{"id":10012,"date":"2025-03-30T11:41:48","date_gmt":"2025-03-30T11:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wix-post-2c2291ac-a6f0-467f-9fd5-670d7c3cb498"},"modified":"2026-10-05T16:47:42","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T16:47:42","slug":"why-we-chose-a-pop-up-camper-and-why-you-might-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/?p=10012","title":{"rendered":"Why We Chose a Pop-Up Camper (and Why You Might Too)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized wix-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ef789a_41096fa1ff964d0c96da40153aa69401mv2.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.25;width:1280px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking for a more comfortable camping setup but don\u2019t want the size, cost, or complexity of a full RV, a <strong>pop-up camper<\/strong> might be the sweet spot\u2014especially if you\u2019re camping with kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 <strong>2023 Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1940 LTD<\/strong>\u2014a lightweight, affordable, family-friendly pop-up camper that totally changed the way we camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is a Pop-Up Camper?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>pop-up camper<\/strong>, 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\u2014like beds, a roof over your head, and amenities like a mini-fridge, sink, and cookstove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our Rockwood 1940 LTD has:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p>Two large beds<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p>A dinette that converts into a third sleeping space<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p>A <strong>sink<\/strong> and <strong>mini-fridge<\/strong><\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p>A propane cookstove (indoor or outdoor setup)<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Heated mattresses<\/strong> and a small heater<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p>Plenty of <strong>storage<\/strong> for gear and supplies<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p>Electrical outlets (great for work, school, or charging devices)<\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s like camping\u2014but way more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why We Chose a Pop-Up Camper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 <strong>Affordability<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the time we purchased in 2022, our pop-up camper cost around <strong>$14,000<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 <strong>Easy to Tow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the <strong>lightest pop-up campers<\/strong> out there. We were able to tow it with our <strong>minivan<\/strong> when we bought it\u2014no need for a truck or heavy-duty vehicle. While we\u2019ve since changed vehicles, it\u2019s still nice knowing this camper can be pulled by a wide range of family cars with a proper hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 <strong>Perfect Size for Families<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s compact enough to <strong>store in a driveway<\/strong> or garage, but spacious enough to fit <strong>our family of five (plus a dog!)<\/strong>. The sleeping spaces are roomy, and the heated mattresses have made cold-weather camping actually enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Closer Look at Our Pop-Up Camper: 2023 Rockwood Freedom 1940 LTD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re totally new to pop-up campers, here\u2019s a breakdown of what our setup actually includes. Pop-ups vary a lot by model, but this is what you\u2019ll get with the <strong>Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1940 LTD<\/strong>\u2014a lightweight, compact camper with just the right amount of comfort for family camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udecf\ufe0f <strong>Sleeps up to 5<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p>A <strong>full-size bed<\/strong>\u00a0on one side<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p>A <strong>queen-size bed<\/strong>\u00a0on the other<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p>A <strong>dinette that converts<\/strong>\u00a0into a small bed (perfect for kids)<\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a cozy setup that works well for our family of five\u2014with room for the dog, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f <strong>Kitchen Essentials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p>A <strong>mini fridge<\/strong>\u00a0(no more soggy coolers)<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p>A <strong>small sink<\/strong>\u00a0with running water<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p>A <strong>2-burner cooktop<\/strong>\u00a0that can be used indoors or mounted outside<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Counter space<\/strong>\u00a0for food prep<\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything you need to cook and clean without hauling totes of gear from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udf1e <strong>Bonus Features We Added<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p><strong>Solar-powered lift system<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 We added a solar panel and motorized lift, so we no longer have to crank the roof up by hand. Total game changer!<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Heated mattresses<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Built-in warmth for chilly nights.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Onboard battery and water tank<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Lets us camp off-grid without hookups.