Where Campers Sleep: The Different Types of Summer Camp Bunks

In the world of overnight summer camps, there’s more than just traditional cabins where kids catch some z’s after an amazing day of fun. The communal living quarters at summer camp, commonly referred to as ‘bunks,’ vary from platform tents to yurts to even covered wagons. Let’s take a look at the six most common type of bunks you can find at sleepaway camps across the United States.

Cabins

Cabins are the most common type of bunk you will find at the majority of overnight summer camps in the United States. They range from cushy, modern cabins with electricity and air conditioning, to classic, rustic open air cabins millions of kids have stayed in for nearly a century. Cabins offer campers the best balance of living in the great outdoors while still maintaining some of the comforts of home.

• Many cabins are purposefully rustic and don’t have lights or electricity
• Some cabins have bathrooms attached while others don’t
• Cabins can be fully open air or enclosed with windows and screens
• Medium bunk sizes (6 – 14 kids per cabin)

Platform Tents

Platform tents are large canvas tents pitched on elevated wooden platforms. They were standard at most camps until the 1930s when wooden cabins became more popular. Though far less common now, some camps still offer this authentic, old-school camp living experience for kids looking to live as close to nature as possible.

• Completely open air with campers often sleeping under bug nets
• Separate bathhouse or washhouse is nearby
• Smaller bunk sizes (3 – 8 kids per tent)

Yurts

Yurts are circular, tent-like structures with a large domed roofs and wooden floors. They are often more spacious than cabins and less rustic.

• Yurts typically don’t have bathrooms attached
• The dome top can usually open, helping regulate the temperature
• Medium bunk sizes (6 – 14 campers per yurt)

Tents

Tents are typically only used by campers on wilderness trips or out-of-camp expeditions. Rarely will you find tents used as permanent bunks outside a few off-the-grid style specialty camps. Tents provide the most back-to-basics outdoor living experience of all the bunk types.

• Can be setup anywhere leading to some stunning stays
• Very barebones, no amenities other than basic protection from the elements
• Smaller bunk sizes (2 – 4 kids per tent)

Dorm-style or Lodge

Not all overnight camps are located in the great outdoors. Some are hosted at universities, sports complexes, or special facilities. For camps like this, kids often stay in dorms, lodges, or hotels with multiple private rooms. This bunk type can be especially good for kids who prefer small groups or more private housing.

• Less communal due to multiple small rooms that often have their own bathrooms
• Modern amenities like electricity, lights, and air conditioning
• Smaller bunk sizes (2 – 6 kids per room)

Unique Housing

Looking for something different? Some overnight camps have unique living quarters for campers such as treehouses, longhouses, tipis, covered wagons, and more. These bunks truly provide one-of-a-kind stays not typically seen at most camps.

• Can provide a truly unique living experience
• Some may be themed based on the camp’s program
• Bunk sizes vary