The Casita Camper: A Revolution In Camping Comfort

What is a Casita camper and what makes them so popular?

Casita campers are lightweight, single-axle fiberglass travel trailers that have a look that is easily recognized. In addition, these egg-shaped campers are made with an almost seamless design that makes them virtually leakproof.

The name “casita” is actually a Spanish slang term for “little house” or “cottage”. With a name like that, these highly sought after campers should come equipped with everything you could possibly need in a camper.

While they do have many of the amenities you would find in a “house on wheels”, some floorplans lack a bathroom.

What Casita has managed to do for the camping community is build a durable and attractive camper that appeals to the masses. In fact, some say they have a “cult-like” following, much like Airstream, Hi-Lo, or Winnebago.

So, what is it about these campers that makes them so popular? Are they really worth it?

In this article we are going to take a deep dive into Casita campers, the floorplans that are offered, and find out just what makes these cute little campers so special.

Let’s jump in…

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Where Are Casita Campers Made?

Casita campers are manufactured in the small community of Rice, Texas. With around 100 employees, they are able to produce anywhere from 14 to 19 trailers per week. With an average of 700 campers manufactured every year, the demand for these unique campers makes it difficult for the company to keep up.

In fact, during the months leading up to summer, demand for the Casita camper is so high that there is up to a 6-month waiting period.

There is only one licensed Casita dealership, which is located in Rice, Texas. They are the only dealership that is licensed to sell the new Casita travel trailers.

However, if you’re interested in purchasing a new Casita and don’t have the means to make it to Texas to look at their campers, don’t worry. Casita Enterprises has developed a program called the Casita Companion Program.

If you are interested in the Casita camper, members of the program will allow you to tour their travel trailers. Simply contact the dealer and they will get you in touch with a Casita owner near you.

If you like what you see, call Casita Enterprises and place your order. They have five different floorplans available plus multiple add-ons to choose from.

When your new Casita camper is ready, you can go to Texas and pick it up, or they will deliver it to your door, for a fee, of course.

What’s So Special About Casita Campers?

It’s not just Casita’s commitment to customer satisfaction that makes them so popular. It’s also the high quality and simplistic design that makes Casita campers so unique.

These tiny campers are built to last. With a shell that is made from two molded pieces of fiberglass, the Casita camper is nearly waterproof. In fact, at Casita, they put these campers to the ultimate “rain” test. They subject their campers to a simulated rain storm with high-pressure nozzles for up to an hour.

These rigorous tests are to check for any leaks before they reach the customer. The tests prove that these campers are much less likely to suffer water damage than your traditional travel trailer.

In addition to being seemingly waterproof, the steel frame makes these campers nearly indestructible and able to be towed on any terrain.

The aerodynamic rounded corners makes Casita campers resistant to swaying when being towed. In addition, they are lightweight enough to be towed by many sedans, SUVs, and small trucks.

And since there are no slide-outs or other bells and whistles, these campers are extremely easy to set up once you make it to the campground.

On the inside of a Casita, the walls are filled with solid foam insulation and covered with a carpet-like material. What this does is limit outside noise and keeps the camper cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Let’s dive a little deeper into what makes the Casita camper so appealing.

Casita Campers Are Compact

A Casita camper is shorter and more compact than most typical travel trailers on the market. In fact, the longest camper that Casita manufactures today only measures 17 feet in length. The shorter length and height of these campers allows them to be stored in many garages or in your yard.

Casita used to make a 13’ and a 16’ camper but stopped production of these in 2017 and 2022 respectively.

They Are Extremely Lightweight

In addition to being very compact, the overall weight of the Casita camper makes it attractive to those who do not have a large tow vehicle. Plus, by being so lightweight and aerodynamic, fuel economy isn’t affected as much as it would be towing a larger travel trailer.

This feature alone increases the overall value of these campers as they appeal to a wider variety of people.

Casita Campers Are Nearly Indestructible

When keeping up with regular maintenance, these durable campers will last for years. Plus, because of their fiberglass design, Casita campers are more waterproof than typical campers. Which means you won’t have to worry too much about a water leak ruining your camper.

They Have A High Resale Value

Because of their popularity and nearly indestructible design, the Casita camper has a higher resale value than the typical wood or aluminum framed travel trailers.

Casita Campers Are Available In Five Different Floorplans

No matter what type of camper you are, there is a floorplan that will meet your individual needs. All Casita floorplans are available in either a Standard or Deluxe version.

The Standard models have additional sleeping space at the front of the camper while the Deluxe version compromises the front sleeping space for a wet bath.

