the time

Measure everything first, trust me. I once bought organizers that didn’t fit around the water lines. Save yourself the trouble and double-check before you buy.

Using Stackable Bins and Pull-Out Shelves

Stackable bins totally changed how I use my camper kitchen. Now I can see everything right away, no more digging through dark cabinets.

Clear Plastic Bins
I mix and match bin sizes for different jobs.
Small bins hold packets and seasoning mixes, mediums are for canned goods, and the big ones handle bulk snacks and bread.

Pull-Out Shelf Systems
Slide-out shelves make deep cabinets way less annoying.
I put them in my hardest-to-reach spots, and suddenly nothing gets lost in the back.

The bins nest together when I’m not using them.
I label everything because, for real, after a long drive, my brain’s a bit fried.

Heavier stuff goes in the lower bins.
That way, nothing topples over while I’m bouncing down the road.

Space-Saving RV Gadgets and Accessories

Smart gadgets can turn a cramped RV kitchen into a surprisingly workable space.
Stacking cookware and magnetic tools that use your wall space? Totally worth it.

Nesting Cookware and Multi-Use Tools

Choosing the right cookware made my tiny kitchen feel twice as big.
Stackable or “nesting” sets like bowls and pans fit together and don’t waste a single inch.

Collapsible gadgets are a lifesaver.
My collapsible colander folds flat, so I can finally close that awkward drawer.

The Instapot is my MVP.
It replaces the slow cooker, pressure cooker, and even moonlights as an air fryer.

Pro tip:
Slide a dish towel between stacked pans before you hit the road.
It keeps them from getting scratched or rattling like a marching band.

Multi-use tools are my not-so-secret weapon.
One cutting board set with a built-in colander, knives, and a grater can handle almost anything I throw at it.

Magnetic and Over-the-Door Solutions

Wall space is pure gold in an RV kitchen.

My spice rack sticks to the fridge with magnets.
It holds containers and cooking utensils tightly, even on bumpy roads.

Over-the-door organizers are perfect for cabinet doors.
I hang towels, measuring cups, and little containers so the counters stay clear.

Magnetic must-haves:

• Knife strips for blades
• Spice racks
• Hook strips for utensils
• Paper towel holders under the cabinets

Pick rv gadgets with strong magnets.
Nothing’s worse than a spice explosion after a sharp turn.

DIY Projects for Personalized Organization

Custom storage turns a cramped kitchen into a functional cooking zone that feels like yours.
These DIY projects tackle spice chaos, counter clutter, and cookware avalanches.

Building a Custom Spice Rack

I’ve tried all sorts of spice storage, but nothing beats a rack built for my weird little cabinet.
Store-bought ones never quite fit the odd spaces in an RV.

I built a narrow vertical rack to mount inside a cabinet door.
Measured the space, cut thin wood strips, and added lips so bottles don’t tumble out.

What you’ll need:

• 1/4-inch plywood or wood strips
• Small hinges (if you want it removable)
• Wood screws
• Sandpaper

Each shelf is just tall enough for the spice bottles.
I space them 3 inches apart for regular jars, 4 inches for bigger ones.

I angle each shelf a bit forward to see all the labels at a glance.
If you use metal spice tins, rare earth magnets on the back work wonders.

Always test-fit before screwing everything down.
Nothing’s worse than a gorgeous rack that won’t hold your favorite paprika.

Creating a Fold-Down Countertop Extension

Counter space vanishes fast in a camper.
I solved it with a fold-down extension – extra workspace when I need it, hidden when I don’t.

I used piano hinges to attach a plywood slab to my counter edge.
A folding leg props it up.

Key measurements:

• Extension width (match your counter)
• Leg height (28-30 inches is standard)
• Hinge placement (about 3 inches from the edge)

The folding leg keeps it sturdy.
I made a simple bracket that swings out under the extension.

Add a shelf to the leg for bonus storage.

Finish it with the same countertop material if you can.
Laminate wipes clean and looks neat.

When it’s down, I get enough space for meal prep or even a quick breakfast bar.

DIY Storage for Pots, Pans, and Lids

Cookware storage in a camper?
It’s a puzzle.

Vertical dividers are my trick for keeping pans upright instead of stacked.
I cut thin plywood to fit my cabinet, then lock it in with small brackets.

For pot lids, I mounted a narrow rack inside a cabinet door.
Wooden dowels or thin metal rods work; just make sure to sand the edges.

How I set up my lid rack:

• Parallel rods 2 inches apart
• About 1 inch from the door
• 1/4-inch dowels or rods
• Smooth out every edge

A pull-out drawer made my deepest cabinet usable.
I built a simple box on slides so heavy pots come right to me.

