Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Nikole

So you want to find a camper van to convert? You just finished your insulation, the floors, and the walls of your camper van.

Now it’s time to work on the layout, and the best place to start is with your sleeping area, specifically your camper van bed. 

When you consider the “bedroom” area of your camper van, you need to decide which mattress and bedding you will use- this will help you determine what type of camper van bed you need. 

Still, trying to decide what type of mattress to get? Don’t worry, we got you covered in our ultimate campervan mattress guide. 

Before you dive into the bed style you want, you need to consider a few things, and that’s where our buyer’s guide comes in. 

Camper Van Bed Buyers Guide

Here we will guide you through the things you should consider before purchasing or building your own type of camper van bed. 

If you have a small van, you may not have enough space for a king-size bed. You might fit a big bed in a big van, but you need space during the day to store some bikes.

Here are a few basic things you should consider 

• The size of your camper van
• How many people are traveling with you
• What does your van layout look like
• What type of traveler are you?

Determine the Size of Your Camper Van

Before you decide on your bed size, look at the size of your camper van cab. The size of your van cab will help you determine how big of a bed you can fit. 

The cab measurement starts from the front seats and measures to the back of the van (measurements should be taken inside the camper van). 

Here is a chart to help you determine what size bed you can fit. The measurements for the mattresses are standard ( You can cut the mattress to customize them according to your bed base- only if you purchase memory foam). 

The camper van cab size, in the chart below, is average for that range of the vehicle. (make sure you get measurements of your specific van- every van measures differently).

Here is a chart for which mattresses will go best in which size vans.

Who Is Traveling With You?

How many people you want traveling with you will help determine what type of camper van bed you need.

If you are the only one sleeping in your van, you can get away with just about any size bed within your van size range.

If traveling with a partner, you may need a big bed that folds in and out for an adequate living and sleeping space. 

Maybe you need bunks for the kids to sleep on. No matter the size of your family, there is a camper van bed idea that will perfectly fit your lifestyle.

What Type of Traveler are you?

Are you a weekend warrior or a full-time van lifer?

 If you are a weekend warrior, a fixed bed or a big bed may work for you. You won’t need much storage space for weekend travels, so you don’t need to worry about taking up space with a bed.

Full-time van lifers may need to install a camper van bed that folds into the wall, into a dinette, or an office. These types of camper van beds offer more living space during the day.

 How Do You Want Your Campervan Layout?

The layout of your camper van is key for everyday living. 

The layout is important because you want your living quarters to flow and make sense. I may have to make a post just on designing a layout haha!

For now, I’m going to make a few suggestions and give you some examples of common camper van bed layouts. 

A common layout you will see in small vans: is where the bed is pushed up against the front two seats. The bed leaves plenty of space for a kitchen. You can now open up the swinging doors in the back and enjoy a kitchen while standing outside. 

Another great layout sets a dinette/ bed combo in the back of the van and a kitchen close to the sliding doors in the front. This setup allows for easy access to the kitchen and dining room area. 

What Style of Bed Would You Like?

There are many types of camper van beds, and sometimes a decision comes down to aesthetics and pure enjoyment. 

Maybe you want to enjoy the view, so you install a rope swing-style camper van bed. This type of bed allows you to swing the bed slightly out the back, so it feels like you are sleeping under the stars.

A boho hammock hung in the back could be an option for those looking for a cheap and simple bed. 

There are two main categories of camper van beds you can choose from, and within those categories are countless options:

• Fixed beds
• Convertible beds

Fixed Beds

Fixed beds are permanently fixed to your camper van- they never move. These types of beds permanently stay in a bed position, meaning they don’t fold, rock and roll, or lift.

There are two types of fixed bed options you can build in your camper van:

• Bunk Beds
• Platform Bed

#1: Bunk Bed

Bunk beds are great for families on road trips. This type of camper van bed should be installed in medium or large vans due to space issues. 

There are several ways you can install a bunk bed system. You can use chains to hang them over one another or build a high platform over an existing bed. 

If you have a high-top van, you can consider installing a bunk over the front driver and passenger seat of the van. Another neat option is the Cabbunk beds that you can hang over the seats of your vehicle.

Who is This Type of Camper Van Bed Best For?

Bunk beds are perfect for those traveling with kids or a group of friends. You typically cannot store much in your van with bunks, so you may need to learn to travel light.

