Mini Cooper has created three concepts that transform their cute car into a recreational vehicle capable of cross country adventures. Photo: BMW Group The Cowley camper isn't just for sleeping. A kitchenette and built in sound system makes it the center of any impromptu beach party. Photo: BMW Group Wood paneling makes the Cowley Camper feel like a rolling cabin in the woods. Photo: BMW Group The drag caused by this the All4 Canopy will hurt gas mileage, but will allow travelers to save a fortune on hotels. Photo: BMW Group Get close to nature, just not too close. The All4 Canopy keeps a couple feet between sleeping campers and scary beasts. Photo: BMW Group Sadly, these cool camping concepts aren't on Mini's official roadmap. Photo: BMW Group This concept adds a full kitchen and partial bathroom to a Mini Clubman without impacting its sleek lines. Photo: BMW Group Padded window coverings keep prying eyes out, temperatures regulated, and noise low — all important considerations when trying to score some shut eye! Photo: BMW Group Hit the road, Union Jack! Photo: BMW Group

The idea of a motor home from the makers of the diminutive Mini Cooper sounds like a joke—and it actually started out that way. Last April Fools' Day, the Mini team decided to have fun at the internet's expense by proposing a caravan camper featuring the brand's trademark style. But it turned out that many enthusiasts didn't get the joke and wanted to place orders immediately. "We prepared the MINI Cowley caravan as an April Fools' Day prank, had the vehicle built as a one-off, and took it camping," writes Mini spokesperson Nathalie Bauters. "We received terrific feedback from our owners and enthusiasts. The rest is history."

Just over a year later, the Mini design team has proposed three new concepts equally suited for a quiet camping trip in Big Sky Country or making the pilgrimage to Burning Man.

The Mini Clubvan Camper

Billed as "the world’s smallest luxury camper van," this kit of parts transforms an ordinary Mini Clubman into a mobile apartment that could be used for a weekend off the grid, or in a pinch, bootstrapping a startup. A sleeping berth for one, clever hand-powered shower, and storage rack take the place of bedroom, bathroom, and closet. Padded window covers help keep the temperature regulated, peering eyes out, and ambient noise to a minimum. A pullout kitchenette with a two burner stove, sink, and fridge means foodies won't be forced to resort to roadside diners.

It may not seem like much, but compared to the 130-square-foot microapartments that are becoming popular in global centers, it's not too shabby.

The Mini Cowley Caravan

The Cowley Caravan has all of the benefits of the camper, but with room for two and space enough to enough to include a bevy of homey touches. Wood paneling creates a rustic feel well suited to the open road. The rear of the caravan opens revealing a kitchen larger and better appointed than those in many food trucks. Built in speakers and an iPad dock means that travelers won't have to leave their creature comforts at home.+++inset-left

>This kit of parts transforms an ordinary Mini Clubman into a mobile apartment.