The Best Small Campers of 2025

Contributor

Stephanie Hatley

Favorite Trip

Staying at Watchman Campground inside Zion National Park was one of the best experiences of my life! We also love Acadia, and my kids are begging us to return to White Sands.

Home Base

North Carolina

Favorite RV

Our family travels in a 2022 Grand Design Reflection 28BH, but we hope to one day own an Airstream!

About Contributor

Originally from NC, our family has traveled America since September 2021 in our fifth wheel, visiting 29 states and over 50 national park units. We love the roadschooling adventure, learning more about ourselves, our country, and other cultures. Our favorite memories are at Zion and Acadia, where the sweeping beauty has captured our hearts!

While some RVers look for the biggest and heaviest models to take them on camping adventures, other travelers want a more compact camper they can easily get in and out of campsites. If you’re one of these outdoor enthusiasts, we have a list for you. These best small campers might not offer the space of larger RVs, but they still give you everything you need — and more, in some cases!

What Is a Small Camper?

what-is-best-small-campers-12-2024
Photo by Camping World

What is small for one RV type may be fairly expansive for another. For example: 

  • The small travel trailers highlighted below are all under 27 feet long. 
  • For 5th wheels that can be more than 40 feet at their longest, our list is limited to small fifth wheel campers under 35 feet. 
  • Destination trailers are ideal for extended stays or full-time living, making them one of the largest towable RV styles. While some destination trailers exceed 45 feet, the destination-style RVs on our list are all under 36 feet. 
  • You’ll also find Class B RVs and Class C campers on our list of the best small campers in 2025. Our motorhome selections all come in under 26 feet. 

A mid-size SUV or minivan might be able to pull the smaller travel trailers on our list. However, half-ton fifth wheels will require a truck because the unique fifth wheel hitch attaches to the truck bed. Because of their height and added weight, destination trailers often require a truck as well.

Our list is divided into our favorite small campers for couples, families, and those looking for a luxury RV.

Best Small Campers for Families

There are many benefits of sticking with a small RV for family camping. They’re often cheaper, and because of their unique designs and multi-functional spaces, a dining area can quickly convert to a sleeping area in a matter of seconds.

Salem FSX 178BHSK: Small Family Travel Trailer

Forest-River-Salem-FSX-178BHSK-2025-best-small-campers-12-2024
Photo by Camping World

Specs

  • Length: 22’11”
  • Dry Weight: 4,182 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 1,488 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7

The single-slide Salem FSX 178BHSK is a fantastic small family camper. The U-shaped dinette in the slide-out opens up the central living area for kids to play on the floor or dogs to lounge around. A sofa provides additional seating and is a great place for a family movie night.

At night, the sofa easily transforms into a Murphy bed for a comfortable night’s sleep. The overhead cabinets offer good storage for clothes and camping gear. While the kitchen in this Salem camper is small, it’s suitable for a family weekend camping trip. It has a 12V fridge with a dual-swinging door, a microwave, a single-basin sink, and a two-burner cooktop.

Finally, the corner bath next to the double-over-double bunk beds provides easy access for kids to use the restroom at night. The storage under the bottom bunk is another great place to secure toys or store extra blankets.

Cougar 29BHL: Small 5th Wheel for Families

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Specs

  • Length: 33’4”
  • Dry Weight: 8,360 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 2,655 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 10

The Cougar 29BHL is one of the best small 5th wheel campers, featuring a private bunk room with a desk. This space is great for homeschooling, remote working, video game playing, or Lego building. There are three bunk beds, as well as a cargo door that makes it easy to load kayaks, paddleboards, or fishing poles.

I love the living area of this small fifth wheel camper! It features an L-shaped booth dinette with an ottoman seat, which offers additional storage. A tri-fold sofa and a 12V refrigerator sit in a slide-out across from the L-shaped camp side kitchen. You’ll appreciate the counterspace when feeding a family of four or five.

The private primary suite has a queen bed, overhead storage, side wardrobes, and a second small slide-out with another wardrobe. Whether your family is camping for a weekend, a week, or a month, this Keystone Cougar has plenty of room for an enjoyable, comfortable trip.

Freedom Elite 21HEF: Small Family Motorhome

Specs

  • Length: 24’1” (Ford); 24’7” (Chevy)
  • GVWR: 12,500 pounds (Ford); 12,300 pounds (Chevy)
  • GCWR: 18,500 pounds (Ford); 16,000 pounds (Chevy)
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

If you’re looking for one of the best small RV campers on a motorized chassis, the Freedom Elite is an excellent choice. It offers a Ford and a Chevy chassis option, each with an ideal family layout. The cabover area offers one sleeping area, and a rear corner full bed offers another dedicated sleeping space. 