Pros

• Easily take the family with you
• Lots of areas to sleep
• Easy and cheap to install

Cons

• Takes up a lot of storage and headspace

#2: Platform Bed

Platform beds are the easiest kind of camper van bed to build. All you need are some legs for support and a big board to lay over the legs to hold in your mattress. 

Unfortunately, with this type of camper van bed, you will not be able to put the bed up during the day or down at night. 

When you install the bed, make sure you leave enough space underneath for storage and enough space above for headroom.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

If you are traveling with one or two people: the platform bed is perfect. A fixed bed is also great for weekend warriors that plan to spend their time outdoors. 

Pros

• Easy and cheap to install
• Never worry about putting your bed up at night (sometimes that gets annoying)

Cons

• Takes up some storage space

Convertible Beds

Convertible beds are great for completely transforming your space. You may have a bed by night or an office space by day. 

You will have extra room during the day to store bikes or surfboards- the options are endless.

#3: Murphy Bed

Murphy beds are amazing for those who need space for storing large items while traveling. 

How does it work? Imagine a platform bed that completely folds vertically into the wall at its hinges. When you fold it up, the bed is out of sight. 

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

This camper van bed style is perfect for those traveling with heavy gear like bikes, boards, or skis. You can store your items while driving on the road, and put your bed down at night when it’s time to sleep.

Pros

• Huge space saver
• Easy to let down or put back up

Cons

• Somewhat tricky to build
• May take up the width of your floor space

#4: Slat Bed

Ah, the slat bed- one of my favorite camper van beds. This bed slides in and out to form a bed at night or a couch by day.

The platform consists of two sides that come together with slats. The slats will slide into each other when you want to form your couch.

Your bed cushion will slide halfway up the wall when you slide in the base, or you can stack one cushion on top of the other.

I love this design because it is super simple to build and creates a breathable atmosphere for your mattress. Needless to say, moisture and mold were never a problem for our camper van bed because of the slat bed we built.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

The slat bed is perfect for anyone, and you can make it work in just about any size van.

You may, however, run into sliding issues with smaller vans. Our bed was so difficult to fold into a couch position because we didn’t have room to walk around and properly slide it up.

Pros

• Simple and cheap to make
• The ultimate choice for moisture and mold control

Cons

• Sometimes it’s frustrating to slide up and down.

Bed #5: Rock and Roll Bed

The rock and roll system is a unique camper van bed option.

Typically, rock and roll beds begin as couches. The van’s rear seat serves as the sofa. The sofa will roll out and snap into a flat surface to transform it into a bed. 

If you would like a step-by-step guide on how this works check out Camperversions how to guide.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

These types of camper van beds are ideal for groups traveling together. It’s best in big vans with back seat options.

Pros

• You will have back seats to fit more people when traveling and sleeping
• You can have a bed and seat all in one

Cons

• The bed isn’t very comfortable to lay on, you may need to pack extra cushioning
• This system may be complicated to DIY, so you may need to fork out some money to purchase an already-made one.

#6: Two Benches

Similar to the rock and roll style is the two-bench camper van option. There are two benches facing each other that you can rock, roll back, and click into place to make the bed. The two benches meet in the middle creating your bed space.

This design makes for a great lounge area, or you can bring a foldable table to make it into a dining area.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

This design is perfect for those with a narrow van. Typically you will see two benches on either side of the van that meet in the middle to complete the bed- this means you need a narrow enough van for them to meet. 

If your van isn’t narrow, that’s fine- you may have an awkward gap.

Pros

• You can easily have a dual-functioning bed and couch area.

Cons

• The system may be hard to fit in your van without having gaps.
• May be too hard to build, meaning you may have to pay a pretty penny for someone to install or purchase an already-made one.

#7: Fold-out Couch Bed

The fold-out couch and rock and roll bench designs are identical, but a fold-out couch bed differs somewhat.

Place a piece of wood between the two benches and a cushion on top of the wood to finish the bed when you’re ready for your fold-out sofa bed. 

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

This bed is best for those with a bed in the back of their medium to large size van. The bed allows easy access beyond your kitchen and to your dining room or office.

Pros

• Simple to make
• Ample storage space underneath

Cons

• You have to move and reconstruct your table to create a bed, which can be frustrating when you are tired.

#8: Bed Lift System

A bed lift system is such a cool camper van bed design, however, this option may be hard for some DIYers to build. 

Some bed lift systems, such as the Happijac, can cost around $1000, and more if you get someone else to install them. 

