Pop-up campers are the way to go if you’re tired of tent camping (but don’t want to invest in a large RV). Pop-up campers, often referred to simply as “pop-ups,” are a happy medium between roughing it in a tent and living in luxury in large motorhomes or travel trailers. They get you off of the ground and in an enclosed space–but are much smaller and easier to tow than larger rigs.
Because of their small size, pop-up campers often have limited space and amenities. Fortunately, there are many different types, sizes, and styles of pop-up campers, and choosing the right one for your needs is important.
Different Types of Pop-up Campers
When most people think of a pop-up camper, they think of a glorified tent on wheels. However, pop-ups have come a long way, and there are now many different types to choose from, including the following:
- Hard-sided pop-ups
- Pop-up tent trailers
- Extendable pop-ups
- Mini pop-ups
- Off-road pop-ups
- Family-style pop-ups
There are even pop-up campers with full kitchens, bathrooms, exterior showers, air conditioning, and more! No matter what you’re looking for–or what type of towing vehicle you have–there’s a pop-up that can meet your needs.
Best Tent-Style Pop-up Campers
Image courtesy of Camping World: Coachmen Clipper 107 LS
Tent-style pop-up campers, also known as “tent campers,” are what most people think of when they picture a traditional pop-up camper. These campers typically pop up and then have tent extensions on the front and back ends of the camper (and sometimes on one side).
Tent-style pop-ups are among the most family-friendly pop-up options because the tent pop-outs offer more room for sleeping. These types of campers also often have a small kitchen with a three-burner stove, refrigerator, and microwave.
Here are some of the top tent-style pop-ups on the market:
Best Pop-Up Campers For Family Camping
Image courtesy of Camping World: Forest River Flagstaff High Wall HW29SC
There are also pop-up campers that have enough beds and additional sleeping space for the whole family. These pop-ups are usually from 20 to 28 feet long, and some models can sleep up to 8 people comfortably. Most family-friendly pop-ups will also have a cassette toilet and an air conditioner, and some even have a shower and space to store your camping gear.
Recommended pop-up campers for families include:
Best Pop-Ups for Individual or Couple Campers
Image courtesy of CamperX: OPUS Camper OP4
If it’s just you or you and one other person blazing a trail, there are plenty of pop-up campers that are perfect for you. Pop-ups for individuals or couples are even smaller and more compact than other types of pop-ups.
They may not have as much storage space (or as many amenities) as family-size pop-ups, but they make up for it by being lightweight and easy to tow.
Smaller pop-up campers may also have more exterior amenities to make up for the lack of interior space, such as an outdoor two-burner stove, an exterior shower, and a portable RV toilet.
Some of the best pop-ups for individuals and couples include:
Best Hard-Sided Pop-up Campers
Hard-sided pop-up camping trailers are becoming more popular than ever, as they’re more secure and solid than tent campers. Another advantage of hard-sided pop-ups is access to national parks that prohibit soft-sided campers or tents. If bears, wolves, and other wild animals are native to the area, some national parks won’t let campers camp with pets if they have a soft-sided camper or tent.
My wife and I ran into this problem on a National Park road trip to Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. We wouldn’t have been allowed to leave our dog in the camper by herself and go exploring unless the camper was hard-sided.
In addition to being more secure, hard-sided pop-ups, such as A-frames, have high ceilings that make the camper feel more spacious than it actually is. They also have ample storage, one to two full-size beds, and an air conditioner since conditioned air can’t escape through the tent flaps.
Here are some of the top hard-sided pop-up campers around:
While the Forest River Rockwood and Aliner Expedition are A-frames, the Trail Manor features a front and back slide-out. This makes for ample living space that includes a U-shaped dinette, a king bed, and a full kitchen.
Pop-up Campers You Can Tow With a Car
Another advantage of many pop-up campers is that you can tow them with your car. However, some of the larger, family-friendly campers, such as the Forest River Flagstaff High Wall, are too heavy to tow with a car and will require a small truck.
If you want the option of using a standard car or small SUV to tow your rig, we recommend one of the following:
Each of these tiny travel trailer pop-ups weighs less than 1,500 pounds and has an axle weight light enough for a car to handle. They’re essentially tents on wheels and can hold a maximum of one to two people.
Pop-up Campers Built For Off-Road Adventures
Image courtesy of The Adventure Portal: Turtleback Getaway
Finally, if you’re looking for off-road adventures or to live off-grid comfortably, there are pop-ups that can accommodate you. Off-road pop-up campers have all-terrain tires, durable axles, and higher ground clearance than most other RVs. While these popup RV types have less interior storage and limited amenities, they have outside storage options, such as roof racks and front racks.
Final Thoughts
No matter how big, small, or versatile you need your pop-up camper to be, there’s an option to choose from. Pop-up campers have come a long way in terms of how much living, storage, and sleeping space they offer. Many new and used pop-ups even have kitchens and bathrooms to ensure you stay comfortable during your adventures.
Once you find the best pop-up camper for your needs, it’s important to store it in a safe and secure location. If you don’t have a suitable location at your home, consider using Neighbor to find safe and affordable RV/camper storage near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is a Pop-up Camper?
Pop-up campers aren’t as expensive as other RVs, but they can still cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on their size, amenities, and features.
Do Pop-up Campers Have Bathrooms?
Many pop-up campers have a portable toilet, an outside shower, and a small wet bath at a minimum. Others, however, have a full bathroom complete with an RV toilet and shower.
What Is the Most Luxurious Pop-up Camper?
While pop-up campers aren’t renowned for their luxury and comfort, there are some options that go against this trend. The Jayco Jay Sport Series and the Trail Manor Series feature king beds and ample room for all the comforts of home.
How Often Should One Perform Maintenance on a Pop-up Camper?
To ensure your pop-up camper stays in tip-top shape, you should perform maintenance on it once or twice per year.
What Is the Average Towing Capacity Needed for a Pop-up Camper?
With a towing capacity of at least 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, you can confidently tow a pop-up camper! However, smaller options weigh as little as 1,000 pounds, while larger pop-ups can weigh up to 5,000.
