The 12 Best Small Campers

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Last Updated on January 7, 2026 by Paul Clayton

The 12 Best Small Campers 

Summer is almost here, and now is the perfect time to start planning your warm-weather adventure. There are plenty of opportunities for family or friends to experience the outdoors.

Key Takeaways

1. 1. Variety of Options: The article offers a comprehensive guide to the best small campers under 5,000 lbs, showcasing a range of styles, from teardrop trailers to pop-up and truck campers.
   2. Targeted Tow Vehicles: These lightweight campers are compatible with a wide range of towing vehicles, from compact cars to large trucks, offering versatility for a broad range of users.
   3. Amenities vs. Simplicity: Some campers, such as the Eriba Touring and Jay Feather Micro, offer full amenities, while others, such as the SylvanSport Go, prioritize simplicity and weight reduction.
   4. Price and Comfort Balance: The campers range from economical and compact models to more luxurious options, catering to different budgets and levels of camping experience.
   5. Unique Features: Campers such as the Happier Camper and Forest River Flagstaff offer adaptability and innovative designs, providing experiences tailored to off-grid adventures and diverse configurations.

A small camper or travel trailer is a perfect investment for a perfect summer weekend. It can make a camping trip more relaxing, comfortable, and memorable.

Whether it be a pop-up camper, small travel trailer, 5th wheel, class B RV, truck camper, or anything in between, there’s a perfect recreational vehicle for any group of people who want to have a great and comfortable time outdoors on any budget.

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When considering a small travel trailer/camper, you should ask several key questions.

• What is your price range?
• How much weight can your vehicle tow?
• How many people does your camper accommodate?
• What kind of amenities do you want?

Narrowing it down to a few options can be challenging, especially given the number of options. It’s important to consider the types of camping trips you plan to take, how often you expect to use your camper, and your level of camping experience.

Here are a few of our favorite options to help narrow things down for prospective campers.

The Top-rated small campers under 5,000 lbs

1) Aliner Classic Travel Trailer 480

2) SylvanSport Go Camper

3) Timberleaf Teardrop Trailer

4) Sportsmobile Sprinter

5) Eriba Touring Trailer

The Best Small Travel Trailers under 5,000 lbs

1) Aliner Classic Travel Trailer 480

With its quirky, memorable design, the Aliner Classic Travel Trailer is widely associated with campers. This small travel trailer has stood the test of time, serving as a staple for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide and in production for over 30 years.

This small travel trailer is equipped with the right mix of features to keep your campout comfortable yet simple, and it offers easy setup, a durable build, and versatility for any camping adventure.

It’s not particularly large; it only sleeps two people (albeit very comfortably), but it is lighter, which is a perk for owners of almost any kind of vehicle.  

Pros: This camper comes with a sink and water tank, refrigerator, gas stove, electrical outlets, and a microwave. It’s on the lighter side – coming in at a little over 1,500 lbs, and can be towed by most kinds of vehicles (although there are plenty of other campers at a similar or smaller weight).

It also features easy setup and takedown. Its comfort and ease of use make it ideal for first-time campers who want to spend more time outdoors.

Cons: This small camper is moderately priced; however, it makes up for the price with its quality. It’s also compact and designed to sleep two. However, this could be the perfect camper for a romantic weekend or an outing with a couple of friends.

You can read more about it here.

2) SylvanSport Go Camper

The SlyvanSport Go looks like a tent disguised as a small camper—don’t be fooled, though. There are many advantages to choosing a SylvanSport Go over a standard tent. It features ample storage space and inflatable mattresses for excellent sleep, and it is deceptively easy to set up and take down.

Having one of these can be the setup for the perfect trip for a small family or group of friends – you can load up all your gear, food, and supplies on the small camper and still have plenty of legroom in your car, and then go on a great camping trip to boot.

Pros: This camper is among the lightest options on the market, weighing only 840 lbs, and it can be towed by most vehicles equipped with a hitch. You can be right next to nature in the easy-to-set-up, tent-like structure without being too uncomfortable or too close to the ground. This is perfect for anyone with some camping experience and the occasional spare weekend to whip off and have fun in nature.

Cons: If you’re looking for the comforts of a stereotypical small camper, this is not your trailer. It doesn’t include amenities such as a gas stove or fridge; however, this isn’t what this type of trailer is meant to include.

You can read more about it here.

3) Timberleaf Teardrop Trailer

The Timberleaf Teardrop trailers are excellent examples of lightweight, no-setup trailers. Available in off-road-ready versions, they are ideal for a couple’s camping trip. It is compact and features storage space that doubles as a workspace for food preparation or fish filleting.  

While it is compact and requires no setup, it doesn’t include any appliances, which may be a drawback for some looking for a small camper. On the flip side, this is an excellent option for someone who wants a simple camping experience without hassle.

Pros: This trailer not only comes pre-set up but is on the lighter end of preset-up trailers. Weighing as low as 1,000 lbs, this can be towed by relatively smaller vehicles. It can also be equipped for off-roading and adventure, making it truly versatile.

