VW Campervan Interior Layout Guide

So, you’ve settled on a VW campervan. Good choice! Volkswagen is one of the most popular campervan models in New Zealand. But have you decided on an interior layout yet?

There’s a tonne to think about when it comes to designing your campervan layout. Whilst our campervan conversion guide is a great starting point, this VW campervan interior layout guide is specific to your vehicle.

Making our list of the best VW campervan interior layouts is:

1. Fixed rear lengthways bed - Most popular layout

2. Fixed rear sideways bed - Second most popular layout

3. Rear double seat - Best layout for a family

4. U-shaped dining area - Best layout for a balanced living space

5. Rear external kitchen - Best layout for outdoor living

6. Rear single sofa bed - Best layout for storing large items

Below, you’ll discover the benefits and considerations of each VW campervan interior layout.

If you find a layout you like, we recommend that you “try before you buy”. Consider hiring the campervan through Camplify and test whether you like the layout before hacking and sawing into your own VW!

Best VW campervan interior layouts

Fixed rear lengthways bed - Most popular VW layout

Seats and sleeps Seats 2 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features This is often considered the most comfortable VW campervan interior layout in terms of bedding.

Lengthways beds tend to provide a slightly longer sleeping area than sideways beds. Some people also find fixed mattresses to be more comfortable than convertible bedding options.

This layout can also lend more storage space underneath the bed due to its longer design. This is great for stowing away long or bulky goods that need a bit of extra length.

However, be aware that placing your bed lengthways might mean that you lose some kitchen and dining space in the front.

To save space in the dining area, install a fold-out or slide-out table. Alternatively, build a slide-out table under the bed for outdoor eating and entertaining at the rear of the van.

This layout allows you to access the campervan through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the bed. For added privacy in the bedroom, consider adding a dividing wall between the bed and the living area.

Best for This VW campervan interior layout is best for solo travellers or couples who are willing to give up kitchen and dining space in favour of a longer bed and extra storage space.

Campervan examples

• Ricky Baker (VW LT35 in Auckland)

• Juno (VW Crafter in Hamilton)

Fixed rear sideways bed - Second most popular VW layout

Seats and sleeps

Seats 2 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features This is probably the most comfortable VW campervan layout in terms of internal cooking and dining.

Placing a queen bed sideways in the rear means that you gain more kitchen and dining space in the front.

However, be aware that sideways beds are normally slightly shorter than lengthways beds. This will also mean that you have less storage space underneath the bed due to its shallower design.

This layout allows you to access the campervan through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the bed.

Best for This VW campervan interior layout is best for solo travellers or couples who want a spacious kitchen and dining area at the expense of a slightly shorter bed and shallower storage area.

Campervan example

• Bernie (VW Crafter in Hamilton)

Rear double seat - Best layout for a family

Seats and sleeps

Seats 4 and sleeps 2-4 internally.

Layout and features

When it comes to VW campervan layouts, this option provides the most passenger seating. It seats 2 people in the front cabin and 2 at the rear of the van on a double seat.

In most modern VW models, the drivers and passengers seats in the front swivel around to face the rear. In the centre of the campervan is a fold-away dining table and kitchen , where you can cook and eat.

When you’re ready for bed, convert the dining area into a queen bed by lying the rear double seat flat. In some high-top VW conversions (such as the California), you can add up to 2 extra sleeping berths with a roof bed (suitable for kids or a light adult).

Be aware that this VW campervan interior layout has slightly less storage at the rear due to the double seat. It also means that you can’t enter through the rear of the vehicle whilst the seats are upright.

Best for

This VW campervan interior layout is best for families or groups of friends who want more passenger seats and the ability to add a roof bed in high-top models.

Campervan example

• Kowhai (VW Kombi in Queenstown)

• Dub Camper 1 (VW California in Ponsonby)

U-shaped dining area - Best for a balanced living space

Seats and sleeps

Seats 2 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features

This VW campervan layout features a convertible and spacious dining area in the rear. It’s a great option for people who want to maximise their interior space so that they can cook, eat and sleep in comfort.

The U-shaped dining area in the rear consists of three sofas around a removable dining table, meaning that 2 people can comfortably eat at one time.

You can quickly and easily convert the U-shaped dining area into a queen-size bed by folding out the sofa seats.

This layout features a tonne of storage thanks to the rear sofas. Simply lift the sofa lid to store items inside or create slide-out drawers at the rear.

However, be aware that this layout doesn’t allow access through the rear unless you make the sofa seat removable.

Best for

This VW campervan interior layout is best for couples who want a balance of dining, cooking, sleeping and storage space inside their campervan.

Rear external kitchen - Best for outdoor living

Seats and sleeps

Seats 2 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features

This VW campervan layout has an external kitchen and is great for people who would prefer to cook outside of the van.

The front of the interior is dedicated to sleeping and eating, whilst the kitchen is positioned at the rear underneath the tailgate. This means you have more headroom and better ventilation when cooking.

The front dining area consists of two sofas on either side of a removable dining table. This provides enough space for 2-3 people to eat at the same time. It can be converted into a queen bed by lowering the table to be the same height as the two sofas. This only takes a matter of seconds.

This interior layout offers plenty of drawer and cupboard space in the rear, underneath the kitchen. However, it may not be the most suitable layout for those wanting to store large objects inside the rear of the van (e.g. surfboards).

Best for

This VW campervan interior layout is best for couples who would prefer to cook outside so that they have more headroom and better ventilation.

Rear single sofa bed - Best for storing large items

Seats and sleeps

Seats 2 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features

This VW campervan layout has one convertible sofa bed at the rear. This leaves almost half the width of the van for storing long and bulky goods , such as surfboards, skis and bicycles.

Individuals can sleep on the single sofa bed as is. However, couples can use a slide-out or fold-out design to convert the single bed to a queen or double.

Opposite the sofa bed in the rear, you can install a storage solution with drawers and cupboards. When it comes to dining, simply slide out the sofa as a seat and use the benchtop as a table.

Another benefit of this layout is that it’s much easier to enter the campervan through the rear.

Best for

This VW campervan interior layout is best for solo travellers or couples who want to store large items inside their vans, such as a surfboard, skis or a bicycle.

Discover more VW campervan interior layouts

Use the search feature on Camplify to discover more VW campervan interior layouts. On our homepage, simply click “Find a van” and then set the van type to campervans.

Take a peek into heaps of privately owned rental campervans around New Zealand. Flick through the photos to source endless layouts and campervan interior ideas for your VW.

Alternatively, check out these Hiace campervan layouts. Some of them may work well in your VW campervan?

Make a return on your VW campervan

Equipped with this campervan interior layout guide, you’re now probably wondering how much it costs to convert a campervan. While expenses range, no matter how big or small your budget, there’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on your VW campervan - rent it out on Camplify when it’s not in use!

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused campervan!