The best small campers are ones that combine ease of set-up with plenty of convenient amenities. There’s no better way to hit the road and seek your next outdoor adventure.
Below, we’ve given you our picks for the best small camping trailers on the market right now. We also included information about small campers in general and tips for choosing the one that’s best for your needs.
What Is a Small Camper?
Small camper RVs include motorhomes and travel trailers that are typically 30 feet or less in length and are towed behind a vehicle. They can include anything from ultra-lite teardrop options and pop-up campers to those that are larger.
A mid-size SUV or crossover can easily pull most small campers, although you should always use our RV tow guide to look up the towing capacity of your vehicle before you buy any travel trailer.
15 Best Small Campers for Sale
So, what is the best small camper? There is no single answer. The best small camper for you will depend on what specs and amenities you need.
Your ideal small camping trailer may not be the lightest or shortest one because you need specific features, such as a bathroom or kitchenette. In other cases, you may want something like a pop-up camper for easy towing.
That said, here are our picks for the best small campers available at RV dealerships nationwide.
2023 Coleman Lantern LT 17R
The Coleman Lantern LT 17R is one of Coleman’s newest small campers for couples or small families. They replaced the bunkhouse design that was popular in the Lantern LT 17B with a small rear bathroom with a wardrobe closet for extra storage.
The convertible dinette provides sleeping space for small kids or a comfortable dining space during mealtime. Additionally, this simple-to-use camping trailer is a great option for new RVers, as it’s not overly complex to learn and use.
Pros
- Rear bathroom with full wardrobe closet
- Convertible dinette for extra sleeping space
- 5,200-BTU electric fireplace
- Fully equipped kitchen with high-rise faucet
Cons
- No oven
- No microwave
- Small shower
See why this family loved the Lantern LT 17R for their Big Sur road trip.
2023 Coleman Rubicon 1200RK
Coleman’s Rubicon 1200RK is one of the most compact camping trailers you’ll find. It’s just big enough to sleep two comfortably, but the electric fireplace keeps the interior surprisingly cozy on cooler nights.
The best feature of this small camper might just be its size. It’s one of the rare trailers that can fit inside most residential garages – with a height of 7 feet. That makes storing your RV and maintaining it in the offseason much easier.
Pros
- Short enough to store inside most residential garages
- Lightweight and easy to tow
- Rugged for off-grid adventures
- Electric fireplace
- Easy roof access to additional gear storage
Cons
- No shower
- No toilet
- Outside cooking only
Learn about these brothers and their epic Pacific Northwest adventure in the 1200RK.
2023 Keystone Passport 221BH
Keystone’s Passport 221BH is on the larger end for a small camper, making it great for families with teens. The double-over-double bunks in the rear provide much more comfortable sleeping than standard twin bunks.
The main sleeping area features a queen-sized Murphy bed that converts to a 60” sofa during the day. And if you don’t bring the kids along, one of the bunks flips up to provide more storage space, which is conveniently accessible via the rear cargo door.
Pros
- Murphy bed for the main sleeping area
- 51” x 74” double bunks
- Exterior kitchen with pull-out griddle and mini fridge
- Rear cargo door for easy loading and unloading
- Single slide-out for more interior living space
Cons
- Higher hitch and dry weights than other models
2023 Coleman Rubicon 1400BH
The Rubicon 1400BH is the big brother to Coleman’s 1200RK compact camping trailer. It’s technically a bunkhouse floorplan, with twin bunks at the front that’ll sleep small children or furry companions.
However, at under 2,000 pounds dry, this trailer can be towed by anything from a mid-size SUV up. And with a height of just 7 feet, it can be stored inside most residential garages to stay protected from the elements between trips.
Pros
- Short enough to store inside most residential garages
- Lightweight and easy to tow
- Rugged for off-grid adventures
- Electric fireplace
- Easy roof access to additional gear storage
Cons
- No shower
- No toilet
- Outside cooking only
2023 Entegra Qwest 24R
The Qwest 24R is one of the most compact class C motorhomes built by Entegra Coach. It offers luxury camping amenities like an on-demand tankless water heater, a built-in water filtration system, heated holding tanks, and reliable heating and cooling systems for extended-season camping.
