Nothing says good old-fashioned camping like a retro-style camper. Whether you’re a fan of the adorable canned ham variety or the kind that reminds you of a vintage silver toaster, retro-style travel trailers are not only a nod to the past, but they’re here to stay.
RV manufacturers know these retro-style travel trailers offer character while also providing a comfortable way to travel or live on the road. That’s why we’re highlighting a few of the best retro-style travel trailers that keep the vintage vibes alive while rocking all of the modern conveniences of today’s RVs.
Happier Camper HC1
Be ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure with Happier Camper. While it looks retro with its clean, curved lines and fun hues, Happier Camper’s HC1 is a completely modern travel trailer that’s redefining camping with its modular Adaptiv™ grid system. You can customize your travel trailer based on your needs and create a layout that will work for you regardless of where you are in life.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with a growing family, or with a group of friends, you can create a smart, ergonomic layout that works for you. There are even off-the-grid options for those who want to overland. One of the best features of Happier Camper’s HC1 model is that you can tow it with most cars because it’s so lightweight.
Airstream Flying Cloud
Airstream travel trailers are one of the most iconic retro-style RVs on the market. They’ve been around since the 1930s and if you see one on the roadway, it’s hard to mistake it for anything other than an Airstream. Airstream’s Flying Cloud is the quintessential family-friendly travel trailer with more floor plans available than any other Airstream travel trailer model.
While staying true to its retro look with a rounded aluminum alloy exterior, the interior has a variety of different options whether you’re “flying” solo, traveling as a pair, or camping with the whole family. Features include the latest solar panels, flexible battery options, panoramic windows, and custom stylish furnishings.
Shop all Airstream Flying Cloud RVs.
Riverside RV Retro RV
Take a walk down memory lane with Riverside RV’s Retro RV. From mini campers to full-size bunkhouse RVs, this retro-style travel trailer will satisfy your need to travel like it’s 1952. The Retro RV has all of the interiors and exteriors of a true retro RV, with features like a black and white checkerboard floor resembling a 50s diner, dinette cushions that pop with colors like aqua, red, or seafoam green, and a canned ham exterior. But while it looks like a blast from the past, Riverside RV’s Retro RV has all of the modern amenities you need like a full bath, kitchen, and outdoor cooking options.
Shop all Riverside RV Retro RVs.
Shasta Airflyte
Shasta came out in 2015 with a limited edition replica of its classic 1961 Shasta Airflyte complete with its iconic Shasta wings. This modern-day retro-style travel trailer looks nearly identical to the original ‘61 Shasta down to the window dimensions, scalloped cabinet doors, and original exterior colors.
But the Airflyte has made some major improvements since the 60s including LED lighting, a bathroom instead of a closet, audio and video technology, reliable heating and air conditioning, and of course, modern-day appliances. Shasta made less than 2000 of the new Shasta Airflyte so consider yourself lucky if you get your hands on one.
Gulf Stream Coach Vintage Cruiser
The Vintage Cruiser from Gulf Stream Coach is the perfect blend of something old and something new. This 1950s-inspired travel trailer has all the retro flair you’d hope for, along with the latest technology to make your camping experience as comfortable as possible. The Vintage Cruiser is shaped like a canned ham and comes in fun exterior colors like teal and cream, crimson and cream, and estate wagon which is reminiscent of the old wood-bodied station wagon.
The vintage vibes translate on the inside too with a 50s-style dinette, checkered backsplash, retro curtain, and knotty pine paneling options. This lightweight retro-style travel trailer has several floor plans and uses space efficiently so that you have enough room and storage to fit your lifestyle.
Shop all Gulf Stream Coach Vintage Cruiser RVs.
nuCamp TAB 320 S
Tiny camping never looked so good! nuCamp’s TAB 320 S is a teardrop travel trailer that’s packed with all the essentials an adventurous RVer needs. This little camper weighs just under 2,000 pounds and is 15 feet long. The style is a blend of retro on the outside with its iconic teardrop shape, and Scandinavian on the inside with a clean, minimalist design.
Don’t let this tiny camper fool you. The TAB 320 S comes with a galley kitchen, a wet bath, and a U-shaped dinette that converts into a sleeping area with a full or split bed. The TAB 320 S is perfect for two people. To accommodate a family of three plus your furry companion, check out the TAB 400. Take it up a notch with the Boondock package for off-road adventures.
Retro-Style Travel Trailers are the Best
Retro-style travel trailers are full of character and packed with all the modern comforts you find in today’s travel trailers. Whether you go the authentic vintage camper route and renovate it yourself, or decide to go with one of these modern retro-look travel trailers, do the research to figure out what RV features and amenities are most important to you.
What appeals to you most about a retro-style camper? Tell us in the comments below!
You’re shown 2x with a riverside retro camper. Both red one single axle, one 2 axles with a rear cargo door. I can’t find either model on their website! Are these prototype trailers?
Thank you
Hi Kurt!
It’s possible that these were older models that have since been discontinued, but you can check our inventory of Riverside Retro trailers here: https://rv.campingworld.com/product/riverside-rv/retro
Let us know if you find what you’re looking for there!