Best Small Camper For Family Of 4

New to RVing, or looking to update your current model? You’re in the right place, whichever it is, as we have everything you need to know about finding the best small camper for four people today.

A camper is one of the best ways to get around and explore the wonders our country has to offer.

RVs give you the opportunity to spend valuable time with your family whilst having the best adventures.

Getting out on the open road is the easy part, but finding the right camper for your needs is not that easy.

There are tons of options and models to choose from, leaving most buyers confused and wondering which one to buy.

That is why we have tested out over twenty small campers for four people and chosen our top 5 today!

Below, we will discuss each camper in detail, reviewing the pros and cons of all five options.

We will also run through all the factors you should consider before purchasing a small camper, including space, amenities, and durability, so you make the best decision possible.

Ready? Buckle up and get ready to discover the best small camper for your family of four.

1. Coachmen Clipper Ultra Lite

We start this comprehensive list with the incredible Coachmen Clipper Ultra Lite.

This trailer offers a variety of sizes and layouts to suit different preferences, and has several attractive features, especially considering its affordability.

With an average weight of 3000 pounds, the compact Clipper is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight and maneuverable trailer.

Its compact models typically range from 18 to 22 feet in length.

When testing it, the trailer was easy to tow and park, but still provided ample space for a family of four to relax comfortably.

Regarding the interior living space, we found it was not the most remarkable on the market, but it offers the potential for improvement through personalized interior design choices that can make it feel more like home.

One of the standout features of this travel trailer is its customization options.

While the base model is fairly basic, you have the freedom to add extras such as solar panels, outdoor kitchens, and an all-terrain package, among other upgrades.

However, it’s important to note that these additions come at an extra cost beyond the initial purchase price.

Another notable aspect of this small camper is that all the floor plans with bathrooms feature dry baths rather than wet baths.

We discovered that this provides a more residential feel without sacrificing precious square footage.

Moreover, many of these floor plans include bathtubs, making them particularly appealing for families with young children or pets.

Pros

• Fiberglass exterior – lightweight yet durable design for easy towing and parking and long term use
• Compact and lightweight – very easy to maneuver, even for newbies to the world of towing
• Refreshing, fun design – lots of customization options to make it feel like a home away from home

Cons

• High price point – considering its compact size, the trailer is rather expensive

2. Forest Rover No Boundaries 16.6

Next up, we have the highly popular Forest Rover No Boundaries 16.6.

While all the floor plans available in Forest River’s No Boundaries lineup remain under 3500 pounds, the 16.6-floor plan stands out as an excellent choice for families.

Measuring just under 22 feet in length, the 16.6-floor plan of this travel trailer offers a unique bunk bed layout, making it perfect for families with young children.

In addition to the bunk beds, it features a comfortable queen-size bed and a well-designed bathroom, all within a small-sized frame.

The kitchen includes a reasonably spacious residential fridge, and the dinette provides ample seating for an entire family of four.

We love the bunk beds in this trailer! They are cleverly designed to allow you to lift them up and lay them flat against the wall, creating extra storage space for gear, such as bikes.

If the 16.6-floor plan doesn’t meet your preferences, there are several other options available under the No Boundaries label.

With lengths starting as low as 12 feet, you’re sure to find something that suits your family’s needs.

It’s also worth noting that the smallest models weigh only 1,500 pounds, making them incredibly lightweight and easy to tow.

With a few additional upgrades and customizations, this RV becomes an ideal choice for off-grid camping.

You can enhance its appeal by adding solar panels, and exterior roof storage.

Furthermore, options such as an outdoor kitchen and all-terrain tires are also available.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight – very easy to tow, maneuver, and park
• A great deal of storage – both inside and outside offer good storage solutions for gear such as kayaks and bikes
• Various floor plans and lengths available – if this particular model is too small, No Boundaries have larger options available

Cons

• Quite a plain interior – the design of the inside is a little bland, but there is scope to add your own touch

3. Forest River Wolf Pup

The Forest River Wolf Pup is an excellent option for family camping, offering lightweight and easily towable floor plans, all under 23 feet in length.

With nearly 10 different floor plans, the Wolf Pup provides budget-friendly options with expressive interior designs.

Upon inspecting each design, we found that they are particularly well-suited for a family of four, with the inclusion of a few bunk bed designs, all while maintaining a contemporary and clean aesthetic.

In terms of interior design, the Wolf Pup boasts complementary cabinetry and flooring that are both easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for families with kids or traveling with pets.

The Wolf Pup comes well-equipped for boondocking with its standard features, but Forest River also offers various packages and add-on options for those seeking more power and capabilities for off-grid camping.

Each floor plan offers ample overhead and storage outside, ensuring you can bring along all your necessities.

The exterior storage is illuminated with LEDs, too, for added convenience, and there are handy pass-through storage options as well.

With its wide range of floor plans and easy maneuverability, the Wolf Pup is an excellent choice for those new to RVing who may still be unsure about downsizing.

Pros

• Easy to clean – this trailer’s interior is simple to clean and perfect for families
• Compact and lightweight – perfect for getting around and easy to maneuver, even for newbies to the RV world
• Various floor plans available – can choose from multiple floor plans under 23 feet to suit your needs

Cons

• Expensive – may not suit those on tighter budgets

4. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH

Although we tested over twenty separate campers, this offering from Jayco stood out as one of the very best.

The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH is an exceptional travel trailer for a family of four, providing a remarkable sleeping capacity of up to five people, making it spacious enough for a family of four and even accommodating an additional guest (we’re looking at your pets!)

The amenities in this camper trailer are beyond imagination and blew us away!

It boasts a well-equipped bathroom with a toilet and shower, bunk beds, and a cozy queen bed in the master bedroom.

