Traditionally, RVing was an activity for couples or families. Nowadays, however, solo RVing is more popular than ever, thanks in part to the wide selection of RVs that are perfect for one person. These RVs are ideal for traveling the country on your own, and they range from tiny travel trailers to truck campers to Class-B camper vans.
Key Takeaways
- When RV-shopping as a solo traveler, aim for compact, comfortable, and efficient models like the classic teardrop or SylvanSport Go RV.
- Class B motorhomes are perfect for single travelers thanks to their compact size and fuel efficiency
- Solo adventurers should prioritize safety and social interaction: Always share travel itineraries with friends, consider personal safety measures, and don’t be shy about making friends at RV parks (or through online communities).
Top Picks: RVs Ideal for One Person
As we said before, there are RVs perfect for one person in every shape and class. Some particularly noteworthy models are the A-Liner Ranger and the Airstream Basecamp. While both models can fit up to four people, they’re better suited for individuals.
Whether you prefer to travel in a small travel trailer or cruise the highway in a camper van, here are our top picks for one-person RVs.
Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes, better known as “camper vans,” are one of the most popular options for solo travelers. They are small enough and maneuverable enough to be daily drivers but spacious enough to give you room to spread out and not feel too cramped.
Class B camper vans are also very convenient if you don’t want to tow a second vehicle behind you for everyday driving. (After all, you aren’t going to fire up a Class C RV every time you have to go to the store). Setup and teardown at campgrounds is also a cinch because you don’t have to worry about hitching and unhitching a travel trailer, which can be tough on your own.
Finally, camper vans are perfect for people who like to boondock or camp off the grid. Most newer camper vans are solar-ready, and you can select off-road tires and other features that will help you get to where you want to go.
Here are some popular Class Bs, ideal for solo travelers:
Teardrop Trailers
If you’re a solo adventurer who values mobility, then teardrop trailers might be just what you’re looking for. Teardrop campers are the smallest type of towable RV on the market and are often considered the best RV for fuel efficiency and pulling with cars.
Despite their small size, many teardrop trailers come equipped with basic amenities such as a mattress, storage space, and even an air conditioner. Here are some of them now!
The main downside of teardrop trailers is that they usually don’t have holding tanks or freshwater tanks, so they aren’t ideal for boondocking.
Travel Trailers
Although they’re slightly bigger than teardrop campers, there are several travel trailers that are just right for a single person. Travel trailers for one person should be small, compact, and lightweight enough to pull with a small tow vehicle, such as a Subaru Outback or Ford Bronco. That way, once you’re set up at camp, you can still get around town quickly and easily.
Here are some of the best travel trailers for solo campers:
Note: If you need extra space for ATVs, bikes, and other toys, toy haulers are a great option. Although they’re slightly larger than the campers listed above and can fit more than one person, small toy haulers, such as the Forest River Ozark 1900, are suitable for individuals traveling with a lot of toys and gear.
Truck Campers
Truck campers are becoming increasingly popular among solo travelers with a three-quarter to 1-ton pickup truck. Truck campers sit on the truck bed, detaching and standing on their own once they set up at a campsite. That way, your truck is available if you need to run to town for supplies or outdoor gear.
Although they have the least square footage of any type of RV, truck campers are surprisingly spacious. They typically have all the necessary amenities, including AC, a tiny kitchen, a queen-sized bed, and sometimes even a bathroom. Here are some of the best truck camper RVs for solo travelers:
What to Look for in an RV for Solo Travel
As you can see, there are quite a few great options when it comes to RVs for one person. The number of options can make it tough to know which one is right for you.
Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
A Dedicated Bed Area
If you’re anything like me, one key to feeling at home in an RV is having a dedicated sleeping space. This means having a bed that doesn’t convert into something else when you aren’t sleeping, such as a couch or dinette area.
Unfortunately, very few small RVs have a dedicated sleeping area. Aside from larger travel trailers with extra living space or camper vans with drop-down beds in the cargo area, most small RVs feature conversion beds. If that’s a dealbreaker, you may need to consider a larger RV, such as a fifth wheel.
Either a Wet Bath or a Dry Bath
Another must-have for most RVers is a working bathroom. That means having either a wet bath, where the shower and toilet area share the same space, or a dry bath, where the toilet and shower are separate.
Larger RVs will typically have a dry bath, while smaller ones will have a wet bath. However, some RVs are so small that they have neither, which can be a dealbreaker depending on your needs. When you purchase an RV without a bathroom, you either have to camp in organized campgrounds with bathrooms or use a cassette toilet.
To Tow or Not to Tow
When it comes to RVs for solo camping, you essentially have two choices – a motorhome or a towable RV. If you have a towable RV, such as a travel trailer or truck camper, you may need to purchase a new towing vehicle (if your daily driver doesn’t have a high enough towing capacity).
However, not having a tow vehicle also means that your camper van is your daily driver. This can be inconvenient if you’re set up at a campsite and need to run to town for something. Therefore, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of having a motorhome versus a towable trailer and decide which option is right for you.
Budget
As with all things in life, it’s important that you don’t blow your budget when purchasing a one-person RV. While you want to get the right rig for your needs and that fits your lifestyle, you also want to have enough money left over for your adventures. Having the perfect RV won’t matter if you can’t afford to take it anywhere.
Tips for Solo RV Camping
Solo camping is a great way to see the world, stretch yourself, and explore uninhibited. However, while there are some great aspects of RVing alone, there are also certain obstacles you’ll need to overcome. Here are a few essential tips to make the most of your solo adventures!
- Always share your travel plans and emergency contacts with someone trustworthy before you head out on your journey.
- Carry personal protection like pepper spray, a firearm, or something else you feel comfortable with.
- Keep your vehicle keys within easy reach at night to use the vehicle’s alarm as a deterrent or signal for help.
- Set up multiple chairs at your campsite to create the illusion of not being alone, adding an extra layer of security for the solo camper.
- Camping alone can get lonely, so it’s a good idea to make some friends while you’re on the road. These newfound friends can help you out if you’re in a bind.
- Stay in contact with people from back home as best you can in case you need assistance.
- Travel with a dog, both for protection as well as companionship.
Safety is the biggest concern for solo campers because you don’t have a partner to help you out in times of danger. Therefore, staying safe should be your top concern, and everything else comes second.
Final Thoughts
Once you decide which RV is right for you and you make your purchase, you’ll need somewhere safe to store it while it’s not in use. That way, your rig is ready to roll for your next solo adventure!
If you don’t have the space or facilities on your property, consider using Neighbor to find safe and affordable RV storage. With locations all across the country, Neighbor may even have a storage option in your own neighborhood!
