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Caravan privacy screens are one of those upgrades that completely change how you use your van's outdoor space. Most caravanners focus on the van itself when setting up, but the awning area outside is where you actually live during the day. Adding caravan privacy screens turns that open space into a sheltered, private outdoor room you can cook in, relax in and use comfortably in almost any weather.

This guide covers what caravan privacy screens and awning walls actually do, the different types available and what to look for before you buy.

Browse our range of caravan awning walls and privacy screens at Campalot or read on to understand the options before you commit to a setup.

What Are Caravan Privacy Screens?

Caravan privacy screens are panels of fabric that attach to the sides and ends of your caravan awning to enclose the space underneath. They create a semi-enclosed annex area without the complexity and cost of a full hard-floor annexe.

Depending on configuration, caravan privacy screens can block wind, provide shade, prevent insects from entering your living area, keep the space private from neighbouring campers and create a weatherproof cooking and dining area. A set of good caravan privacy screens effectively doubles the usable living space of your van.

The Difference Between Awning Walls and Full Annexes

A full annexe is a permanently attached structure with solid walls, a floor and sometimes a roof extension. It adds significant living space but also significant cost, weight and setup time.

Caravan privacy screens and awning walls sit between having nothing and having a full annexe. They attach to your existing awning using simple connections, pack down small, weigh very little and take minutes to set up or remove. For most touring caravanners who move sites regularly, awning walls are the more practical choice.

Types of Caravan Privacy Screens

End Walls

End Walls attach to the sides of your awning and close off the open ends of the space. They are the most commonly purchased type of caravan privacy screen because they immediately create a sense of enclosure and privacy without blocking the open front of the awning.

Front Walls

A front wall closes off the open face of the awning area. Combined with end walls, this creates a fully enclosed outdoor room. Many front wall options include a zippered door for easy entry and exit, and some include clear PVC windows to maintain natural light while blocking wind and insects.

Shade Cloth Panels

Shade cloth caravan privacy screens use a mesh or open-weave fabric that blocks some light and most insects while allowing airflow. These are popular in hot conditions where full enclosure would create a stuffy environment. They provide privacy and UV protection without trapping heat.

Solid Privacy Walls

Solid walls use a more impermeable fabric that blocks wind, rain and view completely. These are better suited to cooler conditions or when weather protection is the priority. Some solid wall designs include roll-up sections that can be opened for ventilation when conditions allow.

What to Look for When Buying Caravan Privacy Screens

Compatibility With Your Awning

Caravan privacy screens need to match your awning dimensions and attachment system. Most attach via a channel at the top that slides into your awning rail, so check that the screen height and width match your awning before purchasing. Some screens are designed for specific awning brands, while others use universal attachment systems.

UV Rating

Australian sun degrades fabric faster than most people expect. Look for caravan privacy screens with a UPF 50+ rating on the fabric. This protects both the screens themselves from premature degradation and the people in the space below from UV exposure.

Material and Weight

Lighter fabrics pack down smaller and are easier to handle when setting up solo. Heavier fabrics generally last longer and provide better weather protection. For tourers who move camp frequently, a balance between weight and durability matters. For those who stay at each site for extended periods, durability takes priority.

Ease of Setup

You will be putting caravan privacy screens up and taking them down at every site change. Look for designs with simple, tool-free attachment systems and clear labelling of which panel goes where. Screens that can be set up by one person in under 10 minutes are significantly more practical for regular use.

Storage When Packed

A good set of caravan privacy screens should pack into a compact carry bag that fits neatly in an external storage compartment. Check the packed dimensions and weight before buying, particularly if your van storage is already tight.

Annex Matting: Complete the Outdoor Room

Caravan privacy screens work best when combined with annex matting on the ground beneath your awning. Annex matting creates a clean, comfortable surface that keeps dust and dirt out of the living area and makes the space feel like a genuine outdoor room rather than a patch of campsite.

Recycled outdoor mats and purpose-built annex matting are available in a range of sizes to suit different awning lengths. Paired with caravan privacy screens, they complete the transformation of your awning area into a proper outdoor living space.

Who Benefits Most From Caravan Privacy Screens?

• Grey nomads and long-stay travellers who spend days or weeks at each site and want a comfortable, private outdoor space
• Families who need a shaded, protected area for children to play and eat out of direct sun
• Anyone camping in coastal or tropical areas where insects and wind are daily challenges
• Travellers who cook outdoors and want a protected space that keeps wind off the stove and rain off the table
• Anyone who values privacy at busy caravan parks and free camps

The Short Version

Caravan privacy screens are one of the most practical and cost-effective upgrades for any caravanner who spends meaningful time at their site. They turn a bare awning into a proper outdoor living space, improve privacy, provide weather and UV protection and make everyday camp life significantly more comfortable.

Match the screen type to the conditions you camp in most: shade cloth for hot climates, solid walls for wind and rain, and a combination for year-round flexibility.

  Shop caravan privacy screens and awning walls at Campalot -- UV-rated, easy to set up and built for Australian touring.