The Self-build Show
The Self-Build Show at Campervan Campout 2026 is the perfect destination for van conversion enthusiasts, offering a wealth of inspiration, tips, and advice from experienced builders to help bring your DIY campervan dreams to life.
Be inspired
The Self-build show
Discover endless inspiration at the Self-Build Show at Campervan Campout 2026, the ultimate hub for van conversion lovers and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you’re starting your first project or refining a current build, this area is full of ideas and hands-on knowledge. Explore a wide variety of self-built campervans, meet the creative builders behind them, and learn from their successes and challenges. From clever layout solutions to must-have tools, you’ll find plenty of practical advice to help turn your dream van into a reality. Ideal for both experienced converters and those just getting started!
Get involved
Want to show your self-build?
We've had an amazing response to our bids for display vehicles so far, so much so that we are no longer able to accept applications to be part of the Self-Build Display at Campervan Campout 2026.
If you’ve applied already, our team will be in touch soon. We can't wait for you to get involved and showcase your camper to fellow van life lovers! If you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected] to be part of the magic. We will open applications for our 2027 show in the coming months!
Not sure what to expect? Hear from our fantastic community!
More from the Self-build show last year
A wealth of creativity
Browse below to get a taste of the creativity and ingenuity behind some of the best self-builds we've chosen to showcase in 2026
Take the opportunity to view and explore the vision and passion shown by our community in some of the best - and most unique - self-builds in the country!
Vans on display
Some of the van conversions on display across the weekend that you will be able to see at Campervan Campout. Take the opportunity to see inside and speak to the owners.
@katsthewayitgoes
We’ve been as far south as the Sahara desert in Morocco and as far east as the cliffs of Cappadocia in Turkey, baking along the way in my little gas Thetford oven, I love to cook and bake and haven’t let my tiny kitchen hold me back!
@squared.sprinter
We are Charlie & Rosie and we spent 18 months self converting a builders van into a luxury home on wheels so we could take our Chihuahua/Jack Russell travelling with us.
Barbie's Van Life
Emma and Ollie built this van from an empty Ford Transit van that was used for work and storage, it's for them and their dog Barbara (Barbie - the main 'why' behind it all) to live and travel the world in. Ollie's carpentry experience has built the van to be as functional and comfortable as possible whilst Emma's design eye has made it bright, colourful and a welcoming place to call home.
Overlanders on display
Some of the Overlander conversions on display across the weekend that you will be able to see at Campervan Campout. Take the opportunity to see inside and speak to the owners.
Buses on display
Some of the bus conversions on display across the weekend that you will be able to see at Campervan Campout. Take the opportunity to see inside and speak to the owners.
Lorries on display
Some of the lorry conversions on display across the weekend that you will be able to see at Campervan Campout. Take the opportunity to see inside and speak to the owners.
I travel full-time in my beautifully converted turquoise lorry with my dog Sandy.
A big part of my journey has been caring for and documenting the lives of the stray dogs in Morocco, particularly the pack at Richie’s Café. Through my content, I aim to raise awareness about animal welfare, life on the road, and the beauty of slowing down to truly experience each moment.
From ocean-side park-ups to meaningful work with local dog packs. Over the past few years, my journey has become so much more than travel — it has become a story of freedom, resilience, and connection.
Supporting your adventures, and your ventures
Stop by and visit @roserainstudio
Jewellery - Rose Rain Studio, handmade jewellery by Rosie. Comfortable, dainty, everyday jewellery.
18k gold plated, platinum plated & lots of freshwater pearls! Instagram @roserainstudio
All my pieces are either made on the road from my self converted campervan or from my home studio in Cheshire!
You’ll find my pieces displayed alongside my self built campervan in the ‘display vans’ section of the festival! (@squared.sprinter)
Hear from full-time Van-lifer, Kim
Life on the road
Kim lives in her campervan with two dogs and a cat, travelling in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians, with occasional adventures further afield. Four years ago she put her flat on Airbnb—now occupied about 80% of the year—and moved into the van. In 2023 she stripped it back to a shell and rebuilt it with a Murphy bed and everything she needs to live comfortably full-time on the road.
Her 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter LWB has been adapted for comfortable full-time living. It runs mostly off-grid with 600W of solar, a Roamer 230 Smart Lithium Battery, Renogy 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter, and a Victron Orion Smart 12/12-18A DC-DC Charger. Inside is a flexible layout: a couch with pull-out storage, generous kitchen counter space with sink and drinking water tap, and a counter that lifts to reveal an OGO Compost Toilet and shower tray. Shelving and a small wardrobe provide storage, while a small double Murphy bed folds up to create a desk or dining space with a mounted Apple iMac 24-inch and mirror.
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