The Two Smallest Airstreams, Head-to-Head: Basecamp vs Bambi

Even the smallest Airstreams can offer that sleek style and comfort you’re imagining.

While most Airstreams are around 25 to 30 feet, the smallest are even more compact but still offer many of the same comforts.

Let’s look at two of the smallest campers you can buy.

What Is the Smallest Airstream Camper Model? 

The smallest Airstream camper models span only 16 feet but include all the amenities you’ll need.

The Airstream Bambi 16RB and the Airstream Basecamp 16 and 16X are all single axle models. Built with the same high-quality standards of larger Airstream models, you’ll get both comfort and safety when traveling in the smallest Airstream travel trailers on the market today.

About the Airstream Bambi 16RB

The Airstream Bambi 16RB keeps efficiency in mind. Every ounce of space is optimized, giving you sleeping space for four people in a 16-foot trailer.

Starting at $51,400, this gem includes a kitchen, a dinette, sleeping space, and a bathroom. The kitchen has all the comforts of home, including a stove, sink, small fridge, cupboard space, and even a microwave. The dining table seats four and converts into a bed to sleep up to two people.

This small Airstream’s separate bed space is almost full size at 48 x 78 inches and sleeps two comfortably.

The wet bath has a shower, toilet, and sink, with a showerhead pass through easily transitioning into an outdoor shower.

Every nook and cranny here has a purpose. You’ll find ample storage space in the closet, under-the-bed storage, kitchen and overhead cabinets, and elsewhere.

Feel free to stand up in here, thanks to the six-foot-four-inch high ceilings. The campier is eight feet wide and has a GVWR of 3,500 pounds. Many small camper trailers don’t have a bathroom, let alone water storage tanks. The Airstream Bambi 16RB has both. The freshwater tank holds 23 gallons. There’s a gray and black water combo tank that can hold 21 gallons.

Customize to your heart’s content with the two colors for the interior decor, optional solar package, and more.

Who It’s Best For: 

While the Airstream Bambi 16RB gives you everything you need to boondock, it’s a perfect fit for a small campground. Due to its small freshwater tank and combo black and gray water system, you can easily get off the grid.

Great for families with small kids or a couple, you’ll be able to get where you want in comfort. Wherever you choose to camp, the Airstream Bambi 16RB is convenient, portable, and comfortable.

About the Airstream Basecamp 16 and 16X

The Airstream Basecamp 16 and 16X are functional yet compact. Both sleep two people and are seven feet wide. They have an interior height of almost six-foot-four inches and a GVWR of 3,500 pounds. With a 21-gallon freshwater tank and a 24-gallon gray and black water combo tank, you can go anywhere.

Starting at $39,100 for the Basecamp 16 and $41,800 for the 16X, you’ll travel with all the comforts of home. The kitchen comes standard with a two-burner stove, a sink, and a refrigerator. The entire kitchen also follows the curve of the expansive panoramic front window.

The convertible dinette is unique in that the table is adjustable for height and can even be stored away completely. The dinette area can stay as a seating area for five or transition into either a half bed, a full bed, or two single beds.

In addition, you’ll find under-the-bed storage, nooks and crannies with storage space, and even bungees for storage above in this small Airstream.

The Basecamp 16 and 16X both also have wet baths. These consist of a shower, toilet, and sink, with the showerhead transitioning to create an outdoor shower as well. You can add a microwave, tack on a solar package, or choose between the three decor options.

Who It’s Best For: 

Designed for adventurers and off-road lovers, these compact trailers are great for getting you out into nature. They’re even more compact than the 16RB if you really need to save on space. These campers may be best for couples due to the sleeping space.

The Smallest Airstreams: Sleek, Shiny, and Tiny

The smallest Airstreams still have the characteristics we’ve come to expect from an Airstream. These quality-made RVs give you the portability you need while still affording you the comforts of home.

Made with the traveler in mind, the Airstream packs a ton of amenities into these tiny trailers. So which one appeals more to you?

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: