Best Rated Pop Up Campers for First-Timers

Pop up campers are the perfect option if you’re ready to transition from tent camping to RV life. Compared to other RVs, they are easier to tow, set up, maintain, and store, to name a few. There are many advantages of pop up campers, but they also require a lower investment for those exploring RV camping for the first time. Let’s explore the top-rated pop up campers you should consider. 

Picks for the Best Rated Pop Up Campers

Below are some of the best rated pop up campers for beginners. Explore options that offer superior usability at an affordable price point.

Rockwood Freedom

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Loaded with everything you need to hit the road for the first time, the Forest River Rockwood Freedom tent campers provide RV beginners with an ideal choice for their first camper. Their convenient design offers sleeping zones located at opposite ends from each other and the main living space in between.

All Rockwood Freedom pop up campers have a power roof lift and four corner stabilizer jacks for easy setup. The outdoor grill makes camp cooking easy without being restricted by the interior dimensions. These top-rated tent campers also boast many standard RV conveniences like a 30-amp power connection, a propane furnace, and 12V appliances like a mini fridge, roof vent fan, and water pump. 

There are six 2025 Rockwood Freedom floor plans ranging from 12 to 20 feet in closed length and 1,700 to 3,100 pounds dry weight. Explore three of our favorite Rockwood tent camper floor plans: 

• 1940FT – This floor plan opens to more than 20 feet long with two large beds, a central Gaucho-style sofa/bed, and a convertible dinette.
• 1640FT – The most compact Rockwood Freedom floor plan keeps it simple, with an L-shaped dinette stationed between the two folding tent beds.
• 2318FT – When extended, this floor plan spans nearly 24 feet and includes a Gaucho bed/sofa, a private lavatory, and an oversized dinette in a slide-out.

Flagstaff MAC/LTD

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The Flagstaff MAC/LTD Series tent campers from Forest River offer opposing tent beds, a power roof lift, and wood plank interior flooring. Some of their best rated pop up campers include a permanently mounted indoor cooktop, while others feature an outdoor griddle. A 30-amp power connection makes plugging into shore power easy, but it also comes prepped for a solar panel installation to expand your off-grid camping ability. 

Nitrogen-filled radial tires, electric brakes, and leaf spring axles all help to ensure smooth, safe towing on your adventures. Plus, four corner stabilizer jacks keep your tent camper secure once you level your RV at your destination. Sand pads on the bottom of the jacks improve their usefulness in less-developed campsites. 

The 2025 MAC Series includes six pop up camper floor plans ranging from 12 to 20 feet in closed length and 1,700 to 3,100 pounds dry weight. Check out these top Flagstaff MAC camper floor plans: 

• 164MT – The most compact Flagstaff MAC pop up RV features an L-shaped dinette/sofa with an under-bunk air conditioner between the two tent beds.
• 194MT – Ideal for tent campers looking for more storage, the added compartment under the front bed highlights this floor plan, which also features a Gaucho-style bed/sofa and a convertible dinette.

Rockwood/Flagstaff OTG

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The Rockwood and Flagstaff lineups offer OTG models for the 2025 model year—OTG stands for “Off The Ground”. As their name implies, these folding tent campers are true to their purpose. They get you off the ground and comfortable without the hassle of extended setup or overly involved maintenance.

These simple models might be the best rated pop up campers for those seeking the advantages of off-the-ground sleeping without any unnecessary bells and whistles that could increase the RV’s cost. All models will include an alloy fiberglass exterior, a roof vent for improved air circulation, two rear stabilizer jacks, and a 25-amp power converter. 

Each lineup boasts two OTG floor plans:

• Rockwood 19OTG & Flagstaff 171OTG – Suitable for first-time RV families, these folding camper floor plans boast two opposing beds, each 78” long (one 54” wide and the other 48”). They also boast countertops for meal prep and a convertible 50” x 80” dinette.
• Rockwood 16OTG & Flagstaff 141OTG – Made for couples or solo travelers, these micro folding campers feature a 60” x 80” bed and a convertible 33” x 80” dinette.