While it’s a small feature, I love the step up into the rear bedroom. This separates the kitchen from the bedroom and makes each space distinct. The kitchen has everything you need, including a 12V refrigerator, a two-burner cooktop, a convection microwave with an air fryer, and a stainless steel sink.

Across from the kitchen, you’ll find a 76” Dream dinette that seats up to four people. Since there aren’t any slides, this is arguably the best small camper for a family of 4 that’s new to RVing, as setting up and breaking down camp will be quick and easy. 

Jay Feather 21MBH: Small Travel Trailer for Large Family

Jay-Feather-21MBH-Bed-best-small-campers-12-2024
Photo by Jayco

Specs

  • Length: 26’8”
  • Dry Weight: 5,545 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 1,450 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8

The Jay Feather 21MBH features a Murphy bed that folds over a jackknife sofa at the front of the camper’s floor plan. This converts the sofa to a second sleeping area in seconds. The rear corner of this travel trailer features double-over-double bunks with underneath storage.

The bathroom is conveniently positioned next to the bunk beds so younger kids can easily access it at night. Because of the bunk bed layout, Jayco could install an outdoor kitchen with a fridge, pull-out griddle, and storage.

Additional defining features of the Jay Feather 21MBH are the spacious U-shaped dinette and L-shaped kitchen. A large area to eat together and ample counterspace for meal prep make this one of the best small campers for families. And with the slide-out, you don’t feel cramped even with the L-shaped countertop design.

Forester MBS 2401DSB: Compact Class C RV for Small Family

Forester 2401DSB Floor Plan
Photo by Forest River

Specs

  • Length: 25’5”
  • GVWR: 11,030 pounds
  • GCWR: 15,250 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6

With two slide-outs, the Forester MBS 2401DSB compact Class C RV feels more spacious than its 25-foot length. The 60” by 80” cabover bunk is perfect for kids, and the rear queen bed provides a private place for parents. There’s also a huge wardrobe in the rear bedroom, so you won’t have any problems storing clothes, blankets, and other camping gear.

The U-shaped dinette provides plenty of room for a small family to eat together, and the flip-up countertop extension gives you more room for meal prep. For a fully functioning kitchen, you’ll also appreciate the 12V fridge, convection microwave, and induction stovetop.

Best Small Campers for Couples

Because you only need one sleeping area, you’ll have more options when searching for one of the best small campers for couples. However, if you enjoy hosting the grandkids for a weekend, there are still small family RV campers with multiple sleeping spaces. With ample storage and all the essentials you need for a comfortable camping trip, let’s check out the best small RV trailers for couples

Campsite Ultra 19KB: Small Travel Trailer for Couples

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Specs

  • Length: 22’4”
  • Dry Weight: 5,158 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 2,442 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2

The Campsite Ultra 19KB offers a great central living area for couples. This small couple’s camper features an L-shaped kitchen with ample counterspace and fully functioning appliances. If you enjoy cooking while camping, the 19KB is an excellent choice.

Another highlight of this small camper for couples is the extra cabinets in the slide-out behind the sofa. While this eliminates the huge window you typically find in most travel trailers, it provides an amazing amount of storage. And with over 2,400 pounds of cargo carrying capacity, you have plenty of room to load up this small camper.

A king bed beneath the panoramic front window and a full rear bathroom bookend this floor plan. If you’re a camping couple looking for comfortable accommodations with a small footprint, check out the Campsite Ultra 19KB.

Cougar 23MLE: Small Couples 5th Wheel

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Specs

  • Length: 27’11”
  • Dry Weight: 7,778 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 2,122 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6

If you’re looking for a cozy fifth wheel for two, the Cougar 23MLE checks all the boxes. This half-ton RV features a huge rear kitchen. You’ll love the wall-to-wall countertops and residential feel of this small 5th wheel. Serving and entertaining are easy with the flow of this rear kitchen layout.

In addition, the slide-out in the main living area holds the tri-fold sleeper sofa and 12V refrigerator. Across from the sofa, a booth dinette with storage compartments sits against the camp side wall. Having two separate areas to sit—one for dining and one for lounging—is certainly a highlight of the 23MLE, especially in a fifth wheel under 28 feet.

Ample storage is another reason this is one of the best small fifth wheel campers out there. The main living space features a hutch, pantry, and overhead storage. The front bedroom has a small slide-out with a wardrobe, nightstands, side wardrobes, and overhead storage. You won’t have any problems finding places to store your clothing and camping gear in this Cougar 5th wheel.

