Camping in a Citroën Berlingo – leasing-friendly with BOXIO

The Berlingo is the epitome of "everyday life meets adventure." Compact enough for the city, large enough for a bed, kitchen, and storage space—whether you choose the M or XL , 5–7 seats, a combustion engine, or an ë-Berlingo . In this article, we'll show you how to effectively use all variants for camping, discuss the advantages and disadvantages, how to quickly build a comfortable sleeping area, and what to consider when choosing a pitch, packing, and planning (electric) charging. In short: everything you need for your first weekend trip—plus plenty of professional tips for longer trips.

The Berlingo lacks campervan equipment from the factory – but that's no problem: With modular, removable solutions from BOXIO , you can upgrade the bathroom , kitchen , and outdoor living area in minutes – no drilling required , leasing-friendly , and super neatly organized in the Eurobox format. For sanitary facilities, opt for the SANITARY BUNDLE PLUS , and for cooking, opt for the KITCHEN BUNDLE PLUS, including cookware and cutlery . Comfortable seating and dining? With a camping chair and camping table, you're ready to go.

And as a teaser: The BOXIO RACK is coming soon – a mobile conversion system with storage space for several Euro boxes and a flexible slatted frame that can be used as a pull-out camping bed . It can be installed and removed in just a few steps, making it ideal if you're leasing your Berlingo.

[products_1]

The Citroën Berlingo and its variants

The Citroën Berlingo is a versatile high-roof station wagon available in several different versions. The third generation (since 2018) is currently available – optionally with a conventional combustion engine or as a fully electric vehicle , the ë-Berlingo . Two body lengths are available: the standard version ( size M ) with a length of approximately 4.40 m and a long version ( size XL , also called L2) with a length of approximately 4.75 m. . In the XL version, even a third row of seats can be installed, allowing up to 7 seats Regardless of the engine, both lengths offer enormous space: with the rear seat removed, up to 4000 liters of cargo space are available – ideal for storing camping equipment or a bed conversion.

In addition to the family car versions, there are also van versions (without rear seats), which are particularly worthwhile if you plan to use the Berlingo almost exclusively as a camper. In everyday life, however, many campers prefer the Multispace version with rear seats, as this allows them to use their vehicle flexibly as a family car and camper van in one. Important to note: Technically, the Peugeot Partner/Rifter , Opel Combo Life , and Toyota ProAce City Verso are closely related to the Berlingo. They offer similar dimensions and are equally suitable for conversion – but in the following, we will focus on the Berlingo itself.

Camping potential: Why is the Berlingo suitable as a camper?

High-roof station wagons like the Berlingo are very popular with campers . No wonder – they combine compact exterior dimensions with astonishingly generous interior height and storage space. This gives you enough room for sleeping, living, and storage in a vehicle length of 4.4–4.7 meters , without sacrificing maneuverability. The Berlingo can be driven and parked like a normal car in everyday life, but thanks to its high roof , large tailgate, and flat loading area , it already offers the basic requirements for a mini-camper. The side sliding doors are also practical, allowing you to easily get in and out or remove items during everyday camping. Many Berlingo models (especially earlier generations) also feature clever details such as a Modutop roof with panoramic windows, roof storage compartments, and ventilation openings – features that provide light and fresh air while camping.

A major plus point is the Berlingo's price segment. It is one of the most affordable vehicles in its class, making it attractive for DIY conversions. At the same time, it is easy to maintain and shares technology with models that have been tried and tested millions of times, which means reliability and a dense service network All of this has led to the Berlingo being one of the most frequently converted high-roof campervans – numerous testimonials, conversion examples, and accessories specifically for the Berlingo attest to this. In short: All Berlingo variants – whether short, long, old or new, petrol/diesel or electric – are fundamentally well-suited for camping . They offer a solid foundation for creating a micro-caravan suitable for everyday use with manageable effort.

[products_2]

Limits of standard equipment: What's missing for camper happiness?

As practical as the Berlingo is, it's obviously not a fully equipped motorhome from the factory. Anyone planning to camp with it will have to fill in certain gaps in the equipment themselves. Below are the most important features that a standard Berlingo doesn't offer, but which you should consider for comfortable camping:

• Sleeping arrangements: There is no built-in bed. To sleep in the vehicle, you either have to fold down the seats or install a modular bed frame. While the interior length of the cargo area in the long-wheelbase version is almost enough for a bed, the flat trunk length of the Berlingo XL is only about 180 cm – meaning you usually have to push the front seats forward or use a folding extension board to lie comfortably. A good mattress or sleeping pad is also important for restful sleep.

