One of the greatest joys of RVing involves the ability to trek off the beaten path with ease. There are so many majestic nooks and crannies throughout the U.S. that it is often best to seek out an RV that is capable of nimbly navigating tight turns and curves.
While some of us might want larger RVs and camping trailers that are packed with amenities, these large rigs often come with a hidden cost — you’ll be barred from camping in some of our nation’s most magical national parks, public lands, and national forests. And that’s only because a normal RV often can’t safely fit through the roads or tight campsites that these locales often feature.
That’s why micro campers or micro RVs are growing in popularity — they still allow you to have a range of camping amenities while being light enough and nimble enough to be towed by almost any vehicle into almost any place.
In this article, we’ll talk all about micro RV campers. We’ll explain what they are, the pros and cons of camping in one, and list out our 10 favorite micro campers,
What is a microcamper?
Simply put, a micro camper is any camper that’s designed to fit into the tightest of spaces and — when it comes to micro travel trailers — be towed by just about any vehicle.
This means that the vast majority of micro travel trailers will weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Many micro trailers even clock in around 600 pounds — almost any car that’s allowed to tow something can tow that!
We’ll also discuss a few micro RVs that are motorized in this article. While these micro campers weigh substantially more, that doesn’t matter as much because the motorized vehicle and micro camper are contained in one package. The primary benefit of a micro RV, therefore, is its ability to navigate uber-tight spaces in one compact package.
In short, a micro camper isn’t a category of camper like a Class A, Class B, or Class C — rather, micro campers encompass a range of vehicle types that share a common goal: lightweight and/or extremely nimble travel-ability.
Micro campers combine amenities, affordability (usually), and off-road capabilities (generally) in compact packages.
Who is a micro camper/micro travel trailer good for?
Micro campers are becoming one of the most popular RVs on the market because they cater to a wide range of travelers:
- Solo travelers
- Couples
- Tent campers
- Remote workers
Solo travelers
If you’re flying solo, a micro RV can be a great fit because it’ll have everything you need in a compact package. Also, if you’re the DIY type, we’ll discuss a few options for building your own micro camper with an affordable kit.
Road tripping couples
While micro RVs might not be the best fit for camping families, they can be terrific options for close couples who don’t mind comfy spaces. For example, if you’re looking to take an RVing road trip with your sweetheart, you might enjoy being out and about during the day while only coming back to the camper to sleep and for meals. That can make a micro camper a very logical choice.
Tent camping folk
If you’re already adept at tent camping in a variety of locales, micro campers can be a great option for you because they’ll represent an affordable upgrade to a camping pattern you’re already used to.
Remote workers
Remote workers who frequent coffee shops, coworking spaces, and the like are excellent candidates for micro RVs because they spend a good chunk of their time out and about. If you’re able to work virtually and want the option to get on the road, micro campers can be a great fit.
Pros and cons of micro campers
Micro RVs are an excellent addition to all the camping options available to you. But there are also some important considerations to make sure a micro camper is the right fit for you:
Pros
- Nimble
- Often feature off road capabilities
- Affordable (usually)
- Can be towed by almost any vehicle
- Can pop open or extend spaces in unique ways
- Sometimes feature amenities like air conditioning, heat, and toilet options
- Great upgrade from tent camping
- Great fit for nomadic couples
Cons
- Can lack amenities such as storage, kitchen options, bathroom options, and holding tanks.
- Usually not a good fit for RVing families
- Costs can be high relative to what you get
- Not really worth it if nimbleness isn’t a priority for you (e.g. you can get more bang for your buck often with larger trailers if you have a big enough tow vehicle and don’t want to get into remote campsites)
- Limited options for motorized micro RVs — and the available options can be expensive relative to what you get.
The 10 best micro campers on the market today
When putting together our list of the 10 best micro RVs out there, we considered a variety of factors like affordability, available amenities, coolness, and reputation of the manufacturer — among other things.
We’re also including a few different types of micro campers — from motorized versions to micro travel trailers to DIY varieties that you can build yourself.
1. Hiker Trailers
Price range: $5,595-$11,895
Hiker is a company that specializes in customized micro campers. This means you’ll have an array of options to create the micro travel trailer of your dreams — all for an affordable price.
Specs
- Dry weight range: 800-1,350 pounds
- Length: 144-179 inches
- Choose from 4 different models: Highway Deluxe, Mid-Range, Mid-Range XL Off-Road, and Extreme Off Road.
- External/internal 110v plugs
- Internal USB plugs
- Storage cabinets
- Pass through doors
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2. Tiny Camper Company
Price range: $5,599-$10,999
As its name implies, this company provides a range of micro camping trailers that can be towed by virtually anything. Each micro trailer is handcrafted and built from the bottom up to your order. The tiny camper offers micro trailers ranging from vintage modern style to ultra off-road.
Specs
- Dry weight range: 790-1,298 pounds
- Length: 12 feet
- Choose from 9 different models
- External/internal 110v plugs
- Internal USB plugs
- Storage cabinets
- Pass through doors
- Optional air conditioner in certain models
- Awnings available for certain models
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3. DIY kits
While not a manufacturer per se, one of the best and most affordable ways to get into micro camping can be by purchasing a kit that includes the blueprints and all the materials you need to assemble your own micro camping trailer.
Resources like Chesapeake Lightcraft, Big Woody Teardrop Campers, and the Handmade Teardrop Trailer Book are our favorite places to go when it comes to DIYing your own micro camper.
