Are you looking for a unique and adventurous way to explore the great outdoors? Consider a pop up camper rental for your next camping trip! Pop up campers are a type of RV, but not the massive vehicles lumbering down the highway. Pop up campers are lightweight and affordable option for those who want to experience the joys of camping without sacrificing comfort.
One of the main benefits of renting a pop up camper is their lightweight design. With an average weight of around 2,150 pounds. Additionally, pop up campers are typically less expensive to rent than larger RVs, making them a great option for those on a budget.
A pop up camper rental offers you a comfortable place to sleep, cook, and relax while still being able to enjoy the great outdoors. They typically feature a small kitchenette, sleeping areas, and even a small dining table, making them a great option for families or small groups.
In the post below, I’ll detail some of the options available to find a pop up camper to rent, how the rental process generally works, reasons to find a pop up camper rental, and what types of pop up campers you might want to consider renting.
Pop Up Camper Rental Options
If you’re looking for a pop up camper to rent, there are several options available to you. We’ve compiled a list of the top three options to help you find the best rental for your needs.
Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy is a popular choice for renting pop-up campers. They offer a wide selection of campers to choose from, and you can easily filter your search by location, price, and amenities.
I’ve rented from Outdoorsy in the past and it was a great experience. The whole process from booking, pickup, and return were seamless.
Outdoorsy also offers insurance and roadside assistance options for added peace of mind.. Every Outdoorsy rental comes with 24/7 roadside assistance and $1 million dollar insurance protection covering you, the pop up camper, and the camper owner.
RVshare
RVshare is another great option to find a pop up camper to rent. They have a large selection of campers, and you can easily search for rentals by location and date.
Similar to Outdoorsy, RVshare includes 24/7 roadside assistance free with every rental. However, insurance is not included for free with an RVshare rental, but is an additional add-on with differing levels of coverage.
RVshare offers a worry-free rental guarantee which helps find you an alternate rental if the pop up camper was significantly misrepresented in the listing or if you’re not able to reach the camper owner when your rental begins. Similarly, if the owner cancels your booking at the last minute, RVshare will help find you an alternative camper to rent.
RVShare is also unique in that it has options for one-way rentals, so you can do a cross-country trip without having drive all the way back home!
Local Companies
Don’t forget to check out local companies when searching for a pop up camper to rent. Local companies often have unique and affordable rental options. Be sure to read reviews and check the rental agreement carefully before renting from a local company.
There likely aren’t many companies in many communities that offer pop up campers to rent, but they are out there. Businesses that rent RVs are typically more common.
What is the Pop Up Camper Rental Process Like?
Renting a pop up camper is a straightforward process. And when you use an on-line booking platform like Outdoorsy or RVshare, it’s much like booking and AirBnB or VRBO rental. The pop up camper rental process typically involves the following steps:
- Research rental options: Start by researching what pop up campers are available to rent near you for the dates you’re interested in. Pay attention to special rules, mileage allowed, or other restrictions (e.g., no off-road travel) to make sure the pop up camper will fit the type of trip you’re planning
- Compare prices and features: Once you’ve found a few pop up campers you might want to rent, compare prices and features to find the best fit for your needs. Consider factors such as the size of the camper, the amenities included, and the rental price.
- Booking your rental: Once you’ve found a pop up camper to rent that meets your needs, book your rental online or over the phone. Most rental companies require a deposit at the time of booking, which can be refundable if you cancel within a certain timeframe. But this varies a lot between campers. So make sure to pay close attention to the owner’s cancellation policy because you don’t want to lose your money! Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your trip details.
- Picking up your rental: A few days before your rental begins, you’ll usually hear from the owner with details about when and where to pick up your camper as well as their specific rules and expectations. If you haven’t heard from the owner within a couple of days of your rental, be sure to reach out to them through whatever app you booked the pop up camper rental on.
On the day of your rental, you’ll typically need to pick up your pop up camper from the rental location. Make sure to bring your driver’s license and any other required documentation. You’ll typically receive a brief orientation on how to set up and use the camper and any quirks about it. - Returning your rental: At the end of your rental period, you’ll need to return the popup camper to where the owner indicated when you picked up trailer. Make sure to clean up the camper and remove any personal belongings before returning it. You’ll likely need to empty any wastewater tanks and refill any fuel used for generators or propane tanks.
The rental company will typically inspect the camper to ensure that it’s in good condition before returning your deposit. - After your rental is complete, if you used a rental company like Outdoorsy or RVshare, you’ll be able to provide a review of the camper you rented and how the owners were. These are really important for helping other renters know if a pop up camper is worth their time renting or if they should find a different camper to rent.
Why Rent a Pop Up Camper
If you’re looking for a lightweight and convenient way to enjoy the RV lifestyle, a pop up camper rental is a great option. Here are some reasons why:
Convenient
Pop up campers are a convenient option for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of setting up and taking down a traditional tent. With a pop up camper, you can easily pull up to your campsite and have your living quarters set up in a matter of minutes.
