6 Best RV Steps For Pop Up Campers That Serve Multiple Needs

That first step out of your pop up camper in the morning can be a doozy. The ground is never quite where you expect it, especially after a long night’s sleep on an uneven campsite. The flimsy, built-in step—if your camper even has one—often feels more like a suggestion than a stable platform. This is where the right set of steps becomes one of the most critical, yet overlooked, pieces of gear you can own.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

The Need for Versatile Pop Up Camper Steps

A pop up camper exists in a unique space. It sits higher off the ground than a tent, but lower than most travel trailers, creating an awkward entry height. A simple welcome mat won’t do, but a full-blown staircase is overkill. The real challenge, however, isn’t just the height; it’s the environment. Campsites are rarely level, turning a stable step into a wobbly hazard on soft dirt, gravel, or grassy slopes.

This is why versatility is non-negotiable. In a small space like a pop up, every single item should serve at least two purposes. Your step isn’t just for getting in and out. It’s your outdoor shoe-tying bench, a side table for your camp chair, a stable platform for reaching the roof rack, or an extra seat when friends stop by your site. A single-purpose item is a luxury you can’t afford when storage space is measured in square inches.

Choosing the right step is about solving multiple problems with one piece of gear. You need something that can handle uneven terrain, support you safely, and adapt to whatever need arises at the campsite. It’s less about buying a "camper step" and more about adding a functional tool to your small-living arsenal.

Camco Platform Step: Top Adjustable Choice

The Camco Platform Step is a classic for a reason. It’s a simple, rugged aluminum platform with individually adjustable legs. This isn’t just a nice feature; for pop up camping, it’s a game-changer. When you’re parked on a slope, you can shorten the uphill legs and lengthen the downhill ones to create a perfectly level, stable surface.

This adjustability solves the single biggest problem with most portable steps: uneven ground. No more propping one side up with a piece of firewood. The large, flat top also provides a generous landing area, which is great for balancing as you unlock the door with your hands full. Its non-slip surface adds a layer of confidence, especially on dewy mornings or in the rain.

Beyond its primary function, the Camco step excels as a low-slung utility table. It’s the perfect height to place next to a camp chair for your drink and a book. It’s also strong enough to serve as a sturdy bench for tasks that require a low, stable seat, like maintaining your gear. It folds down flat, making it relatively easy to slide into an exterior storage bay or the back of your tow vehicle.

Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R Double Step

Sometimes, one step just isn’t enough. If your pop up has a slight lift or you simply prefer a more gradual entry, a double step like the Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R is the answer. This design provides two smaller rises instead of one big one, making it significantly easier on the knees and safer for kids and less-mobile campers. It feels less like a hop and more like walking up a small set of stairs.

This is a freestanding unit, not one that mounts to your camper. That means you get the stability of ground contact without the bounce and flex of a factory-installed folding step. The wide, grippy treads provide a secure footing, and its steel construction gives it a rock-solid feel that inspires confidence every time you use it.

The tradeoff here is size. A double step is inherently bulkier and heavier than a single platform, so you need to have a dedicated spot to store it during travel. While it doesn’t offer the same versatility as a flat platform for use as a table, its value as a safe and comfortable entry system is unmatched for those who prioritize ease of access over multi-functionality.

Safety Step XL-11: Ultimate Stability Pick

If your number one priority is a step that will absolutely, positively not move, wobble, or tip over, look no further than the Safety Step. These things are built like tanks. The design features widely angled, anti-tip legs that create an incredibly stable base, even on soft or uneven surfaces where other steps might sink or shift.

The XL-11 model offers a huge, roomy platform. You can stand on it with both feet and still have space to maneuver, which is a massive confidence booster, especially when carrying something heavy. Originally designed for industrial and aviation use, its build quality is exceptional, often supporting weights up to 1,000 pounds. You will never worry about this step failing.

This is not the most compact or lightweight option. It’s a beast. But that stability makes it incredibly useful for more than just entry. It’s the perfect platform for washing the top of your tow vehicle or making adjustments to your camper’s roof. Its wide, flat top also makes it an excellent low bench seat for two people in a pinch. If you value stability above all else, the Safety Step is in a class of its own.

