Getting into RVing is definitely a very exciting experience, partly due to being away from technology and enjoying fresh, unpolluted air when camping and partly due to RVs of 2018 actually offering some pretty exciting features and being really affordable for first timers to get a gist of this life before getting a more expensive rig or upgrading their current one. Keeping that in mind, here’s a list of the top 5 best pop-up campers for first time RVers.
What puts an RV on the list: In our list of the possible candidates, the pop-up campers that made this list were the ones that provided a good sleeping capacity, were the most recent ones for state-of-the-art features and have a decent amount of options for upgradability. After all, you don’t purhcase an RV everyday!
The Top 5 Best Pop-up Campers For First Time RVers:
- Coachmen Clipper Pop-up Campers
- Forest River Flagstaff High Wall Pop-up Camper
- Sylvansport Go Pop-up Campers
- Jayco Jay Series Sport Pop-up Campers
- Forest River Rockwood Premier Pop-up Camper
#1. Coachmen Clipper Pop-up Campers
The Diverse And Novice-Friendly Camper!
View All Coachmen Clipper Pop-up Camper Floorplans!
| No. of Floorplans | Unloaded Weight | Sleeps | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 1503-3065 lbs | 2-7 | 12-21 feet |
Why we recommend the Coachmen Clipper Pop-up Camper: Coachmen’s clipper is one of the few pop-up campers out there with a huge number of floorplans as well as an extremely positive rating, which is quite a feat in itself. They’re obviously lightweight as well, tipping the scales at 1503 lbs in the Clipper 106 Sport floorplan to 3065 lbs in the Clipper V-3 V-Trec floorplan. It can also hold 7 people at once in a few floorplans, which is great if you’re traveling with many people and need a place to kip at night but spend most of your other time outdoors.
As far as features go, the clipper features a sturdy tubular steel frame coupled with laminated aluminum skin walls on the outside. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the walnut cabinetry, LED lighting, residential countertops amongst other bells and whistles you don’t normally notice in a pop-up camper. In essence, it’s one of those pop-up campers that’s great for first time RVers as well as for the ones who wish for a little more luxury in their RV.
Key Features:
- 15 different floor plans available
- Tubular steel frame
- LED exterior lights
- Walnut cabinetry
- 12-Volt LED interior lights
- Residential laminated countertops
Video Overview:
#2. Forest River Flagstaff High Wall Pop-up Camper
Mobile Luxury Available in 3 Flavors!
View All Forest River Flagstaff High Wall Pop-up Camper Floorplans!
| No. of Floorplans | Unloaded Weight | Sleeps | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3249-3721 lbs | 6-7 | 19-21 feet |
Why we recommend Forest River Flagstaff High Wall pop-up camper: Forest River’s flagstaff series is a series you’ve probably heard of as they feature brands in various RV categories. It also has over 5 different brands in the pop-up categories of which we found the Flagstaff High Wall to be the best not only because of its sleeping capacity, but also due to the fact that it its quite roomy as well, spanning 19 feet even in the shortest of its 3 floorplans; the Flagstaff High Wall 276, the Flagstaff High Wall and the Flagstaff High Wall 277.
Apart from the bare essentials, the Flagstaff High Wall has a few extra features thrown into the mix. Examples include the three-speed ventilation fan, USB charging ports, microwave, 3-burner cooktop among others. If you want more out of this rig, they also have a few options available. Check out their website for more details on this awesome pop-up camper for fist time RVers.
Key Features:
- 3 different floor plans available!
- Electric water pump
- Residential style raised panel doors
- Wood drawers with full extension metal guides
- USB charging ports
- Three speed ventilation fan
Video Overview:
#3. Sylvansport Go Pop-up Campers
Lightweight Camping Made Affordable and Easy!
View All Sylvansport Go Pop-up Camper Floorplans!
| No. of Floorplans | Unloaded Weight | Sleeps | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 840 lbs | 4 | 11 feet |
Why we recommend the Sylvansport Go pop-up camper: The Sylvansport Go gained quite a lot of popularity among those who are on the lookout for a pop-up camper that is affordable and is quite portable. Weighing at a super light 840 pounds, it features 2 floorplans: the Go Standard Model and the Go Go floorplan. Both of them are identical in nearly every aspect, with the Standard model offering a little more transport capabilities.
