Pop-up campers come in a variety of lengths, sizes, and weights to accommodate the various needs of RVers.
But the most popular models are small lightweight pop-ups, as they’re easier to tow, fit into compact campsites, are cheaper to buy, more manageable to store, and allow for better fuel economy.
But with all the different new and used pop-up campers on the market today, it can sometimes be challenging to figure out which ones are the smallest and lightest as well as the best.
So to make your search easier, we created this list highlighting the best small lightweight pop-up campers on the market today.
Best Small Lightweight Pop-Ups (Least to Most Expensive)
| Make/Mode/Trim | Average Price | Open Length | Dry Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD ⬇ | $10,000 | 17′ 2″ | 1,514 lbs |
| 2. Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD ⬇ | $10,000 | 17′ 2″ | 1,514 lbs |
| 3. Coachmen Clipper LS 806XLS ⬇ | $12,000 | 17′ 11″ | 1,642 lbs |
| 4. Forest River Viking Express 9.0 TD ⬇ | $13,000 | 14′ 2″ | 1,587 lbs |
| 5. Sylvansport Go Camper ⬇ | $14,495 | 11′ 10″ | 840 lbs |
| 6. Aliner Scout Lite ⬇ | $16,500 | 13′ | 1,180 lbs |
| 7. Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max ⬇ | $18,000 | 16′ 8″ | 2,147 lbs |
| 8. Taxa Outdoors Tiger Moth ⬇ | $20,546 | 12′ 10″ | 1,310 lbs |
| 9. Opus Op Lite ⬇ | $22,000 | 17′ 2″ | 2,380 lbs |
| 10. Turtleback Trailers Getaway ⬇ | $27,000 | 11′ 6″ | 1,160 lbs |
1. Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $10,000
- Closed Length: 11 Feet 9 Inches
- Open Length: 17 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 1,514 Pounds
- Bathroom: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
The Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD is one of the most popular compact pop-up campers on the market today, thanks to its quality construction, lighter weight, and well-laid-out floor plan.
The best thing about the Rockwood 1640LTD, however, is its price, as this small pop-up is one of the cheapest campers you can buy, with an average price of just $10,000.
Making this pop-up a popular choice for those shopping for a new RV on a budget.
Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD Floorplan
However, despite its more affordable price, this Forest River camper still has everything you need for a quick weekend getaway.
Inside, the 1640LTD’s layout maximizes every inch of space.
It doesn’t house a bathroom, but this omission is by design, prioritizing an open floor plan that accommodates a more spacious living area.
This design choice also contributes to the camper’s lighter weight and more accessible price point.
Sleeping arrangements are flexible, thanks to the 6-person capacity and the convertible dinette booth, which transforms from a cozy eating nook by day to a snug bed by night.
The kitchenette is a marvel of efficiency, with a sink, a two-burner range, and a mini-fridge — all the essentials to whip up a delicious meal without the clutter of a full-size kitchen.
And when it comes to storage, Forest River has thoughtfully provided enough nooks and crannies to stow away all your camping essentials.
Stepping outside, the 1640LTD continues to impress with a 7-foot awning that rolls out to create a shaded haven, perfect for lounging, socializing, or simply enjoying the serene views of your latest destination.
With the Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD, you’re not just purchasing a camper; you’re unlocking the freedom to explore without straining your wallet.
Making it a great choice for budget-conscious explorers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort for affordability.
For more information on the Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
2. Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $10,000
- Closed Length: 11 Feet 9 Inches
- Open Length: 17 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 1,514 Pounds
- Bathroom: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
Another super popular and affordable pop-up camper that’s also made by Forest River is the Flagstaff 176LTD.
Which you might have noticed looks very similar to the Rockwood 1640LTD from above, and that’s for good reason.
Because the Flagstaff 176LTD and the Rockwood 1640LTD are actually sister RVs, which means they are basically the same RV, except for their interior and exterior color schemes and branding.
Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD Floorplan
If you’re wondering why an RV manufacturer would make two identical RVs, except for their color schemes and branding, this is a pretty common practice in the RV industry.
Because it allows different RV dealers, especially ones close to each other, the ability to sell different RV models and brands prevents them from competing directly on the same RV.
So whether you’re looking at the Flagstaff 176LTD or the Rockwood 1640LTD, just know that you’re looking at pretty much the same camper.
Both of which are great, if you’re looking for a quality and affordable small lightweight camper.
For more information on the Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD, visit Forest River’s website by clicking here.