Bee Neat Folding Stool: Ultra-Compact & Multi-Use

Let’s be honest: sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. The classic folding plastic stool, like those from Bee Neat, is the king of space-saving. It folds down to the thickness of a book, allowing you to tuck it away almost anywhere. In a pop up camper, where every cubic inch is precious real estate, this is a massive advantage.

This stool is the ultimate multi-tasker. Use it outside as your primary step. Bring it inside to reach the upper cabinets or to sit on while cooking on a low camp stove. Give it to a child as their personal campfire seat. It’s so light and easy to carry that you’ll find a dozen uses for it without even trying.

Of course, there are compromises. It has a lower weight capacity and a much smaller top surface than dedicated RV steps. Its stability on soft, uneven ground is poor, and it’s best used on firm surfaces. But for the weekend warrior or the minimalist camper who values portability and versatility over brute strength, this little stool is an incredibly effective and affordable tool.

MORryde StepAbove: Premium & Secure Entry

For those looking to upgrade their pop up with a more permanent solution, the MORryde StepAbove is the premium choice. Unlike portable steps, this system is an assembly that installs in your camper’s doorway and folds up inside for travel. Its key feature is a set of adjustable feet that rest firmly on the ground, completely eliminating the bounce and instability associated with most RV steps.

The experience is just like walking up the stairs at home. The wide, residential-style treads and solid handrail (an optional add-on) provide a level of security that no portable step can match. Because it rests on the ground, it’s stable regardless of the camper’s movement. This is an ideal solution for full-timers or anyone who spends extended periods in their pop up.

The main considerations are cost and installation. This is a modification to your camper, not a simple accessory. You also have to be comfortable with the steps folding up inside the door, which can bring dirt and moisture in if you don’t clean them first. It’s a specialized solution, but for those who want the absolute best and most secure entry experience, the StepAbove is the undisputed champion.

Rubbermaid RM-P2: A Seat and a Step Stool

Don’t overlook the utility of a high-quality household tool. The Rubbermaid RM-P2 is a two-step stool that has proven its worth in garages and workshops for decades, and it translates perfectly to campsite life. It’s lightweight, incredibly tough, and designed from the ground up to be both a step and a seat.

Its two-tier design is surprisingly versatile. The lower step is perfect for children, while the top step hits a great height for most pop up doors. When it’s not being a step, it’s an excellent outdoor stool. The top is wide enough to be a comfortable seat, and the lower step acts as a perfect footrest or a shelf for your gear.

While its plastic feet aren’t adjustable, the wide, stable base gives it a solid footing on most surfaces. It’s easy to clean, won’t rust, and is light enough to move around with one hand. For a simple, durable, and truly dual-purpose solution that balances stability and portability, this humble Rubbermaid stool is one of the most practical choices you can make.

Key Factors for Your Pop Up Camper Steps

Choosing the right step comes down to balancing four key factors. There is no single "best" option; there’s only the best option for your camping style.

• Stability vs. Portability: This is the fundamental tradeoff. A heavy, wide-based step like the Safety Step offers supreme stability but is a pain to store and transport. A lightweight folding stool is incredibly portable but can feel precarious on uneven ground. Decide which end of that spectrum is more important to you.
• Adjustability: How often do you camp on unlevel ground? If you’re primarily in paved campground spots, fixed legs might be fine. If you’re a boondocker who parks on dirt, grass, and gravel, individually adjustable legs like those on the Camco step are practically a necessity for a safe, level platform.
• Multi-Functionality: Be realistic about your needs. Do you really need your step to be a table, or do you already have one? If storage is tight, prioritizing a step that can also serve as a reliable seat or a utility platform is a smart move. Every item should pull its weight.
• Height and Rise: Measure the distance from your camper’s threshold to the ground. A single 9-inch step might be too high for comfortable use, whereas a double step with two 6-inch rises could be perfect. Consider your own mobility and who will be using the steps most often.

Ultimately, the right steps for your pop up camper do more than just bridge a gap. They enhance safety, add convenience, and contribute a surprising amount of utility to your campsite. By thinking of them not as a simple accessory but as a multi-functional tool, you can choose a solution that makes your small-space adventures more comfortable and efficient.