Moreover, the bathroom shower also doubles as a tub, making it ideal for younger children or anyone in need of a relaxing soak.

In terms of towing, we had no problem towing it with our range of full-size pick-up trucks and tow vehicles.

With a total length of 21’8” and a gross vehicle weight of 3,950 pounds, it falls within the range of an ideal small camper.

Considering all its features and capabilities, the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH proves to be an amazing option to seriously consider for a family of four.

Pros

• Spacious – can fit up to five people comfortably
• Very comfortable interior – can lounge all day and night in this camper and enjoy the utmost comfort and luxury
• Great range of amenities – from a tub in the bathroom shower to bunk beds ideal for kids, there are lots of amenities for families to enjoy

Cons

• Heavyweight – some drivers who are new to towing trailers may find this a little daunting at first and hard to park

5. Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1900RD

After rigorous testing conducted by our team, the Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1900RD is undoubtedly a standout travel trailer in its field and one that surpasses the standard features found in most entry-level models.

One of the highlights of this small camper trailer is its exceptional interior, which exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication.

The inclusion of a spacious U-shaped convertible dinette, a full three-piece dry bath, and a modern upgraded interior contribute to its elevated and premium feel.

In terms of sleeping arrangements, the Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1900RD comfortably sleeps a family of four, no problem.

With its convertible dinette and queen-size bed, there’s ample space for a peaceful night’s sleep.

It truly is the ideal small RV for a family of four, providing both comfort and functionality.

Pros

• Comfortable sleeping arrangements – can easily fit a family of four with comfortable sleeping arrangements for all
• Stylish interior – this has one of the most stylish interiors we have seen, which we’re sure will impress anyone who comes across it
• Excellent amenities – with a three-piece dry bath, a dinette, and a modern interior, there is everything any family could wish for

Cons

• High price tag – start saving as this camper requires a large sum of money

Buyer’s Guide

A new camper purchase is not something you do on a whim. There are many important factors to consider when deciding what camper is best for you.

Below, we have collected some of the most vital things to think about before choosing a camper and putting your money down.

Consider these carefully to have a clearer picture of the right camper for you and your family.

Size And Layout

Look for campers with floor plans that offer dedicated sleeping space for at least four people, such as a combination of a main bed and bunk beds or convertible dinettes.

You should also consider the overall length and width of the camper to ensure it is spacious enough for your family’s needs.

Sleeping Capacity

This leads us to our next factor to consider – the sleeping capacity in the trailer. Check the sleeping size of the camper to ensure it can comfortably accommodate a family of four.

We recommend looking for queen-size beds, convertible dinettes, or bunk beds for the most comfortable night’s sleep for everyone.

Storage

It’s that old adage that never gets old – you can never have too much storage. This also applies to your camper!

Ample storage space is essential to keep your belongings organized, especially when traveling with a family. The more storage your camper offers, the better.

Bathroom Facilities

Comfort should extend to the bathroom, too.

That is why we recommend you opt for campers with a separate bathroom or at least a dry bath that includes a toilet, shower, and sink.

This can provide convenience and privacy during your camping trips.

Amenities And Features

Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the luxury and amenities your house offers.

Look for amenities that enhance your family’s camping experience, such as a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, and microwave.

The closer it feels to home, the more you can enjoy the experience.

Think about features like an outdoor awning, entertainment systems, air conditioning, heating, and Wi-Fi connectivity to enhance comfort and entertainment during your trips.

Of course, what you need and want depends on your family’s personal preferences.

Durability And Quality

It’s always handy to research the reputation and reviews of the camper manufacturer to ensure the camper is built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship for long-lasting durability.

It goes without saying, but the better known a manufacturer is, the higher chance it is reputable and known for producing the best trailers and campers.

Towing And Weight

You must consider the towing capacity of your vehicle and ensure the camper’s weight falls within the safe towing range.

If not, your vehicle and camper could become badly damaged. All in all, lightweight and compact campers are generally easier to tow and maneuver.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount, especially when it comes to traveling with your family.

Therefore, look for campers equipped with safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and robust locking systems.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Research And Comparison

As we mentioned above, you should do as much research as possible before making any final decision.

This should include reading reviews, comparing different camper models, and visiting dealerships or RV shows.

By doing these, you can gather firsthand information and make an informed decision.

Budget

We all have a budget we need to stick to. That is why we highly recommend setting a budget for your camper purchase and sticking to it as close as possible.

You should also consider the value for money, balancing the features and amenities with the price.

You may have to spend a little extra on certain amenities and features you want, but always try to stick to a budget, so your bank balance doesn’t fall off a cliff!

In Summary

Investing in a camper is one of the best, most exciting purchases you can make.

It’s a wonderful way of seeing the country with your family and making unforgettable memories.

We hope our selection of campers has helped make it easier to find one for you and your family.

Just remember to consider all the factors mentioned above before making any decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Are The Best Sleeping Arrangements For A Family Of Four In A Camper?

The ideal sleeping arrangements depend on personal preferences, but the most popular options include a main bed for the parents and bunk beds or a convertible dinette for the children.

Most kids love bunk beds, but be prepared for a fight on who has the top bunk!

How Much Storage Space Should A Camper Have For A Family Of Four?

Sufficient storage space is crucial for a family of four. As we said above, you can never have too much storage!

We suggest looking for campers with ample cabinets, closets, and exterior storage compartments to accommodate both small and large belongings from laptops and board games to bikes and kayaks.

Can A Camper For A Family Of Four Be Towed By A Regular SUV Or Truck?

This ultimately depends on the weight and towing capacity of the SUV or truck you’re using.

You should look for lightweight campers and check your vehicle’s towing specifications to ensure a safe towing match.

If you’re not sure, ask the manufacturer. Do your research, and you will find a camper that is compatible with your vehicle for towing.