Today’s small trailers for camping have many high-end features and luxury RV amenities that make them best for small cars, vans, and other tow vehicles. These small bumper-pull trailers can easily fit in a garage, too.
Get ready to meet the 12 best small travel trailers money can buy.
Why We Love these Small Campers for Small Cars
Small travel trailers can usually be towed with a light truck (Toyota Tacoma), a Jeep Wrangler, and/or a mid-sized SUV. In some cases, a crossover vehicle or even a 4-cylinder car can tow them.
- The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) should not exceed 5,000 pounds.
- And the camper length (minus the hitch length) should not exceed 20 feet.
With that in mind, now it’s time to meet our recommended small camping trailers perfect for your next RV adventure.
Best Small Camping Trailers (With Bathroom Facilities)
Happier Camper
The Happier Camper HC1 is one of our favorite cool travel trailers. We love retro look but also appreciate its versatility.
For example, inside the all-fiberglass body, you’ll find the Adaptiv modular system. This feature easily lets you customize the interior layout of the small camper by using Adaptiv cube-shaped components.
The Adaptiv components include a bench/bed, storage cubes, kitchenette, and many more. The sleeping space is suitable for 1 or 2 people only.
The HC1 is an all fiberglass travel trailer. Getting in and out of this small trailer is easy via the rear door.
As of 2022, Happier Camper offers two small camper trailer models. The HC1 is one option, and the HCT “Traveler” is the other. It has a longer footprint with more room for gear.
The HC1 was their first model. It has a 3,500 pounds GVWR rating and a length of 13′ and that includes the hitch.
Many cars and small SUVs have the towing capacity to tow either of the Happier Camper small travel trailers with bathrooms.
Starting Price: $34,450
Winnebago Micro Minnie
The Winnebago Micro Minnie 1700BH is the only plan in their Micro Minnie line-up that meets our criteria. The BH stands for a bunkhouse. On this camper, it is located in the rear, adjacent to the bathroom.
This Micro Minnie exceeds our length criteria by only 9 inches but we included it because it is a great-looking camper. The layout has been very well done and it sleeps 5 which we like since the grandkids can come along.
Can you take the Micro Minnie off-road? We say maybe, but you shouldn’t. Even though the double axle gives it some really good suspension it’s not made to take the pounding an off-road camper can take.
The Micro Minnie has a spacious kitchen with a gas stove, a nice sleeping area with windows on each side for cross-ventilation, USB Ports, patio speakers, and an awning with LED lights. Overall a very nice living space and galley.
The smaller Micro Minnie is the 1708FB and it has an exterior length of 19’5″ with a GVWR of 5,000 lbs.
Starting Price: $45,000
Jayco Jay Feather Micro
The Jayco Jay Feather Micro is a lightweight small travel trailer that has a gross weight ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 lbs. This makes the Jay Feather Micro an ideal camper you can tow with a light truck, mid-sized SUV, and even certain crossover vehicles.
There are many standard features we think you’ll like.
The Micro is available in five-floor plans. All but the smallest (12SRK) have a bathroom.
The Jay Feather Micro includes residential-style kitchen countertops with a 3-burner cooktop. This floorplan also has a jackknife sofa and Jayco’s new patent-pending trays.
Optional packages add solar panel prep for off-grid camping and a 13,000 BTU air conditioning system.
The smallest which now seems to be dealer stock only is the 12SRK which weighs 1,585 lbs and is just over 13 feet in length.
The Jay Feather Micro is an excellent micro camper that is lightweight and does not shortchange you on comfort and features.
Starting Price: $20,663
Forest River R-Pod
The Forest River R-Pod is another of the available small campers you should consider. It is available in 11 layout designs, the RP-202 is the heaviest with a dry weight of 4,574 lbs.
It is constructed on a powder-coated steel frame and comes equipped with a power tongue jack, self-adjusting electric brakes, and much more.
The interior has designer Carefree flooring, solid lumber core cabinet fronts, central vacuum, USB ports, LED lighting and it is solar panel prepped.
