Pop up campers are an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors in an RV. Because they’re compact, you can tow them with almost any vehicle and park at nearly any campsite. More importantly, they often cost less than other types of travel trailers and RVs. Also known as fold-down or tent campers, pop ups are a great option for beginners and experienced RVers alike.
But what should you consider when buying a pop up camper? What features should you look for and compare? Which one is right for you? Let’s walk through some of the best pop up travel trailers available at Camping World RV dealerships nationwide and discuss why these particular units made our list for 2024.
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Best Pop Up Campers
Below is our list of the best pop up campers available on the market today. We’ve included selections from some of the top manufacturers. These brands continue to manufacture reliable, feature-rich pop ups that make the best of this unique RV type.
Forest River Rockwood R19OTG
- Length: 10’
- UVW: 1,230 pounds
- Sleeps: 3
The Forest River Rockwood R19OTG is as close to tent camping as you can get in an RV. New in 2024, Rockwood’s two “Off The Ground” pop ups bring it back to the basics. Small, lightweight, and easy to set up, the Rockwood R19OTG is about as simple as you can get.
It cozily sleeps three and offers unique lookouts through the walls. While it doesn’t offer a bathroom, it does offer some features like a roof-mounted electric fan, USB ports, counterspace, and storage. For those looking to make the smallest upgrade from tent camping, look no further than the Off The Ground series.
The second Off The Ground pop up, the R16OTG is a smaller unit when collapsed but offers more sleeping space when expanded.
Shop the Rockwood R19OTG
Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1940LTD
- Length: 13’9”
- UVW: 1,685 pounds
- Sleeps:
Forest River’s Rockwood Freedom 1940LTD is a compact pop up camper that’s easy to tow thanks to its length of just under 14 feet and dry weight of 1,685 pounds. This model sleeps up to five with two beds and a folding dinette. A carry-out range makes cooking outside the unit easy and practical. But head inside to complete your prep and access a much more robust kitchen area.
While not drastically heavier, the 1940LTD marks a difference between the “Off The Ground” units because it includes running water, power, and propane. You get more amenities but also more weight and cost—that’s part of the tradeoff. The 1940LTD has a mini-fridge, sink, 20K BTU furnace, and 20-pound propane tank, so you’re ready to enjoy the finer comforts of camping.
Shop the Rockwood 1940LTD
Coachmen Clipper Sport 108ST
- Length: 16’10”
- UVW: 1,863
- Sleeps: 6
Slightly larger and able to sleep more, the Coachmen Clipper Sport 108ST includes a similar but more expansive layout than the Rockwood Freedom. Side tent extensions allow it to sleep another camper and provide more interior comforts.
The 108ST includes modern conveniences like a sink with running water, a two-burner propane stovetop, a 12V refrigerator, a cassette toilet, a furnace, and even an outdoor shower. While only about 600 pounds heavier, the Clipper Sport offers far more comforts and space, though your price increases, too.
pop up campers are a favorite among off-grid and off-road RVers, and the Clipper Sport 108ST includes some baseline exterior features like radial tires, electric brakes, diamond-plated front and rear walls, and a tubular steel frame. An off-road package includes 15” tires and a lifted axle.
Shop the Clipper Sport 108ST
Forest River Rockwood 1910ESP
- Length: 16’9”
- UVW: 2,341 pounds
- Sleeps: 5
The Forest River Rockwood 1910ESP is a fold-down pop up camper that sleeps up to five people. This “Extreme Sports Package” pop up provides basic amenities to make your camping experience easy and relaxing, with a touch of adventure. You get a three-burner stove, sink, portable toilet, and a refrigerator. Plus, you get an outdoor griddle for cooking outside.
The 1910ESP gains about four feet in length when extended. Ample seating at the 40” by 74” dinette means there’s plenty of space at the breakfast table. There’s even an A/C wiring kit to keep you comfortable if you’re camping in the heat of summer. The Extreme Package comes with 15” tires and a 200W solar panel with an inverter.
Note, with the added powered appliances, stove, and running water, the Rockwood 1910ESP significantly goes up in weight compared to its counterparts. It’s still very towable for many SUVs and trucks.
Shop the Rockwood 1920ESP
Forest River Rockwood 2280BHESP
- Length: 18’7”
- UVW: 2,578 pounds
- Sleeps: 6
Another Extreme Sports Package model from Forest River, the Rockwood 2280BHESP sleeps up to five and provides a unique storage option with a 28-inch by 84-inch metal decking that is great for bikes, firewood, inflatable boats, and all sorts of other toys. Inside, you get plenty of interior dining and sleeping space with large slide-outs, a dinette, and a gaucho-style couch. Cook a meal inside the camper on its three-burner stove or outside on the griddle.