Cons: This trailer doesn’t have much space or storage, but it is great for relaxing and is quite comfortable.

You can read more about it here.

4) Eriba Touring Trailer

This trailer, while still compact, is more luxurious. They are heavier than other trailers on this list but lighter than similarly luxurious trailers. It features a full kitchen, a bath with a shower, a king-size bed, and space to move around. It features an air conditioner and a heater, with LED lighting throughout.

This is great for anyone who secretly hates camping but still loves spending time outdoors, because sleeping in it feels like sleeping in a building.

If you’re looking to buy an RV and want to get a great deal on financing, have a look at our review of the best RV financing providers.

Pros: The Eriba Touring trailer offers a full range of amenities. It features both heating and air conditioning and can be used year-round. It has a fully equipped kitchen with a sink, stove, and microwave. It has a generator and a battery to keep things running when you don’t have access to an electricity source.

Cons: This trailer weighs about 2,500 pounds, which isn’t especially heavy for a trailer of this type, even given its compact size, but it’s definitely on the heavier side. This trailer may also be out of budget for anyone on a tight budget or planning to use it only occasionally.

You can read more about it here.

5) Jay Feather Micro

As the name suggests, the Jay Feather Micro is Jayco’s lightest travel trailer and can be pulled by most mid-sized tow cars. It’s an excellent next step for people who wish to transition their sleeping bag from the ground in a tent to a bed in their RV. The JayPort system with a 17-inch griddle for outdoor cooking lets you keep your favorite tent-camping features while cooking outdoors.

Our off-road tires enable you to discover new locations and adventures. The Jay Feather Micro has everything you need to elevate your camping experience.

The Jay Feather Micro is everything you could look for in a travel trailer. While travel trailers can take a minute to set up, they are compact, easy to hitch to a vehicle, and lightweight. They can also feel spacious and comfortable. The Jay Feather Micro is no exception. This trailer has plenty of space to move around and enjoy yourself, your company, and the outdoors.

This trailer has a dinette, sink, stove, fridge, fan, and microwave. Depending on the floor plan you buy, it can sleep 5-7 people. There is plenty of storage. It can even come with a toilet, heated mattresses, a radio, and speakers.  

Pros: This trailer is ideal for someone with moderate camping experience who enjoys occasional outdoor getaways. It is relatively easy to set up and comes equipped with great appliances. The toilet, speakers, stove, fridge, and open layout are all great perks and the recipe for a great weekend. This trailer is also on the more economical side, especially if it was bought just a couple of years ago.

Cons: While this trailer isn’t the heaviest camper in the world, it isn’t the lightest, weighing over 1,700 lbs. 

You can read more about it here.

6) Happier Camper

The Happier Camper is a great, retro-style small camper that’s comfortable and perfect for the gram. It comes solar-powered, with an optional heated shower attachment and Bluetooth sound system. It features a configurable, transformable chassis, making it the perfect on- and off-road option for one, two, or even five people who want to adventure in comfort.

The interior can be reconfigured like building blocks for any space. It can also be towed off-road, making it perfect for an adventure into the desert or on a secluded beach.

Pros: The interior configuration of this trailer could not be more versatile – its unique “Adaptiv” system allows for a limitless number of different configurations, making it perfect for any family or individual. It has solar power and feels relatively spacious inside, considering its lightweight and mobility. It weighs 1,100 lbs and can be pulled by almost any kind of vehicle.  

Cons: While it isn’t the most expensive camper on the market, it is definitely not cheap – you pay a little extra for its versatility, high-tech, and eco-friendly features, and quality. While it sleeps 2-5, you may find it a little cramped when seating 4 or 5.

You can read more about it here.

7) Forest River Flagstaff SEP

The Forest River Flagstaff pop-up camper is well-suited for a medium-sized group looking to have a good time. It includes basic amenities common to many pop-up campers, such as a stove and sink. It also features a toilet and shower, plenty of seating and storage, and sleeping space for 6-7 people. It has an exterior gas grill and exterior storage.

This camper is ideal for campers of all experience levels who want to be outdoors and sleep comfortably.

Pros: This camper is spacious compared to other pop-up campers. All the amenities and appliances are a huge selling point. It’s moderately priced, which may be a drawback for some consumers, but there are plenty of new and used models on the camper market. This camper includes an exterior gas grill and an optional exterior slide-out kitchen with a sink and a gas stove.

It has a queen-size bed and a king-size bed, and the benches and dinette can be folded down to accommodate additional guests.

Cons: This camper is on the heavier side, especially for pop-ups, weighing over 3,000 lbs. This makes it towable by trucks, SUVs, and some vans. This camper also requires some setup and planning, but its large storage capacity makes up for it.

You can read more about it here.

8) Cricket Trailer

This trailer is part tent and part RV, offering a quirky middle ground for someone who enjoys the outdoors and wants more opportunities to spend time outside. It’s an interesting design that folds out and up for plenty of headspace and stretching room. This trailer is easy to set up and attach to your towing vehicle.

