7 Best Outdoor Privacy Screens for Camping Sites That Campers Swear By
Discover the 7 best outdoor privacy screens for camping. Our guide reviews top-rated, camper-approved models for creating a secluded and comfortable site.
You pull into your campsite, perfectly level the rig, and extend the awning, ready to relax. Then you notice your neighbor’s dining window looks directly into your "patio" space, just ten feet away. Suddenly, your private outdoor oasis feels more like a shared front porch, which is why a good privacy screen is one of the most transformative pieces of gear you can own. It’s not just about blocking views; it’s about reclaiming your space and creating a comfortable, defined outdoor living room.
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Key Factors in Choosing Your Privacy Screen
The first thing to consider is the material. You’ll generally find two types: a vinyl-coated mesh or a more solid, opaque fabric. The mesh is fantastic for maintaining airflow and letting you see out while preventing most people from seeing in, but it only offers partial privacy. A solid screen provides a total visual block, but it can turn your patio into a sail in high winds and restrict breezes on a hot day.
Think honestly about how you camp. If you’re in the desert Southwest, a screen with a high UV-blocking mesh is non-negotiable. If you’re in a tightly packed RV park on the coast, a more opaque screen might be your priority. There’s no single "best" material; there’s only the best material for your situation.
Next, nail down the size and attachment method. Measure the length of your awning roller tube, not the fabric itself, to get the right width. For height, consider the "drop." A 6-foot drop is common, but taller rigs might need an 8 or 9-foot drop to reach the ground, especially if you like to angle your awning down for rain runoff. Most screens slide into the utility track on your awning roller, a simple process called using a polycord. Others, like Carefree’s, use a zipper system that requires a matching zipper piece to be installed on the awning, offering convenience at a higher price.
Finally, look beyond simple privacy. These screens are multi-purpose tools.
- Sun Protection: A good screen can drop the temperature on your patio by 15 degrees or more. Look for the UV blockage percentage, which often ranges from 85% to over 95%.
- Wind Reduction: While not a windwall, a screen can significantly cut down on annoying gusts that blow things off your table.
- Rain Deflection: A steeply angled screen can help keep a light, misty rain from blowing onto your patio.
- Equipment Protection: Blocking direct sun helps protect your outdoor rugs, chairs, and grill from UV degradation.
Camco SunShield: Versatile Awning Privacy Panel
If you’re just getting started or want a reliable, no-fuss option, the Camco SunShield is often the first and last stop for many campers. Camco is a giant in the RV accessories world for a reason: they make decent, affordable products that simply work. The SunShield is the quintessential example of this philosophy. It’s a straightforward mesh screen that does exactly what it promises.
It’s designed to block the sun without completely killing your view or airflow, striking a great balance for general-purpose camping. Installation is as simple as it gets—you just slide the built-in polycord into your awning’s utility slot. The material is lightweight, folds up compactly, and comes with stakes and bungees to secure it to the ground. This is the go-to choice for the weekend warrior or full-timer who needs a solid, dependable sun and privacy solution without overthinking it.
LATCH.IT RV Awning Screen for Sun & Wind Blocking
The LATCH.IT screen is for campers who’ve dealt with a flimsy screen flapping in the breeze one too many times. This product is built with durability in mind. You can often feel the difference in the weight of the mesh and the quality of the grommets, which are double-stitched and less likely to pull out under tension.
Where the LATCH.IT screen really shines is in its performance against the elements. Its slightly denser weave provides a noticeable reduction in wind, making your patio space more comfortable on blustery days. This sturdier build also means it provides excellent sun blocking and a greater degree of privacy than some of the lighter-weight mesh screens on the market. If you frequently camp in open plains, coastal areas, or anywhere wind is a constant companion, the extra robustness of the LATCH.IT is a worthy investment.
Tentproinc RV Awning Shade for Total Sun Block
When your primary enemy is the sun, Tentproinc is the brand you look for. These shades are engineered specifically for maximum UV protection, often boasting blockage ratings well over 90%. This is a game-changer when you’re set up in places like Arizona or Florida, where the sun can be absolutely relentless and can fade your outdoor gear in a single season.
