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Pop-up campers are one of the cheapest RV types you can buy, with a brand new pop-up camper costing between $10,000 to $20,000 on average, depending on the size and amenities.
But you can easily stay on the cheaper end of that scale and still get all the space and amenities you need.
So let’s review and compare eight cheap pop-up campers under $12,000 to find the best, most affordable option for you.
Plus, we reveal the cheapest pop-up camper model available today!
Cheap Pop-up Camper Comparison
| Weight | Box Size | Closed LxWxH | Starting Around | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest River Flagstaff Tent 176LTD | 1,465 lb. | 8 ft. | 12′ 4″ x 84″x 5′ 4″ | $8,999 |
| Forest River Flagstaff Tent 206LTD | 1,608 lb. | 10 ft. | 14′ 4″ x 84″ x 5′ 4″ | $10,495 |
| Forest River Flagstaff Tent 228LTD | 2,049 lb. | TBD | 16’5″ x 84″ x 5’6″ | $11,400 |
| Forest River Rockwood Tent 1940LTD | 1,608 lb. | 10 ft. | 14′ 4″ x 84″ x 5′ 4″ | $10,495 |
| Forest River Rockwood Tent 1640LTD | 1,465 lb. | 8 ft. | 12′ 4″ x 84″ x 5′ 4″ | $8,999 |
| Coachmen Clipper 806XLS | 1,642 lb. | 8.5 ft. | 12′ 11″ x 84″ x 4′ 8″ | $9,999 |
| Coachmen Viking 1706XLS | 1,642 lb. | 8.5 ft. | 12′ 11″ x 84″ x 4′ 8″ | $11,995 |
8 Cheap Pop-up Campers Under $12,000
The best cheap pop-up campers come from reputable manufacturers like Forest River and Coachmen, provide all the space and amenities you need, and are budget-friendly.
Related: 10 Best Pop-Up Campers Under 2,000 Lbs
Of course, everybody has different space, amenity, and budget requirements, so we need to set some criteria for our list of cheap pop-up campers below:
- Price: $12,000 or less
- Size: We feature a variety of sizes to meet various needs, from 8 ft. to 10 ft. box sizes.
- Amenities: Features and amenities vary wildly, even at cheaper prices. But, it’s important to be realistic. You’re not going to get many of the luxuries, for example, a pop-up camper with a bathroom, that you’ll likely find in more expensive models.
- Type: This list only includes traditional pop-up style campers. We did not include a-frame or teardrop campers in this list.
We aim to identify the cheapest pop-up camper models that pack the most bang for the buck!
So, without further ado, here are eight cheap pop-up campers under $12k from the top brands in the industry.
Forest River Flagstaff Tent 176LTD
Starting Around: $8,999
Average Price: $11,995
The Flagstaff 176LTD is a smaller, lightweight version of the Flagstaff 208 above with a slightly different layout.
This model features two fold-out beds, one 42×78 and the other 54×78. Plus, a cozy dinette, plenty of cabinet space, a fridge, and an indoor/outdoor two-burner stove. Not bad for being one of the smallest pop-up campers on this list!
Specifications
- Vehicle Weight: 1,465 lb.
- Box Size: 8 ft.
- Exterior Closed Length: 12 ft. 4 in.
- Exterior Closed Height: 5 ft. 4 in.
- Exterior Open Length: 17 ft. 2 in.
- Exterior Width: 84 in.
- Cargo Capacity: 793 lb.
- Hitch Weight: 162 lb.
Highlighted Features
- 20,000 BTU Furnace
- One Piece Screen Door
- Flip Down Galley with Storage
- 25 amp Converter with Built-In Battery Charger
- Indoor/Outdoor Range
- Nitrogen Filled Tires
- And more!
Video Walkthrough
Important Links:
Forest River Flagstaff Tent 206LTD
Starting Around: $10,495
Average Price: $12,990
The Forest River Flagstaff Tent 206LTD is an easy-to-tow pop-up camper perfect for beginners. It features two fold-out beds (48×80 and 60×80), a dinette with seating, a sink, a fridge, and an indoor/outdoor range. Plus, a 9′ awning that provides protection from the sun and rain.