This floorplan features a 70” sofa and a 42” x 70” dinette in the driver’s side slide-out. That sofa converts to a queen-sized Murphy bed, and the dinette also converts for extra sleeping space. Plus, you get a sizeable rear dry bathroom and extra storage over the cab.
Pros
- Built on the Mercedes-Benz 3500 Chassis
- Day/night roller shades for added privacy and UV protection
- 3,600-watt LP generator
- Space-saving legless dinette table
- 200-watt solar panel with dual controller
Cons
- More expensive than other models
- No ability to disconnect a tow vehicle to explore unless you tow a dinghy
2023 Genesis Supreme Sea Breeze 19FSS
The Sea Breeze 19FSS is one of Genesis’ Limited Series camping trailers with luxury features at an affordable price. This 30 amp RV features a 34” x 34” shower, a living room slide-out with a sofa bed, tinted frameless windows, and a 13,500-BTU air conditioner.
Some of its best options include an Arctic Package, which features heated and enclosed holding tanks, reflected floor insulation, double ceiling insulation, and a heat ducting system for the furnace.
Pros
- Single slide-out with fold-out sofa
- Large corner bathroom
- Single-basin stainless steel sink
- High-rise faucet
- Large refrigerator
Cons
- Visibility of TV from the sofa
- No bunks for extra sleeping space
2023 Heartland Pioneer RL250
The Heartland Pioneer RL250 is another travel trailer with plenty of seating and a similar floorplan to the Heartland Mallard. Its dry weight of 6,134 and length of 30.5’ puts it on the larger side of the small camper category, but the features and amenities— including its storage space and bathroom — make it worth it.
Pros
- Plenty of seating and storage
- Kitchen amenities include a three-burner stove, oven, microwave, and refrigerator
- Spacious bathroom with medicine cabinets
- Sleeps five
- Rear living and a large slide-out
Cons
- Queen bed versus king bed in the Mallard
- Higher price than other models
- Water heater inside the unit
If you want the full tour, check out our Heartland Pioneer RL250 review of the 2023 version!
2023 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 172FB
Perfect for camping enthusiasts seeking a compact home away from home, the Starcraft Autumn Ridge 172FB offers a compact floorplan that still features comfortable amenities such as sleeping space for three, a convertible dinette, and a fully functional bathroom.
Pros:
- Queen bed
- Microwave, stovetop, and cooking space
- Bathroom with shower, sink, and commode
Cons:
- No slide-outs
- No oven
2022 Forest River Ozark 1900THX
The Forest River Ozark 1900THX offers spacious sleeping accommodations, a stovetop, and even an oven. This toy hauler includes outside storage and an exterior and interior shower, making it the perfect choice for adventurers who like to venture off the beaten path.
Pros:
- Offers a kitchenette with plenty of prep space
- 11 cubic foot refrigerator
- Stow N’ Load bunk system with sofa seating
- Toy hauler
Cons:
- High dry weight (4,509 lbs)
- No dinette table
2022 Coleman Light 1855RB
If you’re looking for a cozy trailer with space for sleeping and dining, the Coleman Light 1855RB has what you need. This small camper has a booth dinette and Murphy bed as well as a small refrigerator and working stove and oven to help make cooking convenient.
Pros:
- Large sink
- Bathroom and shower
- Murphy bed for seating
- Plenty of storage
- One slide-out
Cons
- Limited food prep space
- Vents located on the camp side of the trailer
Want a closer look? Check out our 2022 Coleman Light 1855RB video review!
2022 Heartland Mallard M27
If entertaining space is a priority for your small camper, the Heartland Mallard M27 — which weighs just under 5,700 lbs and boasts 30.33’ of length — might just be the travel trailer for you. This camper provides a dinette, a king-size bed, and additional seating for your guests.