• Cooking facilities: There is no onboard kitchen or stove. If you want to make coffee or prepare a hot meal on the go, you'll need a camping stove (e.g., with a gas cartridge) and cooking facilities outside the vehicle. You should also consider bringing a small water container or a sink for washing dishes and hands. A cool box or refrigerator for food is also recommended, as the Berlingo doesn't have a built-in refrigeration system.

• Toilet and hygiene: Unlike larger campervans, the Berlingo has neither a toilet nor a shower. For overnight use or longer periods of self-sufficient camping without a campsite, a portable camping toilet is recommended. Alternatively, you'll have to resort to public restrooms or the outdoors, which isn't always convenient or permitted. Even a simple outdoor shower (e.g., a solar shower bag or a small 12V shower) can be helpful, since there's no permanent bathroom on board. For privacy while showering or using the toilet, a small pop-up tent can serve as a privacy screen.

• Storage & Organization: While the Berlingo offers plenty of space, clever organization is crucial. Without cabinets or fixed storage compartments, everything would otherwise be jumbled together. Stackable boxes and crates are practical for organizing clothes, groceries, and equipment. This keeps the interior tidy and usable despite the luggage. The tinted side windows (or curtains) create privacy and keep the sun out in the morning.

• Power & Lighting: The Berlingo only has the standard 12V onboard battery. This is only partially sufficient for lighting in the camper, charging a cell phone/laptop, or even running a compressor cooler. Therefore, you should consider additional power , such as a power bank or a second battery that charges while driving. LED camping lights or USB lanterns are ideal for the evenings, as they consume little power. Larger appliances such as fan heaters or electric hotplates, however, are taboo in the Berlingo camper – the power supply isn't designed for them.

This list shows that all necessary camping features can, in principle, be retrofitted , but you need the right portable devices or modules. This is where clever accessories come into play, allowing you to easily make your Berlingo suitable for camping without any major modifications.

Mobile camping kitchen and bathroom: Solutions from BOXIO

Instead of piecing everything together yourself, manufacturers like BOXIO offer practical, complete solutions in stackable Euroboxes. This transforms the Berlingo into a camper van in just a few simple steps – without drilling or permanent modifications. BOXIO has developed modular products for the kitchen and bathroom that are precisely tailored to the needs of mini-campers:

• Camping toilet: The heart of a self-sufficient "bathroom" is the portable toilet. The BOXIO toilet is an ultra-compact dry separation toilet in Eurobox format (40 x 30 x 28 cm). It works without chemicals and without water and separates liquids and solids cleanly into two containers. Around 8-10 trips to the toilet are possible before the containers have to be emptied. By using a little litter (e.g. hemp litter), odors are kept to a minimum. The Boxio toilet weighs only around 2.8 kg and has a tightly closed lid – ideal for transport in the trunk. For longer trips, there are also sets with accessories (such as TOILET PLUS or MAX+ ), which include a urine canister lid, replacement bags and litter material. This separation toilet is a game changer for campers who want to be independent of campsite toilets. It fits perfectly behind the front seat or in the trunk, allowing for spontaneous overnight stays "in the wild" without having to forgo a restroom. (Tip: A suitable pop-up tent like the BOXIO TENT creates a sheltered outdoor space if you don't want to use the toilet in the vehicle.)

• Sink & shower: The BOXIO “bathroom” module also includes the BOXIO Wash – a compact camping sink in the Eurobox. This includes a fresh water tank with a hand pump and tap. This gives you a mobile sink for brushing teeth, washing hands or washing dishes. Together with the toilet, the sink forms the basis of the camping bathroom . The BOXIO Sanitary Bundle (“mobile bathroom”) includes both components plus accessories: including two Solo Up risers that serve as feet , a shower attachment, a mirror, hemp storage bags and even a small shower tray for collecting water. All of this is distributed across two stackable boxes – so you really have a complete bathroom with you at all times. Without electricity or permanent installation, you can shower and brush your teeth no matter where you park.

