Renting a Pop-Up Camper Camping With a Roof, Without the Price Tag

What Is a Pop-Up Camper?

A pop-up camper is a towable trailer that collapses down to about 4 feet tall for travel and cranks up to full height (6-7 feet) at the campsite. The roof lifts on a mechanical or hydraulic system. Canvas or vinyl sides fold out to create bed platforms that extend beyond the trailer body, giving you 2-3 separate sleeping areas.

When opened, a pop-up has more sleeping space than you'd expect — most models sleep 4-6 comfortably, and larger ones accommodate 8. The center section has a hard floor and walls with a dinette, a small cooktop (usually 2-burner propane) and a sink. Some nicer models include a small fridge, a heater and even an enclosed toilet area.

When collapsed, a pop-up is low-profile and aerodynamic. The tow vehicle barely notices it. Wind resistance is minimal compared to a travel trailer. And because they weigh 1,500-3,500 lbs loaded, most SUVs handle them fine. That towing ease is the pop-up's killer feature — you don't need a truck.

The trade-off: canvas walls mean you hear everything outside. Rain on the canvas is cozy. A raccoon knocking over your cooler at 3am is less so. Insulation is minimal — pop-ups work best in spring, summer and early fall. Cold-weather camping in a pop-up is miserable unless you add serious supplemental heating.

Pop-Up vs Other Towable Types

• → Pop-up vs travel trailer: Travel trailers have hard walls, better insulation and more amenities (full bathroom, full kitchen). But they weigh 2-3x more, need a bigger tow vehicle and cost $75-$200/night to rent. Pop-ups are the budget choice. Travel trailer guide.
• → Pop-up vs teardrop: Teardrops are hard-sided and weather-tight but only sleep 2. Pop-ups sleep 4-8. If you're a couple, a teardrop is tidier. If you have kids, a pop-up wins on sleeping capacity per dollar. Teardrop guide.
• → Pop-up vs tent: A pop-up gets you off the ground onto a real mattress, adds a kitchen area and protects from bugs. Setup is faster than a large family tent. The downside is you need a tow vehicle and a campsite that fits a trailer.

Pros and Cons

Where to Rent a Pop-Up

Pop-ups are almost exclusively available on peer-to-peer platforms. Fleet companies don't stock them. Private owners list them on Outdoorsy and RVshare — many offer delivery to your campground so you don't even need a tow vehicle.

Delivery is popular for pop-up rentals. Owners drive the camper to your campsite, set it up and pick it up when you're done. Delivery fees run $50-$150 depending on distance.

Setup and Teardown Tips

• → Practice before the trip. Have the owner walk you through setup and teardown at pickup. Do it yourself at least once in the parking lot before you leave. The first time at a dark campsite is the wrong time to learn.
• → Level the trailer first. Before cranking up the roof, use leveling blocks under the tires and drop the stabilizer jacks. A level trailer means water drains properly and doors close correctly.
• → Check the canvas for mold. At pickup, open the camper and inspect the canvas walls and bed platforms. Musty smell or visible mold means the camper was stored wet. This is a problem — ask the owner to address it before you accept.
• → Never tow with the roof up. Sounds obvious but people do it. The canvas and frame will be destroyed at highway speed. Always crank down fully, latch everything and check that bed platforms are retracted before driving.
• → Dry the canvas before packing up. If you tear down in the rain or with morning dew, mold will grow inside within days. If you can't dry it at camp, unpack and dry the canvas within 24 hours of returning. Most owners have this in their rental agreements.

Pop-Up Camper FAQ