Freedom Elite 19HE: Small Class C RV for Couples

19HE Thor Freedom Elite-best-small-campers-12-2024
Photo by Camping World

Specs

  • Length: 20’5”
  • GVWR: 11,500 pounds
  • GCWR: 18,500 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

The Freedom Elite 19HE is a small Class C RV with a surprising amount of space for a motorhome under 21 feet. This is due, in part, to the large rear U-shaped dinette that converts into a sleeping area. During the day, the 19HE has a comfortable place to lounge and eat. At night, it easily converts into a 54” by 77” bed. The cabover area is 52” by 91”, providing an additional sleeping area if you prefer to keep the dinette or host guests for a night.

The kitchen faces the camp side and features good counterspace, including a flip-up extension. There’s a refrigerator, microwave, oven, cooktop, and stainless steel sink for a fully functioning kitchen. If you’re a couple looking for a small Class C motorhome, the Freedom Elite is a great option.

Eddie Bauer 19EB: Camper Van for Couples

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Specs

  • Length: 19’8”
  • GVWR: 9,050 pounds
  • GCWR:13,930 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2 

If you like camper vans’ compact design and innovative features, the Eddie Bauer 19EB might be the best small camper van for couples in 2025. Enjoy a dedicated sleeping area in the rear, a dining table behind the cab, a kitchen with all the essentials, and a wet bath for washing up after outdoor adventures.

The bed measures 51” by 74” and provides storage underneath. The kitchen has a 12V fridge, a single-burner cooktop, a microwave, and a stainless steel sink. Behind the cab, the removable table can easily function as a workstation, a dining table, or a game table. While the 19EB only sleeps two, you can host friends for a game night with the swivel chairs and bench seating.

Jay Flight SLX 210QB: Small Travel Trailer for Two

Specs

  • Length: 25’10”
  • Dry Weight: 4,255 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 1,745 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6

Another great small camper for two is the Jay Flight SLX 210QB. This is one of the best small RV trailers without a slide because the smart design makes it feel spacious. In the rear, you’ll find a jackknife sofa across from a booth dinette, providing two seating areas and an additional sleeping space. The kitchen is on the camp side, and while it’s a bit limited on counterspace, it has everything you need for a weekend camping trip.

You’ll find the washroom across from the kitchen in this small travel trailer with a bathroom, and the queen bed sits at the front of the floor plan. Outside of the Jay Flight SLX 210QB, you’ll love the 16-foot awning, which stretches over half the travel trailer’s length. This creates a shady, comfortable outdoor space at your campsite.

Best Luxury Small Campers

If budget isn’t a concern, you might seek more luxurious accommodations. These five best small campers with residential appliances and upgraded amenities will make you think you’re in a small apartment instead of a box on wheels!

Montana 3123RL: Small Luxury 5th Wheel

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Specs

  • Length: 35’1”
  • Dry Weight: 12,530 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 4,050 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4 

The Montana 3123RL is a small fifth wheel camper, but it doesn’t skimp on amenities and features. You’ll love the L-shaped sectional across from a huge rear entertainment center. It’s the perfect place to entertain and provide additional sleeping areas for guests.

On the camp side, you’ll find a solid surface countertop with bar stools that can be used for dining, homeschooling, or remote working. In the central kitchen, you’ll enjoy residential appliances and tons of meal prep space with the L-shaped countertop. However, the side patio that extends from the kitchen and increases your living space is truly what makes this Keystone Montana one of the best small 5th wheel campers.

For more luxurious amenities, you’ll enjoy a king bed in a slide-out, providing ample room to walk around the bedroom. The front cap closet has tons of storage, and there’s an additional dresser at the foot of the bed.

Campsite Reserve 16SW: Tiny Destination Trailer for Couples

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Specs

  • Length: 27’9”
  • Dry Weight: 7,994 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 3,321 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

Are you looking for a destination trailer? The Campsite Reserve 16SW is one of the best small pull-behind campers for couples because of its fantastic layout. Sit outside and watch the sunset on your back porch. Sleep additional guests with a second loft. Enjoy the comforts of home with a washer and dryer and a huge French-door refrigerator.

Couples will also love the main living space in the Campsite Reserve, which features a sofa, separate chair, and flip-up table with bar stools. There’s plenty of room to host friends in this space. Plus, the large rear bathroom provides easy access for you and your guests without walking through the bedroom. In the loft, you’ll find a king-size mattress, wall-to-wall cabinets, and an electric fireplace. Cozy up with a book or cup of coffee. It’s a couple’s dream room in a destination trailer!

