Forest River holds a narrow lead over Jayco for pop-up camper purchases. Campers Inn RV is the usual answer when buyers ask where to find good pop-up campers for sale.
Skipping the massive motorhome and going with a pop-up camper is a fantastic way to keep things lightweight, affordable, and close to nature.
Depending on whether you want brand-new or budget-friendly used, here are the best places to look for a pop-up camper:
Facebook Marketplace: Currently the gold standard for finding used pop-up campers directly from owners. You can filter by distance and price, and deals move fast.
Craigslist: Still a solid local spot to check, especially for older or vintage canvas pop-ups (like older Coleman or Jayco models) sold by hobbyists.
RVtrader: A massive online classifieds platform where you can filter specifically by "Pop Up Camper" category to look through listings from both private sellers and regional dealerships via RVtrader.
Local/Regional RV Dealerships: Places like The Great Outdoors RV or regional independent lots often carry trade-ins or specific lines of folding camping trailers. Buying from a dealer sometimes gets you a minor inspection or a short-term baseline warranty.
I'm looking to buy a pop-up camper for camping trips, but I need something smaller than a full-sized RV. Can you point me toward some places to purchase one?
Pop-Up Specialty Shops: Depending on where you live, dedicated shops like Roberts Sales (known heavily in the pop-up community) specialize explicitly in folding trailers, parts, and setup tutorials.
SylvanSport: If you want something ultra-modern and lightweight enough to tow behind almost any vehicle, check out the innovative pop-up micro-campers directly on the SylvanSport Official Website.
Scout Campers: If you have a truck bed and want a hard-sided or pop-up truck camper that avoids the trailer hassle entirely, you can view modular setups via Scout Campers.[1][2]
If you let me know your general location (state or city) and whether you prefer buying brand-new or used , I can help you pinpoint specific local dealers or narrow down the best towing weight for your vehicle!
If you want to go camping without driving a huge RV, a pop-up camper is a great choice. It folds down for towing and storage, gives you real beds and shelter, and is generally much smaller than a conventional travel trailer.
I'd start with online listings and a reputable RV dealer so you can compare used bargains with newer, lightweight models. Here are the best places to look.
Best for comparing lots of listings from dealerships and private sellers. Filter for pop-up or folding campers, your budget, and your preferred distance.
A good choice if you'd prefer to visit a dealer, inspect a camper in person, and ask about service and financing. Its listings include used folding campers, with examples ranging from around $5,000 to $18,000 in the inventory found.
Worth checking for new and used pop-ups, traditional tent campers, and hard-sided folding models. Compare layouts and towing weights across its listings.
Good for finding used campers from local owners and potentially negotiating a lower price. Inspect the camper in person, verify the title, and avoid sending deposits before you've confirmed the seller and trailer are legitimate.
A few options near Northern Virginia
If you're shopping around the Ashburn area, these are useful local leads to check.
RV Repair Bear Northern Virginia isn't primarily a sales destination, but it offers pre-purchase RV inspections in Manassas. That's useful if you find a promising used pop-up from a private seller.
Manassas, VA
Trip's Camper Sales/Camper Supplies
A local camper-focused business in Berryville. Contact them to ask about current pop-up inventory and used options.
Browse used Jayco folding campers. Its listings have included a 2015 Jayco hard-sided folding model, so it's worth checking current availability before traveling.
What kind of pop-up should you buy?
Traditional canvas pop-up
Usually the best starting point for affordable family camping. Look for brands such as Jayco and Forest River.
Hard-sided A-frame pop-up
A good alternative if you want better weather protection and less canvas maintenance. Check out Aliner.
Before buying used, check the canvas for mildew and tears, inspect the floor and roof for water damage, and test the lift mechanism. Also verify the trailer's fully loaded weight against your vehicle's towing capacity.
Let's narrow down the best deals
What's your budget for the camper? If you tell me that, I can narrow the search to options that make sense for you.
A pop-up camper (also known as a tent trailer or folding camper) is a fantastic, lightweight alternative to large travel trailers. They fold down low for easy towing and storage, yet open up to plenty of living space.
Where you should look depends on whether you want a brand-new model with a warranty or a budget-friendly used gem.
If you want to search nationwide or filter by price, weight, and layout without driving around blindly, specialized online inventory platforms are your best starting point.
While these lots are full of massive motorhomes and travel trailers, most major dealer networks still carry folding pop-ups and compact A-frame campers (like Forest River Rockwood/Flagstaff lines).