The 2280BHESP offers ample room inside for cooking, eating, and sleeping, as well as a cassette toilet and shower.
Shop the Rockwood 2280BHESP
Forest River Flagstaff High Wall HW29SC
- Length: 21’3”
- UVW: 3,562 pounds
- Sleeps: 7
Another excellent Forest River model, the Flagstaff High Wall HW29SC offers plenty of sleeping space for seven people and features a slide-out that provides a place for the whole family to eat. Speaking of eating, preparing dinner for your family and guests is easy, thanks to a gas oven and three-burner stove. There’s even a double sink to make doing dishes easier. And if that weren’t enough, this model even includes a toilet and wanded shower.
For sleeping arrangements, enjoy heated mattresses for those cold nights when the extra warmth matters.
The Flagstaff HW29SC provides four bays of exterior storage to help keep your campsite organized and clutter-free. Cook on the exterior griddle and enjoy the shade of this unit’s 13’ awning for maximum outdoor entertainment.
Shop the Flagstaff High Wall HW29SC
Forest River Flagstaff Hard Side T12RBST
- Length: 18’4”
- UVW: 2,120 pounds
- Sleeps: 3
Let’s explore a hybrid pop up camper, the Forest River Flagstaff Hard Side T12RBST. This pop up incorporates the security of a travel trailer’s exterior with the space-saving convenience of a tent camper. In a few steps this flat, compact trailer turns into a hard-sided A-frame camper that comfortably sleeps three.
The T12RBST is Flagstaff’s smallest hard-side pop up, but don’t underestimate its capabilities. Its weight and size make it easy to tow, and inside, you’ve got an upgraded three-burner stove, a 45-inch by 80-inch dinette, and a refrigerator. Keep your things stowed in the easy-to-reach storage trunk and head outside to cook on the griddle when you need a break.
The amenities improve, too. Enjoy a microwave, cable TV hookups, and wood drawers with full-extension metal guides. This is a fantastic first RV for anyone looking to get their toes wet without too much investment.
Shop the Flagstaff Hard Side T12RBST
Aliner Scout
- Length: 15’
- UVW: 1,395
- Sleeps: 3
The 2024 Aliner Scout is a hard-side a-frame pop up camper with optional dormers that create additional window space. It’s quite towable at only 1400 pounds and can be stored in your garage, setting up and folding down easily, in as little as thirty seconds, according to Aliner.
Inside the Scout, you’ll find plenty of storage and electrical outlets to bring along any appliances you may want. While the Scout doesn’t include a stovetop or refrigerator, the extra storage and outlets mean you can decide how many conveniences you want to include. The Scout has the option of including an electric A/C unit.
This is a fairly affordable and very towable unit great for someone looking to downsize or looking for their first RV.
Shop the Aliner Scout
What Is a Pop Up Camper?
Pop up campers are collapsible, lightweight RV types that, when folded down, are secure and compact for travel. At the campsite, they usually feature expandable sides and a roof that “pops up.” This provides plenty of living space while camping but keeps things compact when you’re not. Pop up campers usually include basic amenities such as beds, a small refrigerator, a stovetop, a dining table, and storage compartments.
Pop up campers usually sleep between two and six people and can weigh as little as 280 pounds. Depending on the size, however, they can weigh as much as 3,700 pounds.
Do You Want a Pop Up Camper with a Bathroom?
Believe it or not, some pop up campers provide bathrooms. Plenty of options do have them, including some of the options on our list.
Types of Pop Up Camper Bathrooms
Pop up campers with bathrooms usually provide two options, either portable or permanent.
- Portable bathrooms: These fixtures usually include a chemical toilet or portable RV toilet.
- Permanent bathrooms: If a pop up camper has a permanent bathroom, it’s typically a “wet bath” that features a combination of a shower and a standard flush toilet. Wet bath fixtures are enclosed spaces where all elements are contained within a single, water-tight compartment. They usually don’t have hard walls. Instead, a shower curtain offers privacy and helps keep water from splashing everywhere.
Types of Pop Up Campers
Pop up campers come in several sizes and feature different amenities depending on their size and shape. Most pop up RVs can sleep anywhere from two to six, although things might feel a little cramped as you add more people.
Tent Trailers
Pop up tent trailers are usually compact, lightweight trailers. They feature canvas or vinyl sides and roofs. These collapsible walls allow for easy storage, and they’re some of the most popular options due to their portability and price.
High Wall Campers
High-wall campers feature tall sides that extend up to around five feet. The walls are usually constructed from vinyl or canvas. High-wall campers tend to offer more space than tent trailers. They’re also great at providing extra comfort because they can block wind, rain, and noise.