Airstream Caravel 20FB: Small Luxury Travel Trailer

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Specs

  • Length: 21’
  • Dry Weight: 4,100 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 900 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

Among the best small camping trailers with luxury features is the Airstream Caravel line. The Caravel 20FB features an L-shaped rear kitchen, a front bedroom, a full bathroom, and a dinette. There’s ample kitchen counterspace, and additional upgrades include a convection microwave and a stainless steel gas stove with cast-iron burners. The dinette provides an additional sleeping space should grandkids or a friend spend the night.

As with all Airstream campers, you can expect the “best of the best” in construction and amenities. If you put a premium on high-quality construction and maximum RV resale value, the Caravel 20FB is easily one of the best small pull behind campers.

Flagstaff Classic 281RK: Luxury Small Fifth Wheel

Flagstaff Classic 281RK Floor Plan
Photo by Forest River

Specs

  • Length: 28’11”
  • Dry Weight: 8,247 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 1,589 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

If entertaining is one of your favorite things to do while camping, check out the Flagstaff Classic 281RK. This luxury small 5th wheel boasts one of the best layouts for hanging out with friends, with its U-shaped kitchen, bar top seating, and sofa. This rear kitchen fifth wheel floor plan provides easy flow for conversation and serving, and you’ll have all the residential appliances for easy RV cooking.

The front queen bed sits in a slide-out, providing more room to walk around to the wardrobe, which extends across the entire front cap. A dresser sits at the foot of the bed. Outside, enjoy the shade of a 20-foot awning while hanging out with friends at the picnic table or around a campfire.

Timberwolf 20OG: Small Destination Trailer for Families

Forest-River-Timberwolf-20OG-2025-best-small-campers-12-2024
Photo by Camping World

Specs

  • Length: 35’8”
  • Dry Weight: 8,294 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 2,981 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7

The Cherokee Timberwolf 200G destination trailer is a great small pull-behind camper for families with a seasonal site or RV pad for full-time living. It offers residential amenities like a dishwasher, a combo washer and dryer, and a full-size fridge. Plus, the loft in this Timberwolf offers space to sleep up to three people with a queen bed and a twin mat.

The downstairs bedroom features a king bed, overhead storage, and a pocket door for added privacy. Outside the main living area is a back porch. Imagine ending the night watching the sunset or waking up to a sunrise over the ocean from your own private deck.

What Is the Smallest Size Camper?

The smallest size camper is typically a teardrop trailer or pop up camper. However, with creative designs, RV manufacturers are making more compact travel trailers than ever, with lengths under 14 feet and dry weights as low as 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. 

Depending on the RV class, the definition of the “smallest size camper” will vary. Fifth wheels and destination trailers are generally the longest, with travel trailers and camper vans being the shortest. Other motorhomes fall in the middle.

But length isn’t the only consideration. RV slide-outs increase the interior space without increasing the overall length. You could potentially purchase a 24-foot travel trailer with opposing slides in the living area that offers more square footage than a 30-foot camper with no slides.

However, these features also add weight. So keep this in mind when considering a small camper. Since vehicles are rated to handle a certain amount of weight, slide-outs could exceed the towing capacity. If you’re towing with a mid-size SUV, you likely won’t be able to find a small camper with a slide-out.

Use this Towing Guide to find your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity: 

Are Small Campers Worth It?

There’s no right answer for whether small RVs are better than large ones. It all depends on what you need. However, there are plenty of benefits to choosing a small RV. Buying a small camper allows for easier maneuvering on the road and into campsites.

And even small RVs can have full bathrooms and luxury amenities. From fifth wheels with front living areas to Class B RVs with comfortable lounges, if you’re looking for a small camper, there are excellent options for every travel style.

How Much Does the Smallest Camper Cost?

The smallest campers can cost less than $12,000. But prices will always vary based on size, offered amenities, brand, and RV type. For example, an Airstream Caravel won’t be priced the same as a Campsite Ultra. A Class B RV will likely cost more than a fifth wheel. Clearly, a used RV will be cheaper than a new one. Learn more about RV types and buying used campers to gain a better understanding of RV pricing.

Even if something looks out of your price range, consider RV financing, which can make it more affordable. Our sales team at Camping World is ready to help you find the best small camper for your adventures.


These are 15 of the best small campers in the RV industry. But if you’re not quite sold on the perks of these options, check out these articles with even more fantastic models!

Do you own a small camper? Let us know what features you love best in the comments below!

Author

  • Stephanie Hatley Headshot

    Originally from NC, our family has traveled America since September 2021 in our fifth wheel, visiting 29 states and over 50 national park units. We love the roadschooling adventure, learning more about ourselves, our country, and other cultures. Our favorite memories are at Zion and Acadia, where the sweeping beauty has captured our hearts!

    View all posts

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