DOES SIZE MATTER in an RV? Every year, RV designers engineer innovative new ways to bring comfort and luxury to increasingly smaller campers. The best small campers might not offer the space of larger RVs, but they still give you everything you need – and more, in some cases. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for an RV that’s easy to tow while still offering a significant comfort upgrade over staying in a tent on the ground or strapped to a roof, you’ll love our list of some of the top small campers in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Small Camper Variety: “Small” is defined differently depending on the RV category. This article highlights smaller RVs, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes.
- Space-Smart Designs: Despite their size, small campers maximize comfort with multi-functional layouts, slide-outs, Murphy beds, lofts, and ample storage, making them practical for family trips, solo adventures, or couples seeking compact luxury.
- Towing & Affordability: Smaller campers are easier to tow with mid-size SUVs or trucks, depending on the RV type, and prices vary widely—from under $12,000 for basic models to higher-end luxury builds—while financing options make them more accessible.
What Is a Small Camper?
What is small for one RV type may be fairly expansive for another. For example:
- The small travel trailers highlighted below are all under 27 feet long.
- For 5th wheels that can be more than 40 feet in length, our list is limited to small fifth wheels under 35 feet.
- While some destination trailers exceed 45 feet, the destination-style RV on our list is under 36 feet.
- Our motorhome selections—Class B and C—all come in under 26 feet.
Some full or mid-size SUVs may be able to tow select smaller travel trailers. However, half-ton fifth wheels will require a truck because the unique fifth wheel hitch attaches to the truck bed. Because of their height and added weight, destination trailers often require a truck as well.
Our list is divided into our favorite small campers for couples, families, and those looking for a luxury RV.
Best Small Campers for Families
There are many benefits of sticking with a small RV for family camping. They’re often cheaper, offering unique designs and multi-functional spaces that quickly convert dining tables to sleeping areas to lounge spaces, often in seconds. These are some of our favorite small family campers in 2026:
Enjoy a first look at brand-new 2026 RVs.
Thrive 22MBH: Small Family Travel Trailer
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 26’
- Dry Weight: 5,822 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,178 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
The Thrive 22MBH features dedicated sleeping areas for four with an Olympic queen Murphy front bed and 48” x 68” bunk beds in the rear corner. If you’re worried about privacy, a curtain encloses the front sleeping area.
With the Murphy bed design, this family travel trailer has two seating areas—a U-shaped dinette and a sofa. I also love the countertop extension, making the peninsula even longer for meal prep. These features are ideal for a family camping in a small travel trailer.
Other highlights include drawers under the bed, storage over the dinette, a dedicated trash can drawer, a pantry with six pull-out shelves, and an outdoor mini fridge. The storage space of this lightweight camper trailer is excellent!
Compare the Jay Feather 21MBH layout.
Cougar Sport 2700BH: Affordable Small 5th Wheel for Families
Specs
- Length: 31’11”
- Dry Weight: 7,646 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,854 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 10
The Cougar Sport 2700BH is not only affordable, but it also offers three bunks, a private front bedroom, and convertible sleeping areas in the living room, thanks to the U-shaped dinette and tri-fold sofa. The L-shaped kitchen design also provides an excellent amount of counterspace, perfect for kitchen appliances and meal prep.
If you camp with your furry friends, the open living area (no kitchen island) is a great layout for them to lounge. If you don’t, the space makes the interior feel much larger than its 32-foot length.
Finally, I love the addition of a second storage compartment in the rear. You can convert the lowest bunk into a cargo garage if needed, allowing for easy storage of inflatable paddleboards or kayaks, fishing poles, and other gear. With over 1,800 pounds of cargo capacity, you can bring a lot of gear on your next camping trip!
Compare the Eagle SLE 28BHU.
Freedom Elite 21HEF: Compact Class C RV for Small Families
Specs
- Length: 24’1”
- GVWR: 12,500 pounds
- Chassis: Ford® E-Series
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
If you’re looking for one of the best small RV campers on a motorized chassis, the Freedom Elite 21HEF is an excellent choice. The cabover offers one sleeping area, and a rear corner full bed offers another dedicated sleeping space.
While it’s a small feature, I love the step up into the rear bedroom. This separates the kitchen from the bedroom, making each space distinct. The kitchen has everything you need, including a 12V refrigerator, a two-burner cooktop, a convection microwave with an air fryer, and a stainless steel sink.
Across from the kitchen, you’ll find a 76” Dream Dinette
that seats up to four people. Since there aren’t any slides, this small driving camper is arguably the best small RV for a family of 4 who are new to RVing, as setting up and breaking down camp will be quick and easy.
Coleman 17D Pop-Top: Small Family Camper Van
Specs
- Length: 17’11”
- GVWR: 8,550 pounds
- Chassis: RAM ProMaster® 1500
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
If you’ve ruled out camper vans as options for a family of four, don’t dismiss the Coleman 17D van with pop-top. Class Bs are convenient because you can drive them practically anywhere a car can go. Plus, you can camp in small spaces, off backcountry roads, and near trailheads, getting you closer to nature and relaxation. In addition to the general perks of a camper van, the Coleman 17D is as basic a van build as you can get, making it one of the more affordable Class B RVs.
