9 DIY Camper Van Spice Rack Ideas for Small Kitchens

Cooking a great meal in a tiny rolling kitchen is one of the best parts of van life, but chasing runaway cumin jars down the highway is not. Every bump on the road threatens to turn unsecured spices into loud, messy projectiles inside a compact living space. Finding the perfect spice storage solution is not just about saving countertop space; it is about keeping your kitchen organized and silent during transit.

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How to Secure Spices in a Moving Camper Van Kitchen

Designing a mobile kitchen requires planning for constant movement. Standard household spice racks will dump their contents at the first sharp turn or sudden stop. To prevent this, every container must be physically constrained by high lips, tight fits, or strong mechanical holds.

Vertical space is your best friend in a camper van build, but it must be used strategically. Utilizing the undersides of cabinets, the insides of cabinet doors, or blank wall space keeps spices accessible without consuming valuable prep surfaces. The goal is to eliminate any free-floating items that can shift and slide during transit.

Magnetic Spice Rack – Gneiss Spice Hexagonal Jars

Magnetic storage turns unused wall space or the underside of cabinets into highly functional spice galleries. Instead of taking up valuable drawer or shelf space, jars cling securely to a metal surface, keeping them within arm’s reach of the stove. This setup keeps your countertops completely clear for food prep.

The Gneiss Spice Hexagonal Jars are the premier choice for this setup because they use high-strength neodymium magnets built directly into the lids. Their hexagonal shape allows them to nest together tightly like a honeycomb, which prevents sliding and maximizes space efficiency. This tight nesting is crucial for dampening movement on bumpy roads.

• Strong neodymium magnets that withstand bumpy dirt roads
• Hexagonal design for tight, zero-waste nesting
• Available in small (1.5 oz) and large (2.5 oz) sizes
• Best mounted on a steel wall plate or magnetic stainless steel backsplash

Keep in mind that these jars require a magnetic stainless steel or iron plate to stick to; standard aluminum or high-grade stainless steel walls will not hold them. This setup is perfect for cooks who want instant visual access to their seasonings, but it may not suit those who prefer a completely minimalist, hidden-away kitchen aesthetic. Ensure you measure your available wall space before committing to a mounting plate.

Under-Shelf Spice Drawer – Joseph Joseph CupboardStore

The dead space directly beneath interior shelves is one of the most overlooked areas in a camper van kitchen. An under-shelf drawer reclaims this airspace, allowing you to store small items without stacking them or cluttering the bottom of the cabinet. It keeps your spices protected from light and heat, preserving their flavor longer.

The Joseph Joseph CupboardStore excels here with its innovative pull-out, fold-down design. It mounts easily using strong 3M VHB adhesive tape and can be reinforced with small screws to handle the vibration of off-road travel. The drawer smoothly pulls out and tilts down, making it incredibly easy to grab what you need.

• Fits shelves over 12.6 inches wide with a maximum thickness of 0.8 inches
• Holds up to seven standard spice jars
• Easy tool-free installation with high-bond adhesive
• Low-profile design that minimizes lost cabinet height

Before purchasing, measure the clearance between your shelf and whatever sits below it to ensure the drawer does not block your countertop workspace. This product is ideal for van lifers with deep cabinets who want to hide their spices out of sight while utilizing every cubic inch of storage. It is not suitable for oversized or non-standard jar shapes.

Wooden Wall Rack – Ikea Bekvam Spice Rack

Wall-mounted wooden racks provide a physical barrier that keeps jars contained even when the vehicle is navigating steep mountain switchbacks. Unlike open shelves, these racks use a front retaining bar to prevent containers from tipping forward. They also add a warm, homey aesthetic to a utility-focused van interior.

The Ikea Bekvam Spice Rack is a legendary DIY van conversion staple because of its solid birch construction and unmatched versatility. It can be painted, stained, or mounted upside down to act as a hanging rack, making it easy to match any interior design. The sturdy wooden lip ensures nothing slips out during a bumpy drive.

• Dimensions: 15.75″ W x 3.875″ D x 3.5″ H
• Constructed of solid birch for easy sanding, painting, or staining
• Fits approximately five to six standard spice jars
• Can double as a book or oil bottle holder

While the front bar keeps jars in place during normal driving, adding a simple elastic shock cord across the front is a smart modification for rough washboard roads. This rack is best for budget-conscious builders who want a classic, rustic look and do not mind doing minor modifications for extra security. It does require drilling into your van walls or cabinet sides for installation.