A-Frames
An A-frame pop up camper gets its name from the distinctive roofline that forms when the camper is fully open. They provide more interior space than tent trailers and other camping options. Their triangular shape can even provide wind resistance when camping in areas with strong winds.
Pros and Cons of Pop Up Campers
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of pop up campers.
Pros of Buying a Pop Up Camper
- Affordability: Pop up campers are less expensive than other types of RVs, making them an accessible option for families and budget-conscious travelers.
- Lightweight and towable: Pop up campers are often very lightweight and can be towed by mid-size vehicles, making them easy to transport to campsites. Not sure if your vehicle can haul a camper? Use our tow guide and consult your owner’s manual.
- Space-saving: Pop up campers fold down into a compact size for easy storage when not in use.
- Enhanced camping experience: Pop up campers can improve the camping experience by providing a comfortable bed, protection from the elements, and a convenient setup and tear-down process.
- Fuel efficiency: Pop up campers typically weigh less and are smaller than other RVs, which can lead to better fuel efficiency.
Cons of Buying a Pop Up Camper
- Limited space: These campers are often smaller than other types of RVs and may not provide as much living space or storage for longer trips.
- Less durability: pop up campers are generally built with lightweight materials, which may not hold up well over time in extreme weather or heavy use.
- Limited amenities: Campers typically have fewer amenities than other RVs, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or entertainment systems.
- Maintenance: Pop up campers require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. This includes cleaning, checking for leaks, and ensuring proper function of the electrical and plumbing systems.
Who Are Pop Up Campers Best For?
These small campers are best for those who want a lightweight camping option that doesn’t require towing a large trailer. They’re also great for families who want extra space and amenities but who don’t need the full size of a travel trailer or fifth wheel camper. If you take weekend excursions or occasional week-long camping trips to a single campsite for an extended period, pop- up campers might be one of the best RV types for you.
Compare Pop Up Campers for Sale
Pop up campers provide an excellent entry point for people who want to go a step beyond tent camping but aren’t ready or willing to invest tens of thousands of dollars in a large RV. They’re a more compact experience, but many of the best models don’t sacrifice quality. In addition to affordability, a good pop up camper often does not require investing in a heavy-duty SUV or truck to transport it. You can tow with smaller vehicles like mid-size SUVs.
If you’ve never seen a pop up camper up close and are considering a purchase, visit your nearest Camping World location today. We can answer your questions about all aspects of RV and camper ownership, including convenient RV financing.
You can also explore Camping World’s selection of pop up campers online.
Pop Up Camper FAQs
To round out your knowledge, here are some of the common questions about this type of RV:
How long does it take to set up a pop up camper?
Most pop up campers are fairly simple to set up, but it’s recommended that you practice at home to familiarize yourself with the process before taking it to the campsite. Setting up can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your familiarity with the process and the type of pop up. For more detailed instructions, be sure to check out our guide on how to set up a pop up camper.
Is it worth getting a pop up camper?
If you’re on the fence about buying an RV or don’t have the towing capacity for a travel trailer, a pop up camper might be a great option. These compact models have the added benefit of being towable by some cars and mid-size SUVs. If you’re an occasional camper who doesn’t need much space, pop up campers can be an excellent entry point to RV life.
How much is a pop up camper?
Pop up campers can range in price from $6,199 all the way up to $25,000. What you pay for a pop up camper largely depends on its age, features, and condition.
What is the highest-rated pop up camper?
Camping World sells pop up camper models from many leading brands, including Forest River, Jayco, and Starcraft. Many reviewers and industry experts recommend Forest River brand models for their quality and features.
Do pop up campers have showers and toilets?
Some models of pop up camper do have showers and toilets. Because they’re small, however, these fixtures are often separated from the rest of the camper by a curtain to create a “wet space,” not a full-size room.
Do pop up campers have AC and heat?
Some pop up camper models do have limited heating and A/C options built-in, or they may have the option to add portable heaters. Research the make and model of your pop up camper before you buy it to ensure it meets your needs.
Can you use a pop up camper in winter?
While some pop up campers are better suited for cold climates than others, a furnace is an important requirement for any camper for winter or cold camping. Additionally, hard side pop ups are better suited for cold and wet conditions, especially those like Flagstaff and Rockwood that come with Azdel composite panels on their walls.
Camping in below-freezing temperatures is not recommended for pop ups due to the risk of freezing water, though some may be equipped with accessories to prevent this. Check with the manufacturer to learn their recommendations for winter and cold weather camping.
Do you have any questions about pop up campers? Share them in the comments below.
