Moisture Control Hacks for Stored Campers

Dehumidifiers, DampRid, and Cheap Tricks That Actually Work

It's not a glamerous topic but with winter in full swing, I would be lying if I said the moisture inside our stored camper isn’t always in the back of my mind.

Because when your camper is parked, closed up, and minding its own business all winter, moisture has one job:

to sneak in quietly and make itself comfortable.

No one wants to open their camper in spring and be greeted by:

• Fogged windows

• Musty smells

• Cushions that feel… suspicious

So we did what everyone does—we Googled it. A lot.

Here’s what the internet recommends for stored campers, and what actually makes sense.

Why Stored Campers Are Moisture Magnets

When your camper is sitting unused:

• There’s no airflow

• Temperature swings cause condensation

• Tiny amounts of moisture get trapped inside

Campers aren’t houses—they’re sealed boxes. And winter loves testing that seal.

The good news? A little prep goes a long way.

Dehumidifiers: The Power-Dependent MVP

If your camper is stored somewhere with electricity, a dehumidifier is the heavy hitter.

Why They Work

• They actively pull moisture out of the air

• You’ll be shocked how much water they collect

• Great for enclosed, long-term storage

Things to Consider

• They require power

• You’ll need a drain plan or periodic emptying

• Not always an option in outdoor or off-grid storage

Best for: Indoor storage or powered sites. Unfortunatley we don't offer those at Red Run.

DampRid: The No-Power Workhorse

For most stored campers, DampRid is the go-to—and for good reason.

Why Everyone Uses It

• No electricity needed

• Inexpensive

• Easy to place in multiple problem areas

Where to put it:

• Closets

• Bathroom

• Under beds

• Inside cabinets

Reality Check

• It doesn’t eliminate all moisture

• You’ll need more than one container

  
  

Best for: Outdoor storage, unpowered units, and peace of mind.

The Game-Changer: A Secure, Vented Camper Cover

This one deserves its own section.

A properly fitted, vented camper cover is one of the most overlooked moisture-control tools—and one of the most effective.

Why vented covers matter

• They allow moisture to escape instead of trapping it

• Reduce condensation from temperature swings

• Protect against snow, rain, and ice while still letting the camper breathe

Why “secure” matters

• Loose covers flap, tear, and trap moisture

• A snug fit prevents pooling water and snow buildup

• Less movement = less wear on your camper exterior

Pro tip:

A cover without vents can actually worsen moisture problems. Ventilation is the key—not just coverage.

Cheap Tricks That Actually Help

These are the small steps that add up—especially over several months.

✔️ Leave Space for Airflow

Crack interior doors, open cabinets, lift mattress corners if possible.

Still air is moisture’s best friend.

✔️ Remove Soft Goods

If you can:

• Take bedding home

• Store pillows and blankets elsewhere

Less fabric = less moisture retention.

✔️ Clean Before You Close It Up

Any leftover food, crumbs, or damp surfaces give moisture something to cling to. Clean and dry everything before storage.

✔️ Vent Covers (Not Open Vents)

Leaving vents open can invite weather and critters. Vent covers allow airflow while keeping the elements out.

What We Learned After Too Much Googling

There is no one-size-fits-all solution—because storage setups vary.

The best defense is a layered approach:

• DampRid throughout the camper

• A dehumidifier if power is available

• Airflow wherever possible

• Regular check-ins if you can

This isn’t overkill—it’s prevention.

Final Thought for Spring You

Future-you will be very grateful when you open your camper and it smells like… nothing. No musty air. No damp surprises. Just the quiet promise of the camping season ahead.

If you’ve got a moisture hack that saved your camper over winter, share it.

Because nothing bonds camper people like fighting moisture together.