One feature we like that has been added is a dry bath in certain models as opposed to a wet bath which we don’t particularly like. It is solar-panel prepped for off-grid use and a backup camera prepped as well.
The smallest R-Pod camper in their lineup is the RP-153 with an exterior length of 17’6″ and an unloaded vehicle weight of 3,179 lbs.
Starting Price: $29,453
Best Small Fiberglass Trailer for Camping
Casita Liberty Deluxe
These Casita small trailers for camping are an all-fiberglass construction bumper pull camper. They’re available in 5-floor plans with each one having a standard and deluxe model.
The fiberglass shell is a two-piece marine-grade shell. There is a top and bottom half that are sealed together with fiberglass.
What’s great about this method of construction is the roof has no seams, which makes this camper virtually waterproof, durable, and, lightweight. The interior and exterior are both super easy to clean.
The frame is constructed of heavy-duty steel which improves underbody strength and helps in protecting the travel trailer from the road and rough terrain damage.
The Casita is available in 5-floor layout designs and each one has a standard version and a deluxe version. The major difference is the deluxe has a bathroom. It’s a wet bath which means the shower and toilet are in the same compartment.
We feel the Casita Liberty Deluxe is our favorite small camper from this RV manufacturer. It has a dry weight of 2,480 lbs and a length of 17 feet.
Starting Price: $32,694
Most Affordable Small Trailers for Camping
Sylvan Sport Go Camper Trailer
The Sylvan Sport Go is described by its manufacturer as the “Swiss Army Knife” of small tent trailers. Not only that but National Geographic called the Go “Coolest Camper Ever”.
There are many things that make the Sylvan Go cool and one of them is the ability to use the camper as a utility trailer to haul stuff, which makes it rather unique among small campers.
When used for camping the interior is spacious and the bed is wide and long. Many buyers rave about customer service from Sylvan as well.
This is a very capable tent camper that is comfortable on the road or off-road. When it comes to storage space you won’t find much but what is available is very useful. Note that there is no air conditioner on this camper.
The towing capacity of many small SUVs is well within the range to tow this camper. The pop-up tent is easy to set up.
When it comes to small trailers, Tammy and I really like the Sylvan Go. It gives you the outdoor camping experience but is a lot more refined than just being in a tent. With the rack you can add bikes, kayak etx.
The Sylvan Sport Go is one of the smallest of the small trailers for camping that made our list. It can be towed with just about any vehicle. This cute pop-up camper has a weight of just 840 pounds and is about 80″ in length.
Starting Price: $10,995
Scamp Travel Trailers
The popular Scamp small trailers for camping are made to order, fiberglass campers. The fiberglass shell is lightweight and very durable.
This is one of the easiest small trailers to tow with small cars, minivans, and SUVs. The round corners make it aerodynamic which in turn increases fuel efficiency.
Scamp trailers are available in 3 sizes, 13′, 16′, and 19′. Each size is available as a “Standard” or “Deluxe” model. The big difference between the two is the “Deluxe” has a bathroom. or other amenities.
The smallest travel trailer is the 13-foot length model and weighs about 2,000 pounds. Scamp does not list their camper GVWR. We suggest you research the right tow vehicle to haul the Scamp safely.
Starting Price: $15,590
Best Innovative Small Camping Trailers
Taxa Outdoors Cricket Camper
The Taxa Outdoors Cricket small trailers for camping are both lightweight and rugged. It can be towed by vehicles with 4-cylinder engines.
The inside allows for two adults and two children to sleep comfortably.
Taxa Cricket has pop-up roofs up to provide optimized ventilation. The spacious interior has ample room for a full-bed. There is under-bed storage that converts into a dining table.
The kitchen features a large countertop, a sink, and a two-burner stove allowing you to easily prep your meal and cook.
There are 5 swing windows equipped with shades and screens and 5 mesh windows in the upper tent side that allow open views and cross ventilation from just about any angle.
Need a roof rack? No worries the Taxa has one if you need it.