The five floorplans that Casita offers are The Spirit, The Independence, The Heritage, The Freedom, and The Liberty. (sounds very patriotic)

All Casita camper floorplans are made using the same fiberglass mold, but the interior layout of the campers vary from model to model.

All floorplans feature a middle-located kitchenette featuring a two-burner range, single bowl sink and a 3-way, 4 cubic feet refrigerator.

Standard vs. Deluxe Models

Comparing the differences between the Deluxe and Standard models of Casita campers is very simple.

The Deluxe floorplans offer a wet bath with toilet and shower, plus an additional wardrobe closet for storage located at the front of the camper.

The Standard version sacrifices the wet bath for additional sleeping areas in the form of bunk beds.

The Deluxe version of the Casita campers will have a slightly higher dry weight than the Standard version because it has the additional black tank on board and a few other amenities.

And finally, the price of the Deluxe models are slightly higher than the Standard floorplans.

Casita Travel Trailer Floorplans

All Casita camper floorplans are made with a total length of 17’. In the past, 16’ and 13’ lengths were also available. So, if you have your heart set on one of the shorter campers, you will have to settle for a used model.

Although the overall design of these campers is simple, the five different Casita floorplans have different layouts to better serve the needs of everyone.

Casita Spirit

The Casita Spirit offers new camper owners the classic Casita experience. The Standard version of the Spirit can sleep 3-5 people by converting the seating areas into beds. Plus, there is a double bunk located at the front of camper.

The Deluxe version of the Spirit sleeps up to 4 people and sacrifices the two bunks for a wet bath at the front of the camper.

Another great feature of this Casita camper is the ability to convert the rear dinette into a permanent sleeping area. For a solo camper or traveling couple, this feature is convenient because the side dinette can still be used during the day.

The kitchen comes equipped with a two-burner stove, single-bowl sink, power range hood, and a 4 cubic feet fridge. It is also microwave-ready if you wish to add one.

Casita Spirit Specs:

• Dry Weight Standard Model – 2,210 pounds
• Dry Weight Deluxe Model – 2,480 pounds
• Length – 17’
• Interior Height – 6’ 2”
• Overall Height – 8’ 11”
• Width – 6’ 8”

Casita Independence

The Casita Independence floorplan features two permanent twin beds at the rear of the camper with plenty of storage space underneath.

Surrounding the beds are three picture windows that are perfect for witnessing stunning panoramic views while enjoying plenty of natural light and cross-ventilation.

The Standard Independence floorplan sleeps up to 4 people while the Deluxe version only sleeps two.

The overhead storage cabinets throughout the camper provide plenty of space to store you gear and keep things organized.

The kitchen is also equipped with a four cubic feet fridge, microwave-ready package, power range hood, two-burner stove, and single bowl sink.

Casita Independence Specs:

• Dry Weight Standard Model – 2,210 pounds
• Dry Weight Deluxe Model – 2,480 pounds
• Length – 17’
• Interior Height – 6’ 2”
• Overall Height – 8’ 11”
• Width – 6’ 8”

Casita Heritage

The Casita Heritage floorplan sleeps up to 6 people and features a convertible dinette/double bed at the rear of the camper. This Casita camper also has fully functioning window surround the bed/dinette conversion.

The Standard model of the Heritage sleeps up to 6 people making it ideal for families while the Deluxe version sleeps up to 4 people.

However, on those rainy days at the campground, things might feel a little cramped with 6 people tucked inside.

The kitchenette on the Heritage floorplan offers the same appliances as the other units mentioned above.

Casita Heritage Specs:

• Dry Weight Standard Model – 2,210 pounds
• Dry Weight Deluxe Model – 2,480 pounds
• Length – 17’
• Interior Height – 6’ 2”
• Overall Height – 8’ 11”
• Width – 6’ 8”

Casita Freedom

Another great option for couples is the Casita Freedom. Both versions feature a separate lounging area with two swivel chairs for relaxing or enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.

In addition, the Standard and Deluxe versions of this Casita camper come with a dinette/double bed conversion at the rear of the camper.

The Standard floorplan sleep up to 4 people while the Deluxe version sleeps two because of the addition of the wet bath at the front of the camper.

Casita Freedom Specs:

• Dry Weight Standard Model – 2,210 pounds
• Dry Weight Deluxe Model – 2,480 pounds
• Length – 17’
• Interior Height – 6’ 2”
• Overall Height – 8’ 11”
• Width – 6’ 8”

Casita Liberty

The flexible design of the Casita Liberty provides multiple sleeping options for up to four people on the Standard model and up to two people on the Deluxe model.