The pop-top is the highlight of this small driving camper, giving the kids the perfect upper bunk for cozy sleeping under the stars. Other family-friendly features include a removable table and bench seating, seatbelts for four people, and a huge storage area underneath the rear bed. This is compact camping at its best!
Best Small Campers for Couples
Because you only need one sleeping area, you’ll have more options when searching for the best small campers for couples. With ample storage and all the essentials you need for a comfortable camping trip, let’s check out these small RVs built for two!
Rockwood Mini Lite 2523MBR: Small Travel Trailer for Couples
Specs
- Length: 25’10”
- Dry Weight: 6,313 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,397 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4 (with optional hide-a-bed)
The Rockwood Mini Lite 2523MBR combines rear bath and front kitchen floor plans, providing more cooking and washroom space. The rear bath extends along the entire wall and even includes a linen closet. The front kitchen features a spacious U-shaped counter with bar seating.
The dual slide-outs expand the bedroom and living area, making this 26-footer feel more spacious. If you camp with a pet, you won’t have to worry about tripping over a tail or wondering where to put the dog bed.
Other highlights of this lightweight camper trailer include aluminum frame construction, washer and dryer hookups, a bedroom pocket door for privacy, theater seating with a hide-a-bed option, a 3-burner cooktop, and ample kitchen cabinetry.
Compare the Campsite Ultra 19KB.
Coleman Legacy 2400REX: Small Couples 5th Wheel
Specs
- Length: 28’11”
- Dry Weight: 7,550 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,950 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
Get a look at the brand new Coleman Legacy 2400REX fifth wheel! If you prefer the ease of towing and larger living spaces of a 5th wheel, the 2400REX combines the rear kitchen benefits of the popular Coleman Lantern 25REX trailer into this open floor plan.
Even though it’s under 30 feet long, this small 5th wheel feels much larger with the slide-out in the living area and galley-style kitchen. With the electric fireplace along the rear wall, you can cozy up in the colder months in style, enjoying fall nights with friends.
Plus, with two sitting areas in a booth dinette and theater seating, you can comfortably entertain without feeling crowded. I also love the huge window at the sink, which provides beautiful views while fixing dinner or cleaning up after a meal.
Compare other small 5th wheels for two in the Eagle SLE 24MLE and Cougar 23MLE.
Eddie Bauer 22ET: Small Class B Plus RV for Couples
Specs
- Length: 23’7”
- GVWR: 11,000 pounds
- Chassis: Ford® Transit AWD
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
The Eddie Bauer 22ET features a common Class B layout, complete with a rear bed and center aisle, with the kitchen located on one side and the bath on the other. I love that Thor built a full dry bathroom, rather than a wet bath, into this model. There’s also a bench with a removable table behind the driver’s seat, perfect for a remote worker or dining for two.
I also love the gear storage of this small driving camper. The garage underneath the queen Skybunk® provides over 180 square feet of storage space. There are few small motorhomes with as much gear storage as you’ll get with this layout, so if you’re an adventurer, this is sure to be a top feature!
Compare the Granite Ridge 22T B Plus van.
Terrain 19YG: Camper Van for Couples
Specs
- Length: 19’7”
- GVWR: 9,050 pounds
- Chassis: Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter 2500 AWD
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
If you like compact design and innovative features, check out the Terrain 19YG and its off-grid flexibility. While the standard 19Y offers an impressive 48-volt battery system, the 19YG boasts a 2,500-watt LP generator with auto-gen start. It’s complemented by a six-gallon onboard propane tank, two 12V AGM batteries, and a 2,000-watt inverter. Generators aren’t offered in most Class B vans, so this added capability is the cherry on top of this functional small camper.
In addition to its off-grid power capabilities, the 19YG is equipped to handle off-road camping with Koni® shocks, a heavy-duty rear stabilizer bar, and BFGoodrich® All-Terrain tires. But it’s not all about the exterior. The interior has a power lift rear bed with garage storage underneath, a wet bath, a table with two captain’s chairs behind the driver’s seat, and a functional kitchen.
Compare the Eddie Bauer 19EB camper van.
Best Luxury Small Campers
If budget isn’t a concern, you might seek more luxurious accommodations. These small luxury campers with residential appliances and upgraded amenities will make you think you’re in a small apartment instead of a box on wheels!
Cougar Hero Edition 22MLS: Small Luxury Travel Trailer
Specs
- Length: 26’10”
- Dry Weight: 6,088 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,512 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Cougar Hero Edition 22MLS features a stunning full-body paint on the exterior with a more durable finish. Other notable luxuries include a 4-season-capable Climate Guard protection package, moisture-resistant composite floor and wall construction, and theater seating with heat and massage settings. While this travel trailer may be less than 27 feet long, you’ll still be camping in comfort and style.
Even though a booth dinette is standard, I love the option for bar stool seating with a countertop. I also love the storage in this small trailer. You’ll find storage drawers under the king bed, side drawers in the nightstands, and overhead cabinets above the bed. There are also storage drawers under the booth dinette seats and overhead storage throughout the kitchen and living area.
