For many families, comfortable sleeping space for everyone is a high priority when shopping for a new or used RV. Bunk models are often the best options, and travel trailers are generally more affordable than fifth wheel models. So, let’s look at some of the best bunkhouse travel trailers of 2024.
What is a Bunkhouse Travel Trailer?
Bunkhouse floorplans are unique, providing more sleeping space than other floorplans. Families significantly benefit from bunk beds. Whether for grandparents taking their grandchildren on a weekend camping trip or a family heading cross-country, bunkhouses offer designated sleeping spaces for children.
These floorplans are also easier to manage. Instead of converting a dinette or sofa every night, kids can sleep soundly in comfortable beds. No one has to remove cushions or reattach a pedestal table for the day’s events.
A bunkhouse travel trailer is also an excellent option for people who want a more affordable towable RV. Fifth wheels are generally more expensive than travel trailers. So, if you’re a camping family with a limited budget, there are bunkhouse travel trailers to suit your needs.
You’ll notice that trailer models have abbreviations like FK, RK, BH, RL, and others. These letters indicate the type of floorplan. For example, FK or RK means “front kitchen” or “rear kitchen.” RL means “rear living.” If you’re searching for a bunkhouse unit, look for the letters BH. Ten of the twelve models we’ve listed below use this abbreviation. So, not all bunkhouse travel trailers will have the BH, but most do.
What Are The Best 2024 Bunkhouse Travel Trailers?
We’ve chosen 12 of the best bunkhouse travel trailer floorplans, ideal for campers looking for additional sleeping space. Whether you need double over double bunks for more than two children or single bunks to provide private sleeping spaces for one or two kids, we’re sure you’ll find a model you love in the list below.
Remember that bunkhouse travel trailer floorplans need room for bunk beds, which means the living space is usually smaller. Unless you’re willing to go long and heavy, you’ll have to sacrifice space in the kitchen, dining, and living areas to provide the individual sleeping space of bunk beds.
Here’s our list of the 12 best bunkhouse travel trailers of 2024:
- Keystone Springdale Classic 1800BH
- Keystone Hideout Sport 175BH
- Forest River Campsite Reserve 26CJ
- East to West Longitude 285BH
- Forest River Wolf Den 16EV
- Heartland Pioneer BH261
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX 260BH
- Coleman Lantern LT 18BH
- Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 26DBH
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174BH
- Forest River Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L
- Heartland Mallard Tailwind T265BH
Five other models that narrowly missed our top 12 include the following:
- Keystone Springdale Classic 1760BH
- Heartland Mallard M26
- Forest River Campsite Reserve 23LM
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX 184BSW
- Coleman Lantern LT 274BH
To make them easier for you to compare, we’ve separated them by RV manufacturer:
Keystone Bunkhouse Travel Trailers
Keystone RV is a well-respected brand in the RV industry. Cole Davis founded Keystone in 1996. Since then, the company has worked its way to the top of the towable RV market. Today, there are over one million Keystone owners, making the brand the top manufacturer of towable RVs in North America. Currently, Keystone produces travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels, and destination trailers.
Keystone Springdale Classic 1800BH
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 20’6”
- Dry Weight: 3,036 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,314 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Why I Chose It: Compact, simple design
The Keystone Springdale Classic line offers single-axle travel trailers towable by light-duty vehicles. The 1800BH features a rear corner set of bunk beds next to a full bathroom. There’s a small kitchen equipped with a 3.3-cubic-foot 12-volt refrigerator, a microwave, a sink, and a two-burner gas range.
I love the simple design of this trailer. There are no slide-outs, which limits the interior space, but this also reduces potential repairs and overall wear-and-tear of these mechanisms. The kitchen and bathroom have everything you need to cook and clean without all the extras, making the Keystone Springdale 1800BH budget-friendly.
Across from the kitchen is a booth dinette with overhead storage for pots, flashlights, s’mores roasting sticks, and more. A queen bed sits in the front of the trailer. There’s more overhead storage for clothes and a closet to stow dirty laundry or hang jackets.
If you’re a family of three or four, this bunkhouse travel trailer floorplan is an excellent option since it gives each person a private sleeping area and a place for the family to gather at mealtime. You can also utilize the dinette for card games or rainy-day art activities.
Keystone Hideout Sport 175BH
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 20’6”
- Dry Weight: 3,020 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,330 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Why I Chose It: Compact, simple design
The Keystone Hideout Sport 175BH also has the rear single over single bunk beds beside the bathroom. I love this layout – and the previous one – because of the kids’ easy access to the bathroom. The bathroom is just a foot away if there’s a nighttime emergency.
The refrigerator is half the size of the Classic unit’s, at 3.3 cubic feet, but the kitchen still has a microwave, two-burner cooktop, and sink. There’s also the booth dinette with overhead storage, the queen bed with shelf storage, and a closet. The Keystone Hideout Sport 175BH has a 10-foot powered awning, just like the Springdale Classic.
