Think campervans mean no tents at all? Not quite. I’ve ditched the frustrating ones, but I still carry a few smart pop-up tents that make camping faster and more comfortable. Here is a quick overview of the tents in my Toyota Sienna minivan camper and when I use each one.

Why Carry Tents in a Campervan?

Camping used to mean setting up a tent and taking it down again, sometimes in the rain, then drying out a soggy mess at home. Breaking that cycle was a main reason I converted my minivan, so I no longer use a traditional sleeping tent. Some specialized tents, though, complement a camper by adding space, shelter and convenience.

My trips fall into two modes. In Travel Mode I stop for a night or two, so I keep things simple and rely on the van’s built-in features. In Camping Mode I stay several days in one spot and bring extra gear, like a two-burner propane stove, a bike, a paddleboard or a portable firepit. I secure it with bungee cords while driving and unload it outside, which frees up the van for my bed.

Storage Tent for Camping Mode

Before my build was finished, I carried camping essentials in plastic totes and needed somewhere to keep them at the campsite. I found a bike storage tent on Amazon that sets up quickly and comes in several sizes. My mid-sized one holds multiple 27-gallon totes, with room left over to use as a private changing area. I still use it for week-long stays at provincial campgrounds, keeping cooking supplies, a bike or a paddleboard outside the van.

Pop-Up Beach and Shower Tents

For open beaches without natural shade, I replaced my pole-based canopy with a Glymnis pop-up beach tent. You toss it on the ground and it opens into a sunshade in seconds. It suits two people and folds to 24 inches in diameter and a couple of inches thick, so it fits in the slot between the trunk wall and my bed’s support leg.

I had planned a DIY shower curtain attached to the van, but then I found the TRATHM camp shower pop-up tent. It works the same way and has clips, pockets and hangers inside for towels and soap. It doubles as a changing room or a spot for my Trelino portable toilet. It folds to the same 24-inch diameter and stores in the trunk, opposite the bed.

Quick Facts

• Vehicle: Toyota Sienna minivan camper (no sleeping tent)
• Storage tent: mid-sized bike storage tent, holds multiple 27-gallon totes
• Sunshade: Glymnis pop-up beach tent, sized for two people
• Shower tent: TRATHM camp shower pop-up tent, also a changing or toilet room
• Packed size of beach and shower tents: 24″ diameter

Next up, Episode 11: Storage. I explain how I organize my Sienna’s storage into “Immediate”, “Essential” and “Long-Term” gear, how my trunk is laid out, how the under-bed sectional storage adapts to my travel plans, and how packing cubes will improve it.

← Episode 9: Ventilation  |  Full build story  |  Episode 11: Storage →