Compare the rare twin-to-king bed layout in the Micro Minnie 2108TB.
Eagle 325MKTS: Luxury Small Fifth Wheel for Couples
Specs
- Length: 34’8”
- Dry Weight: 10,645 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,255 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
If you’re looking for all the creature comforts away from home, the Eagle 325MKTS delivers. The dual opposing slides expand the interior to accommodate features such as a kitchen island, residential appliances, a hutch, two pantry closets, and a desk. All of this and more in less than 35 feet!
The roll-top dinette creates a designated eating area while also allowing for more floor space when not in use. I also love the desk along the rear wall, which provides a convenient place to work without eliminating any counterspace or storage.
The front bedroom is also spacious, as a slide-out bed allows for easy movement around the king bed. Clothing storage is no problem with a dresser and a wardrobe closet. Additionally, you’ll have washer and dryer hookups in the closet, perfect for camping for extended periods.
Compare the Montana High Country 311RD 5th wheel.
Cougar 29MBD: Small Luxury 5th Wheel for Families
Specs
- Length: 33’11”
- Dry Weight: 9,235 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,265 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 10
The Cougar 29MBD may be a small 5th wheel, but it doesn’t skimp on amenities. The L-shaped rear kitchen offers ample counterspace, and the sofa and booth dinette provide sufficient seating. There are also plenty of storage cabinets in the living area, a huge perk for families.
I also love the built-in bunk beds in the central bunk room as opposed to the conventional pull-out bed and flip-down bunk you see in many of these floor plans. You also have a trundle, so this room easily sleeps up to three children. To complete the bunk room, Keystone gives you a pop up desk, a wardrobe with adjustable shelving, and a bank of drawers for solid storage.
The expanded hallway is another highlight of the 29MBD, making it feel more like a true mud room with a bench seat and shoe cubbies—yet another family-friendly feature. There’s also a hallway linen closet and conveniently placed hooks for hanging jackets or doggy towels.
Compare the rear bunk room in the Cougar 29BHL.
Campsite Reserve 20JW: Small Destination Trailer for Families
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 35’8”
- Dry Weight: 8,774 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,431 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
If you’re interested in parking a destination trailer on a full-time or seasonal campsite, check out the Campsite Reserve 20JW. There are no slide-outs, which means the interior may feel smaller than other options on this list. However, this small destination trailer remains an excellent choice for families due to its main loft, which accommodates up to three, and an additional private loft for even more sleeping or storage space.
Downstairs, this camper features theater seating, a flip-up table, a washer and dryer, a pantry, a split full bathroom, and a rear bedroom with a camp king bed. I love the flip-up table in particular because you can easily set it up for meals, and then put it away to make more room in the living area.
However, the most notable feature of this Campsite Reserve trailer is its rear deck. Imagine yourself sitting back there after a long day of hiking, enjoying a beverage, and looking out at the stars. Or perhaps you’re more of a morning person, and the idea of sitting in tranquility with a cup of coffee is more your style. Additionally, the large patio doors allow natural light to flow through, making everyone feel more connected to nature.
Compare the Timberwolf 20OG destination RV.
What Is the Smallest Size Camper?
The smallest size camper is typically a teardrop trailer or pop up camper. However, with creative designs, RV manufacturers are producing more compact travel trailers than ever, with lengths under 14 feet and dry weights ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.
Depending on the RV class, the definition of the “smallest size camper” varies. Fifth wheels and destination trailers are generally the longest, with travel trailers and camper vans being the shortest. While Class A and C RV manufacturers offer smaller models each year, these motorhomes generally fall in the middle.
But length isn’t the only consideration. RV slide-outs increase the interior space without increasing the overall length. You could purchase a 24-foot travel trailer with opposing slides in the living area that offers more square footage than a 30-foot camper with no slides.
However, the cost of this added space is usually a heavier dry weight. So keep this in mind when considering a small travel trailer with slide-outs.
Since vehicles are rated to handle a certain amount of weight, slide-outs could exceed your towing capacity. If you’re towing with a mid-size SUV, you likely won’t be able to find a small camper with a slide-out.
Use this Towing Guide to find your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity:
How Much Does the Smallest Camper Cost?
The smallest campers can cost less than $12,000. However, prices vary based on size, offered amenities, brand, type of RV, whether you’re shopping for new vs used RVs, and other factors.
For example, an Airstream won’t be priced the same as a Campsite Ultra. A Class B RV will likely cost more than a fifth wheel. When comparing the same RV types, shopping for used RVs can provide additional savings opportunities.
Learn more about buying used campers to gain a better understanding of RV pricing.
Even if something looks out of your price range, consider RV financing, which can make it more affordable.
These are 15 of the best small campers in the RV industry. But if you’re not quite sold on the perks of these options, check out these articles with even more fantastic models!
- 5 Light Camper Trailers You Can Tow with a Minivan
- Awesome Micro Campers You Shouldn’t Overlook
- Small Camper Trailers with Bathroom
- Check Out Some of the Best RV Brands
Do you own a small camper? Let us know what features you love best in the comments below!
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