<\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u26a1 <strong>Electric &amp; Power<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p>Plugs into power at campsites, or can run off battery + solar<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Multiple electrical outlets<\/strong>\u00a0inside for charging phones, laptops, or powering lights and fans<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>LED interior lighting<\/strong><\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\ude90 <strong>Tow &amp; Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p><strong>Dry weight:<\/strong>\u00a0around 1,600 lbs (super lightweight)<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Towing vehicle:<\/strong>\u00a0We originally towed it with our <strong>minivan<\/strong><\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Closed length:<\/strong>\u00a0about 13.9 feet<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Open length:<\/strong>\u00a0around 20.1 feet<\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s one of the lightest pop-up campers on the market, which made it ideal for us as first-time camper owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pop-Up Camper vs Tent Camping vs RVs: Why It\u2019s the Best of Both Worlds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re deciding between a tent, pop-up, or full-size camper, here\u2019s why we think a pop-up is the perfect middle ground for <strong>family camping adventures<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udfd5\ufe0f <strong>Pop-Up vs Tent Camping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p><strong>Better Weather Protection:<\/strong> Pop-ups keep you <strong>off the ground<\/strong>, out of puddles, and have a solid roof to help in wind or rain.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Less Setup Hassle:<\/strong> It\u2019s faster and easier than dealing with tent poles, tarps, and air mattresses.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>More Storage:<\/strong> We keep almost all of our camping gear in the camper, so <strong>packing takes minutes<\/strong>, not hours.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Comfort Upgrades:<\/strong> Real beds, <strong>electric outlets<\/strong>, a <strong>sink<\/strong>, and a <strong>mini-fridge<\/strong> are total game-changers.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Colder Weather Ready:<\/strong> Ours has <strong>heat and heated mattresses<\/strong>\u2014we\u2019ve camped in below-freezing temps without a problem.<\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\ude90 <strong>Pop-Up vs RV or Campervan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p><strong>More Affordable:<\/strong> RVs and campervans are amazing, but they come with a much higher price tag. A pop-up gives you <strong>similar amenities at a fraction of the cost<\/strong>.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Fuel Efficiency &amp; Maneuverability:<\/strong> Towing a pop-up uses less gas, and you don\u2019t have to worry about parking a giant vehicle everywhere you go.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Keeps the Camping Vibe:<\/strong> We love the <strong>canvas walls and mesh windows<\/strong>\u2014you still feel connected to nature.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Explore Freely:<\/strong> Park the camper at the campground and take your vehicle to explore. No stress about tight parking or narrow roads.<\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pop-Up Camper Perks We Can\u2019t Live Without<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p><strong>Mini-Fridge<\/strong> \u2013 No more soggy coolers or last-minute ice runs.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Sink<\/strong> \u2013 Washing hands, brushing teeth, and doing dishes is so much easier.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Electricity<\/strong> \u2013 Charge devices, plug in a fan, or work remotely while camping.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Heated Mattresses<\/strong> \u2013 Seriously one of the best upgrades. Cold nights don\u2019t scare us anymore.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Off-Grid or Hookup Options<\/strong> \u2013 Camp at a full-service campground or go off-grid with a solar panel and water tank.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Year-Round Use<\/strong> \u2013 We\u2019ve used our pop-up camper in multiple seasons\u2014even in below-freezing temps\u2014and it held up great.<\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Downsides to Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While we love our pop-up camper, here are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p><strong>Limited Space:<\/strong> It\u2019s cozy. On rainy days, we definitely feel the squeeze with three kids and a dog.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Bounciness:<\/strong> The floor has some bounce to it when we\u2019re all moving around. Extra stabilizers can help.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Moisture Risk:<\/strong> If you pack it up wet (from rain or morning dew), make sure to <strong>air it out ASAP<\/strong> to avoid mold.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Parking While Towing:<\/strong> You\u2019ll need to be mindful of gas station sizes and parking lots while towing.<\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p><strong>Not Self-Contained:<\/strong> Pop-ups often don\u2019t qualify for programs like <strong>Harvest Hosts or Walmart overnight parking<\/strong> because they\u2019re not fully self-contained.<\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts: Would We Buy It Again?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This camper has let us <strong>camp more often<\/strong>, stay <strong>more comfortable<\/strong>, and travel with <strong>less stress and setup time<\/strong>. It\u2019s perfect for families who love nature but don\u2019t love sleeping on the ground\u2014and who want to spend more time exploring and less time packing and pitching tents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to See the Pop-Up in Action?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve shared tons of behind-the-scenes photos, camp setups, and pop-up camping tips over on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow along at <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/wechoseadventures\" target=\"BLANK\"><u><strong>www.instagram.com\/wechoseadventures<\/strong><\/u><\/a> for more ideas, family camping inspiration, and real-life looks at pop-up camper travel with kids.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Should you buy a pop-up camper? Reasons why you should or shouldn&#8217;t, plus which camper we chose for our family.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1000343,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10012"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10012\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1000549,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10012\/revisions\/1000549"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1000343"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}