See how I camp in a renovated 1985 Coleman Sequoia and the upgrades that make it comfortable
At the center of all my camping adventures is my 1985 Coleman Sequoia pop-up camper. When I first started exploring the idea of camping, I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy it, so I didn’t want to jump in and spend a lot of money on expensive equipment or a large travel trailer.
A friend who had experience camping gave me some simple advice that stuck with me. He told me to start small. Instead of investing thousands of dollars into a brand-new camper, he suggested I look for a pop-up camper. That way I could experience camping comfortably without making a huge financial commitment right away.
That advice led me to discover my vintage Coleman Sequoia.
When I first saw this 1985 pop-up camper, I immediately noticed the potential it had. Like many campers built in that era, it was designed with a practical layout, lightweight construction, and the ability to tow easily. But more importantly, it had something that many modern campers seem to lack—character and simplicity.
Of course, owning a camper that’s more than forty years old meant that some improvements were needed. Instead of replacing it with something new, I decided to renovate it and bring it up to modern camping standards while keeping the classic design that makes vintage pop-up campers so special.
From the very beginning, my goal during the renovation was simple: I wanted to camp with the same level of comfort that many people enjoy in today’s newer campers—but inside a vintage pop-up.
Step by step, I began upgrading and improving different parts of the camper. I focused on making the space more comfortable, more practical, and better suited for peaceful solo camping trips. Along the way I added improvements that allow me to enjoy many of the same conveniences that newer campers offer today.
Now when I set up my camper at a quiet campsite, I have everything I need to enjoy the outdoors while still having modern comforts. My renovated Sequoia gives me the ability to cook, relax, sleep comfortably, and power the equipment I use while camping. In many ways, I now have many of the same features you would expect from a modern camper—just inside a classic vintage design.
That combination is what makes camping in this pop-up so special.
The camper still carries the charm of a 1980s Coleman folding trailer, but the upgrades I’ve made allow me to camp comfortably and enjoy longer trips without sacrificing convenience. It’s proof that you don’t always need the newest or most expensive camper to enjoy modern camping comfort.
In fact, bringing new life to this vintage camper has become one of the most rewarding parts of my camping journey.
Today, my 1985 Coleman Sequoia serves as the foundation for my peaceful solo camping adventures. It’s simple enough to keep camping stress-free, yet comfortable enough to make every trip enjoyable. Whether I’m spending a quiet night under the stars or waking up to a calm morning at the campsite, this classic pop-up camper continues to deliver exactly what I hoped it would.
Throughout this website and my videos, I’ll continue sharing the upgrades I’ve made, the gear that works best for my setup, and how I’ve transformed a 40-year-old camper into a comfortable modern camping experience.
If you enjoy vintage campers, practical upgrades, and peaceful camping adventures, you’ll probably appreciate what this old Sequoia can do.