As you might imagine, the specs, weights, and prices of these types of trailers vary depending on your imagination.
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4. Taxa Cricket
Starting price: $29,625
One of the coolest things about micro trailers is that they sometimes feature parts that pop up or pop out to offer more space when parked. The Taxa Cricket is one of our favorite shape-shifting micro campers because it provides nimble travel with a popup top for more space.
The Cricket has a tent-like section that pops up over the entire micro camper to provide ample headroom for the 4 people it’s able to sleep — meaning the Taxa Cricket is a micro trailer designed for families.
Specs
- Dry weight range: 1,753-1,900 pounds
- Length: 15 feet
- Sleeps 2 adults and 2 children
- External/internal 110v outlets
- External/internal 12v outlets
- Internal USB plugs
- LED lighting
- NASA inspired design featuring under bed storage
- Freshwater and gray water holding tanks (15 and 16 gallon capacity, respectively)
- Kitchenette with sink and two burner stove
- Optional air conditioner
- Dual awnings
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5. Polydrop Trailer
Starting price: $14,990
The Polydrop is one micro camping trailer that’s too cool not to include on this list. Its space-age style lines are reminiscent of the Tesla truck, it can be towed by virtually any vehicle, and it is ready to tackle all four seasons.
Specs
- Sleeps up to three
- Gullwing doors
- Roof vent fan
- 1000w inverter
- Large rear door storage
- NASA inspired design featuring under bed storage
- Freshwater and gray water holding tanks (15 and 16 gallon capacity, respectively)
- Kitchenette with sink and two burner stove
- Optional air conditioner
- Dual awnings
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6. NuCamp T@G
Starting price: $20,990
The NuCamp T@G is one of our favorites because it’s a feature-packed micro camper that’s also one of the coolest looking on the road today. These micro travel trailers even manage to fit amenities like a queen size bed, AC and heat, and fully functional kitchenettes.
Specs
- Dry weight range: 1,269-1,369 pounds
- Length: 13 feet 7 inches
- Sleeps 2
- Stargazer window
- Deep sink
- Large LP and battery storage
- Customizable graphic options for exterior design
- Outdoor kitchenette
- Available boondock package
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7. MeerKat Micro Trailer
Starting price: $24,118
The MeerKat micro trailer is one of the cutest trailers we’ve ever seen. It has such a unique look to it that we envision owners of this micro trailer as part of the good type of clique that waves to each other over the road.
These trailers weigh in at under 900 pounds and can even be moved around by hand! They are perfect micro trailers for towing with any vehicle and a terrific upgrade from tent camping.
Specs
- Dry weight: 900 pounds
- Length: 13 feet
- Sleeps 2
- Pop up tent for more head room
- Sink with manual pump
- Camp stove
- Porta potty
- Available awning
- Available fridge
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8. Capri micro truck campers
Price range: $10,995-$16,495+
If you’d like a motorized micro camper, then Capri Truck campers provide a very unique option. Capri’s ultra-lightweight truck bed campers can be hauled by the smallest of pickup trucks making them a terrific micro motorized option.
Because they are truck bed campers, Capris can even offer amenities like over the cab beds and onboard showers.
Specs
- Dry weight range: 1,050-1,760 pounds
- Length: 72-101 inches
- Sleeps up to 4
- 110v, 12v, and USB outlets throughout
- Roof vent fan
- Optional roof air conditioner
- Ample storage
- Spacious kitchenette
- Fresh and gray water holding tanks
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9. Volkswagen Campervan
Price range: $10,000+ (some special VW Westfalias can fetch over $80k!)
An oldie but a goodie. In our opinion, there is no more tried-and-true motorized micro camper than the vintage Volkswagen campervans. These rigs feature pop-up tents, kitchenettes, and comfy sleeping all in a micro motorhome that’ll get you anywhere you want to go.
Be aware, however, that these vintage rigs often command a premium price. And when you need repairs, that’ll cost you a pretty penny too — that’s assuming the parts can even be found!
Specs
- Dry weight range: 3,600-6,000 pounds
- Length: 179.9 inches
- Because many of these rigs are often highly customized, they can feature an array of options like extra outlets, batteries, sleeping quarters, kitchenettes, etc.
- VW campervans often feature a pop top camper portion that offers extra sleeping room.
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10. Wingamm Oasi 540
Price range: $135,000-$145,000
Europeans get the idea of campervanning and micro RVing, and this rig is finally available in the US for a motorized micro-adventure. Wingamm is a luxury RV brand from Italy and there is simply no better way to micro RV with all the amenities in a tiny package than with the Wingamm Oasi 540.
Specs
- Dry weight: 7,761 pounds
- Length: 213.39 inches
- Sleeps up to 4
- 110v, 12v, and USB outlets throughout
- Durable fiberglass construction
- Modern kitchen
- Ample storage
- Full wet bath
- Drop down queen bed
Ready for major adventure in a micro camper?
Micro campers are the perfect camping companions because they represent an entire category of micro RVs that fit an array of needs, tow vehicles, and traveling styles. Micro travel trailers are a diverse array of camping mobiles — in some cases people have even converted cargo trailers to be micro campers. Micro campers are a terrific option when you desire simplicity, nimbleness, and affordability. The list above offers a variety of micro campers to choose from for your next adventure.
Want to rent a micro camper, micro travel trailer, or micro RV? Check available Outdoorsy rentals here.
If you have a micro camper you’d like to make extra money with, you can list it with Outdoorsy here.