The interior was designed by a NASA engineer for practicality and versatility. It offers ample storage and several layout configurations, depending on your camping trip. It’s especially good for hunting and fishing trips, with room for all the necessary equipment and space to stow it when it is not needed.

You might want to review our guide to RV Depreciation before making a purchase decision.

Pros: With its well-designed interior and exterior, this trailer is highly functional. It can sleep up to 4 people and hold up to 16 gallons of water. It is compact and perfect for going off the grid. It has an internal rechargeable battery, and its all-terrain tires let it handle the toughest roads.

Cons: The cricket lacks a stove, grill, or many other features, which may be a drawback for some prospective buyers looking for a small camper or trailer. It is moderately priced and may be out of some consumers’ budgets, and it weighs approximately 1,500 lbs. While this is lighter overall, it’s on the heavy side for compact trailers.

You can read more about it here.

9) Lance 1172

The Lance 1172 Truck Camper is a great over-the-bed truck camper for anyone considering that option and owning a pickup truck. While this classifies as a small camper, it is on the larger end for truck campers. It has plenty of space, A small bathroom with a shower, a great kitchen and sleeping area, a fridge, and plenty of seating.

This is only an option for someone with a large pickup truck, but anyone with one who is considering a camper should choose this model.  This camper is ideal for those with limited camping and outdoor experience and is just as enjoyable for seasoned outdoorsmen.

Pros: This camper features every amenity you could hope for: a full kitchen, fridge, bathroom, sleeping area with a wardrobe, and ample storage throughout. Compared to other truck campers, it easily attaches to your truck and is highly versatile, allowing it to go practically anywhere your truck can. It sleeps 6-7 people, includes optional solar panels, and has good lighting.

Cons: This camper isn’t available to the entire prospective camper market, and it is also on the pricier end of the spectrum. Only consider purchasing the Lance if you plan to use it frequently.

You can read more about it here.

10) Forest River R-Pod Trailer

The R-Pod is a great, fun trailer for 2-4 people on a camping trip. It sets itself apart with an optional add-on tent space that provides up to 4 people with additional sleeping capacity. It is quite small given the number of features included. It has a simple kitchen area with a sink, stovetop, and refrigerator, as well as a simple toilet. The dinette folds into a bed, and there are two interior bunks.

This Trailer is a great no-frill trailer for a simple trip.

Pros: This trailer features a steel frame and a coated fiberglass exterior, making it highly durable. It sleeps four people but can accommodate many more with the add-on tent, making it a perfect smaller trailer for a larger group of friends or family. There is also a solar charging port for your electronic devices, and a variety of floor plans to choose from.

There is also ample storage space and an additional sink and food-preparation area in the back, making it a perfect fit.

Cons: This trailer weighs just under 3,000 pounds. It is also moderately priced

You can read more about it here.

11) Turtleback Getaway Trailer

The Turtleback Getaway Trailer is the most cost-effective trailer in the Turtleback line, known for its quirky setup, exceptional durability, and usability. You can take the Getaway or any Turtleback trailer out in the country without worrying about busting a tire or getting stuck in the mud—they are great for offroading or going on a hunting or fishing trip.

Anyone who wants to spend time outdoors and rough it easily should consider the Getaway. It is a small trailer with a fold-out tent on top, ample storage, and space for a small kitchenette.

Pros: This trailer is ideal for anyone who wants to go off the beaten path, whether for a camping/fishing trip or as a base for a long backpacking trip with a group of friends. It has excellent off-road tires and a robust frame and can be used anywhere, any time of year (careful in the cold; it doesn’t come with heating).

Cons: If you want a camper just to make your camping trip more comfortable and easy, this trailer might not suit you. Its biggest perks are its ability to go anywhere and get through any situation.

You can read more about it here.

12) Jay Flight SLX

The Jay Flight SLX Trailer is ideal for a small family looking to travel comfortably anywhere. It has a homey feel, sleeps 2-4 people, and weighs around 1500 lbs. It is roomier than other trailers in its category. It offers various floor plans, excellent lighting, a kitchenette and dinette, and a comfortable queen-size bed.

Pros: This trailer offers a range of options to meet diverse needs. The space includes heating and air conditioning, Bluetooth marine-grade speakers, ample space, a kitchenette and dinette, and good lighting. This trailer is perfect for small groups of 2-4 people who want to start camping more or need a central hub for their adventures.

This trailer is made of high-quality materials and is incredibly cozy to sleep in without feeling cramped. Consider this a first trailer if you’re starting your outdoor adventures and have the time and budget.

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Cons: This trailer is heavier and can only be towed by a truck or similar vehicle with sufficient horsepower. It weighs between 3,000 and 4,000 lbs, which is on the heavier end for its size. This trailer is also on the pricier end of things, but is great with its space configuration, given its size.

You can read more about it here.

If you liked this article, you might also like to check out our other travel trailer recommendations here or learn more about RVs here.

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