Why We Chose a Pop-Up Camper (and Why You Might Too)

If you’re looking for a more comfortable camping setup but don’t want the size, cost, or complexity of a full RV, a pop-up camper might be the sweet spot—especially if you’re camping with kids.

After years of tent camping and renting RVs and campervans, we decided it was time to invest in something that gave us the flexibility to camp more often without the stress of packing and setup. We chose the 2023 Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1940 LTD—a lightweight, affordable, family-friendly pop-up camper that totally changed the way we camp.

Here’s everything we love about it, why we chose this specific model, and what we think every family should know when considering a pop-up camper.

What Is a Pop-Up Camper?

A pop-up camper, also called a folding camper or tent trailer, is a towable trailer that expands at camp into a tent-like structure with solid floors and soft canvas sides. It gives you that outdoor camping feel but with huge upgrades—like beds, a roof over your head, and amenities like a mini-fridge, sink, and cookstove.

Our Rockwood 1940 LTD has:

Two large beds
A dinette that converts into a third sleeping space
A sink and mini-fridge
A propane cookstove (indoor or outdoor setup)
Heated mattresses and a small heater
Plenty of storage for gear and supplies
Electrical outlets (great for work, school, or charging devices)

It’s like camping—but way more comfortable.

Why We Chose a Pop-Up Camper

✅ Affordability

At the time we purchased in 2022, our pop-up camper cost around $14,000, making it one of the most budget-friendly ways to upgrade from tent camping. Compared to travel trailers, RVs, or campervans, it was by far the most economical option that still offered real comfort and function for a family of five.

✅ Easy to Tow

This is one of the lightest pop-up campers out there. We were able to tow it with our minivan when we bought it—no need for a truck or heavy-duty vehicle. While we’ve since changed vehicles, it’s still nice knowing this camper can be pulled by a wide range of family cars with a proper hitch.

✅ Perfect Size for Families

It’s compact enough to store in a driveway or garage, but spacious enough to fit our family of five (plus a dog!). The sleeping spaces are roomy, and the heated mattresses have made cold-weather camping actually enjoyable.

A Closer Look at Our Pop-Up Camper: 2023 Rockwood Freedom 1940 LTD

If you're totally new to pop-up campers, here’s a breakdown of what our setup actually includes. Pop-ups vary a lot by model, but this is what you’ll get with the Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1940 LTD—a lightweight, compact camper with just the right amount of comfort for family camping.

🛏️ Sleeps up to 5

A full-size bed on one side
A queen-size bed on the other
A dinette that converts into a small bed (perfect for kids)

It’s a cozy setup that works well for our family of five—with room for the dog, too!

🍽️ Kitchen Essentials

A mini fridge (no more soggy coolers)
A small sink with running water
A 2-burner cooktop that can be used indoors or mounted outside
Counter space for food prep

Everything you need to cook and clean without hauling totes of gear from home.

🌞 Bonus Features We Added

Solar-powered lift system – We added a solar panel and motorized lift, so we no longer have to crank the roof up by hand. Total game changer!
Heated mattresses – Built-in warmth for chilly nights.
Onboard battery and water tank – Lets us camp off-grid without hookups.

⚡ Electric & Power

Plugs into power at campsites, or can run off battery + solar
Multiple electrical outlets inside for charging phones, laptops, or powering lights and fans
LED interior lighting

🚐 Tow & Size

Dry weight: around 1,600 lbs (super lightweight)
Towing vehicle: We originally towed it with our minivan
Closed length: about 13.9 feet
Open length: around 20.1 feet

It’s one of the lightest pop-up campers on the market, which made it ideal for us as first-time camper owners.

Pop-Up Camper vs Tent Camping vs RVs: Why It’s the Best of Both Worlds

If you’re deciding between a tent, pop-up, or full-size camper, here’s why we think a pop-up is the perfect middle ground for family camping adventures:

🏕️ Pop-Up vs Tent Camping

Better Weather Protection: Pop-ups keep you off the ground, out of puddles, and have a solid roof to help in wind or rain.
Less Setup Hassle: It’s faster and easier than dealing with tent poles, tarps, and air mattresses.
More Storage: We keep almost all of our camping gear in the camper, so packing takes minutes, not hours.
Comfort Upgrades: Real beds, electric outlets, a sink, and a mini-fridge are total game-changers.
Colder Weather Ready: Ours has heat and heated mattresses—we’ve camped in below-freezing temps without a problem.

🚐 Pop-Up vs RV or Campervan

More Affordable: RVs and campervans are amazing, but they come with a much higher price tag. A pop-up gives you similar amenities at a fraction of the cost.
Fuel Efficiency & Maneuverability: Towing a pop-up uses less gas, and you don’t have to worry about parking a giant vehicle everywhere you go.
Keeps the Camping Vibe: We love the canvas walls and mesh windows—you still feel connected to nature.
Explore Freely: Park the camper at the campground and take your vehicle to explore. No stress about tight parking or narrow roads.

Pop-Up Camper Perks We Can’t Live Without

Mini-Fridge – No more soggy coolers or last-minute ice runs.
Sink – Washing hands, brushing teeth, and doing dishes is so much easier.
Electricity – Charge devices, plug in a fan, or work remotely while camping.
Heated Mattresses – Seriously one of the best upgrades. Cold nights don’t scare us anymore.
Off-Grid or Hookup Options – Camp at a full-service campground or go off-grid with a solar panel and water tank.
Year-Round Use – We’ve used our pop-up camper in multiple seasons—even in below-freezing temps—and it held up great.

Downsides to Consider

While we love our pop-up camper, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Limited Space: It’s cozy. On rainy days, we definitely feel the squeeze with three kids and a dog.
Bounciness: The floor has some bounce to it when we’re all moving around. Extra stabilizers can help.
Moisture Risk: If you pack it up wet (from rain or morning dew), make sure to air it out ASAP to avoid mold.
Parking While Towing: You’ll need to be mindful of gas station sizes and parking lots while towing.
Not Self-Contained: Pop-ups often don’t qualify for programs like Harvest Hosts or Walmart overnight parking because they’re not fully self-contained.

Final Thoughts: Would We Buy It Again?

Absolutely.

This camper has let us camp more often, stay more comfortable, and travel with less stress and setup time. It’s perfect for families who love nature but don’t love sleeping on the ground—and who want to spend more time exploring and less time packing and pitching tents.

Want to See the Pop-Up in Action?

We’ve shared tons of behind-the-scenes photos, camp setups, and pop-up camping tips over on Instagram.

Follow along at www.instagram.com/wechoseadventures for more ideas, family camping inspiration, and real-life looks at pop-up camper travel with kids.