A Pop Up Camper Offers The Best Of Both Worlds

If you are one of the millions of people who enjoy camping then you do not need to be told about the allure of open spaces, fresh air, and time away from the rush of civilization. You also do not need to be told about the chilly nights, biting bugs, dirty tents, and makeshift bathroom facilities that campers must endure. For those who enjoy camping but can do without the down-and-dirty experience that roughing it entails, campers often bridge the gap for them.

Campers are available in many different shapes and sizes. From gigantic RVs (recreational vehicles) to smaller camper vans, there is a vehicle that can suit nearly any sized family with nearly any amenity you can imagine. But what about those individuals who do not wish to purchase a vehicle that is only suitable for camping? It is not surprising to learn that most people possess neither the space nor resources to store and maintain a massive RV that is only used a handful of times per year. For those for whom a RV is not an option there is another option, and that is the pop up camper.

A pop up camper is a collapsible camper that is towed behind your regular vehicle. When not it in use the camper is detached from your car or truck and can reduce in size so that it can be stored easily in a garage, or inconspicuously in your backyard. Unlike their RV counterparts, pop up campers are essentially out of sight until you need them. But when it is time to head to the campground, the camper comes to life, and when properly outfitted they can offer all the comforts of home.

Those of us who have childhood memories of campers from years past might think of pop up camping as a rather spartan experience. Early pop up campers were a simple shell that folded out to provide sleeping space, but little else. In essence, they were a large tent that sat off the ground and offered more space and protection from the elements than a conventional tent, but in the end they were more like tents than a mobile home. Oh, how things have changed!

Late model pop up campers use modern materials and technology to reduce their weight, allowing for more amenities and options. While a bathroom is a rare convenience, many other comforts of home can be found in today's pop up camper designs.

* Propane tanks for cooking
* hot water
* stove, oven
* refrigerator
* air conditioning
* heating
* storage space and
* batteries

Together all of these will let you camp far away from a hardwired campground. In other words, these campers offer just about anything you would ever need to enjoy a weekend in the woods.

And do not worry, modern pop up campers are easy to fold and unfold as well. With minimal practice you can have your pop up camper ready for use in less time than it takes to check in to a hotel!

If the joys of a pop up appeal to you and you are interested in trying it out, make sure to inform yourself further before making a purchase. Check the specifications of your car or truck to see how much weight it can safely pull, and try not to be skeptical when your camper salesman tries to sell you an upgraded anti-sway trailer hitch.

A good quality hitch can eliminate dangerous swaying and shaking that can happen when towing your camper at higher speeds, and it is worth every penny because it not only protects your investment, it protects your passengers and other motorists as well.

Once you find a pop up camper that suits your needs, destinations, family, and automobile, then all that is left to do is pick out where you want to camp and hit the road! A pop up camper provides your family with a home away from home at a fraction of the cost of an RV - making them as popular as ever.