Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. This experience can be enhanced by using a pop-up camper instead of tents. These campers can be rented for one-time trips, but can also be purchased relatively inexpensively. They are a fun way to travel and camp at your favorite outdoor area.

Popup campers are fairly inexpensive. New trailers can be purchased from $5,000 to $10,000. If you camp often, this may be a great investment. Check the Internet for local dealers in your area and shop for the camper with the features you desire. Used campers are also available. Most dealers who carry new popup campers (also frequently called tent campers) will also have used models available. Check to be sure they are in good condition. This may be the perfect budget solution for regular camping enthusiasts. Rentals range from $300 to $500 for a week or $60 to $80 per day.

Pop-up or tent campers are easily towed by many vehicles. Even smaller cars can handle towing a popup camper but be sure to check weight and hauling requirements before attempting it. You don’t want to wreck the transmission in your vehicle by trying to pull a camper that is too heavy for it. SUV’s and trucks are ideal for hauling a camper. All that is needed is a proper hitch to fit the type of camper and a hookup for the taillights on the camper. The dealer will be able to help determine the type of hitch needed. Another nice feature of a popup camper is that it has a low profile while being towed. This means it won’t obstruct your view while you are towing it.

Popup campers provide comfortable accommodations that are much more secure then a tent. While tents provide minimal shelter, a camper has comfortable beds, protects you from the elements and provides warmth. Most models will unfold into two sleeping areas. This is ideal for families with children. The kids can sleep undisturbed in their area while mom and dad have some privacy.

Smaller campers will have refrigeration units, storage areas, dining areas and cooking devices. This is perfect for more convenient cooking and dining. Some also have outdoor shower facilities and grills for barbecues. The larger, more expensive models may have indoor bath areas and more room, including living area space. These campers are comfortable and convenient. They also provide a much more secure area to stow gear and supplies while you are out exploring the area.

Setting up a pop up camper isn’t hard. You will need to maneuver the camper into the site then unhitch it from your vehicle. Then, crank the camper up (some models have motorized cranks which saves a workout for your arms); pullout and secure the sleeping areas on either end; and pull out and secure the slide-out areas, if your popup camper is equipped with them.

Make sure to crank down the stabilizers or your camper may tip on one end while someone is in it. I speak from experience on this topic. During a camping trip last year, I walked in our popup camper and over to one end to retrieve something from our storage area. Suddenly the camper tipped on its side. It was scary, but everything was okay. The extended bed on that end of the camper prevented the camper from tipping more than a few feet, but I now make it part of my job to make sure the stabilizers are cranked down during every camping trip we take!

The entire process of setting up the camper, including setting up the inside and making the beds takes about 1 hour. Yes, it takes longer to set up than an RV, but a tent camper also costs significantly less.

Whether you are a camping enthusiast or venturing out for the first time, using a pop-up camper is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. You can hike, canoe or go on nature walks and return to the comfort of your camper. Your gear will be safe and you will have a cozy place to eat and sleep without the hassle of building fires and setting up tents. This is an ideal way to enhance your camping experience.