• Cooking & Cooling: BOXIO also offers a modular solution for the outdoor kitchen that combines all the necessary elements. The BOXIO Kitchen Bundle contains, as its core, a gas cooker ( BOXIO Cook ), a passive cooler ( BOXIO Cool ), and the aforementioned wash basin as a "sink." The set also includes a bamboo cutting board, ice packs, a table frame , and various accessories (clips, dry bag "ice bag" for ice, etc.). The highlight: All parts are in Eurobox format and can be stacked in the vehicle to save space. At the parking space, for example, you can stack two boxes plus a cooker on top of each other to create a cooking station at a comfortable standing height (with the BOXIO Table as a frame, see below). The single-burner gas cooker (1.5 kW) is more than sufficient for making coffee or preparing simple meals. The passive cooler, with the aid of ice packs, keeps food fresh for hours—it operates silently and without electricity. This makes it easy to cook fresh food and keep drinks cool in the Berlingo without having to lug around a heavy compressor cooler with a separate battery. After cooking, everything is stowed back in the coolers and secured in the trunk – properly and rattle-free .

[products_3]

In short: With the BOXIO bundles, you can upgrade your Berlingo without having to become a DIY enthusiast. A camping toilet, washing station, stove, and cooler box are all available, suitable for small vehicles. The modules are robust, stackable, and lightweight (most weigh only a few kilograms). And best of all, they can be removed when not in use , ensuring your Berlingo doesn't have a single gram of excess weight on board for everyday use. For weekend getaways or your next road trip, simply pack the boxes – transforming your standard Berlingo into a fully equipped mini-camper in minutes.

Furniture for the mini camper: folding table and camping chairs

In addition to a kitchen and bathroom, comfortable camping also requires seating and storage space. In the Berlingo itself, you can eat on the front seats in bad weather, but it's nicer to sit outside in front of the vehicle. This is where compact camping furniture comes into play – and BOXIO offers suitable solutions for this too:

• Camping table: The BOXIO Table is a modular folding table that was specially developed for use with BOXIO boxes. The table frame, made of lightweight aluminum, can be adjusted to different heights (40–62 cm when stand-alone, and up to 90 cm standing height with Euro boxes placed underneath). This means it can be used as a low side table or as a cooking and work table at standing height. The tabletop consists of insert panels (slats) that can be inserted or removed as needed to accommodate boxes instead. This way, the table can safely support a stove, sink, and cooler, for example, all at once – everything fits neatly next to each other. When eating, you put the cover panels in place to create a continuous table. Despite its low weight (under 4 kg), the table is very stable and can support a load of up to 30 kg. When folded, it has a pack size of approximately 90 x 10 x 18 cm, which means it fits exactly across the trunk of the Berlingo. A table like this makes camping life much more comfortable – you can chop, cook, and eat properly without having to balance everything on your knees.

• Camping chairs: An ultra-light folding chair like the BOXIO Chair provides comfortable seating around the campfire or in front of the car. This chair weighs only around 1.2 kg including its bag, but can support static loads of up to 150 kg – amazing for such a lightweight chair. When folded, it measures just 37 x 14 x 10 cm, so four chairs fit in a single Eurobox ! Gone are the days when bulky camping chairs took up half the trunk. Despite its light weight, the seating is quite comfortable; for longer periods, you can add a small cushion (or use the BOXIO Sit seat cushion). Two chairs and a small folding table are all you need to move the Berlingo's living space outside. And thanks to their compact pack size, the chairs disappear back into a box when you leave – it couldn't be more space-saving .

[products_4]

(Note: Of course, you can also use other brands of camping tables and chairs. The important thing for a mini camper is that the furniture is lightweight and easy to store. The BOXIO products are designed precisely for this and integrate into the modular system – for example, two Chair chairs fit exactly into the Solo Up insert, four chairs into the large Solo Box. . These system dimensions make storage in the Berlingo particularly easy.)

Outlook: The BOXIO Rack as an expansion system for the Berlingo

For campers who want to convert their Berlingo into a campervan even more conveniently and quickly, BOXIO has announced a new product: the BOXIO Rack . This is a compact wooden module that fits into almost any high-roof station wagon – including the Berlingo. Similar to well-known camping box systems (e.g., "BiberBox"), the rack combines several functions in one: It offers storage space for boxes and equipment and also serves as the base for a pull-out bed. The rack consists of a sturdy wooden frame that fits perfectly between the wheel arches in the trunk. Several Euro boxes or drawers can be stored inside, neatly stowing your luggage. On top is a slatted frame/panel system that can be folded out as needed. With a few simple steps, you pull out a sleeping surface that extends from the trunk to over the folded front seats. This creates a bed approximately 1.80–2.00 m long, without any improvisation. The bed can be pushed back in just as quickly in the morning.