3. Coachmen Clipper LS 806XLS
Quick Specs
- Cost: $12,000
- Closed Length: 12 Feet 11 Inches
- Open Length: 17 Feet 11 Inches
- Dry Weight: 1,642 Pounds
- Bathroom: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
Another popular small lightweight pop-up is the Coachmen Clipper LS 806XLS, which is one of the smallest and lightest pop-up campers Coachmen makes, with a box length of only 12 feet 11 inches and a dry weight of just 1,642 pounds.
Allowing this little pop-up camper to fit into the tightest of campsites and be towed by a wide variety of vehicles.
Coachmen Clipper LS 806XLS Floorplan
Despite its smaller size though, this pop-up from Coachmen is still loaded with comfort features and amenities, including a full kitchenette with a kitchen sink, propane stove, and mini-fridge, as well as insulated double bunks, sleeping space for six, and a good amount of storage capacity.
Giving you everything you need and nothing you don’t, to keep the weight down and the price affordable.
One of my favorite things about this compact pop-up camper though is its unique floorplan, which features two opposing gaucho benches as opposed to the more common booth dinette.
This allows for much more flexibility when hanging out inside the camper, as the opposing gaucho benches can be used as a dining space, living space, or sleeping space depending on how they’re configured.
Allowing the same area inside this compact pop-up camper to serve multiple functions, which always comes in handy when camping small.
For more information on the Coachmen Clipper LS 806XLS, visit Coachmen’s website by clicking here.
4. Forest River Viking Express 9.0 TD
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $12,000
- Closed Length: 14 Feet 2 Inches
- Open Length: 14 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 1,587 Pounds
- Bathroom: Optional Thetford Porta Potti
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
The Forest River Viking Express 9.0 TD offers a unique take on the standard pop-up camper that redefines simplicity and efficiency in the great outdoors.
With a revolutionary single-hinge design, setting up camp becomes a breeze, clocking in at under one minute.
This means more time to savor the marshmallows over the campfire and less time fiddling with complex pop-up assembly.
But don’t let its ease of setup deceive you, as this is no ordinary pop-up camper.
Forest River Viking Express 9.0 TD Floorplan
Where the Viking Express 9.0 TD truly shines is in its rugged embrace of the backcountry.
Because it’s designed not to be just your shelter but your base camp for backcountry adventures.
Thanks to features like a robust 16-gallon freshwater tank, a dependable onboard propane tank and battery, and a 20,000 BTU furnace.
Plus, the camper’s wide-track ultra-lube spring axle, coupled with heavy-duty fender guards, ensures that the pop-up can follow you anywhere off the beaten path.
And for those who dare to venture even further, the optional off-road package supplies 15-inch tires, extended frame jacks, and lifted axles, ensuring no corner of nature is beyond reach.
Click here to visit Forest River’s website, to dive even further into the Forest River Viking Express 9.0 TD, and to see a 3D tour.
5. Sylvansport Go Camper
Quick Specs
- Cost: $14,495
- Closed Length: 11 Feet 10 Inches
- Open Length: 11 Feet 10 Inches
- Dry Weight: 840 Pounds
- Bathroom: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
Without a doubt, the most unique and versatile small pop-up camper on this list is the Sylvansport Go Camper, as this compact trailer from Sylvansport is truly one of a kind when it comes to design and functionality.
Plus, it’s one of the few pop-ups that provides toy hauler utility.
Due to the trailer’s roof rack and gear deck, which allow you to bring a wide variety of sports gear and toys with you while camping, including bikes, kayaks, surfboards, paddleboards, and even dirt bikes.
Thanks to the gear deck’s 800-pound max cargo-carrying capacity.
To see other small pop-up toy haulers, check out our blog post “The 8 Best Pop-Up Camper Toy Haulers You Can Buy!“.
This compact pop-up camper also features a super lightweight design, with a dry weight of just 840 pounds.
Allowing this camper to be pulled by a wide variety of vehicles, including SUVs and even some crossovers like the Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V.
If you’re looking for a luxurious camping experience though, this is not the camper for you, as the tent pod on this camper is not much more than a glorified tent with sleeping space for four.
However, if you’re someone seeking adventure and just need a place to rest your head at the end of the day, this might just be the perfect little pop-up camper for you.
For more information on the Sylvansport Go Camper or to order one, check out Sylvansport’s website here.
6. Aliner Scout Lite
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $16,500
- Closed Length: 13 Feet
- Open Length: 13 Feet
- Dry Weight: 1,180 Pounds
- Bathroom: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
When most people are looking for a small pop-up, they often only think about the more traditional tent-style campers with collapsible canvas walls and dual fold-out bunks.