Pros:
- Plenty of seating
- Microwave, oven, stove, and sink
- Bathroom
- Dual recliners
- A picture window at the rear
- Two entrances
Cons:
- Slide-out has a lower ceiling
- Tight seating in the dinette
- Plastic toilet
Want a closer look? Check out our 2022 Heartland Mallard M27 video review.
2021 Keystone Springdale 1800BH
The Keystone Springdale 1800BH is another Keystone camper trailer that offers creature comforts like a queen-sized bed, working stove, and refrigerator. It’s a great option for camping with kids, too, as the twin rear bunks and convertible dinette provide comfortable sleeping space for everyone.
Pros:
- Offers a bathroom, microwave, and air conditioning
- Sleeps 5
- Queen-sized bed
Cons:
- No slide-outs
- Small windows
- Small kitchen prep space
2020 Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 19FBS
The Forest River Rockwood GEO Pro 19FBS weighs 3,075 lbs, is 20 feet long, and offers comfy sleeping accommodations for up to three people. With one slide-out to help increase storage space, this unit provides the room you need to entertain a guest or two.
Pros:
- Full bathroom
- Slide-out for maximum space
- Kitchenette with refrigerator, stove, microwave, and oven
- Plenty of cabinet space
Cons
- Small shower
- Additional power options increase the cost
- Limited counterspace
2018 Forest River Wildwood X-Lite
Weighing in at close to 6,000 lbs and just over 33 feet long, the Forest River Wildwood X-Lite offers several great amenities for up to seven sleepers. Thanks to a large slide-out, custom king bed, and multiple bunks for guests, this travel trailer offers many of the comforts of home without sacrificing space.
Pros:
- Plenty of sleeping space
- Excellent kitchen with oversized refrigerator
- Pantry
Cons:
- Larger than other travel trailers
2018 Keystone Hideout 175LHS
The Keystone Hideout 175LHS is a fantastic option and one of the best small travel trailers for families who want a simple space to sleep, eat, and cook during their camping trip. It’s an affordable model that won’t take up too much space when storing it for the winter.
Pros:
- 2-burner stove
- Sleeps 5
- Comes with a bathroom
- Patio awning
Cons:
- No slide-outs
- Limited closet space
- Small fridge
- Limited seating
Popular Types of Small Campers
Below are popular types of small campers. The compact best small camper for you will depend on your budget, needs, and desired amenities.
Pop-Up Campers
Sometimes called “tent trailers” or “folding campers,” a pop-up camper is a compact trailer that’s easy to tow. Pop-up campers are an excellent fit for small families or couples who want to camp but aren’t interested in a tent. Most pop-up campers have a box-like structure, collapsible walls, and roofs that raise or lower with support poles.
Pop-up campers come in different sizes and amenities. They are typically equipped with a bathroom and kitchenette. Larger models may also have a dining area that can be converted into an extra sleeping space. Some will even have air conditioning and heating. What’s best for you will depend on your budget and how comfy you want to be while camping.
Pros:
- Easy to tow
- Affordable
- Compact
- Simple to set up
- Versatile
Cons:
- Limited space
- Weather-dependent
- Poor noise insulation
Teardrop Campers
Teardrop campers have grown in popularity over the years because of their compact size and unique design. They’re an excellent option for people prioritizing mobility and cost-effectiveness over luxuries and spaciousness.
They’re a great fit for solo travelers on a budget or those with smaller vehicles. But for those who plan on extended trips, a larger option might make more sense.
Like any type of small camper, they have their own pros and cons:
Pros:
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to tow and maneuver
- Versatility for camping, tailgating, and more
- Can comfortably fit two people
Cons:
- Limited space
- No bathroom or kitchen
- Lack of storage
- Not ideal for extreme temperatures
Lightweight Trailers
Lightweight trailers straddle the middle ground between a teardrop camper and a full-sized travel trailer or RV. They’re often built with hard walls made of materials like fiberglass or aluminum. Set-up time is usually minimal: it typically requires unhitching the trailer from the towing vehicle and leveling before you open any doors or windows.