Like the Classic 1800BH, the Keystone Hideout Spot 175BH is an excellent option for a small family who just wants the basics. If you want an entry-level trailer with space to accommodate three or four people, this bunkhouse travel trailer may be perfect for your needs.
Forest River Bunkhouse Travel Trailers
Forest River is one of the giants of the RV empire. The company not only has its line of travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, destination trailers, tent campers, and motorhomes, but it also owns other brands like Coachmen, Dynamax, Palomino, East to West, Prime Time, and Shasta.
If you’ve been to an RV show or walked around the campground, you’ve likely seen dozens of Forest River units. While narrowing down such a large selection is challenging, I’ve chosen four Forest River models to make the list of the top 12 best bunkhouse travel trailers in 2024.
Forest River Campsite Reserve 26CJ
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 32’9”
- Dry Weight: 6,421 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,253 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
Why I Chose It: Ample storage
If you need a large travel trailer with a bunkhouse, the Forest River Campsite Reserve 26CJ is one of the most spacious options on my list. It features rear corner double over double bunk beds, so there’s room for each to sleep two kids. Beside the bunks is the full bathroom, again conveniently located near the kids for nighttime emergencies.
In the center of this bunkhouse travel trailer is a large slide-out with a booth dinette and sofa. The kitchen has an L-shaped countertop, providing plenty of room for meal prep. The front bedroom has a king bed, and the exterior features an outside TV mount and a small kitchen.
What I love most is the ample storage throughout the unit. There’s a cabinet next to the bunk beds for the kids’ clothing. There’s more storage underneath the bottom bunk for extra toilet paper or toys. Behind the entertainment center are hidden shelves for pantry storage, and there’s a separate pantry closet to help stow away pans and kitchen gadgets. In the front bedroom, there’s overhead storage and a closet. The Forest River Campsite Reserve 26CJ is full of storage options.
Forest River Wolf Den 16EV
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 21’9”
- Dry Weight: 2,995 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,498 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
Why I Chose It: Basic, no frills
The Forest River Wolf Den 16EV resembles the Keystone Hideout Sport and Springdale Classic. It’s a little over a foot longer but even more basic, as it boasts electric appliances only – hence the ‘EV’ in the name. This model has no stovetop, and you won’t have a propane furnace for extended-season camping. It does have a sink, a small refrigerator, and a microwave air fryer. The bathroom also doesn’t have a sink but only a shower and toilet.
There are rear corner single over single bunk beds and a queen bed up front. I like how the Wolf Den 16EV is a step up from a tent camper but doesn’t break the bank by offering too many unnecessary amenities. If you like simple camping, this model is ideal. There’s room for a family of three or four to sleep comfortably. The dinette is a bit small, but if you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll likely eat at the picnic table.
The Forest River Wolf Den 16EV is one of the lightest travel trailers on this list, perfect for campers without heavy-duty trucks. You can safely tow this bunkhouse trailer with an SUV, minivan, light-duty truck, and possibly a sedan. It’s a budget-friendly trailer for a family wanting to go outdoors for a weekend camping trip.
Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 26DBH
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 31’9”
- Dry Weight: 5,795 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,930 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 9
Why I Chose It: Separate bedroom
I love that this Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf has a front bedroom separated from the rest of the unit. This gives parents or grandparents privacy you don’t find in some of the smaller travel trailer bunkhouses. The second entry in the bedroom also allows adults to enjoy an evening outside after the kids have gone to bed without worrying about waking them once they re-enter the trailer.
There are also double over double bunks near the rear corner bathroom. The booth dinette and sofa allow plenty of lounge space for family games or movie nights. The outside kitchen also provides another space for meal prep and an easy way to enjoy the outdoors.
Forest River Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 31’8”
- Dry Weight: 6,116 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,598 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 9
Why I Chose It: Upgrades for more comfort
The Forest River Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L is similar to the Cherokee Grey Wolf. It has double over double bunks, a U-shaped dinette, a sofa, a separate front bedroom, and an outdoor kitchen. What I love most about this unit are the extras that make this bunkhouse travel trailer feel more like a home on wheels.
An electric fireplace underneath the entertainment center provides added warmth on cool fall evenings. A porcelain toilet in the bathroom is more durable than the standard plastic one. Finally, the 20-foot awning offers ample shade to create more exterior living space. Plus, this travel trailer features a fiberglass exterior instead of the corrugated aluminum.
East to West Bunkhouse Travel Trailers
Forest River, Inc. owns East to West. It’s one of the newest brands to hit the RV industry. Lisa Liegl Rees founded it in 2017, and the company currently manufactures travel trailers, fifth wheels, and Class C motorhomes. It has a smaller lineup than other brands, with only six travel trailer lines, four fifth wheel lines, and two Class C lines.
