We are pop-up campers. Over the years, tents, RV rentals, and cabins have always been a fantastic alternative, but the pop-up camper we found used for the past 35 years has held up reasonably well. The best thing about camping in a pop-up is you are sleeping in a bed with a tent-like feeling.

If you are thinking about Pop-Up trailers, consider the following.

1. Borrow or rent first. This is not luxury camping but can be if it works for you.

2. Pop-Ups come in a wide range of prices. They have a tent-like construction which is great for indoor and outdoor living. Some trailers have toilets, showers, air condition units, and television hook-ups. Almost all trailers have inside sinks, stoves, and seating arrangements with a dining room table. The two ends of the pullout have beds that can fit two or more if bringing kids. The dining room table can also be made into a bed. Some pop-ups have couches, raised platforms, and pullouts for a considerably bigger interior.

3. Before buying new, think about looking for a used pop-up. It is incredible how many campers never use their pop-ups, so finding one in reasonably good condition is a good bet.

4. Make sure if buying used that the first thing to look at is the canvas structure for any wear and tear. Unzip all windows and look at the vinyl inside covering for any damage. Test the mechanics to ensure all works and go over all electrical. Test the door pull-down to make sure it fits properly. If the pop-up has a stove and sink, or bathroom toilet, ensure all is up to date. Look for any cracks in the body and test to ensure the trailer is level once fully set up.

5. Can your car tow the trailer?

6. Make sure you know all the workings of the trailer; some come with automatic operations, but it will likely be done manually.

7. Breaking down the pop-up is as important as putting it up. Zip up all windows before rolling the camper down. Make sure no pieces are blocking the sliding in the camper beds. Carefully tuck in the tent component for easy wear and tear through the years while rolling the top down.

8. Pop-ups are small, but you must store them somewhere.

9. Maintenance is reasonably inexpensive if you treat it well. Keep tires up to date with a spare and cover when not in use. Remember, if it rains upon returning home, air it out as soon as possible to avoid mildew.

Your can store a lot of camping equipment in the
pop-up making it easier to get out of town.

What to know from years of camping in a pop-up camper.

1. It is easy to tow and move into a campground space quickly.

2. You can store all camping gear in it year-round, from toilet paper to rain gear.

3. There is plenty of storage for clothing, bedding, food, dishes, cooking utensils, games, and personals.

4. It has a tent-like atmosphere—with mesh windows; you can let the campground in.

5. In case of emergencies you can break it down pretty fast.

Morning!

Our Pop Up Transformation

Over the years, we have changed the curtains, put in a wooden floor, replaced the seating with leather cushions added two removable wooden tables for entertaining and meals. We rarely use the stove or sink because cooking outside is the goal when camping, but it is a happy alternative when it rains. This pop-up trailer has taken us to the sun, with lots of fun, and survived the impressive rainstorms, a brush fire scare, and a spring wind storm that was off the charts. It has traveled to the desert, the sea, and the sierras down a steep scary path. It runs on solar power for lighting. It has never leaked, but it can get cold in winter, but that’s what blankets are for.

The pop-up has plenty of space for camping if you like living with just the basics.  

Price Points $5,000-$20.000