However, there is another type of pop-up camper that’s also small and lightweight called the A-frame or hard-side pop-up.
That utilizes hard-sided fiberglass walls and real windows similar to a travel trailer instead of canvas walls and vinyl windows.
This offers numerous advantages over the standard pop-up camper, including better insulation for cold weather camping and better sound deadening to help block out exterior noise.
Aliner Scout Lite Floorplan
And one of the most popular small lightweight A-frame campers is the Aliner Scout Lite, which has a dry weight of only 1,180 pounds and an overlength of just 13 feet.
Making this pop-up a great choice for anyone looking for a super lightweight and small camper.
The Aliner Scout Lite is also very easy and quick to set up, as the ceiling and walls simply lock into place once lifted into position, which can easily be accomplished by one person in just a few minutes.
One major drawback of the Aliner Scout Lite though is its more limited sleeping capacity compared to more traditional pop-ups, as the A-frame design doesn’t allow for fold-out bunks, which greatly reduces the number of campers that can sleep inside the pop-up.
So if you have a larger family or need to sleep a lot of campers, the Aliner Scout Lite is not going to be a good fit for you.
For more information on the Aliner Scout Lite, check out Aliner’s website by clicking here.
7. Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $18,000
- Closed Length: 17 Feet 5 Inches
- Open Length: 17 Feet 5 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,164 Pounds
- Bathroom: Thetford Porta Potti
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
The Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max is the big brother to the Coachmen Viking Express 9.0 TD featured earlier and is best suited for those who want additional interior space, additional sleeping capacity, and more interior comfort features.
As the Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max is more than 2 feet longer and 2 and a half feet wider compared to the Coachmen Viking Express 9.0 TD.
In addition, the Clipper 12.0TD Max also features a gaucho couch that can double as an additional sleeping space inside the trailer.
Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max Floorplan
Finally, the Clipper 12.0 TD Max also has several upgrades not available on the Viking Express 9.0 TD, including a full-featured kitchenette with a two-burner propane stove, kitchen sink, and a mini-fridge.
As well as a larger main bed and more available interior and exterior storage capacity with double the cargo-carrying capacity.
For more information on the Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max, check out Coachmen’s website here.
8. Taxa Outdoors Tiger Moth
Quick Specs
- Starting Cost: $20,546
- Closed Length: 12 Feet 10 Inches
- Open Length: 12 Feet 10 Inches
- Dry Weight: 1,310 Pounds
- Bathroom: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 4 (With Optional Roof Top Tent)
One of the best small pop-up campers for boondocking and dry camping is the Taxa Outdoor Tiger Moth.
As the Tiger Moth allows you to camp off-grid for up to seven days before needing to return to civilization to restock on supplies.
Thanks to its built-in electrical system, external water system, and pre-wired solar panel inlet.
But all this boondocking and dry camping capability doesn’t come cheap though.
As this camper is one of the most expensive pop-ups on this list, with a starting price of $20,546.
But if you’re looking for the ultimate boondocking and off-grid camper this might just be the right pop-up camper for you.
For more information on the Taxa Outdoors Tiger Moth or to order one, check out Taxa Outdoor’s website here.
9. Opus Op Lite
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $22,000
- Closed Length: 17 Feet 2 Inches
- Open Length: 17 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,380 Pounds
- Bathroom: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
While the Opus OP Lite is definitely on the more expensive side, when it comes to small pop-up campers, there is truly nothing else like it, as it uses air inflation technology for its setup.
Allowing you to set up the camper in less than 90 seconds, with just the push of a button.
Thanks to its onboard 12V electric air compressor and “air beams” that provide structure to the pop-up.
Making the Opus OP Lite one of the easiest and fastest pop-ups to set up and take down.
It’s not just the one-of-a-kind air inflation technology that makes this trailer so great though, as it’s also loaded with off-grid and off-road features.
Making this camper the ideal choice for those who love to get off the beaten path and boondock for extended periods.
Designed to thrive in the wild, its 12V power system, controlled via an intuitive panel, and a robust 100 amp hour battery ensure sustained off-grid power. Which is further enhanced by the pop-up solar port to keep the battery topped off.
While the 20-pound propane tank and 20-gallon freshwater tank with a 12V pump further increase self-sufficiency.
All-terrain tires, shock-absorbing suspension, rock guards, and underbody armor also equip the Opus OP Lite for the toughest terrains.
For more information on the Opus OP Lite, check out Opus’s website by clicking here.
