When it comes to designing your camper, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. From power systems and storage solutions to comfort upgrades and accessories, it can feel like you need to plan for every possible scenario before you ever hit the road. At Tune Outdoor, we believe designing your camper should feel exciting, not stressful.
Many factors influence your build. Age, experience level, climate, and intended use all play an important role in your decision.
For those planning to use their popup truck camper for weekend getaways, simplicity is key. If your camper is used mainly for short trips, quick getaways, and spontaneous weekends away, it may not be practical to fully deck out your build right away. Your needs differ from those of someone traveling full-time or spending weeks off-grid, and your camper should reflect that.
Weekend adventurers typically prioritize ease of use, comfort, and reliability over complexity. A comfortable place to sleep, smart storage for gear, basic power for essentials, and a setup that’s ready to go on Friday afternoon are often all that’s truly necessary.
It’s important to remember that your camper doesn’t have to be “finished” from day one. Your first upgrade does not need to be your last.
We recommend starting with a simple, functional foundation that supports your current lifestyle. Get out there, use your camper, and pay attention to how you actually camp. Over time, you’ll naturally discover what upgrades make sense – whether that’s additional power, more storage, or added comfort for longer stays.
For most weekend adventurers, the best camper is one that evolves gradually. As your trips get longer, your gear changes, or your priorities shift, your camper can grow right along with you. With Tune Outdoor’s modular design, upgrading is always an option when you’re ready.
Start simple. Choose your path. Upgrade when it makes sense.
Weekend Trips Close to Denver, CO
As a Denver-based company, we’re lucky to have no shortage of incredible weekend adventures just a few hours from home, many of them perfect for truck camping. Here are some of our favorite places nearby:
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Less than a four-hour drive from Denver, Great Sand Dunes National Park is well-known for having North America’s tallest sand dunes, but it offers far more than just sand. You can splash around in seasonal Medano Creek, hike into alpine terrain with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the state.
Camping: Camp inside the park at Piñon Flats Campground or find dispersed camping just outside the entrance for a quieter, more flexible setup.
Gunnison National Forest
Just a few hours from Denver, Gunnison National Forest delivers classic Colorado scenery without the crowds. Alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and endless forest roads make it an ideal weekend destination for exploring at your own pace.
Camping: This area is packed with dispersed camping options and small campgrounds, making it easy to find a pull-off or quiet spot that works well for a truck camper. Some more developed campgrounds include Soap Creek and Gold Creek.
Buena Vista & Cottonwood Pass
About 2.5–3 hours from Denver, Buena Vista is a go-to weekend basecamp for mountain views, hot springs, and high-alpine drives. Cottonwood Pass offers stunning scenery and easy access to dispersed camping, all while staying close to town amenities.
Camping: Dispersed camping is abundant along Cottonwood Pass and nearby forest roads, with established campgrounds like Collegiate Peaks Campground and Cottonwood Lake Campground nearby if you prefer a more developed option.
FAQ’s
What are the best pop-up tent truck accessories for weekend trips?
For weekend trips, it’s not necessary to totally deck out your rig with accessories right away. It is better to start simple. We recommend starting with a Hest mattress to help ensure a good night’s rest on your adventures, a propane tank and mount so you have a reliable fuel source for any appliances you bring along, and an insulation pack to keep your camper at a comfortable temperature throughout each season.
What is dispersed camping, and can truck campers use it?
Dispersed camping refers to camping anywhere outside a designated campground, on public land such as National Forests and BLM land. As you are on public land, there are generally no amenities, so you are responsible for bringing your own supplies; this also means you have more flexibility, solitude, and freedom. Tune’s custom truck bed campers are ideal for dispersed camping because their compact and agile design allows them to reach more remote locations with ease. Remember to follow Leave No Trace guidelines while camping - you can read our guide here.
Can you camp year-round in a Tune in Colorado?
Tune Outdoor’s extruded aluminum truck campers are designed to be all-season truck campers! An insulated roof and a durable, full-seam-taped, UV-resistant polyester canopy make it excellent at withstanding various weather conditions. Additional upgrades, such as the Truma heater and insulation pack, can make your camper even more comfortable in extreme temperatures.