The Limited Series package adds heated mattresses on the bunk ends, nitrogen-filled tires, an awning, and more!
Specifications
- Vehicle Weight: 1,608 lb.
- Box Size: 10 ft.
- Exterior Closed Length: 14 ft. 4 in.
- Exterior Closed Height: 5 ft. 4 in.
- Exterior Open Length: 20 ft. 2 in.
- Exterior Width: 84 in.
- Cargo Capacity: 683 lb.
- Hitch Weight: 195 lb.
Highlighted Features
- Electric Water Pump
- 20,000 BTU Furnace
- 25 AMP Converter with Built-In Battery Charger
- Privacy Curtains
- Awning
- CO Detector
- And more!
Video Walkthrough
Important Links:
Forest River Flagstaff Tent 228LTD
Starting around: $11,400
Average Price: $15,995
The Forest River Flagstaff Tent 228LTD is the largest of the Flagstaff Limited Series, with an open length of 23’1″.
This model has plenty of sleeping space with one of the largest gaucho beds in any pop-up camper and two queen beds. Plus, a full dinette, plenty of cabinets and counter space, a fridge, and an indoor/outdoor two-burner stove all come standard.
Optional features include a power lift system, solar panel add-ons, 15000 BTU low profile roof air, and more.
Specifications
- Vehicle Weight: 2,049 lb.
- Box Size: TBD
- Exterior Closed Length: 16 ft. 5 in.
- Exterior Closed Height: 5 ft. 6 in.
- Exterior Open Length: 23 ft. 1 in.
- Exterior Width: 84 in.
- Cargo Capacity: 1,176 lb.
- Hitch Weight: 225 lb.
Highlighted Features
- 20,000 BTU Furnace
- One Piece Screen Door
- Flip Down Galley with Storage
- 25 amp Converter with Built-In Battery Charger
- Indoor/Outdoor Range
- Nitrogen Filled Tires
- And more!
Video Walkthrough
Important Links:
Forest River Rockwood Tent 1640LTD
Starting Around: $8,999
Average Price: $11,995
The Forest River Tent 1640LTD is the same as the Flagstaff Tent 176LTD, featuring two fold-out beds, one 42×78 and the other 54×78. Plus, a cozy dinette, plenty of cabinet space, a fridge, and an indoor/outdoor two-burner stove.
Specifications
- Vehicle Weight: 1,465 lb.
- Box Size: 8 ft.
- Exterior Closed Length: 12 ft. 4 in.
- Exterior Closed Height: 5 ft. 4 in.
- Exterior Open Length: 17 ft. 2 in.
- Exterior Width: 84 in.
- Cargo Capacity: 793 lb.
- Hitch Weight: 162 lb.
Highlighted Features
- 20,000 BTU Furnace
- One Piece Screen Door
- Flip Down Galley with Storage
- 25 amp Converter with Built-In Battery Charger
- Indoor/Outdoor Range
- Nitrogen Filled Tires
- And more!
Video Walkthrough
Important Links:
Forest River Rockwood Tent 1940LTD
Starting Around: $11,990
Average Price: $12,990
The Forest River Rockwood Tent 1940 features two fold-out beds, one 48×80 and one 60×80, a dinette with seating, a sink, fridge, and an indoor/outdoor range.
The Limited Series package adds heated mattresses on the bunk ends, nitrogen-filled tires, an awning, and more!
Specifications
- Vehicle Weight: 1,608 lb.
- Box Size: 10 ft.
- Exterior Closed Length: 14 ft. 4 in.
- Exterior Closed Height: 5 ft. 4 in.
- Exterior Open Length: 20 ft. 2 in.
- Exterior Width: 84 in.
- Cargo Capacity: 683 lb.
- Hitch Weight: 195 lb.
Highlighted Features
- Electric Water Pump
- 20,000 BTU Furnace
- 25 AMP Converter with Built-In Battery Charger
- Privacy Curtains
- Awning
- CO Detector
- And more!
