5 Best Privacy Panels For Outdoor Living In Campers Nomads Swear By
These are the privacy screens nomads swear by.
You pull into that perfect campsite, only to find your neighbor’s sewer hose is ten feet from your picnic table. Suddenly, your "room with a view" feels more like a fishbowl. This is the reality of modern camping, where personal space is a premium commodity.
Easily manage RV waste with the durable Camco RhinoFLEX sewer hose kit. This 15-foot hose features a clear elbow with a 4-in-1 adapter that fits multiple dump station pipes and compresses for compact storage.
An RV awning privacy panel isn’t just a piece of fabric; it’s a boundary. It’s the tool that transforms your patch of grass from a public pass-through into a private outdoor living room. It provides shade, blocks wind, and most importantly, gives you a sense of seclusion.
Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, with dozens of brands all claiming to be the best. But the decision really comes down to how you camp, what you value most, and your budget. This guide breaks down the top contenders that seasoned nomads rely on, helping you find the perfect fit for your rig.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Your Guide to the Best RV Awning Privacy Panels
Enhance your RV experience with the SHADEPLUS RV Awning Side Shade. This durable, UV-resistant mesh screen provides privacy and reduces wind, fitting most awning brands with easy, quick installation. Enjoy shade and a clear view of your surroundings.
Not all awning screens are created equal. At their core, they are typically made of a vinyl-coated mesh designed to block UV rays and reduce visibility while still allowing for airflow. The magic is in the details: the quality of the mesh, the durability of the stitching, and the method of attachment.
Think of these panels as falling into two main categories. You have the simple "slide-in" types that use a polycord bead to feed directly into the utility slot on your awning’s roller tube. Then you have more complex zippered systems that allow for multiple panels to create a full enclosure.
Understanding this basic difference is the first step. One offers speed and simplicity, while the other provides total coverage at the cost of a more involved setup. Your choice will fundamentally shape how you use your outdoor space, so it pays to know the landscape before you buy.
Tentproinc: Your Best Bet for All-Around Value
When you need a reliable workhorse that balances cost and quality, Tentproinc is the name that comes up again and again. It hits the sweet spot for most RVers. The construction is solid, with double-stitched seams and heavy-duty grommets that hold up to windy conditions without complaint.
This brand offers a huge variety of sizes, both in length and drop height, making it easy to find a near-perfect fit for standard awnings from Dometic, Carefree, or Lippert. They provide everything you need in the box, including bungee cords and stakes, so you aren’t running to the hardware store mid-setup. It’s a complete, no-nonsense solution.
Secure your gear with the HORUSDY 31-Piece Bungee Cord Assortment. This set offers various sizes of durable, elastic cords with protective ABS-coated hooks, plus tarp clips for versatile use.
For the RVer who wants a durable, effective screen for regular use without paying a premium price, Tentproinc is the go-to. It’s not the fanciest, but it’s arguably the most practical choice for the money. It delivers on its promise of shade and privacy, trip after trip.
Solera by Lippert: Your Quick-Install Option
Lippert Components (LCI) is a giant in the RV industry, and their Solera line is designed for seamless integration. If your rig already has a Lippert awning, this is often the path of least resistance. The primary advantage here is the simplicity of a system designed by the same people who made your awning.
The installation is about as easy as it gets. Most Solera screens use a simple polycord that you slide into the open utility slot on your awning roller. This means no drilling, no complex hardware, and a setup time measured in minutes, not hours. This is ideal for campers who prioritize a fast and effortless transition from road-mode to camp-mode.
The trade-off for this convenience can sometimes be a lack of customization or the heavy-duty feel of more specialized brands. But for the weekend warrior or the nomad who values speed above all else, the Solera screen is an incredibly efficient way to add immediate shade and privacy.
Carefree SunBlocker: Premium Quality You Can Feel
If you’re a full-timer or someone who spends months on the road, investing in quality gear pays dividends. Carefree of Colorado’s SunBlocker is that premium option. The moment you handle it, you can tell the difference in the material—it’s a denser, more robustly woven vinyl mesh.
