Review of Folding Campers

Folding campers, also known as pop-up campers, are a great compromise for those who want the mobility and ease of a tent combined with the comfort and features of a trailer. These campers fold down for easy towing and storage, then expand when set up, offering a compact yet functional living space. Below is an in-depth review of 10 folding campers, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end models, with detailed insights into their design, features, performance, and pros and cons.


1. Forest River Flagstaff 228D

Price Range: Mid-range
Weight: 2,300 lbs
Sleeps: 6
Length: 18′ 3″ (expanded)
Key Features:

  • 2 slide-out bed extensions (one king, one queen)
  • High-pressure laminate countertops and cabinets
  • Indoor and outdoor kitchen options (sink, stove, refrigerator)
  • Large U-shaped dinette
  • Bathroom prep space with option for a portable toilet
  • 12V/120V power converter with battery charge
  • Outside shower with hot and cold options

Pros:

  • Spacious, especially for larger families or groups
  • High-quality construction materials
  • Great insulation and canvas fabric for weather protection
  • Slide-outs create a more comfortable interior space
  • Full kitchen setup, including a gas/electric refrigerator
  • Includes a high-efficiency furnace for cooler climates

Cons:

  • Heavier than some other pop-up campers, so requires a stronger tow vehicle
  • Can take a bit longer to set up due to multiple slide-outs and components
  • Lack of full bathroom facilities limits comfort on extended trips

Review:
The Forest River Flagstaff 228D is an ideal choice for families who want more space and amenities but don’t want to go for a full-size travel trailer. The addition of a slide-out section creates more living space, and the design includes comfortable sleeping arrangements with two full-sized beds. The kitchen is well-equipped with a stove, fridge, and microwave. It’s designed to handle all weather conditions and is durable enough for both warm and cool climates. However, at 2,300 lbs, it might be a bit too heavy for smaller tow vehicles, making it more suitable for mid-size SUVs or trucks.


2. Coleman Lantern LT 17FQ

Price Range: Budget-friendly
Weight: 1,800 lbs
Sleeps: 2-3
Length: 17’ 10” (expanded)
Key Features:

  • Small, compact design that’s easy to tow
  • Single axle with sturdy construction
  • Simple kitchen setup with a two-burner stove, microwave, and sink
  • Fully functioning electrical system with 12V lights and 120V outlets
  • Air conditioning system with heat strip for cold weather

Pros:

  • Extremely lightweight and affordable
  • Easy to set up and store
  • Air conditioning unit included, which is rare for budget models
  • Small but functional kitchen for short trips
  • Ideal for solo campers or couples

Cons:

  • Limited space for larger families
  • Basic amenities and fewer features compared to higher-end models
  • Lacks a bathroom or shower, requiring reliance on campgrounds

Review:
The Coleman Lantern LT 17FQ is an excellent choice for first-time campers or those looking for an affordable and easy-to-tow pop-up camper. Despite its small size, it offers essential amenities like a kitchen with a stove, microwave, and sink, along with air conditioning to combat hot weather. It’s perfect for short weekend trips, solo campers, or couples. However, it’s not ideal for larger groups or those planning extended trips due to its minimal space and lack of a full bathroom setup.


3. Jayco Jay Sport 12SC

Price Range: Mid-range
Weight: 1,800 lbs
Sleeps: 6
Length: 17′ 10″ (expanded)
Key Features:

  • 3-burner indoor/outdoor stove
  • Large U-shaped dinette for extra seating
  • Heated mattresses for colder nights
  • Easy-to-lift manual cranking system for set-up
  • Plenty of storage under seating areas and in cabinetry
  • 12V LED lighting
  • Pre-wired for solar panel installation

Pros:

  • Great option for families with ample sleeping capacity
  • Lightweight and easy to tow
  • Well-designed layout with a spacious dinette
  • Affordable and durable
  • Comes with heated mattresses, which are a unique feature at this price point

Cons:

  • Lacks advanced features like air conditioning or a bathroom
  • May be too small for larger families if staying for extended periods
  • Limited off-grid capabilities without additional solar panels

Review:
The Jayco Jay Sport 12SC is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise too much on space or comfort. It can sleep up to six people, thanks to the two fold-out beds, and the large U-shaped dinette offers plenty of room for family meals or games. The heated mattresses are a thoughtful addition for colder climates, and it’s relatively easy to set up. While it doesn’t come with a full kitchen or bathroom, the Jayco Jay Sport 12SC remains a solid, affordable choice for families who want to enjoy camping without breaking the bank.


