What Is A Bunkhouse? (Updated 2025)

If you have never stayed in a bunkhouse, but love traveling, especially outdoors, then a bunkhouse might be a good lodging option for you.

What Is a bunkhouse? More or less, bunkhouses are basic lodging accommodations for adventurers looking for an inexpensive place to rest for the night.

Interested in learning more about bunkhouses? Then you’re in the right place.

What Is A Bunkhouse? – What You Need to Know

What Is Staying At A Bunkhouse Like?

Staying at a bunkhouse is an experience that is not quite ideal for ordinary tourists. Instead, bunkhouse lodging is geared towards outdoorsy types.

As with hostels, hotels, and other overnight accommodations, bunkhouses vary significantly from one to another. A bunkhouse can be little more than a large room with several beds, while others have entertainment facilities, kitchens, and lobbies.

Furthermore, some bunkhouses provide blankets and pillows, but most do not. That said, most bunkhouses are frequented by hikers, campers, and lovers of the great outdoors during their adventures (which means these customers are already carrying their sleeping bags and pillows).

Benefits Of Bunkhouses

Renting a bed in a bunkhouse for the night is generally cheaper than any other lodging accommodation. Many bunkhouses charge less than $15 per night for a bed.

Again, it is essential to understand that bunkhouses are marketed towards groups exploring the outdoors and individual nature lovers who are used to roughing it and sleeping outside in the elements. For these individuals, a bunkhouse is an attractive lodging option for a night of well-earned rest.

One of the greatest benefits of bunkhouses (for outdoorsy types) is that they are often situated in exciting nature-based locations such as State and National Parks and highly-frequented nature trails (like the world-famous Appalachian Trail).

So, once you’ve made it to the bunkhouse, you are already surrounded by pristine nature (which is what you came to see in the first place). For travelers who enjoy being outside, few lodging options are more convenient than a bunkhouse.

Is Food Included With Overnight Stays At Bunkhouses?

As you have probably gathered by now, bunkhouses are about as simple a lodging option as there exists. So, it should be no surprise that most do not include food with your overnight stay at their facilities. Instead, lodgers are expected to provide their own food (as well as pillows and bedding in most cases).

However, bunkhouses that do offer food (and bedding) are beginning to spring up here and there. And, even if the bunkhouse you choose to lodge with doesn’t happen to provide food, many of them do have kitchens for you to prepare whatever food you have brought with you.

It is also important to note that many bunkhouses are situated directly beside local pubs. This convenient arrangement makes it quick and easy to find some grub if you don’t feel like packing your meals with you.

Make sure to inquire to the bunkhouse you are booking if they provide food or not to be adequately prepared for your trip.

The Difference Between Bunkhouses and Hostels

It is pretty evident that bunkhouses and hostels are pretty similar. They are both extremely affordable lodging options compared to traditional hotels or motels. And, to further complicate things, many folks do indeed use the two words interchangeably.

So, what exactly is the difference between hostels and bunkhouses?

Hostels are rarely located in the middle of pristine nature, as many bunkhouses are. Even more, hostels, for the most part, provide bedding, whereas bunkhouses tend to require you to bring your own pillows and sleeping bag or blankets.

Another significant difference is that hostel rooms have a much higher standard of comfort than bunkhouses frequented by pretty rough customers who are used to sleeping outside under the stars. This includes furniture, TV, and more.

In addition, bunkhouses never include private bathrooms and showers. On the other hand, hostels often offer private bathrooms and showers for an extra charge.

Lastly, hostels are often part of a chain, or organization of lodging facilities, whereas bunkhouses are usually stand-alone establishments fun by individual owners or families.

Is a Bunkhouse Right for Me?

By now, you have probably decided on your own whether or not a bunkhouse is suitable for you to stay in while traveling.

However, if you are still in consideration, here are a few points to consider:

• Do you enjoy being secluded in nature?
• Are you ok with packing and cooking your own food?
• Are you alright with providing your own bedding?
• Do you ok with sharing a bathroom and shower with multiple people?
• Are you planning on trekking through the wilderness?
• Are you traveling as a group?

If the answer to the above questions is yes, you are likely a prime candidate for lodging at a bunkhouse!