The trade-off for this superior sun protection is a reduction in visibility and airflow. The weave is much tighter, which also means it provides near-total privacy during the day. You won’t be able to see out as clearly, and you’ll feel less of a breeze, but the temperature drop under your awning will be significant. Choose Tentproinc if your goal is to create the coolest, most shaded patio possible, and you value that over maintaining a clear view. It’s a functional choice for extreme heat environments.
Carefree of Colorado EZ ZipBlocker Screen Panel
Carefree of Colorado approaches the problem from a different angle: convenience. The EZ ZipBlocker system is brilliant for campers who are constantly on the move or want the flexibility to put up and take down their screen in seconds. Instead of sliding a long cord into a track, you install a zipper insert into your awning roller one time. From then on, the screen panel simply zips on and off.
This is a huge quality-of-life improvement. No more struggling to feed the cord in by yourself, especially on a long awning. You can attach or detach the screen in under a minute. Carefree also sells front and side panels that all zip together, allowing you to create a complete screen room with minimal effort.
The only real downside is that you’re buying into a proprietary system. The initial cost is higher, and you’re locked into Carefree’s ecosystem for any additional panels. But for those who prioritize speed and ease of use above all else, the EZ ZipBlocker system is unmatched.
Solera Awning Sun Shade for Patio Privacy
Solera is the awning brand from Lippert, one of the largest component suppliers in the entire RV industry. Buying a Solera sun shade is like getting an OEM part for your rig. You’re not getting a flashy, feature-packed product; you’re getting a screen that is designed from the ground up to integrate perfectly with the most common awnings on the market.
The fit and finish are typically excellent, and the materials are chosen for longevity. There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing the product was made by the same company that engineered your awning assembly. It’s a workhorse product that delivers reliable performance without any surprises.
This is the perfect choice for the camper who values reliability and system compatibility. If you have a Solera awning, their shade is guaranteed to fit perfectly and work seamlessly. It’s a safe, smart bet for anyone who prefers to stick with trusted, manufacturer-backed equipment.
Yescom Portable Camping Privacy Fence Screen
Now for something completely different. The Yescom screen isn’t an awning shade; it’s a freestanding privacy fence. This is a crucial distinction. It doesn’t attach to your RV at all, instead using included poles and guy lines to create a portable barrier wherever you need it. This opens up a world of possibilities.
You can use it to enclose the area under your awning, or you can set it up to block the view from the road on the other side of your camper. It’s perfect for defining your campsite boundary, creating a safe enclosure for pets, or adding privacy for an outdoor shower. Tent campers and van lifers who don’t have large awnings swear by these for creating a designated living space.
The setup is obviously more involved than sliding a panel into an awning track, and it’s more susceptible to very high winds. But the flexibility is unparalleled. If you need privacy in a location where your awning can’t provide it, a portable fence like this is the only tool for the job. It solves a different set of problems than a standard awning screen.
RecPro RV Awning Shade for UV Protection
RecPro is another highly respected name in the RV aftermarket space, and their awning shades are a direct competitor to brands like Tentproinc. They focus on high-performance materials that offer a fantastic combination of UV protection, privacy, and durability. Campers often praise the quality of the vinyl-coated mesh, noting that it holds up well to years of sun exposure without becoming brittle.
What sets RecPro apart is often the attention to detail in their construction. They use heavy-duty stitching, reinforced grommets, and a high-quality polycord that makes installation smooth. They also offer a wide variety of sizes and even colors, allowing you to match your rig’s graphics for a more integrated look.
Think of RecPro as a premium option for the discerning camper. If you’re a full-timer or a serious enthusiast who uses your gear hard, investing in a RecPro shade means you’re getting a product built to last. It’s a testament to the idea that buying quality once is better than replacing a cheaper item multiple times.
Ultimately, the best privacy screen is the one that fits how you actually camp. Whether you need a quick-deploy zipper screen for weekend trips, a freestanding fence for ultimate flexibility, or a heavy-duty sunblocker for desert living, defining your space is the first step to truly enjoying it. Choose the right tool for the job, and you’ll transform your campsite from a simple parking spot into your own private outdoor retreat.