A pop up camper also provides you with a warm, dry place to sleep no matter the conditions outside. And most include a small kitchen and eating area which make camping just a little more comfortable.
Lightweight
Pop up campers are typically smaller and lighter weight than traditional travel trailers, making them easier to tow with most vehicles. This means you can save money on gas and have an easier time navigating narrow roads and tight spaces.
Easy to Tow with Most Vehicles
Because pop up campers are so lightweight, they can be towed by most vehicles, including smaller cars and SUVs. This means you don’t need to invest in a large truck or SUV to tow your camper, saving you money in the long run.
Can Fit in Most Campgrounds
Pop up campers are also great for those who want to camp in smaller campgrounds or national parks. Because they are smaller and more compact than traditional travel trailers, they can fit in most campsites, giving you more options for where you can camp.
Test Drive Before Buying
Finding a pop up camper to rent is also a great way to test the waters before committing to buying your own RV. You can get a better feel for the features a pop up camper offers and a sense of how different models perform being towed by your vehicle.
That is what my family did before we finally bought our ALiner. After renting an RPod on Outdoorsy, I realized I didn’t like the profile of that camper and how it towed. I wanted something with a lower tow profile. I don’t think I would have figured that out without first renting a camper.
Types of Pop Up Campers
Pop up campers come in various forms, and they’re not all the soft-sided versions that probably come to mind when you hear the term.
Hard-Sided
Hard-sided popup campers, also known as A-frame pop-up campers, are a great option for those who want a compact size but still need some of the amenities of a larger motorhome. These campers have a hard top that folds down for easy storage and transportation, and they typically have canvas sides that can be raised to provide additional living space. They are often more durable than soft-sided pop-up campers, making them a good choice for those who plan to do a lot of off-road camping.
Soft-Sided
Soft-sided pop up campers, also known as tent trailers, are a popular choice for those who want a more affordable and lightweight option. They typically have canvas sides that can be raised to provide additional living space, and they often come with basic amenities like a stove, sink, and refrigerator. They are easy to tow and store, making them a good choice for those who don’t want to invest in a larger RV.
Tent-Based
Tent-based pop-up campers are similar to soft-sided pop-up campers, but they are even more lightweight and affordable. They typically have a basic tent structure that can be set up quickly and easily, and they often come with a few basic amenities like a stove and sink. They are a good choice for those who want a simple and affordable camping experience.
Off-road Models
Off-road popup campers are designed for those who want to take their camping experience off the beaten path. These campers are typically more durable and rugged than other types of pop up campers, and they often come with features like high clearance, heavy-duty tires, and reinforced frames. They are a good choice for those who plan to do a lot of off-road camping or who want to explore more remote areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find pop-up camper rentals near me?
There are several websites where you can find pop-up camper rentals, such as Outdoorsy, RVshare, and RVEzy. You can also check with local RV rental companies or search on social media platforms for individuals renting out their personal pop up campers.
What amenities are typically included in a pop-up camper rental?
Pop up camper rentals typically come equipped with basic amenities such as a stove, sink, and small refrigerator. Some may also include a heater, air conditioner, and portable toilet. It’s important to check with the rental company or individual owner to confirm what amenities are included in the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a pop-up camper?
The cost of renting a pop up camper varies depending on the model, rental company, location, and time of year. According to a case study, the rental rate ranges from $50 to $150 per night. However, you can expect to pay around $60 to $140 per day for these modest and lightweight campers.
Are there popup campers with bathrooms?
Yes, some pop-up campers come equipped with a bathroom, including a toilet and shower. However, these models may be less common and more expensive to rent. You can always buy your own portable toilet to use with your pop up camper rental.
Is it worth renting a pop up camper instead of an RV?
Renting a pop up camper can be a great option for those who want to experience camping without the expense and maintenance of owning an RV. Pop up campers are lightweight and easy to tow, making them a convenient choice for weekend getaways. However, if you’re planning a longer trip or need more space and amenities, an RV rental may be a better option.
What should I know before renting a pop-up camper?
Before renting a pop up camper, it’s important to consider the towing capacity of your vehicle and ensure it’s equipped with the necessary hitch and wiring. You should also check with the rental company or owner on any specific rules or requirements for the rental, such as cleaning fees or mileage limits. It’s also a good idea to inspect the camper before renting to ensure it is in good condition.
Summary
Finding a pop up camper to rent is usually pretty easy these days with platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare. Renting a pop up camper is a great way to experience the outdoors but without all of the costs and efforts associated with owning your own.
Pop up campers are convenient and allow even families with small children (like mine) or babies to feel comfortable camping. They offer a warm and dry place to sleep at night or to get out of the elements if the weather turns bad.
You really can’t go wrong. Looking for National Parks to explore with your pop up camper rental? Check out our listings of National Parks with Campgrounds that support campers.