The rear dinette can be converted into a double bed, or you can convert both dinettes into a larger king-sized bed if needed.

Like all the other Casita camper floorplans, the Standard floorplan offers double bunks at the front of the camper while the Deluxe version features a wet bath and closet storage.

The kitchen is equipped with the same amenities as the other floorplans as well.

Casita Liberty Specs:

• Dry Weight Standard Model – 2,210 pounds
• Dry Weight Deluxe Model – 2,480 pounds
• Length – 17’
• Interior Height – 6’ 2”
• Overall Height – 8’ 11”
• Width – 6’ 8”

Standard Equipment

All Casita campers are built with the two-part, marine grade fiberglass shells. The exterior walls of these campers are fully foam insulated to keep the camper warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

In addition, the axles on every Casita camper have rubber torsion suspension bars to help reduce sway and minimize vibration in the camper while it’s being towed.

The main dinettes all convert into a sleeping area and the kitchens are all equipped with everything you would need to make your favorite meals, except for a microwave. Those are an optional add-on for all models.

While all Casitas have a fresh and a grey water tank, only the Deluxe models have an additional black tank.

The Deluxe versions of the Casita campers also come standard with a roof-mounted A/C. This would be an option on the Standard models.

Add-Ons

When shopping for a new Casita camper, there are a variety of add-ons or options you can choose from to personalize your camper based on your needs.

Some of the more popular add-ons include:

• Patio Awning
• Anderson “No Sway” Weight Distribution Hitch
• Furnace
• Electric Tongue Jack
• Roller Shades
• Folding Kitchen Shelf
• Maintenance-Free AGM Battery
• 180 or 230-Watt Solar Panel

How Much Does A Casita Travel Trailer Weigh?

The total weight of a Casita camper depends on several factors. First, the weight will be different based on what package you’re considering. Second, the total weight will fluctuate based on any add-ons or options you choose.

However, the weight of all base models are the same. They are:

• Dry Weight 17’ Standard Model – 2,210 pounds
• Dry Weight 17’ Deluxe Model – 2,480 pounds

How Much Does A Casita Camper Cost?

The overall price you will pay for a Casita camper will largely depend on any optional or “add-on” equipment you choose. However, the base price for the Standard version and the Deluxe version are:

• 17’ Standard Floorplan Price – $30,996 (2024 year model)
• 17’ Deluxe Floorplan Price – $32,694 (2024 year model)

Are Casita Campers Worth The Money?

One of the things that makes Casita campers so popular is they are a great value for the money. When compared to wooden or aluminum frame campers, Casita travel trailers are more durable and built to withstand some of the harshest conditions. In addition, these small campers have some of the best resale values of other campers being made today.

I think it would be a safe bet to say that yes, Casita campers are well worth the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions people often have about Casita campers.

Do Casita Campers Have Bathrooms?

Yes and no. The Deluxe version of all Casita floorplans have a wet bath located in the front of the camper while the Standard versions have additional sleeping areas instead of a bathroom.

Do Casita Travel Trailers Leak?

There isn’t an RV that is 100% waterproof. However, the two-piece molded fiberglass design of the Casita camper makes them virtually waterproof.

By not having seams along the roof line, like you would find in a traditionally built travel trailer, these campers are far less prone to water leaks.

When attaching the two fiberglass shells together, the seam runs along the side, instead of on the roof.

So yes, when not properly maintained, a Casita camper can leak, but not likely.

Is There A Waiting List For Casita Campers?

According to a 2019 article by Business View Magazine, “Casita Enterprises produces anywhere from 14 to 19 units a week, averaging 700 a year, and has just under a hundred employees. During peak seasons, like the months leading up to summer, the demand is so high that there is a 6-month waiting period.”

Where Can I Find A Used Casita Camper?

Finding a used Casita camper can prove to be difficult. Casita owners know what they have and are reluctant to part with them, unless the price is right. You can, however, find used models online at various websites.

If you perform a basic Google search for used Casita campers, you will find many resources to get started. Some popular choices are:

• rvtrader.com
• rvusa.com
• fiberglassclassifieds.com

In Conclusion

As you can see, the Casita is an extremely unique little camper. They offer floorplans that are perfect for couples, small families, and solo travelers. With a lightweight and aerodynamic design, it’s easy to see what makes the Casita camper so special.

Plus, since they can be towed by most vehicles, the Casita camper appeals to a wider audience than the heavier travel trailers on the market.

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