Cute Camper Craft Paper Plate for Kids

Paper Plate Camper Van Craft for Kids

Camping is an exciting adventure for families, and this fun paper plate camper van craft brings a bit of that outdoor joy right into the home or classroom. This simple yet creative project lets children use their imagination while developing their fine motor skills through cutting, painting, and assembling. Perfect for a weekend or holiday activity, the camper van craft also doubles as a cute decoration or play prop for imaginative play. It’s easy enough for young kids to complete with minimal supervision and serves as a great way to foster an introduction to both crafting and the idea of camping.

This fun craft kit is best suited for children ages 4 to 8, though older kids can enjoy putting their own creative spin on the design. The materials needed are simple and affordable, making it a great activity for home or school. By turning basic items like paper plates, popsicle sticks, and construction paper into a fun camper van, kids of all ages can not only practice following instructions but also explore their creativity as they decorate and personalize their vans.


Celebrating the magic of national parks through the eyes of children's literature. From the towering redwoods of California to the majestic peaks of the Rockies, each turn of the page reveals a new adventure waiting to unfold. These books serve as more than just stories; they are windows into a world teeming with diversity, beauty, and the boundless wonders of nature.  I love using this perfect activity as a way to get young children excited about an upcoming camping trip and outdoor living!

This paper bag campfire craft is an excellent opportunity to encourage imaginative play. Not only can young kids make their very own campfire, but they can also use this camping lantern fun craft as part of their camping-themed play at home. Whether you're using this fun kids craft to simulate a cozy campsite indoors on a rainy day or as a creative pre-camping activity, this easy craft is a great way to add a spark of fun to any day.

How Fun Camping Can Be for Families

Camping provides families and young children with an exciting opportunity to reconnect with nature, bond, and make lasting memories. Whether roasting marshmallows around a campfire, exploring trails, or stargazing at night, these experiences spark curiosity and a love for the outdoors. For kids, the freedom to explore, play, and discover new things outdoors is exhilarating, and this craft can serve as a reminder of those adventures or inspire future camping trips. It allows kids to bring their camping dreams to life through art, and they can use their camper van creations as props to reenact fun camping moments.

Paper Plate Camper Craft Materials Needed:

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  • Paper plate

  • Green paint

  • Paintbrush

  • Construction paper

  • Popsicle stick

  • Glue stick

  • Double-sided tape

If you are completing this camping themed crafts at school with little children and need to save time, you can ask room moms to pre package the easy craft kit pieces for this classroom craft!  

Camper Van Craft Instructions:

  1. Cut a paper plate in half.

2. Paint half of the paper plate light green.

camper van craft for kids

3. Paint an entire paper plate bright green.

camper craft for kids

4. Let the paper plates dry completely.

paper plate camper van

5. Attach the painted plates together with a glue stick, leaving a small gap for the popsicle stick.

6. Cut out your trees and glue them to the correct spots on the plate.

7. Cut out the camper van from red paper.

8. Cut out the camper van piece from white paper.

9. Cut out the below yellow paper camp van pieces.

10. Cut out the black tire and trailer hitch for the camper van.

11. Add a white circle to the middle of the tire.

camper van craft

12. Attach to the popsicle stick.

13. Insert the popsicle stick into the gap in the paper plate, and your camper van is ready for play!  End result is so much fun.

10 Ideas for Using This Camper Van Craft at Home and School:

  1. Camping-Themed Story Time: Kids can use their paper plate campers as props during story time or imaginative camping play.

  2. Learning About Nature: Pair the easy crafts with lessons about camping, nature, and outdoor safety.

  3. Create a Diorama: Use the camper van craft as part of a larger camping scene diorama with paper tents, trees, and animals.  This could be for individual use or as a group project.

  4. Classroom Decorations: Hang the completed camper vans from a classroom ceiling or display them on a bulletin board.

  5. Role-Playing Game: Let children use their camper vans to act out a family camping trip or outdoor adventure for so much fun.

  6. Camp-In Movie Night: Set up an indoor "camping" night at home and use the craft as part of the evening’s decorations.

  7. Teaching Transportation: Use the camper van to teach younger children about different modes of transportation, like RVs and camping trailers.

  8. Create a Collage: Add the camper van to a large class or family camping collage, complete with construction paper lakes, mountains, and tents.

  9. Incorporate with Camping Books: Pair the craft with a reading of camping-themed books to encourage literacy and creativity.  If your family is gearing up for a camping trip, get your preschooler or child excited by reading books about camping for kids!  Books about camping for children are such a fun way to talk about what to expect, answer questions, and share plans during the trip!  From the towering redwoods of California to the majestic peaks of the Rockies, each turn of the page reveals a new adventure waiting to unfold. These books serve as more than just stories; they are windows into a world teeming with diversity, beauty, and the boundless wonders of nature.

  10. Imaginative Free Play: Let kids use their camper van in independent play, allowing them to make up stories and go on pretend adventures.

The paper plate camper van craft is a delightful activity that not only fosters creativity but also connects children to the idea of camping and outdoor exploration. Easy to assemble and customize, it’s a perfect project for rainy days, school craft sessions, or a weekend family activity. The camper van craft serves as more than just a fun art project—it becomes a tool for storytelling, education, and imaginative play.

By engaging in this hands-on project, kids not only develop fine motor skills and learn to follow instructions but also gain an appreciation for nature and the joy of camping. Whether at home or in the classroom, this camper van craft offers endless opportunities for fun and learning while keeping the spirit of adventure alive!

Erin Smith

Mom of 3 sharing tips for parenting, DIY and crafts, recipes for kids, and lifestyle tips for families on the go.  

http://www.xoxoerinsmith.com
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