With its NASA-inspired design, you’ll find the Taxa Outdoors Cricket is one very capable small camper trailer. If you plan on going off-road this camper can definitely handle that.
The Cricket is 15′ in length and has a GVWR of 2,700 lbs. Most cars can’t tow it however SUVs like the Nissan Pathfinder with a towing package can easily do so.
Starting Price: $32,439
Safari Condo Alto
The Safari Condo Alto is one of the more unique small teardrop trailers. What makes it so different is the retractable roof system.
Essentially the roof expands upward to add interior height. You can easily go from 83.5 inches to 101 inches when the roof is open. It’s a great classic teardrop camper-looking design.
You can almost consider it a pop-up camper since the top actually pops up to increase interior headroom and space. Deinfitlet one to consider if planning any off-road expeditions.
The roof and walls are made of a plastic honeycomb core that is laminated with aluminum on one side and Alufiber on the other side.
Alufiber combines aluminum and fiberglass to create a durable lightweight material.
One interesting thing to note about the Safari Condo Alto is that they have intentionally used materials that water has little to no effect on. This camper mainly uses aluminum, Alufiber, plastic, Formica, and glass in its construction.
When it comes to storage space it has just enough for most folks and quite a bit more than a typical teardrop camper.
With a length of 17′ and a GVWR of 2,700 lbs, you’ll find it easy to tow this small camper with a small truck or full-size SUV.
Starting Price: $28,500
Polydrops P17 Essential
At only 13’7″ the Polydrops P17A1 Electric is one of the shortest campers on our list. It has only 4 feet of interior height but it doesn’t seem small or cramped inside. This is due to gullwing doors which make getting in and out of the P17A1 quite easy.
Perhaps the best feature though, is that this is one of the few all-electric towable campers currently on the market. Equipped with 4.8kWh LiFePO4 battery and 260W solar panel as standard.
- Up to 520W solar panel automatically recharges the battery
- The base 260W solar panel can be upgraded to 520W
- Victron Energy inverter charger system along with solar charge controller
- A 110V inlet provides backup for charging when there is no sunlight
The dry weight of the P17 is a mere 820 pounds. This makes it easily towable by just about any vehicle, electric or not.
Available options include a roof rack, awning, skylight, and a solar panel.
Starting Price: $30,590
Best Retro Micro Camper
Riverside RV Retro 135
Tammy and I were heading to Lake Texoma when we decided to stop at Treasure Valley Casino. Out front, they had this cool-looking unit from Riverside RV. We managed to peek inside and immediately fell in love.
For a small camper, it has quite a bit. This little beauty has a queen-sized bed, a dry bath (toilet and separate shower), a cooktop and sink, a refrigerator, and a sofa.
It also managed to fit in a microwave and outside shower. Storage space is limited on this camper but still very useable.
The interior has a retro wood paneling design. To maximize space it has a rear hatch or door.
The RT 135 has a dry weight of just 2,540 pounds. It has a Cargo Carrying Weight of 1,170 pounds.
Starting Price: $23,499
Best Small Off-Road Camper
Boony Stomper By Sunnyside Offroad
When it comes to a small camper you can tow, even with a side-by-side, the Boony Stomper leads the packs. The Boony Stomper is manufactured by Sunnyside Offroad in Reno, NV.
The camper is only 11″ in length and that includes the trailer tongue and rear bumper. At its widest point it is 68″. it weighs in at 600 lbs. and will increase depending on any options your choose.
The interior has finished walls, linoleum floors, and carpeted walls and headboard. The suspension is custom fabricated with independent trailing arms. It will give you a smooth ride even at high speeds.
Starting Price: $10,250
Best Small Camping Trailers Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a small RV trailer to spend your weekends in or even an extended road trip any of the above small camping trailers should work just fine for you.
For Tammy and me, our preference would be the Jayco Jay Feather Micro or the great-looking Riverside RV 135. Both are very capable and lightweight.
One of these small trailers for camping with a small car is perfect for you too.
All Trailer Manufacturer prices are current as of 12/22.
