Sometimes life gives you an unmistakable signal. And if you’re an RV family, a moment may be coming for you — the moment you realize you’re gonna need a bigger RV. And, more specifically, that RV bunkhouses were the solution. I certainly remember when that moment happened to us.
We were boondocking with our RV in Moab in the summer. My husband and I were traveling with our two small kids, a dog, and a hamster. Moab’s summer heat is like a fiery volcano. Before the dog could go on her walk she needed little boots on her paws so they wouldn’t burn on the sidewalk. She even needed a white shirt over her black body so she wouldn’t overheat in the sun. Everyone was hot, tired, and feeling claustrophobia set in. And while, as RVers, our intention may be to spend most of our time outside, you simply have to accept the obvious sometimes: It’s too brutal to be stay out. You need to get inside.
On this occasion, that was when I realized: We need more living space in our RV. These kids need an RV with a bunkhouse.
The Double Bonus of RV Bunkhouses
When shopping for RV bunkhouses, it’s important to remember that sleeping arrangements aren’t just for sleeping. Remember, if you are anywhere hot, cold, or rainy, you might be spending a lot of time inside the RV. Your kids will want a space to call their own — somewhere they can decompress from you, each other, and the harsh elements outside. It makes sense. Traveling has a way of pulling the rug out from under a child’s sense of stability. As parents, it’s always healthy to mindful of that, and it’s smart to address it if your kids are going to spending any significant time on the road.
A big way to make up for a child’s lack of routine and security, is to give them their own space. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be their own. And there are some great RV bunkhouses out there that are perfect for a kid’s imagination.
With that being said, let’s look at four of our favorite RV bunkhouses, starting with one of the best models we’ve seen to combine adult and kid needs.
Top RV Bunkhouse Combo: Remote Work + Kid Space
2025 Starcraft GSL Light Duty 304BHS
The Starcraft GSL Light Duty 304BHS is a heart stopper for traveling families. It combines a beautiful duality of functional living spaces here that check all the boxes — including a place to work remote.
Not every family wants to purchase an RV to live full-time in. BUT, if that was ever on your bucket list, this one is worth a look. This RV bunkhouse has three levels. The bottom level doubles as a spacious work table. Remember that thing I said about kids having their own independent space? They can have it here, even if you’re using the work table. The way it is arranged, you can work on the bunk bed while it’s converted to table space, and, at the same time, the kids access the larger top bunk. It has its own little ladder to climb aboard. You can even close the door to your work space while the kids play up top.
In my humble opinion, it’s quite dreamy. Just picture it, like the perfect sandwich: a triple-tiered bunk with a work table and a top bunk with a separate entrance?! Yes please.
Let There Be Light
My favorite attribute of the space is the natural light that floods the space. A healthy-sized window lives above the table/middle bunk. As a remote-working traveling mother, I find myself drawn to a work space with natural light. (To get the creative juices flowing, I need the help of vitamin D.) Another asset in this workspace/bunk room is the door behind it. It is a surprisingly large area with a door that slides shut to keep the littles from hijacking your brain space. They are adorable distractions, I know, but the sooner you finish your work the sooner you can give them your fullest attention!
Added Bonus: For such a large unit, it is quite light and can be towed with a half-ton vehicle!
3 More Impressive RV Bunkhouses
Grand Design Imagine XLS 25DBE
The Grand Design Imagine XLS 25DBE travel trailer is another showstopper. If your kids are older, they might prefer a larger bunkhouse than the ones that come in so many RVs. In this floorplan, the bunkhouses are each double beds. (A true luxury in the RV world!) The sleeping arrangements are on opposite sides of the trailer. The bunkhouses are at the rear, and the master is in the front of the unit. Living in such tight quarters, having the sleeping areas far apart can be really beneficial for privacy when you’re living in tight quarters. (And sometimes its just nice to have a little breathing room.)
Highland Ridge Open Range 390TBS
The 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range 390TBS is a model of luxury. It checks the boxes for decadent living spaces and sleeping arrangements. The open floorplan includes a clever loft space with three sleeping areas for kids. With narrow mattresses and a low headspace, this room is definitely intended for children. Kids need only their imagination to make a space their own, headroom is not a requirement. (My kids seem to prefer tiny awkward spaces for their imaginative fort dwellings. )
With three mattresses, and possibly space for another, your kids can bring their friends along for a weekend away. There are storage compartments in the loft, so they can keep their belongings in their own space.
One thing that often goes unchecked in an RV is the bathroom situation. Sure, more than one designating sleeping space is nice, but, with a sleeping capacity of eight, do you all want to share one bathroom? In the Open Range 390TBS, there are two bathrooms for your daily ablutions.
Entegra Coach Odyssey 31F
The Entegra Coach Odyssey 31F is a motorhome bunkhouse with sleeping spaces in spades. Class Cs are known for their over-the-cab bunk. But this model features a bunkhouse, a master bed, a converting dinette, a tri-fold sofa (that doubles as a bed), and an over-the-cab bunk. If you’re looking for a bunkhouse for your kids, and you want to have visitors, take a look at this floor plan. All those beds mean you can sleep 10 people in this 31-foot Class C!
Wow.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Everyone has a different threshold, and getting to know yours (and not someone else’s) is all part of the journey. For example, the same day I realized we needed a bigger rig, I passed a small van parked at a local market. The sliding door was open. A toddler came tumbling out, followed by a mother with a newborn strapped to her chest. She was simultaneously making breakfast for everyone in her microscopic kitchen, like some sort of Marvel superhero.
How does she make it look so easy? Her, and about 2 million other people living their best #vanlife under sunshine and rainbows on social media. (Of course, it’s also possible that those picture perfect moments aren’t so perfect.)
Regardless of what everyone else’s story is, the key to success is to know your story. Know what your needs are, and don’t be afraid to own them. Be curious about what makes you happy on your adventure, and what makes you mad, scared, tired, and sad. You can’t avoid the latter, but you can try to find a happy place of equilibrium. And RV bunkhouses are a great way to achieve it.
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