East to West Longitude 285BH
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 33’9”
- Dry Weight: 6,917 pounds
- Cargo Capacity:
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 10
Why I Chose It: Double entry, true living room
The Longitude is brand new in 2024. The 285BH features double over double bunks and a full bathroom in the rear. One major reason it makes the list of best bunkhouse travel trailers is the separate entrance to the bathroom. This provides easy access for kids to wash up after playing outside and a place to drop dirty shoes without dragging mud through the trailer.
I also love the layout of this travel trailer’s living room. The sofa and dinette are on opposing sides, with the entertainment center in the middle. This makes the space feel homey, ideal for a family who enjoys watching TV or movies on a Friday night.
This bunkhouse travel trailer also features a front bedroom separate from the rest of the unit, providing privacy for the adults. There’s also an additional wardrobe in the East to West Longitude 285BH that the other models on this list don’t have.
Heartland Bunkhouse Travel Trailers
Heartland has been in the RV industry for two decades. They manufacture models ranging from lightweight travel trailers to triple-axle toy haulers across 20 towable lines. The Landmark fifth wheel was its flagship trailer in 2004. You’ll find a wide range of price ranges to suit all types of budgets and various floorplans for all types of RVers.
Heartland Pioneer BH261
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 31’6”
- Dry Weight: 5,780 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,804 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
Why I Chose It: Spacious interior
The Heartland Pioneer BH261 is similar to a few other models on this list. It features the double over double bunks and a bathroom in the rear corner. It also has a second entrance directly into the bathroom, which I love. This Heartland Pioneer trailer also has a separate front bedroom.
The booth dinette and sofa are side by side in a large slide-out, and the kitchen is against the opposing wall. One thing I love about this layout that’s different from the other travel trailers with bunkhouses is that the kitchen isn’t an L-shape. The countertop doesn’t stick out into the living space, creating a very open, spacious area. The kids can play on the floor without hitting their heads on the countertop, and the dogs can roam around with plenty of space.
Heartland Mallard Tailwind T265BH
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 30’11”
- Dry Weight: 5,640 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,954 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Why I Chose It: Single entry, fiberglass exterior
This Heartland Mallard travel trailer is similar to the Pioneer bunkhouse. It also has double over double bunks next to the rear corner bathroom, a booth dinette and sofa in a large slide-out across from a full kitchen, and a separate front bedroom.
However, this unit doesn’t have a second entry in the bathroom. Some families will appreciate that because it’s not another door they have to lock and prevent younger children from escaping. The Mallard also features a fiberglass exterior, while the Pioneer is built with corrugated aluminum siding, giving this unit an upgraded feel.
Jayco Bunkhouse Travel Trailers
Jayco is one of the most respected and well-known brands in the RV industry. Lloyd Bontrager founded the company in 1968 and debuted his innovative lifter system for pop up campers. Today, with over 55 years of experience and over a million units sold, Jayco is one of the leaders in the industry. The brand produces every class of travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes.
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 260BH
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 29’5”
- Dry Weight: 4,580 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,420 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 10
Why I Chose It: Ample sleeping capacity
With the capability to sleep up to ten, the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 260BH is a lightweight bunkhouse travel trailer with the space a large family needs to enjoy a weekend camping trip. The double over double bunks measure a spacious 48” by 76”, and the jackknife sofa provides an additional sleeping area. Plus, the booth dinette also converts if you need another place to sleep.
With no slides, the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 260BH may seem smaller than other units, but I love how Jayco designed this floorplan to create the most space possible. For example, there’s no sink in the bathroom. Instead, the kitchen sink is right outside the bathroom door. The countertop is small, but with the dinette table just across the room, parents can use it for an additional meal prep space if needed. And Jayco still provides a separate front bedroom for the adults.
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174BH
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 21’8”
- Dry Weight: 3,140 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,010 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
Why I Chose It: Compact, lightweight design
Another Jayco Jay Flight SLX model with bunks is the 174BH. What I love most about this travel trailer is the size. For a camping family who owns an SUV or a smaller vehicle, the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174BH checks all the boxes. With a dry weight of under 3,200 pounds and a length of under 22 feet, it’s light enough and short enough to be towed by smaller vehicles.
While you won’t have some amenities in other bunkhouse travel trailers, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable, enjoyable weekend camping trip. The single bunks are 29” by 75” and are directly next to a bathroom with a shower and toilet. The only sink is in the kitchen, which includes an 8-cubic-foot refrigerator, a microwave, and a cooktop.
There’s a booth dinette for mealtime and a queen bed for the adults. The overhead storage throughout the unit also provides ample room for kitchen gadgets, clothes, blankets, flashlights, and other camping gear.
