RV awnings are great because they protect you from the elements and provide extra outdoor living space. If you want to add even greater functionality and utility to your awning though, you need to check out these amazing RV awning ideas.
Your RV awning is prime real estate that’s just begging for an upgrade. Think cozy string lights shining overhead, airy fabric sun shades providing extra coverage, and clever hacks that’ll make your campsite neighbors green with envy.
From practical features like windbreaks and privacy screens to stylistic touches with awning lights and decorations, these RV awning ideas will make you rethink your camper’s outdoor living space.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for practical features like side panels and tie-downs, or dreaming of ways to make the camper your own, this collection of RV awning ideas has everything.
So sit back in your favorite camp chair and let’s get into these awesome RV awning ideas!
Awesome RV Awning Ideas:
1. Add More Shade & Privacy with Awning Extensions
Level up your outdoor living space with versatile privacy screens for your RV awning, like this popular option from Amazon.
These adjustable mesh or fabric side/extension panels provide extra privacy and sun protection when needed. Simply pull them out to block camp neighbors or the setting sun, then easily tuck them away.
Their lightweight simple design makes them easy to install (usually within just a few minutes) and once they’re up they’ll dramatically improve your RV’s outdoor living space.
2. Mount Portable Rechargeable Fans to Keep Cool
Beat the summer heat by mounting compact, portable rechargeable powered fans like this highly rated Amazon option to your RV awning’s frame.
These energy-efficient fans typically have long-lasting batteries to create refreshing breezes all day under your outdoor awning. The best part is they’re also boondocking friendly, as they have their own battery that’s easily rechargeable, independent of RV shore power.
3. Add a Hanging Garden with Awning Hangers
Transform your RV awning into a floating garden by installing sturdy RV awning hooks along the rails like these popular options on Amazon that can hold up to 15 pounds.
These clever RV accessories let you add splashes of greenery and pops of color with hanging plants, herbs, or flowers without sacrificing precious RV patio space.
Just remember to use lightweight pots and plants that won’t overwhelm the hooks or your awning. You might also want to consider drought-resistant plants to minimize maintenance while maximizing visual impact.
4. Upgrade Your Evenings with LED Awning Lighting
Upgrade your RV awning space by mounting weatherproof LED strip lights, like this top-rated option on Amazon. These energy-efficient RV awning lights create a magical ambiance for evening gatherings and provide practical illumination for nighttime.
For bonus points, you can even add weatherproof LED light strips underneath your RV, as this RV owner did for a one-of-a-kind look. You certainly won’t have any problem finding this RV at night in a crowded campground.
5. Create a Musical Breeze with Wind Chimes
Add a touch of whimsy and practicality to your RV awning setup with wind chimes.
Beyond creating soothing melodies around your RV campsite, these decorative pieces serve as natural wind monitors, giving you a heads-up when it’s time to retract your awning before strong gusts hit. Opt for lightweight aluminum or bamboo chimes that won’t strain your awning and use secure S-hooks for easy removal before travel.
6. Hang Portable Solar Panels
Turn your RV awning into a power source by hanging portable solar panels, such as this Renogy 200W option, from the awning rails with S-clips or laying them across the top.
These lightweight panels take advantage of unused space while providing extra power. They can charge a portable power station or connect to your RV’s exterior solar power port to charge your RV batteries.
7. Create a Mesmerizing Water Feature with Decorative Rain Chains
Hang bell rain chains to your RV awning to transform light rainy days into a calming water experience.
These eye-catching chains guide rainwater down in a beautiful cascade while preventing splashing and erosion. Offered in a variety of finishes and designs they even have ones shaped like fishes.
Just angle your awning slightly to have the water flow to the bell chains and enjoy the show. However, don’t forget that you should always bring your awning in during stormy weather or high winds (anything over 20 miles per hour), as you don’t want to risk damaging your awning.
8. Rock Your Outdoor Space by Adding Portable Speakers
Take your RV awning setup to the next level by mounting compact, portable Bluetooth speakers along the frame. Because isn’t everything better with music?
Just remember to not rock too loud, as you always want to be a good camp neighbor. 😜
9. Maximize Your Patio Space with Hanging Organizers
Transform your RV awning into a functional storage hub by adding a hanging organizer with lots of pockets (think shower or shoe organizer) for all your outdoor essentials like bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, flashlights, and water bottles.
Pro tip: Choose quick-dry materials like plastic and mesh and add drainage holes to prevent water collection. Secure them with removable S-hooks for easy transition from camp to travel mode.
10. Secure Your Setup with Heavy-Duty Awning Anchors
Don’t let unexpected gusts of wind damage your RV’s awning. Installing a robust RV awning tie-down kit is your best defense against wind damage.
RV awning kits like this popular option on Amazon typically include sturdy straps, ground stakes, and spring-loaded tensioners that work together to keep your awning stable.
Pro tip: Position the straps at a 45-degree angle for maximum stability and angle the stakes slightly away from the awning for the best hold.
11. Elevate Your RV Patio View with Stained Glass Accents
Transform your RV awning into a lighted art display by hanging stained glass panels that catch and scatter sunlight in beautiful patterns.
These stunning sun catchers create an ever-changing display of colors across your outdoor space while adding a touch of artistic flair to your camping setup. Position them where they’ll catch morning or evening light for the most dramatic effect!
Available in endless designs and various shapes and sizes, stick with smaller pieces to keep the weight to a minimum.
12. Create a Bug-Free RV Awning Space with DIY Mesh Screens
Transform your outdoor RV awning space into a pest-free zone by crafting your own hanging mesh screens. Using lightweight, weather-resistant mesh fabric or tarps and some basic sewing skills, you can create custom-sized panels that attach to the awning with Velcro, snap fasteners, or S-hooks.