Video Walkthrough
Important Links:
Coachmen Clipper 806XLS
Starting Around: $9,999
Average Price: $17,130
The Coachmen Clipper 806XLS features tons of sleeping space with two pull-out beds and two end beds in the fold-outs! With the optional porta-potty upgrade, you’ll have everything you need in a camper in a small, affordable package!
Specifications
- Vehicle Weight: 1,642 lb.
- Box Size: 8.5 ft.
- Exterior Closed Length: 12 ft. 11 in.
- Exterior Closed Height: 4 ft. 8 in.
- Exterior Open Length: 17 ft. 11 in.
- Exterior Width: 84 in.
- Cargo Capacity: 1,255 lb.
- Hitch Weight: 167 lb.
Highlighted Features
- 16-Gallon Fresh Water Tank
- 35 Amp Converter with Trickle Charger
- Awning
- 2-Burner Range
- 12-volt On-Demand Water Pump
- 20,000 BTU Furnace
- 120 Watt/12V Refrigerator with freezer
- And more!
Video Walkthrough
Important Links:
Coachmen Viking 1706XLS
Starting Around: $11,995
Average Price: $17,130
The Coachmen Viking 1706XLS is again very similar to the Coachmen Clipper 806XLS featured above, with tons of sleeping space (two pull-out beds and two end beds in the fold-outs). The optional toilet and solar panel system will prepare you for wherever your next adventure takes you!
Specifications
- Vehicle Weight: 1,642 lb.
- Box Size: 8.5 ft.
- Exterior Closed Length: 12 ft. 11 in.
- Exterior Closed Height: 4 ft. 8 in.
- Exterior Open Length: 17 ft. 11 in.
- Exterior Width: 84 in.
- Cargo Capacity: 1,255 lb.
- Hitch Weight: 167 lb.
Highlighted Features
- 16-Gallon Fresh Water Tank
- 35 Amp Converter with Trickle Charger
- Awning
- 2-Burner Range
- 12-volt On-Demand Water Pump
- 20,000 BTU Furnace
- 120 Watt/12V Refrigerator with freezer
- And more!
Video Walkthrough
Important Links:
Honorable Mentions
There are a few popular pop-up camper brands and models that just missed the cut, either due to availability, price, or type.
- Sylvan Sport Go: The Sylvan Sport Go costs $11,995 starting but misses the mark in type. This pop-up is really just a camping tent that sits on a towable frame. It’s not exactly a pop-up camper, so for this reason, we made it an honorable mention.
- Opus Campers: The Opus Pop-up Campers are one of our favorite off-road campers available (especially the Air Opus). And while we believe they are worth every cent, we couldn’t find a brand-new model for less than $19,000.
- Coleman Pop-up Campers: Coleman stopped producing pop-up campers in 2011, but you can still find used models for less than $12,000 in good condition. For example, I found a Coleman Fleetwood for sale for $5,000 in very good condition on RVTrader.com. If you’re Ok with a used model, Coleman is an excellent option.
What Is the Cheapest Pop-up Camper?
The cheapest pop-campers are the Forest River Tent 1640LTD and the Flagstaff Tent 176LTD, which are essentially the exact same model and can be found for $8,999 brand new!
Here’s an example of a new 2022Forest River 1640LTD for sale on RVTrader.com for $8,999!
Of course, if you buy a used pop-up camper – for example, from a dealer or through RVTrader.com or Craigslist, etc. – you can find them even cheaper, with some used pop-up campers selling for under $1,000.
Related: How Much Is A Pop-up Camper? (New, Used & Rentals)
Is It Worth Buying a Pop-up Camper?
Buying a pop-up camper is worth it if it meets your specific camping needs and budget. Pop-up campers are much cheaper than motorized RVs and most towable campers, are easy to tow and store, low-maintenance, and economical.
Learn more about whether a pop-up camper is worth it by reading our article Why NOT To Buy A Pop Up Camper, which breaks down in detail the disadvantages of pop-ups (and the many positives) to help you decide whether they are right for you.