10. Turtleback Trailers Getaway
Quick Specs
- Starting Cost: $27,000
- Closed Length: 11 Feet 6 Inches
- Open Length: 11 Feet 6 Inches
- Dry Weight: 1,160 Pounds
- Bathroom: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 to 4 (Depending on Tent Size)
While you probably haven’t heard of Turtleback Trailers before, they’re a great small pop-up camper if you want to camp off-grid in more remote locations.
All Turbleback Trailers including the Getaway Series featured here, make a great basecamp for camping in the backcountry.
Thanks to their rugged design, off-road equipment, and boondocking-friendly features.
Allowing you to camp in the most remote locations, including National Forestry Land or BLM land.
Whether it’s crossing rocky inclines or navigating through muddy trails, the Getaway’s framework ensures durability and longevity, no matter where your travels take you.
Encased in sleek aluminum skins, the trailer is not just tough but also lightweight, reducing drag and making it a breeze to tow behind your vehicle.
The Turtleback Trailers Getaway rolls on 265/75/16 all-terrain wheels and tires, a setup that promises a stable and reliable journey through diverse landscapes.
These tires are designed to grip and provide traction on loose and uneven surfaces, allowing smoother rides in challenging conditions.
Plus, with a spare mount included, you’re prepared for the unexpected, ensuring peace of mind when you’re miles from the nearest service station.
When it comes to self-sufficiency, the Turtleback Trailers Getaway stands out with its 21-gallon water tank and 11-pound propane tank, which provides for basic cooking and heating needs.
In addition, the solar charging port also adds another layer of independence, harnessing the sun’s power to keep your batteries charged and ready to go.
For more information on the Turtleback Trailers Getaway, visit Turtleback’s website here.
How Much Does a Small Pop-Up Camper Weigh?
The dry weight of a small pop-up camper usually falls between 1,000 and 2,500 pounds, depending on its design, size, and features.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the dry weight of a pop-up is not the best indicator of its true weight, as this only indicates how much it weighs from the manufacturer with nothing in it.
To get a better idea of the true weight of a small pop-up camper, you need to account for the additional weight loaded into the pop-up from camping gear and supplies, by adding at least 500 pounds to its dry weight.
What is the Smallest Pop-Up Camper?
The smallest pop-up camper is the Sylvansport Go Camper, which has a dry weight of only 840 pounds and an overall length of just 11 feet 10 inches.
This allows the Go Camper to be pulled by a wide variety of vehicles, including most SUVs and even some cars.
What is the Smallest Pop-Up Camper with a Bathroom?
The smallest pop-up camper with a bathroom depends largely on what your definition of one is.
For example, several small pop-up campers offer a porta-potty as either an optional or standard feature.
But does this constitute a bathroom?
Or does the pop-up need to have a full two-piece wet bath with an indoor shower and a toilet for it to have a bathroom?
To provide a more thorough answer to this question, we’ve provided the smallest pop-up camper with a toilet below as well as the smallest pop-up camper with a two-piece wet bath.
The smallest pop-up camper that offers a toilet is the Coachmen Viking Express 9.0 TD, which has an optional free-standing Thetford Porta Potti, an overall length of 14 feet 2 inches, and a dry weight of 1,418 pounds.
The smallest pop-up camper that offers a full two-piece wet bath is the Forest River Rockwood Freedom 2318G, which has an optional combined shower and toilet, an exterior open length of 23 feet 11 inches, and a dry weight of 2,439 pounds.
Can a Honda CR-V Pull a Pop-Up Camper?
Due to the limited 1,500-pound max tow capacity of the Honda CR-V, there are very few pop-up campers it can tow, as most pop-ups will have weights that exceed the CR-V’s max tow capacity.
However, there are a few ultra-lightweight pop-ups that the Honda CR-V can technically tow.
But you need to be very careful about how much weight you load into these ultra-lightweight pop-ups if you plan to tow them with a CR-V.
As you should ideally always be observing the “80 Rule” when towing, by never exceeding 80% of the tow vehicle’s max tow capacity.
To provide some towing cushion and to prevent excessive wear and tear on the tow vehicle.
Ultra Lightweight Pop-Up Campers the Honda CR-V Can Tow
- Sylvansport Go Trailer
- Aliner Scout Lite
- Aliner Ranger 10
- Taxa Outdoors Tiger Moth
Additional Pop-Up Camper Resources
Looking for even more information on pop-ups? If so, check out some of our other blog posts.
- The 10 Cheapest Pop-Up Campers You Can Buy
- 6 Must-See Pop-Up Campers that Sleep 6 (With Pricing)
- The 8 Best Pop-Up Camper Toy Haulers You Can Buy!
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