Pros:
- Sturdy camping option towable with most vehicles
- Often offer basic amenities like beds, storage, and a kitchenette
- Less expensive than traditional RVs
Cons
- Limited space due to small size
- Lack of insulation
- Often lack bathrooms
Small Camper Bathrooms
If you’re in the market for a camper or camper trailer, you’ll need to decide if a bathroom is an absolute necessity. For those who plan on strictly visiting campgrounds with dedicated shower houses and bathrooms, it can be less of a requirement. But if your travel plans include truly “roughing it,” you may want to consider investing in a camper with a dedicated bathroom.
Wet Bath versus Dry Bath
RVs with wet baths have bathrooms that combine the sink, toilet, and shower in one space. Dry baths offer different areas for the sink, toilet, and shower. A wet bath is an all-in-one space where the entire room can get wet. A dry bath is like what you’d find at home.
Who Are Small Campers Best For?
One of the best things about small campers is that they can be a great fit for several different types of people. They offer flexibility and convenience without sacrificing some of the most essential comforts, like cozy beds.
Buying a small camper or trailer might make sense if you’re one of the following types of people:
- Solo travelers who want a cozy and comfortable living space
- Couples who want basic amenities and a cozy space
- Budget-conscious campers who don’t want or need the expense of a full-sized trailer or RV
- Minimalists who want to travel light and keep things simple
- Weekend warriors who take short camping trips over weekends
- Outdoor adventurers who want to explore more remote areas but still have access to basic amenities
Not sure if a small camper makes more sense for your needs than something bigger? Research plenty of RV types with our comparison tools.
Pros and Cons of Small Campers
Need a quick recap of the pros and cons of small campers? Check out this list:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy towing and maneuverability | Limited living space |
| Affordability | Fewer amenities |
| Fuel efficiency | Less storage space |
| Convenience |
Pros
- Easy towing and maneuverability: Small campers are typically easier to tow and maneuver than larger RVs or trailers, making them a good choice for those who are new to towing.
- Affordability: Small campers are generally more affordable than larger vehicles, which can make them an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. This is especially true with competitive RV financing.
- Fuel efficiency: Because of their smaller size and weight, small campers often require less towing power and thus get better gas mileage than larger vehicles.
- Convenience: Small campers offer a convenient way to travel and explore the outdoors without having to worry about setting up tents or finding accommodations.
Cons
- Limited living space: One of the biggest downsides of small campers is that they offer limited living space, which may not be sufficient for some travelers.
- Fewer amenities: Small campers typically have fewer features and amenities than larger RVs or trailers, which may make them less appealing to those who prefer more luxurious camping experiences.
- Less storage space: Because of their smaller size, small campers often have less storage space than larger vehicles, which can make it challenging to bring along all the gear you need.
Small Camper FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about small campers:
What is the smallest size camper?
One of the smallest campers on the market is the Happier Camper, a retro-meets-modern flexible micro camper that is ultra-light and offers plenty of modular customization.
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. They are relatively affordable and still offer amenities like bathrooms and kitchens.
What’s the smallest camper that has a bathroom?
Several small campers come equipped with a bathroom. For example, the Starcraft Autumn Ridge 172FB is under 20 ft long and has a full bathroom, complete with a toilet, sink, and shower.
How much does the smallest camper cost?
The smallest campers can cost less than $14,000, such as this 2019 Sylvan Sport Go. Prices will always vary based on size, weight, and offered amenities. Even if something looks out of your price range, however, consider RV financing that can make it more affordable.
Find the Perfect Small Camper
Choosing the right small camper for your outdoor experience needs largely depends on the features and amenities you think are important. Whether you want to prioritize sleeping space or need kitchen fixtures to help cook and entertain, Camping World has plenty of new and used small campers to choose from.
If you’re ready to hit the road on your next outdoor adventure, visit one of our locations or find your small camper today.