Coleman Bunkhouse Travel Trailers
Coleman has been synonymous with camping and the outdoors for decades. Their lightweight bunkhouse travel trailers are some of the most affordable models on the market today, and the Keystone RV company actually manufactures them.
Coleman Lantern LT 18BH
Travel Trailer Specs
- Length: 22’10”
- Dry Weight: 3,587 pounds
- Cargo Capacity:
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
Why I Chose It: Maximum space, no slides
This lightweight, single-axle travel trailer with bunkhouse has two 48” by 72” bunks in the rear corner next to a full bathroom, which features a walk-in shower. This unit also has a bathroom and kitchen sink, even with its smaller length. The booth dinette converts into another sleeping area and sits directly across from the kitchen, ideal for preparing meals.
I love the Murphy bed layout of this bunkhouse travel trailer because it allows for more family space during the day. While the similarly-sized Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174BH has a dinette and a set bedroom, the Coleman Lantern LT 18BH has both a dinette and sofa. You can lounge with the kids on the couch, but when it’s time to go to bed, the space quickly becomes a sleeping area for the adults. This Coleman travel trailer with bunkhouse maximizes the interior space, even without slide-outs.
Honorable Mentions For The Best Travel Trailer with a Bunkhouse
These models narrowly missed our list, but you might enjoy comparing them to some that did:
- Keystone Springdale Classic 1760BH
- Heartland Mallard M26
- Forest River Campsite Reserve 23LM
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX 184BSW
- Coleman Lantern LT 274BH
FAQs About Bunkhouse Travel Trailers
You may have a few more questions to help you find the right bunkhouse travel trailer for your family. Here are the most popular questions about this type of floorplan.
What is a bunkhouse floorplan in a travel trailer?
A travel trailer is a towable RV. Some people call it a “bumper pull” because it attaches to a hitch on the tow vehicle’s bumper. A travel trailer can have many of the same amenities as a fifth wheel or motorhome.
While some RVs have a separate room for the kids to sleep, a bunkhouse doesn’t have to be separated from the rest of the interior space. If bunk beds are in the floorplan, then it’s considered a travel trailer with a bunkhouse, whether those bunks are open to the living area or closed off with a separate door. Check out these additional travel trailer floorplans that offer ample space for a camping family.
What is the most popular travel trailer length?
Generally, a travel trailer with a bunkhouse will be longer than a travel trailer without bunks because it’s necessary to add length to incorporate this additional sleeping space. However, some manufacturers take away a feature to keep the length short. For example, a bunkhouse model may only have a dinette instead of a dinette and a sofa, so there’s room for the bunks in the same interior space.
Travel trailers can range from 12 feet to 40 feet long. They vary significantly in size and weight because there are many different floorplans. The average bunkhouse travel trailers are 20-30 feet long, but floorplans with a separate rear bunkhouse will be longer. It’s also important to know your local regulations regarding RV length so you follow the road restrictions in your home state.
What size is a double bunk in a travel trailer?
I mentioned that some of these best bunkhouse travel trailers feature double over double bunks. Usually, these bunks measure around 48” wide by 76” long. For older kids, these bunks may only sleep one. But for younger children, families can take advantage of these oversized bunks and sleep two per bed. I encourage you to learn more about RV mattresses, their sizes, how they differ from residential mattresses, and the different types we offer at Camping World.
Does Airstream make a bunkhouse?
Airstream is well-known as one of the top brands in the RV industry. The company has been making trailers since the 1930s. However, Airstream only manufactures one floorplan with a bunk bed option: the Flying Cloud 30FB Bunk. This 31-footer sleeps up to eight or nine people, depending on if you have the single over double bunk or the double over double bunk option.
Bunkhouse travel trailers are excellent units for camping families. Whether you’re a grandparent who takes out your grandchildren occasionally, a full-time traveling family who needs personal space for everyone, or a single parent who wants to make memories with your child on weekend getaways, there’s a floorplan to suit your camping style and needs.
If you’d like to learn more about the best bunkhouse travel trailers or travel trailers in general, I encourage you to check out these other articles:
- Introducing the Forest River Campsite Reserve
- What Are The Best Small Campers for Couples?
- Camping World’s Top-Selling Travel Trailers with Slide-outs
Which is your favorite bunkhouse travel trailer, and why? Let us know in the comments below.
This article claims the Springdale Classic has a 7.7 cu refrigerator and a 14 ft awning. In all the searching on Camping World inventory I have yet to find a unit with this. I only see 3.3 frig and 10 ft awning.
Hi Michael!
My apologies, as I just reached out to Keystone and they confirmed that 3.3-cubic feet is the standard fridge size for the 2024 model year, down from the 7.7 cubic foot standard in the 2023 model year. They also confirmed that the 10-foot awning is now standard on new models. Thanks for bringing this to our attention so we could update these specs in the article!