If you don’t want the hefty price tag, you can try other ways to install the bed lift. 

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

If you have a high-top camper van, the bed lift system is perfect for you. You can enjoy your space below when your bed is lifted to the ceiling. 

Pros

• You don’t need to move around cushions or pieces to make the bed fit together

Cons

• Some systems are expensive
• Extensive setup 
• The motor could stop working at the most inconvenient times
• Takes away headspace

#9: Table Bed

A table bed has two couch-like pieces against either side of the camper van walls. 

In the middle is a table held up by legs. When you want to put the bed down, then take the table off its legs. Place the piece of wood in the middle between the couches. 

Usually, there’s a lip on both couches to help hold the piece of wood in place. You won’t need legs under the wood for support.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

This camper van bed option is perfect for those with medium to large-size vans who only travel alone or with someone.

It’s perfect for those that need a space to eat food or work on the road.

Pros

• Simple design
• Simple to build

Cons

• You have to move around a lot of cushions to get the bed made
• Flat surfaces cause moisture and mold build-up.

#10: Flip Bench Bed

A flip bench bed is a single bench that you can place where you want it in your camper van.

The bench top will descend and cover the lower portion. On occasion, the legs may swivel away from the top portion, supporting the base.

Sometimes you can keep the cushions inside the base of the bench, or you may slide your mattress in and out with the bench.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

You can use the sliding bench option for just about any camper van size. There will be next to no storage space under the bed because it moves in and out. 

Pros

• Simple build
• Saves floor space

Cons

• Flat wood will surely attract mold
• Takes up storage space

#11: Slide-platform

Are you one that loves to sleep under the stars at night? Maybe that’s the whole reason why you decided to get a camper van in the first place. 

I’ve got great news for you! There is a camper van bed option where you can swing in and out of the back. It’s kind of like a bed swing, in a way.

You attach your bed to the ceiling with ropes or chains. The ropes allow you to swing your bed out the back of the camper van, so you can enjoy those stars.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

You can install a swing bed in almost any type of camper van. The bed doesn’t serve any purpose except that it’s a personal preference and stylish.

Pros

• Super cool and trendy
• You can sleep out of the back of your camper van

Cons

• Ropes and chains aren’t the most sturdy materials
• May cause rubbing on your walls

#12: Drawbridge-style Bed

This style of camper van bed is similar to the Murphy style bed because it folds into the wall. However, instead of the cushions folding with the bed, they will go on a counter space and hide behind a wall. The wall forms after the bed folds.

A drawbridge-style camper van bed is great for those who want extra counter space.

It’s similar to a murphy bed because it folds into the wall. One side sits on a cabinet that should match the height of your counter space on the other side. 

The cushions rest behind a drawbridge when it’s put up during the day. During the night, the drawbridge rests across the two opposing cabinets and creates a platform for your bed.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

This style of camper van bed is perfect for those with a large van- who needs quite a bit of counter and storage space. 

Pros

• Provides tons of storage space
• Up and completely out of the way during the daytime

Cons

• Cushions can be hard to deal with when making the bed

#13: U-bench

A U- bench bed has cushions that form a U-shape around a small dinette. Sound familiar? RVs and campers are made with this design for an extra bed area. 

When you want the bed made, the tabletop comes off the supporting beams and into the middle of the cushions. Some of the cushions will come off the wall to fill in the gap where the table is. 

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

This system is a great camper van bed option for those with a big van. You will have a great amount of space where swinging doors are in the back of your van to create the U-shape.

Pros

• You have a bed and table combo
• Easy to make the bed at night

Cons

• Cushions are somewhat hard to deal with
• Attracts mold (we have this in our full-time camper, and it’s caused nothing but moisture and mold for us.)

#14: Air Mattress

If you can’t wait to hit the road but haven’t built your van yet-try a temporary air mattress. 

We used an air mattress in our camper van because we were too impatient. We took the picture above when we decided to camp near one of the Uwharrie trailheads.

These are not ideal for permanent use because they tend to get holes in them, but they are perfect for temporary adventures before you build your van.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

This option is perfect for any size van and anyone, just not for long-term use.

Pros

• Gets you on the road when you are still building your camper van bed

Cons

• Air mattresses are unreliable
• Only temporary camper van options

#15: Bench Seats

Some camper vans have two separate back seats. You can take them out and start your build, or you can transform the seats into twin-size beds for extra sleeping areas. 