Drawer Spice Organizer – YouCopia SpiceSteps

Keeping spices in a drawer prevents them from sliding around, but standard round jars will roll and rattle with every turn. A tiered drawer organizer keeps jars angled and nested, allowing you to read labels instantly without digging through a cluttered mess. This keeps your spices safe from light exposure, which can degrade their quality.

The YouCopia SpiceSteps organizer is specifically designed to fit standard kitchen drawers while maximizing visibility. It features non-slip liners on each tier, which dampen road noise and prevent plastic or glass jars from sliding back and forth during transit. The plastic construction is lightweight and incredibly easy to wipe clean if a spill occurs.

• Holds up to 24 standard spice bottles
• Features four tiered levels for easy label visibility
• Includes 100 pre-printed and blank labels for quick organization
• Non-slip feet keep the entire organizer from shifting in the drawer

This organizer requires a drawer with at least 8 inches of vertical clearance once the jars are placed on the steps. It is the perfect solution for travelers who have deep kitchen drawers and want to keep their countertops completely clear of clutter. It is not ideal for shallow drawers, where the tops of the jars may catch on the drawer frame.

Spice Gripper Clips – Bellemain Spice Gripper Clips

Utilizing the inside of a cabinet door is a classic tiny kitchen space-saving strategy. Individual gripper clips hold jars firmly against the door, utilizing space that would otherwise go completely unused. Because the clips grip the jar bodies directly, they prevent the containers from colliding with one another.

The Bellemain Spice Gripper Clips stand out because of their high-quality plastic that retains its tension over time. They feature a strong adhesive backing that grips wood, metal, or laminate surfaces tightly, ensuring the clips stay put even in high-temperature van environments. The individual strips can be cut down to fit any door size or configuration.

• Comes in strips of 3 that can be cut to fit any space
• Adjustable jaws hold jars from 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter
• Heavy-duty adhesive backing for secure mounting
• Flexible plastic construction that dampens vibration

For ultimate security on bumpy roads, it is wise to add a small screw through the center of the clip into the cabinet door. These clips are ideal for lightweight plastic spice bottles, but may struggle with extra-large or heavy glass jars. They are best for those looking to maximize hidden door space with minimal installation effort.

Tension Rod Shelf – Rubbermaid Expandable Tension Shelf

Drilling holes into the thin walls of a van or RV is not always an option, especially if you want to keep the build flexible or are renting. A tension-based shelving unit creates a stable storage platform using lateral pressure alone, leaving zero damage behind. It allows you to create custom shelving tiers inside existing cabinets on the fly.

The Rubbermaid Expandable Tension Shelf provides a highly stable, adjustable platform that wedges tightly between cabinet walls. The expandable design means it can be custom-fitted to odd-shaped cabinet interiors common in custom van conversions. Its textured surface helps prevent items from sliding around during travel.

• Expands from 14 inches to 26 inches in width
• Requires no tools or drilling for installation
• Holds up to 10 pounds when properly tensioned
• Durable steel and plastic construction for long-term use

While tension shelves are incredibly convenient, extreme temperature swings and heavy road vibration can cause them to slip over time. Check the tension periodically to ensure your spices remain secure, making this best for lightweight plastic spice containers. This is an excellent option for temporary setups or part-time van lifers who want to avoid permanent modifications.

Hanging Pocket Organizer – OrgaWise Wall Mount Pockets

Fabric pocket organizers are a secret weapon for minimizing road noise in a mobile home. Because they are soft, there is absolutely zero risk of glass or plastic jars rattling against a hard backplate while you drive. They are also incredibly lightweight, which is crucial for staying under your vehicle’s weight capacity.

The OrgaWise Wall Mount Pockets feature heavy-duty oxford fabric and deep, elasticized compartments that keep jars snugly in place. The flexible pockets conform to different jar shapes, preventing them from bouncing out even on rough terrain. They can be mounted to doors, bulkheads, or the backs of driver and passenger seats.

• Made from durable, washable oxford fabric
• Features multiple mesh or solid pockets for easy organization
• Can be hung over doors, cabinet sides, or bulkhead walls
• Folds flat when not in use for easy storage

This solution does not offer the immediate visual aesthetic of matching glass jars, but it is unmatched in silence and weight savings. It is the perfect choice for minimalist solo travelers who prioritize a quiet ride and lightweight gear over a picture-perfect kitchen. It is less suitable for cooks who want to see all of their spice levels at a single glance.