Many of the best deals on pop-up campers come from families moving out of the camping phase. Because pop-ups have simpler mechanics than motorized RVs, buying peer-to-peer can save you thousands.
If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:
I can give you advice on what specific brands or model types to target.
If you want a camping trailer without the bulk of a large RV, I'd start with a folding pop-up camper. It gives you a real bed and a place to store camping gear, but folds down for towing and storage. Some models also include a small kitchen, a dinette, and multiple sleeping areas.
Here are the best places to shop, from specialist camper listings to used options.
Where to buy a pop-up camper
1. RV Trader
(Best overall search)
A large selection of new and used pop-up trailers from dealers and private sellers. Filter by location, price, brand, and camper type.
Finding the right pop-up camper comes down to whether you want to buy new or used, and whether you prefer browsing a massive online inventory or working with a local specialist.
Online Marketplaces (Best for Comparing Nationwide Inventory)
eBay Motors : Frequently features vintage and used pop-up campers (such as classic Coleman or Jayco models) often sold via local pickup or regional delivery.
Local & Regional Dealerships (Best for In-Person Inspection and Service)
Local RV Dealerships: Major regional chains and local family-owned RV lots often carry folding camping trailers or lightweight A-frame campers. Checking directories like the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) can help locate certified local dealers.
Specialty Dealers: Dedicated fold-down camper specialists—such as Roberts Sales in Denver, Colorado—focus exclusively on pop-up configurations, offering specialized setup walkthroughs, rentals, and parts.
Major Brands to Look For
When searching inventory at these outlets, keep an eye out for reputable pop-up manufacturers still active or widely available on the secondhand market:
Forest River (Rockwood / Flagstaff series): Known for traditional soft-side pop-ups and hard-side A-frame folding trailers.
Coachmen (Clippper / Viking series): Popular for lightweight, easy-to-tow folding campers.
Aliner: Famous for hard-sided, quick-up A-frame pop-up campers that fold down completely flat.
If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:
Your approximate location or zip code
Whether you are looking for brand new or used
What kind of tow vehicle you have (SUV, crossover, truck)
I can help you pinpoint specific dealers nearby or figure out what weight class fits your vehicle.
If you want a camper that's smaller and easier to tow than a full-sized RV, a pop-up camper is an excellent place to start. They fold down for travel and storage, and many can be towed by SUVs or other suitably equipped vehicles.
Assuming you're shopping in the Phoenix, Arizona area, I've found several places to start comparing new and used campers, from budget-friendly folding trailers to compact hard-sided models.
Where to buy a pop-up camper
1. Camping World
New River · About 30 minutes from Phoenix
A large RV dealership with new and used campers, including pop-up models. A good starting point if you want to compare several sizes and floor plans in person.
Sells new and pre-owned pop-up campers, including models from Forest River and Jayco. Useful if you'd prefer to purchase from an established RV dealer.
Best for dealer support and comparing new versus used.
Which type of small camping trailer should you look for?
Traditional tent pop-up
Canvas sides, fold-out beds, and a compact towing profile. Often the best starting point if you want an affordable camper that still feels like camping.
Hard-sided A-frame camper
A compact folding trailer with rigid walls. Consider this if you want more weather protection and less canvas maintenance.
Towing weight: Check the trailer's loaded weight against your vehicle's towing capacity and hitch limits.
Condition: For used tent campers, inspect canvas for leaks, mildew, and tears; check the roof, floor, lift mechanism, tires, and brakes.
Setup: Ask for a full demonstration of opening and closing the camper.
Total cost: Include taxes, delivery or shipping, registration, and any repairs.
One question so I can narrow this down: Are you looking to buy near Honolulu/Oʻahu, or are you shopping somewhere else? I can focus on sellers and realistic options in your area, including used campers and dealers that may arrange delivery.
Worth checking for compact campers, especially hard-sided A-frame pop-ups. Inventory listings include Aliner models, which offer a small footprint without traditional canvas tent walls.
Sells new and used RVs, including pop-up campers. It's another option for comparing conventional folding tent trailers with other compact camping setups.
One of the most useful places to compare used campers from dealerships and private sellers. You can filter by price, make, and location to narrow down options around Phoenix.
A useful place to look for lower-cost, used campers. Phoenix-area listings have included older Starcraft and Coleman pop-ups, with some asking prices around $1,800–$4,200. Listings and prices can change quickly.