If you have those two back seats in your camper van, you can design them to fold out into two rock-and-roll twin beds. 

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

This option is best for those traveling in big groups or kids. These beds will work best in large camper vans.

Pros

• Provides extra seating
• You can accommodate more people

Cons

• Takes up a lot of space
• Not aesthetic

#16: Hammock

Hammocks provide some of the best sleep anywhere you go (in my opinion, at least).

You can create hammock tie-down points in your camper or tie them to points on the doors. 

Do you like the hammock lifestyle? Check out our guide to hammock camping and our guide to choosing the best hammock accessories.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

These hammocks are great for anyone who doesn’t suffer from back issues. Hammocks are great space savers- make sure you have enough room underneath your hammock to hang. 

Pros

• You can take a hammock anywhere in any van
• You can use them for hiking and backpacking 

Cons

• Doesn’t offer the best support for your back
• Isn’t the best camper van bed option when it’s cold outside

#17: Custom-designed Beds

Skys the limit when it comes to designing a camper van bed. Whatever your creative mind comes up with will do the trick.

Maybe you have a crazy camper van layout that needs a specially shaped-bed.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

This bed option is perfect for anyone who can design a custom bed, and no bed has to look exactly like you see on the internet.

Pros

• You can customize it the way you want it.

Cons

• NONE!

Check out this unique L-shaped/slat bed design for a custom-made camper van bed design.

#18 Add Flares for a Camper Van Bed

Flares aren’t a type of camper van bed, they extend the width of your van so you can fit a platform bed lengthwise.

Why would you do this? People like my husband are quite tall, over 6 feet, and need a little extra legroom. Flares, like Flarespace, allow for more room when the length of your bed runs the width of the van.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

Flares are perfect for any size van, make sure it’s worth your investment. Make sure that you measure the width of your van and how much the flares will widen the space. After you add those measurements together, then you can see if your mattress will fit.

Pros

• Adds more space by adding van width
• Perfect for tall people

Cons

• Complicated installation
• Reduces insulation

#19 Buy Pre-made Camper Van Bed

Several companies provide already-made campervan beds. 

RB Components sells panel beds along with customized cushions.

If you want an already-made platform bed, check out Freeway Camper Kit. They customize minivans into camper vans and sell platform beds for camper vans.

Who is This Camper Van Bed Best For?

If you don’t like building things yourself or don’t have the time, try a premade bed. You can find a pre-made bed for any size camper van.

Pros

• You don’t need to take the time to build a camper van bed yourself
• Ready to go to bed

Cons

• Most pre-made beds are relatively expensive
• You still need to install it in your camper van

Frequently Asked Questions

There are still plenty of other questions about camper van beds, and we are here to answer those questions.

What are van beds called?

There are many terms you can use for a camper van bed, but some of the most common are platform bed, rock and roll bed, couch bed, and slat bed. 

How can I sleep comfortably in my van?

Did you know you can sleep comfortably in your camper van!? I honestly didn’t think it was possible until we customized our mattress and followed a few tricks:

• Park the van on level ground or get block levelers (insert link)
• Purchase a comfortable mattress
• Bring your most comfortable bedding
• Soundproof your van with insulation
• Put light-blocking curtains up on the windows
• Make a way to heat and cool your camper van
• Ventilate your van for ultimate airflow

Can I put a mattress in my van?

You can put a mattress in your camper van, and there are several types you can choose from:

1. Customized cushions– You can do this yourself or hire someone to make customized cushions for your mattress. These cushions are perfect for L or U-shaped bed/table designs.
2. Foam-foam mattresses are the most popular forms of camper van bedding. They are customizable because they are easy to cut into the shape of your bed frame.
3. Spring mattresses– These mattresses are less popular than the two mentioned above. You cannot cut them to the size you want, so you need to make sure your bed base is the exact size of your spring mattress. 

Would you like to find some of the best camper van bedding for your new bed design? Read our ultimate guide to camper van bedding for ultimate info.

What is the easiest Camper Van Bed to Make?

The easiest type of camper van bed you can make is the platform bed. A few legs, boards, and screws later you have a bed. You don’t need to know extensive cutting techniques to build a platform bed.

In Conclusion

Every camper van needs some type of bed, we prefer the slat bed. A slat bed is simple to build and provides a breathable environment for your camper van mattress.

Even if your bed doesn’t slide in and out, you can always design slats as a platform, that way, your mattress still gets airflow underneath.