Pull-Out Spice Rack – Rev-A-Shelf Wood Spice Organizer

Custom van builds often leave narrow, awkward gaps between major appliances like the refrigerator and the sink cabinet. A vertical pull-out organizer turns these useless three-to-six-inch gaps into high-capacity spice storage. This design keeps your spices securely caged within the cabinet framework while the vehicle is in motion.

The Rev-A-Shelf Wood Spice Organizer is a premium solution featuring heavy-duty ball-bearing slides and solid wood construction. It maximizes deep cabinet space by sliding completely out, allowing you to access spices from either side. The integrated rails prevent jars from falling off the shelves as the unit moves.

• Available in 3-inch and 6-inch widths for narrow gaps
• Features adjustable shelves with chrome rails to prevent tipping
• Smooth-operating ball-bearing slide system
• Solid wood construction with a clear coat finish for durability

Because this system is designed for residential use, you must install a positive-locking cabinet latch to prevent the heavy drawer from rolling open while driving. This is a highly professional, permanent solution best suited for serious builders who want a clean, high-end residential kitchen feel. It requires precise installation and a dedicated cabinet alcove.

Compact Spice Carousel – Kamenstein Revolving Spice Tower

If you prefer to keep your spices on the countertop for easy access while cooking, a revolving carousel keeps dozens of flavors organized in a tiny footprint. The challenge is ensuring the carousel itself does not slide around or shed its jars when the vehicle is in motion. A well-designed tower solves this by locking the jars in place.

The Kamenstein Revolving Spice Tower addresses this by using jars that click and slot securely into the central column. The tower features a compact, vertical design and a built-in handle, making it easy to grab and move. The unique angled slots prevent the jars from slipping out, even during quick turns.

• Holds up to 16 pre-filled spice jars
• Jars slot securely into the frame to prevent falling out
• Compact footprint takes up less than 7 inches of counter space
• Convenient carrying handle for quick transport

This carousel is not meant to sit freely on your counter while driving; you must stow it in a secure cabinet or inside the sink basin before hitting the road. It is best for those who enjoy gourmet cooking at camp and do not mind a quick stow-and-go routine before travel. It is not suitable for those who want a completely hands-off, permanently secured kitchen setup.

Securing Spice Jars Against Rattle and Road Vibration

The constant hum and bump of road travel can turn a collection of glass spice jars into an incredibly annoying noise machine. Road vibration can even cause jar lids to slowly back off, spilling fine powders into your storage areas. To combat this, you must introduce soft, shock-absorbing materials between your jars.

Wrapping silicone bands or heavy-duty rubber bands around glass jars is a cheap and highly effective way to eliminate glass-on-glass noise. Alternatively, lining your spice racks and drawer bottoms with thick foam shelf liners dampens the vibration transmitted from the vehicle’s chassis. This simple addition makes a massive difference in cab noise during long drives.

For custom-built wooden racks, installing a tight shock cord (bungee) across the front of the shelf keeps jars pressed firmly against the backplate. This constant pressure prevents any micro-bouncing that leads to annoying rattles and keeps your focus on the road ahead. Regular maintenance checks on these elastic cords ensure they retain their tension over seasons of travel.

Choosing Glass Versus Plastic Jars for Off-Grid Travel

The debate between glass and plastic spice jars comes down to a trade-off between durability and chemical stability. Glass is heavier and prone to shattering if dropped on a hard camper van floor, but it does not absorb odors or degrade when exposed to heat and sunlight. It is also much easier to clean thoroughly when refilling spices from bulk bins.

Plastic jars are virtually indestructible and significantly lighter, which is a major benefit when you are trying to keep your vehicle’s gross weight down. However, cheap plastics can warp in high summer heat and may leach chemicals into your spices over years of off-grid use. They also scratch easily, which can trap spice oils and lead to cross-contamination.

For those traveling full-time over rough, unpaved terrain, high-quality PET plastic jars offer the best balance of safety and weight savings. If you prefer the clean look and chemical neutrality of glass, ensure you use a mounting system that physically isolates each jar to prevent them from hitting one another. Whichever material you choose, ensure the lids seal tightly to keep out humidity and dust.

Conclusion

Organizing your camper van spice collection is all about balancing quick accessibility with road-ready security. By choosing a system that fits your kitchen’s unique layout and taking steps to dampen road vibrations, you can enjoy gourmet meals anywhere your vehicle can take you. Secure your jars, silence the rattles, and enjoy a quiet, flavor-filled journey on the open road.