WHAT TYPE OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLE IS BEST FOR A FAMILY NEW TO CAMPING? (TOP 5)

Published on: Jul 19, 2026
WHAT TYPE OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLE IS BEST FOR A FAMILY NEW TO CAMPING? (TOP 5) alt

WHAT TYPE OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLE IS BEST FOR A FAMILY JUST STARTING OUT WITH CAMPING? (TOP 5)

Buying your first recreational vehicle (RV) is a big step. For a family new to camping, making the right choice depends on several factors: the number of people, the tow vehicle, the budget, and the type of trips you want to take.
Here are our Top 5 best RVs for families just starting out.

🥇 1. THE TRAVEL TRAILER WITH BUNK BEDS (BUNKHOUSE) – KEYSTONE SPRINGDALE/ALLIANCE RV DELTA BH255 

It's the top choice for young families.

Why? The children have their own space, the parents have a private bedroom, and the whole family enjoys a functional living space.

KEY FEATURES :

✔ Sleeps 5 to 8 people
✔ Excellent value for the money
✔ Easy to use for first-time RV owners
✔ Several configurations available

THE LIMITATIONS : 

  • Requires a vehicle capable of towing its weight.
  • Maneuvering and backing up take a little practice.
  • Setting up at the campground (leveling, hooking up) takes longer than with a motorhome.

Perfect for: families of 4 to 6 people.

🥈 2. THE ULTRA-LIGHT TRAVEL TRAILER – KEYSTONE PASSPORT ULTRA LITE / ALLIANCE RV DELTA ULTRA LITE ML226 

If you own an SUV or a midsize truck, a light-duty trailer is often the best option.

Its light weight makes it easy to tow while offering the comfort of a real trailer.

KEY FEATURES :

✔ Easier to tow
✔ Lower fuel consumption
✔ Ideal for weekend getaways
✔ Compatible with many vehicles

THE LIMITATIONS : 

  • Storage space is generally more limited.
  • Water tanks and capacities are sometimes smaller.
  • Certain luxury features are less common.

Perfect for: first-time campers who want to gain some experience.

🥉 3. THE CLASS C MOTORHOME – THOR MOTOR COACH ÉCHELON

 

The Classe C Echelon motorhome is known for being one of the most family-friendly recreational vehicles.

Thanks to its bunk above the cab, it offers more sleeping space without significantly increasing its length.

KEY FEATURES :

✔ No towing required
✔ Quick setup at the campground
✔ Easier to drive than a Class A 
✔ Plenty of space for the whole family

THE LIMITATIONS : 

  • Higher purchase price and maintenance costs.
  • Higher fuel consumption.
  • Once you’ve set up at the campground, you have to move the entire vehicle to get around, unless you tow a car.

Perfect for: families who change destinations frequently.

4. THE HYBRID TRAILER – DUTCHMEN KODIAK CUB HYBRID / JAYCO JAY FEATHER 

The hybrid trailer combines the comfort of a traditional trailer with the fold-out sides of a tent trailer.

It offers several sleeping spaces while remaining relatively lightweight.

KEY FEATURES :

✔ Ample sleeping space
✔ Lighter than a conventional trailer
✔ An excellent choice for those on a budget

THE LIMITATIONS :

  • Canvas sections provide less insulation in cold or very hot weather.
  • Canvas sections require regular maintenance and must be stored completely dry.
  • Less quiet than a traditional trailer.

Perfect for: families who love being close to nature.

5. THE FIFTH WHEEL – ALLIANCE RV AVENUE 29BH.

If you already own a pickup truck, a compact fifth-wheel trailer can be an excellent first purchase.

Its hitch, mounted in the truck bed, improves stability on the road and offers impressive interior space.

KEY FEATURES :

✔ Excellent stability while towing
✔ Plenty of storage
✔ Higher ceilings
✔ Ideal for long stays

✔ Designed for families (29BH = Bunk House with bunk beds)

✔ Sleeps up to 6.

✔ 35 feet with an extension, offering excellent living space.

THE LIMITATIONS :

  • Requires a full-size pickup truck equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch.
  • The purchase price is generally higher than that of a travel trailer.
  • Its height and length may limit access to certain campgrounds and parking spaces.

Perfect for: families who plan to travel for several weeks a year.

FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A FAMILY HOME

Before buying your first RV, make sure it has:

  • Bunk beds for the kids;
  • A private master bedroom;
  • Plenty of storage space;
  • A functional kitchen;
  • A full bathroom;
  • A weight that’s compatible with your towing capacity.

These features will make all the difference on your first camping adventures.

Your ProfileYour PrioritiesWhat to Check
CoupleEasy towingWeight, comfort, storage
Young familySleeping capacityLiving space, safety, storage
RetireesExtended staysComfort, self-sufficiency, accessibility
Seasonal campersOutdoor livingKitchen, awning, storage
Frequent travelersMobilityTrailer dimensions, quick setup

OUR TIP

For most families just starting out, a lightweight travel trailer with bunk beds remains the best balance of price, comfort, space, and ease of towing. If you’d rather avoid towing, a Class C motorhome is an excellent alternative.

At Roulottes Rémillard, located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in the Montérégie region, you’ll find a wide selection of travel trailers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, hybrid trailers, and other recreational vehicles from leading brands such as Forest River, Alliance RV, Dutchmen, Coachmen, Keystone RV, and Thor Motor Coach—perfect for both first-time families and experienced campers. Browse our inventory and find the RV that fits your camping style.

Browse our inventory

📞 450-348-3485 | Toll-free: 1-877-388-3885 📍 1290 Saint-Luc Blvd., Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec

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Also check out our blog : DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL LICENSE TO DRIVE A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV)?, 6 FACTORS TO CONSIDER TO ENSURE THE PROFITABILITY OF A FAMILY RV TRAILER, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TRAVEL TRAILER, A FIFTH WHEEL, AND A MOTORHOME?