The Go also offers many features in a compact space such as stargazing windows, insulating bed platforms to keep you warm if camping during winter, awnings in the entrance and the rear among many others. It even has a few options available such as an extension kit, self-inflating camp mattress, camp and travel organizer, and the list goes on. Needless to say that the Go is definitely one of, if not the best pop-up campers for first time RVers.1
Key Features:
- 2 different floor plans available
- Waterproof gear storage in top camping pod
- Self lubricating hubs
- Cast aluminum wheels
- Multiple configurations for carrying gear
- Excellent ventilation
Video Overview:
#4. Jayco Jay Series Sport Pop-up Camper
An Example of What Makes a Perfect Pop-up Camper!
View All Jayco Jay Series Sport Pop-up Camper Floorplans!
| No. of Floorplans | Unloaded Weight | Sleeps | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1720-2385 lbs | 4-7 | 11-18 feet |
Why we recommend the Jayco Jay Series Sport pop-up camper: Similar to the Flagstaff, the Jay Series has its roots in the pop-up camper line as well, and the Sport brand over here is nothing short of impressive, akin to its travel trailer cousin that goes by the same name. It has 4 floorplans that offer a maximum sleeping capacity of 7 and is 18 feet long (Jay Series Sport 12SC). If you’re looking for a cozier and an even lighter option, then the Jay Series Sport 8SD is the one for you.
The Jay Series Sport offers a lot in the features department as well. It primarily focuses on tailgators (which is common for people who buy pop-up campers anyway), which is clear when you notice the canopy awning wide enough to hold a table and some chairs completed with a dedicated space for an outside stove. However, head on inside and it’s just as comfortable with stereo speaker, A/C, bunk lights, 2 cubic feet refrigerators among others. As with our other choices of the best campers for first time RVers, the Sport also features many expansions, which we recommend taking a look at by clicking on the link above!
Key Features:
- 4 different floor plans available
- Integrated A-frame by norco
- Removable bed braces with storage bag
- Acrylic sink and faucet
- Reversible dinette cushions
- Area prepped and wired for stereo
Virtual Tour:
#5. Forest River Rockwood Premier Pop-up Camper
Short and Sweet!
View All Forest River Rockwood Premier Pop-up Camper Floorplans!
| No. of Floorplans | Unloaded Weight | Sleeps | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2698-2831 lbs | 7-8 | 19 feet |
Why we recommend Forest River Rockwood Premier pop-up camper: Another one of Forest River’s crazy successful lineup is the Rockwood which offer versatility, durability and are priced reasonably. The Rockwood Premier pop-up camper is a perfect example of this. It has 4 floorplans which are under 3,000 pounds dry weight and under 5,000 pounds GVWR. It also has a sleeping capacity between 7-8 people meaning this is definitely the one for you if your camping trips always involve a group of people. We recommend checking out the Rockwood Premier 2317G and the Rockwood Premier 2514G floorplans.
The Rockwood Premier has a lot to offer which is clear when you head on inside and notice the tinted vinyl windows, maple interior, USB charging ports and other doodads. It goes without saying that such a great pop-up camper also features lots of upgrade options such as 15,000 BTU air conditioner, bike rack, 40W solar panel and a screen room with privacy panels for instance. All in all, the rockwood premier is another solid choice if you’re looking for great pop-up campers.
Key Features:
- 4 different floor plans available
- 12V safety breaker
- LP leak and carbon monoxide detector
- Solar panel prep
- Five piece sectionalized vinolon supreme tenting
- Tinted vinyl windows
Virtual Tour:
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Pop-up campers pose a lot of advantages, especially for someone heading into RVing for the very first time. Hopefully this list will provide a good starting point for you and let you know exactly what RVs have to offer without spending a ton of money right at the beginning.
BEFORE you head to a dealer to see these trailers, download your FREE RV Buyers Worksheet for help keeping track of:
- The feature must-haves that are important to you and your family
- Which brands or manufacturers you like
- Budgeting tools including a payment calculator resource
- Multiple well spaced pages with room for lots of your notes
- BONUS Resources: Trade-in values, tow vehicle ratings, and finance options
Share with us your favorite pop-up campers for first time RVers in the comments below!