Pop-up Campers are the go-to RVs for many campers due to their compact size and ease of setting up. There’s no better feeling than hopping into your pop-up camper and setting out to some secluded outdoor to enjoy its beautiful nature and fresh air. Like maybe a beautiful national park?
In this article, we’ll explain whether your pop-up camper is allowed in national parks or do you need to be thinking about bringing a different kind of RV, like a regular travel trailer.
What Is a Pop-up Camper?
A pop-up camper is a vehicle that folds down into a much smaller and portable unit. It’s an ample living space towed by an SUV or a trailer that can be folded down nicely while in storage or transit.
When fully set up, a typical pop-up camper usually includes a minimum of two beds, a dining table, a small kitchen stove and sink, and storage cabinets. It’s not much, but it’s enough for a camping trip.
Some high-end models could also include a small, fully functioning bathroom with a shower and toilet, a fridge, an AC, and a heater. But those are mostly more expensive and not readily available.
Pop-up campers are sometimes referred to as tent trailers or fold-out campers.
How Are Pop-up Campers Different From Regular RV Trailers?
While a pop-up camper is technically considered an RV, it’s an entirely different type of vehicle than a regular travel trailer.
A classic travel trailer is made of a single rigid-hull living unit towed to a trailer. It’s a great option for campers who often travel from one site to another and require ample storage space with lots of room.
On the other hand, a pop-up camper is more like a towable caravan made of soft, flexible walls that need to be set up when arriving on-site and folded down when in transit. It’s the go-to option for campers who are looking for an experience similar to being outdoors in a tent. However, it doesn’t offer the same facilities as fully-fledged RVs.
What Are The Pros of Pop-up Campers?
- They’re some of the most affordable types of RVs.
- They’re lightweight and compact.
- They can be towed by most kinds of towing vehicles.
- They can reach more secluded locations that are harder to reach by regular RVs.
- They can include many modern and luxurious features if you desire, like bathrooms, ACs, and heaters.
- They give you the feel of camping while still providing comfort and convenience.
What Are The Cons of Pop-up Campers?
- They can be time-consuming and somewhat tedious to have to set up and retract every time they’re used.
- Because of their soft and conductive walls, they’re not the best camping option in intense weather like rain or extreme cold.
- They’re not the best option for big groups or campers who like to pack heavy due to their limited interior space and storage room.
- They offer little to no sound isolation, making them a poor option for camping sites with loud noises.
Are Pop-up Campers Allowed in National Parks?
Yes, pop-up campers are allowed in national parks, as are all different types of RVs. However, that’s not all there is to it. These fellows aren’t allowed in a lot of campgrounds—mainly for safety reasons.
While usually, pop-up campers are allowed in national parks, it’s recommended for pop-up campers’ owners to check for any restrictions at the national park or campground they’re setting to. Calling the national park or checking their website beforehand is always a good idea.
Why Do Some National Parks Restrict Pop-up Campers?
The main reason some national parks don’t allow pop-up campers is out of concern for the safety of the campers from nearby animal life. Because of the pop-up campers’ soft walls, campgrounds with dangerous wildlife don’t allow them to prevent the possibility of an accident.
When camping close to bear-heavy areas, for example, the smell of food left inside the pop-up camper might attract close-by bears and lead to an unforeseen attack. While bears are typically shy animals that run away when realizing that humans are no threat, national parks prefer to just ban pop-up campers and take no risks.
A less common reason some parks might not allow pop-up campers is purely financial. Some parks might prefer to host big travel trailers instead of pop-up campers who occupy more or less the same space, while travel trailers host more people and bring in considerably more money.
Some parks are also primarily concerned with aesthetics. They may only allow pop-up campers made from particular materials or of specific colors.
Here are some national parks that don’t allow pop up campers:
- Zion National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Fishing bridge campground in Yellow Stone National Park
Where to Go With a Pop-up Camper?
A pop-up camper can be one of the easiest RVs to hop in with a few of your things and just get on the road to spend a night out in nature. Here are some of the most common places you can park your pop up camper and enjoy the outdoors:
- National Parks: Most national parks allow campers to set up their pop-up campers and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
- Traditional Campsites: These are spaces for all types of trailers with tents, pop-up campers, or regular RVs. These spaces usually provide essential services like toilets and electricity outlets.
- RV Parks: These are parking lots set up specifically for camping, hosting cars, and RVs. You can look up one that allows pop-up campers and go there.
Bottom Line
Pop-up campers are an excellent RV option for campers on a budget or seeking the feel of camping but with a little more comfort and convenience.
While pop-up campers are usually allowed in all national parks and camping sites, there are a select few campgrounds that do not allow them for safety concerns. We recommend that you always check for any restrictions before setting for your adventure.