What's special about the BOXIO Rack: It's modular and flexible . It can be combined in various configurations – for example, as a half bed (for solo trips with more aisle space) or as a continuous surface for two people. It's also designed to look more stylish than DIY solutions and be very precisely crafted. The rack is perfect for leased vehicles or anyone who doesn't want to permanently convert their Berlingo into a camper: no drilling or screwing into the vehicle – the module is simply lashed to the cargo area and can be removed at any time without leaving any residue. This allows the Berlingo to remain a normal car for registration and leasing purposes. BOXIO is expected to present the rack to the public for the first time at the Caravan Salon 2025. Many vanlifers and high-roof station wagon fans are eagerly awaiting this, as such a well-thought-out plug-and-play conversion system could make camper conversions even easier. So, it's exciting to see how the Citroën Berlingo, with the BOXIO Rack, will finally become a fully-fledged mini-camper , offering comfort almost like a large motorhome, but converting back from a family van in minutes.

Camping with the electric Berlino: Important tips

Finally, let's take a look at camping with an electric car . The Citroën ë-Berlingo is an interesting candidate for anyone who wants to camp electrically . Basically, the travel experience isn't much different from a bus with a combustion engine, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Range and route planning: Thanks to its 50 kWh battery and LFP technology, the latest ë-Berlingo has a range of approximately 300–320 km (WLTP). For long journeys, it's best to plan stages and charging stops in advance. It's recommended to choose regions with good charging infrastructure or at least plan for sufficient rapid-charging stations along the route. Towing a trailer (if permitted at all) significantly reduces the range—but this is hardly ever considered with the Berlingo. Tip: In many countries, there are apps and directories that list campsites with charging options . This is the ideal way to charge overnight at the campsite.

• Charging on the go: The ë-Berlingo can charge at DC fast-charging stations with up to 100 kW and reaches 80% charge in about 30 minutes . This is very practical, as you can recharge enough for the rest of your journey during a coffee or lunch break. Campsites themselves often only have Schuko sockets or 230 V CEE connections. You can also charge the car using these (using the included ICCB charging cable), although a full charge at 2.3 kW takes several hours. Nevertheless, you can gain several kilometers of range overnight – or at least power a cooler/electronics without tapping into the vehicle's battery. It's best to check with the campsite in advance whether charging an electric car is permitted and how it is billed.

• Power consumption when stationary: One of the advantages of electric cars when camping is that they operate very quietly and without emissions . So, theoretically, you could leave the air conditioning or heating running while you sleep in the car, without noise or CO₂ emissions. However, this naturally puts a strain on the high-voltage battery. This requires careful consideration: In summer, a small window vent with a mosquito net is usually sufficient, while in winter, a good sleeping bag is sufficient – ​​this way, you don't have to run the vehicle's air conditioning all night. Some electric cars have special "camp mode" functions; in the ë-Berlingo, you can at least use the pre-conditioning system while it's plugged in. In general, you should minimize the energy consumption of all devices: It's better to power your lights with a separate battery/power bank, cook with gas instead of an electric stove, etc., so that valuable driving energy isn't wasted on camping purposes.

• Vehicle as a power source: The Citroën ë-Berlingo (unlike some modern electric SUVs) does not have an integrated 230V socket or "vehicle-to-load" function. However, you can of course use the 12V on-board socket to charge small devices. For longer off-grid camping trips, an additional power station or solar panel is recommended to be independent of the vehicle's battery. This way, the main battery remains reserved for driving. Always remember: If in doubt, it's best to head to a charging station in good time – with an electric car, you can't just "fill up the reserve canister." With careful planning, camping with the e-Berlingo is absolutely doable and very relaxing. Many campers appreciate the peace and quiet (no engine hum) and the knowledge of traveling with zero local emissions.

Conclusion: The Citroën Berlingo – whether electric or conventional – offers an excellent base for camping adventures. With the right equipment and a few modular accessories, the high-roof station wagon can be transformed into a cozy home on wheels in no time. All Berlingo variants are suitable for camping – you just have to make use of the available space. While the standard equipment leaves something to be desired, there are flexible solutions such as the BOXIO bundles for camping bathrooms, outdoor kitchens , and the like that fill precisely these gaps. So nothing stands in the way of a road trip into the countryside. Pack your Berlingo, equip it as needed, and enjoy the freedom – whether at the campsite, at a motorhome site, or in the middle of nature!