Hooks under shelves are magic for measuring cups and small pans.
These RV storage ideas use vertical space without major changes.

Now every pot, pan, and lid has a home, and I don’t have to play cookware Jenga to find anything.

Outdoor Kitchen Solutions for Extra Cooking Space

Cooking outside doubles my kitchen space and keeps the camper cool.
Portable setups and clever storage make outdoor cooking way more fun.

Portable Grills and Prep Stations

The right portable setup can turn any campsite into a chef’s playground.
The 17″ Blackstone Griddle is my go-to; it does pancakes, burgers, whatever.

My outdoor cooking essentials:

• Folding tables for prep
• Two-burner camp stoves
• Griddles for big meals
• Lightweight grills

I always set up on level ground, away from the awning.
Nobody wants grease splatter on their shade.

A slide-out storage system keeps the cooler, cooktop, and prep area together.
My folding table doubles as a serving spot, and the cooler?
Extra seat, of course.

Storing Outdoor Cooking Gear

Smart storage keeps the outdoor kitchen ready to roll.
I use collapsible bins and drawer organizers so everything’s handy but still compact.

My system:

• Waterproof bins for utensils
• Magnetic strips for knives
• Hanging organizers for spices
• Stackable containers for dry food

The most-used items go in one bin that travels from storage to the picnic table.
This quick setup means I’m cooking five minutes after parking.

I store everything in sealed containers in case of rain.
Always have a backup plan for bad weather; no one wants soggy salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Small camper kitchens challenge you to get creative.
Most people ask how to use vertical space, make DIY storage, and keep essentials close while traveling.

What are some creative ways to maximize space in a tiny camper kitchen?

Thinking vertically changed everything for me.
Adding tall cabinets on top of existing ones doubled my storage overnight.

I use every inch of wall space.
Knife holders, wire baskets, and shelves go wherever I can fit them.

The ceiling’s an unexpected storage spot.
I hung a pot rack above the sink using vent cover screws, it works great if you’re parked for a while.

Magnets help with small stuff.
I stick them on my microwave side and store my pizza pan there.

Can you share some DIY hacks for adding extra storage in RV kitchens?

Repurposing things is my favorite hack.
I made a silverware caddy from tin cans in a thrifted basket, bungeed it down for travel.

Under-cabinet storage is a goldmine.
I’ve seen people add drawers, plate dispensers, and wrap holders under there.

Magnetic hooks on the fridge door hold measuring cups, pot holders, and baggies.
Command hooks and adhesive tape let you mount baskets or organizers without drilling holes.

How can I organize my camper’s kitchen so that everything is easily accessible on the road?

Traveling means everything has to stay put.
I wrap bungee cords around counter organizers and use rubber shelf liner under everything.

Heavy stuff goes low, lighter things stay at eye level.
My wine glasses hang from under-cabinet racks, but I run a bungee across them before driving.

Multi-level drawer organizers keep little things sorted, even on rough roads.

What are the best strategies for dealing with limited counter space in my travel trailer kitchen?

Counter space is precious.
I use a spice rack with Command hooks on the backsplash to keep the counter clear.

Vertical organizers work wonders.
Shower caddies from the bathroom aisle make surprisingly good kitchen helpers.

I set up coffee and tea stations with compact, stackable organizers.
Building raised shelves behind the sink gives me display space and keeps things off the main prep area.

Could you suggest any ingenious ideas for organizing a pantry in a small RV?

Small RV pantries can feel like a puzzle, right? You have to get clever with every inch.

I like to stack items based on how often I reach for them. Daily essentials go right at eye level.

Magnetic spice containers are amazing. Just stick them inside cabinet doors and suddenly, you’ve got more shelf space for bulky stuff.

Using baskets for fruit and vegetables and hanging them from cabinet ends? That keeps your produce fresh and clears up room for cans or dry goods.

When storage gets a little too tight, I’ll stash a basket of snacks inside the microwave. Just pull it out when it’s time to cook, easy fix.

Try mixing things up until you find your groove. A bit of trial and error is part of the fun!

What are some space-saving essentials every compact RV kitchen should have?

Stackable containers can totally change the game for a cramped pantry. I always go with square ones; they just fit together better. Round containers? They waste precious inches.

Collapsible gear is another must-have. Things like silicone bowls, measuring cups, and colanders flatten down when you’re done, so you can tuck them away anywhere.

Try mounting a magnetic knife strip inside a cabinet. It keeps your knives handy and out of the way, plus you won’t lose precious drawer space.

Multi-purpose items are worth their weight in gold in a tiny kitchen. I’m a big fan of organizers that pull double duty, like a silverware caddy you can grab for dinner inside or take out to the picnic table. It’s all about making every inch count, and maybe laughing a little when you realize just how creative you can get with storage.