Are you ready to hit the road for a camping trip this year? Pop-up campers are perfect for first-time RVers and those looking for budget-friendly options. Plus, they’re easy to tow and maneuver in any campground.
We’re about to show you seven of the best pop-up campers on the market. So let’s look at their affordability, best features, and more.
What Are Pop-Up Campers?
Pop-up campers are towable trailers that fold down to compact during transport. Once stationary, they are then cranked up manually or electronically to a fully upright position. There are hard side or soft side versions. And with the ever-evolving technology and design, they come in various shapes and sizes. In addition, you’ll find varying amenities and features, including bathrooms in some models.
The Benefits of Pop Up Pop-up Campers
Pop-up campers are generally lightweight so that a small truck or SUV can pull them. This potentially alleviates having to upgrade your vehicle to tow a camper. They’re also easy to maneuver in campgrounds and when backing up. Some are even compact enough when closed that you can store them in a garage.
Another benefit of pop-ups is that they’re affordable. Furthermore, they’re inexpensive to maintain since they don’t have all of the bells and whistles of travel trailers or other types of RVs.
How Much Do Pop Up Campers Cost?
Pop-up campers’ manufacture suggested retail price (MSRP) is between $10,000 to $30,000 on average. However, some luxury models are over $30,000. In addition, you can find used pop-ups for around $5,000 or less.
Pro Tip: Is a pop-up camper worth the investment? We uncovered Do Pop Up Campers Hold Value?
Do Pop Up Campers Have Bathrooms?
You may be surprised to learn that there are pop-up campers with bathrooms. However, being small and compact doesn’t have to mean a lack of amenities. For example, the Forest River Rockwood HW296 has a wet bath with a shower and toilet. We discuss this camper in more depth below.
The 7 Best Pop Up Campers in 2022
Are you ready to shop for a pop-up camper? Here are seven of the best options in the market.
#1. Forest River Rockwood HW296
About: Forest River’s Rockwood HW296 is a large pop-up camper with three soft-sided dormers. There is a dormer in the front and back that hold double beds and a pop-out on the side with a u-shaped dinette that converts into a bed. The camper also has an ample-sized kitchen, a wet bath, and a sofa. It has a dry weight of 3,721 lbs, and it’s 21 feet 6 inches long when closed and 27 feet 9 inches long when open.
Key Features: A key feature on the Rockwood HW296 is the wet bath with a toilet and shower. And it has four exterior storage compartments, which is a rare find on pop-up campers.
MSRP: $27,696
#2. Forest River Flagstaff 425M
About: Forest River’s Flagstaff 425M is 19 feet 1 inch long when closed and 23 feet 9 inches long when open. It weighs 2,654 lbs unloaded, and it has four soft-sided dormers. There are two bed dormers on either end of the camper, and the dinette and kitchen counter with sink and stovetop also sit in a pop-out. In addition, the dinette and sofa in the Flagstaff 425M serve as additional sleeping space.
Key Features: The camper has an L-shaped sofa with a porta potty under one end. It makes for a convenient feature without taking up a lot of space.
MSRP: $22,212
#3. Coachmen Clipper 1285SST
About: The Coachmen Clipper 1285SST has a queen-sized and king-sized bed in its two insulated dormers. It also has a side dormer with a dinette with under-seat storage and converts into a bed. The soft-sided pop-up also has a kitchen and wet bath. It has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3,296 lbs, and it’s 19 feet long closed and 23 feet 5 inches long open.
Key Features: The Clipper 1285SST has a unique wet bath with a toilet and shower and a cloth curtain to enclose the space. These pop-up campers have highly convenient sliding exterior storage boxes.
MSRP: $29,728
#4. Coachmen Clipper Express 12.0 TD Max
About: Coachmen’s Clipper Express 12.0 TD Max is about as compact as pop-ups come. It only has a soft pop-up top and no side pop-outs. Inside, you’ll find a bed, sofa, refrigerator, microwave, sink, and two-burner stovetop. The camper has a GVWR of 3,259 lbs.
Key Features: The Clipper Express 12.0 TD Max has two entry doors to provide extra airflow or store a bike on one side. It also features an outdoor shower, which comes in handy when camping off the beaten path.
MSRP: $21,431
#5. Aliner Expedition
About: The Aliner Expeditions are 18-foot long hard-sided A-frame pop-up campers. It has a GVWR of 3,500 lbs and is only 68 inches tall when closed. There are two floor plans available – one with a permanent bed and one with a sofa bed. Both models also have a dinette that converts into a bed, a kitchen, and a toilet.
Key Features: The hard-sided dormers in the Aliner Expedition provide extra headroom and insulate better than a soft-side.
MSRP: $28,499
#6. OPUS Camper OP4
About: The OPUS Camper OP4 is one of the most unique pop-ups on our list. Its soft nylon tent material top and sides open up like a half-circle, and the triple layer technology ensures durability and resistance against wind and rain. Its interior is exceptionally roomy with a rack-mounted hot water shower and two double beds with a king bed extension. The camper has a GVWR of 4,200 lbs.
Key Features: A favorite feature on the OP4 is a screen for watching movies. And this pop-up camper has air conditioning and a heater.
MSRP: $28,500
#7. Black Series Classic 15
About: Black Series has created a sleek and modern pop-up with the Classic 15. It’s 23 feet long and has a dry weight of 3,968 lbs. The camper has exterior slide-out storage and propane and gas tank storage on the tongue for off-roading adventures. It also has a wet bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower, in addition to a second sink on the kitchen countertop.
Key Features: The Classic 15 features a dinette that converts into a bed. Over the dinette is a flip-down bunk for more sleep space in addition to the master full-size bed.
MSRP: $47,995
Pro Tip: Know the pros and cons to pop-up camper life. These are 5 Reasons To Avoid Pop-Up Campers in 2022.
Are Pop Up Campers Worth It?
Pop-up campers are worth it for their budget consciousness and low maintenance. If you camp periodically or for short periods in weather that’s above freezing, a pop-up is an excellent option. As you can see from our list, you can find them at varying prices and manufacturers.
Are you ready to purchase your pop-up? If you do, let us know what you decide!
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