Rockwood Hard Side

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Rockwood’s Hard-Side A-frame campers offer some crucial improvements over traditional folding tent campers. Their fiberglass laminated roofs and A-framed design create a more durable, rugged camper. Hard side pop ups are ideal for first-timers in regions where rain can happen even in the driest camping months of the year.

Most models include a multi-burner cooktop for indoor meal prep, and some even feature a dedicated storage spot for a portable RV toilet. Its design also allows larger storage compartments in the EZ-Reach front trunk, under the beds, or beneath the dinette cushions. 

Other conveniences across the three 2025 Rockwood Hard Side floor plans include an 11K BTU under-bunk air conditioner, a 12V refrigerator, and a 100-watt roof-mounted solar panel. See if one of these best rated Rockwood pop up tent campers is right for you:

• A101RB – Weighing less than 2,000 pounds dry, their most compact layout features a 54” x 80” flip-up primary bed, a countertop with a built-in sink, and a 33” x 80” convertible dinette.
• A122S – The expanded Hard Side camper includes a 54” x 80” bed, an enlarged 45” x 80” convertible dinette, and a three-burner gas range next to the built-in sink on the countertop.
• A213HW – The lone 2025 Hard Side High Wall Series model features a unique twin bed layout. These beds convert to a full-width king bed as needed. You also get a countertop with a built-in sink, a two-burner gas range, a 30” x 81” convertible dinette, and a dedicated storage spot for a Porta-Potti.

ALiner

Aliner is a top manufacturer of A-frame pop up campers, teardrop trailers, and even all-electric RVs. Their pop up camper lineup ranges from the compact Scout Lite built on a 10’ box with a 7’ interior to the more spacious Evolution 15 built on a 15’ box with an 8’3” interior. 

All models range in features, but they share common advantages. They’re easy to tow and accessible for campers with smaller tow vehicles like SUVs. They also offer an upgrade from tent camping while maintaining the minimalist approach that many still value when they venture into nature. 

Here are three of the best rated 2025 Aliner pop up campers: 

• Scout-Lite – This floor plan features a main front bed opposing a convertible dinette. Between, you’ll find lower cabinet storage and a sink mounted into the main countertop. Ideal for couples or solo campers, it boasts four stabilizer jacks and lift assist for easier setup in high winds.
• Scout – The Scout’s floor plan features a large sofa/day bed opposite the convertible dinette. The dinette sits under the expanded roof section for added headroom. A mini fridge and a countertop with a built-in sink highlight the center of the space.
• Evolution 15 – This pop up camper can handle extended trips. It has a 16K BTU furnace, a hidden 32” x 32” shower, and a swivel-mounted cassette toilet. It also boasts up to 35 gallons of fresh water storage.

How Much Does a Pop Up Camper Cost?

Pop-up campers are among the most affordable RVs, with entry-level models costing under $7,000. Larger floor plans with added features can range north of $15,000. You’ll rarely find even the best rated pop up campers over $20,000.

What Are the Negatives of a Pop Up Camper?

Folding tent campers are perfect for first-time campers. They offer easy towing, a simple setup, and an improved experience over tent camping. However, many owners find themselves wanting more over time. Here are some reasons why:

• Limited interior living space. In today’s market, you can find larger travel trailers with more floor space at similar prices.
• Tent bed setup and breakdown. Some eventually tire of setting up the folding tent beds every time. This isn’t necessary in small travel trailers where the bed remains made so you can stretch out the moment you get into camp.
• Tent fabric maintenance/durability. The tent fabric on non-hard side models must be well-maintained. It is one of the most common sources of water intrusion. Ripped fabric can allow moisture inside, eventually leading to larger repairs.

Can My Car Pull a Pop Up Camper?

Because many pop up campers have dry weights at or below 3,000 pounds, they can be towed by many different vehicles. They are especially great for SUV owners looking to graduate from tent camping. Many models, like the Jeep Wrangler, Chevy Blazer, or Subaru Outback, can feasibly tow these folding tent campers.

Learn more about the best SUVs for towing a camper.

Looking for more pop up campers? Check out these additional resources: 

• How To Set Up a Pop Up Camper
• Best Pop Up Campers
• How To Critter Proof a Pop Up Camper

Are there other top pop up campers that should be included? Leave a comment below!