Add weighted bottoms to prevent wind lift, and include tie-backs for when you want an open-air feel. Perfect for keeping those pesky mosquitoes out while letting the breeze flow through! They’re also great at reducing the sun’s intensity and can provide some much-needed shade in the morning or evening.
13. Protect Your Noggin with Colorful Safety Pads
Minimize hazardous awning arms by adding colorful split pool noodles.
This budget-friendly RV awning idea prevents painful head bumps and adds a splash of color to your setup. Simply slice the noodles lengthwise and snap them around the arms. Use zip ties or tape if they need a little extra help staying on.
Choose bright colors for visibility, replace them annually to maintain their protective cushioning, and don’t forget to remove them before you bring in your awning.
14. Boost Security with a Solar RV Awning Security Light
Enhance your RV awning’s functionality by clipping on a solar-powered motion sensor security light like this popular Amazon model. These compact security lights spring to life when they detect movement, creating instant illumination for nighttime safety.
Perfect for those late-night trips to the campground bathhouse or keeping an eye on wildlife visitors!
15. Add Bungee Cords for a Makeshift Drying Rack
Convert your RV awning into a drying station using strategically placed bungee cords. Simply hook heavy-duty bungees in a zigzag pattern between your awning’s frame and rails to create an instant, removable drying rack.
Perfect for hanging wet swimsuits, towels, or hand-washed items.
16. Turn Your Awning into a Movie Screen Under the Stars
Transform your RV awning into the campground’s coolest movie theater by tilting it downward and positioning a portable projector underneath to create the perfect projection surface.
This clever RV hack turns your standard awning into an impromptu movie screen, just position your portable projector at the right angle and distance for optimal viewing. The only other things you need are camp chairs and popcorn.
Pro Tip: Works best with white or light-colored awnings.
17. Attach Outdoor String Lights to Your RV Awning
No RV awning ideas list is complete without including outdoor string lights, like this popular 25-foot option on Amazon with over 70,000 reviews.
Available in various lengths, cool light, warm white (my personal favorite), and multi-colored options, they create an enchanting outdoor party atmosphere.
Unlike fixed LED strips, these versatile lights can be strung in countless patterns, outline the edges, or create a cascading curtain effect.
18. Install Decorative Hanging Lattice Panels
Transform your RV awning space into a secluded garden retreat by adding lightweight, decorative lattice panels that blend privacy with style. These versatile privacy screens can be mounted using awning hooks, making them perfect for temporary setup.
Pro tip: Choose vinyl or PVC lattice for weather resistance, and add small weights to the bottom to keep them from swaying.
19. Beat the Heat with a Cool-Down Misting System
When you’re ready to take your summer RV patio comfort to the next level add misting jets to your RV’s awning frame.
These clever misters use tiny nozzles to create an ultra-fine spray that cools the air without soaking your outdoor space, transforming your RV’s outdoor living area into a refreshing oasis.
Pro tip: Use quick-connect fittings for easy setup and breakdown, and position the nozzles at the outer edge.
20. Attach Outdoor Curtains to Provide Additional Privacy & Sun Protection
Use your RV awning to transform your campsite patio into a versatile outdoor room by adding weather-resistant curtains.
These durable curtains block harsh sunlight, deflect light rain, and provide instant privacy when needed. Choose quick-dry, mildew-resistant fabrics with UV protection, and install them using RV awning hooks.
Pro tip: Opt for panels with tie-backs and weights at the bottom to prevent wind-whipping, and select light colors to minimize heat absorption.
21. Add Extra Privacy with Custom Awning Walls
Turn your open RV awning into a cozy, sheltered retreat by crafting DIY privacy walls using heavy-duty tarps. Choose lightweight, heavy-duty materials in colors that complement your RV, and attach them using sturdy grommets and bungee cords for quick setup and takedown.
Pro tip: Cut windows with mesh backing for ventilation, add small weights to the bottom to keep them in place, and create roll-up panels you can adjust based on weather and surroundings.
22. Go Vintage with Your Awning String Lights to Create Nostalgic Charm
Add vintage flair to your RV awning by hanging multicolor round lanterns, vintage mini camping lanterns, retro travel trailer party lights, or colorful retro-inspired camp lights, like the ones above.
Make sure to use warm lights, as nothing spoils the vintage camper vibe faster than bright daylight LED bulbs.
23. Create the Ultimate Outdoor Living Room with an Enclosed Screen Room
Transform your RV awning space into a fully enclosed, bug-free paradise by installing a complete screen room setup.
This type of RV awning enclosure extends your living space while keeping pesky insects and debris out. Choose a high-quality mesh screen kit with reinforced corners and a heavy-duty zipper door for easy access.
24. Decorate Your RV Awning for the Holidays
Don’t forget your awning when decorating your RV for the holidays.
Decorate your awning for Christmas with outdoor holiday lights, shatterproof ornaments, and garland.
Christmas isn’t the only holiday you can decorate your awning though, as the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Laber Day, Easter, and Halloween are also great occasions to decorate your RV awning. Just remember to choose lightweight decorations and secure everything properly.
25. Create a Budget-Friendly Outdoor Cinema with a Simple Sheet Screen
Transform your RV awning into an instant movie theater using a white sheet as your projection canvas!
This clever DIY solution saves you hundreds compared to commercial screens while delivering surprisingly good picture quality. Use sturdy bungee cords or curtain clips to secure the sheet tautly across your awning frame, eliminating wrinkles that could distort the image.
Even More RV Ideas:
- 27 Cute Camper Decor Ideas that Cost Less than $100!
- 37 Simple RV Decorating Ideas That Make a Huge Impact
- 23 Stunning RV Wallpaper Ideas That Will Transform Your Camper!
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