4. Aliner Ranger 10

Price Range: Budget
Weight: 1,200 lbs
Sleeps: 2-3
Length: 10′ 6″ (expanded)
Key Features:

  • Lightweight aluminum frame for easy towing
  • Quick setup with a push of a button for the roof
  • Independent suspension for a smooth ride
  • Compact yet functional kitchen with sink and stove
  • Optional solar panel package for off-grid camping
  • High-quality canvas tenting

Pros:

  • Extremely lightweight and easy to tow with small vehicles
  • Fast setup and takedown
  • Durable construction with an aluminum frame
  • Off-grid ready with solar panel option
  • Great for weekend trips and minimalistic camping

Cons:

  • Very small, with limited living space and amenities
  • No bathroom or shower, so it’s best suited for campgrounds
  • Only accommodates up to 3 people, limiting its use for larger groups

Review:
The Aliner Ranger 10 is the go-to choice for those who want a lightweight, no-frills pop-up camper that’s easy to tow and set up. Its compact size makes it perfect for small vehicles like sedans or small SUVs, and the setup time is incredibly fast, taking just minutes. While it offers the essentials like a basic kitchen and a comfortable bed, it’s very minimalistic in nature and best suited for solo campers, couples, or those on short trips. Its off-grid capabilities with the optional solar panel package make it a good choice for those who want to venture into more remote areas.


5. Starcraft Comet 3611HW

Price Range: Mid-range
Weight: 2,400 lbs
Sleeps: 6
Length: 21′ 5″ (expanded)
Key Features:

  • Hybrid design with hard-side walls and canvas roof
  • Full kitchen with three-burner stove, sink, and refrigerator
  • Spacious slide-out dinette for additional living area
  • Large front storage compartment
  • High-efficiency furnace and water heater
  • Outdoor kitchen option

Pros:

  • Hybrid design gives it better insulation and protection than traditional canvas campers
  • Slide-out features create a more spacious interior
  • More luxurious with a full kitchen and large sleeping areas
  • Outdoor kitchen is a great feature for summer camping

Cons:

  • Heavier than standard pop-up campers, requiring a larger tow vehicle
  • Setup and breakdown take longer due to slide-outs and additional components
  • No built-in bathroom

Review:
The Starcraft Comet 3611HW offers a hybrid design that combines the best of both worlds: the hard sides of an RV with the expandable canvas for the roof. This makes it more durable, weather-resistant, and insulated than regular pop-up campers. The interior is spacious, with a slide-out dinette and a full kitchen for meal prep. Although it’s a bit heavier and more complex to set up compared to simpler models, it delivers a much more comfortable and functional camping experience, making it a great choice for families or longer trips.


6. Fleetwood Evolution E1

Price Range: High-end
Weight: 3,000 lbs
Sleeps: 6-7
Length: 21′ 7″ (expanded)
Key Features:

  • Hard-wall design for superior insulation and protection
  • Full kitchen with 3-burner stove, oven, and refrigerator
  • Separate bathroom area with shower and toilet
  • Large slide-out bed for extra sleeping space
  • Off-road tires for rugged terrain
  • High-efficiency air conditioning and heating system

Pros:

  • Fully equipped with luxury features, including a bathroom and full kitchen
  • Excellent insulation, making it comfortable in extreme temperatures
  • Off-road capability for more adventurous camping trips
  • Spacious interior with a slide-out bed for added comfort

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to standard pop-up campers
  • Heavy, so it requires a larger vehicle to tow
  • Longer setup time due to its more complex features

Review:
The Fleetwood Evolution E1 is a top-tier folding camper designed for serious campers