This higher-quality material translates directly to better performance. It offers superior UV protection, which not only keeps your patio cooler but also protects the outdoor furniture and gear you store under it. The heavy-duty construction means it stands up better to constant sun exposure and high winds, resisting fraying and fading far longer than budget alternatives.
Of course, this level of quality comes at a higher price point. This isn’t the screen you buy for one or two trips a year. This is an investment for the serious RVer who views their awning screen as an essential piece of equipment, not just an accessory.
EZ ZipBlocker: Get Total Coverage with This System
Sometimes a single front panel just isn’t enough. For those who want to create a true, fully-enclosed outdoor room, the EZ ZipBlocker system is the solution. This isn’t just one screen; it’s a modular system with a front panel and two side panels that all zip together.
This design provides a nearly complete barrier against sun, wind, and curious neighbors. It’s the ultimate setup for long-term stays, creating a protected space that genuinely feels like an extension of your RV’s living area. You can leave chairs, grills, and other gear outside with a much greater degree of protection from the elements.
The major consideration here is the increased setup complexity and cost. Zipping three large panels together takes more time and effort than sliding a single one into place. But for those who crave maximum privacy and a weather-resistant patio, the trade-off is well worth it.
RecPro Awning Shade: Your Best Budget-Friendly Pick
Block harmful UV rays and enjoy a cooler, more comfortable outdoor space with this 8' x 15' RV awning sun shade. The mesh screen reduces wind and easily installs with included stakes and bungee balls.
Not everyone needs a top-of-the-line, expedition-grade piece of gear. For the casual camper or someone just wanting to try out a privacy screen, RecPro offers an excellent entry point. Their shades deliver the core benefits of sun protection and privacy at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
These screens get the fundamental job done. They block the sun, cut down on wind, and give you a sense of your own space. The materials may be lighter and the stitching less robust than more expensive options, but for occasional use, they hold up just fine.
This is the perfect choice for the RVer who camps a few weekends a year or isn’t sure how much they’ll use a screen. It solves the immediate problem without a significant financial commitment. Think of it as the smart, practical solution for non-critical, occasional use.
How to Choose the Right Privacy Screen for You
Picking the right screen comes down to an honest assessment of your camping style. There is no single "best" panel, only the best one for you. Before you click "buy," run through these key considerations:
- Measure Twice, Buy Once: This is the most critical step. Measure the length of your awning’s roller tube, not the fabric. Then, measure from the roller tube to the ground to determine the "drop" height you need. An ill-fitting screen is a constant source of frustration.
- Define Your Goal: Are you primarily blocking the harsh afternoon sun, cutting down on wind, or maximizing privacy? A denser mesh offers more privacy and UV protection but can reduce airflow and visibility from the inside.
- Consider Your Setup Tolerance: Be realistic about how much effort you’re willing to put in. If you’re a quick-stopover traveler, a simple slide-in panel is your best friend. If you settle in for weeks at a time, a more complex zippered system might be a worthwhile investment.
- Match Quality to Use: A full-time RVer will wear out a budget screen in a single season. Conversely, a casual weekend camper probably doesn’t need to spend top dollar on a premium model. Let your travel frequency dictate your budget.
Claim Your Outdoor Space and Enjoy the View
An awning privacy screen is one of the most transformative, cost-effective upgrades you can make to your RV. It’s not just about blocking the sun; it’s about defining your territory and expanding your usable living area. It turns a simple awning into a functional, comfortable, and private outdoor room.
This simple piece of gear allows you to eat, relax, and socialize without feeling like you’re on public display. It gives you a buffer from the elements and your neighbors, creating a small sanctuary in even the most crowded campgrounds.
Ultimately, the goal of RVing is to feel at home wherever you park. By thoughtfully choosing a privacy panel that fits your rig and your lifestyle, you take a huge step toward achieving that. You claim your space, control your environment, and are finally free to just sit back and enjoy the view.
===OUTRO:
