Finding the perfect wallet-friendly travel trailer can sometimes be harder than finding a decent WiFi signal at your campsite.
With so many options available, figuring out which camper is the right fit can feel like a full-time job. You want to hit the road and start camping, but instead you’re stuck in research mode.
At Bish’s RV, we’ve helped thousands of RVers find their perfect match, and we get it—every brand has its pros and cons.
In this article, we’ll dive into the Cherokee Grey Wolf, Keystone Hideout, and Wayfinder Go Play—three similarly affordable campers—highlighting some of the key differences to help you decide which one best fits your camping style and budget.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which camper gives you the best combination of durability, features, space, and value.
Table of Contents
Is this your 1st RV? Watch this Video from RV Expert, Josh the RV Nerd Now.
Cherokee Grey Wolf vs. Keystone Hideout vs. Wayfinder Go Play: What Sets Them Apart?
What is a Cherokee Grey Wolf?:
The Cherokee Grey Wolf series by Forest River is designed for RVers who want a little more than basic.
Known for its durable construction and higher-end trim packages, the Grey Wolf often includes features like electric fireplaces, stainless steel sinks, and larger solar packages.
It’s a solid choice for those seeking a tough, well-equipped camper that can handle a variety of camping experiences, from family trips to off-the-grid adventures.
Check out Cherokee Grey Wolf Campers for a look inside!
What is a Keystone Hideout?:
The Keystone Hideout, which is now identical to the Springdale line, offers a traditional lineup of campers with a focus on versatility.
From bunkhouses to couples’ models, the Hideout is ideal for RVers looking for flexibility in layouts and more premium features, like floor-flush slides and theater seating.
With a slightly higher price point, Hideout offers better seating options, higher ceilings, and a more refined interior compared to Grey Wolf.
Check out Keystone Hideout Campers for a look inside!
What is a Wayfinder Go Play?:
Wayfinder’s Go Play brand is tailored to RVers seeking simplicity and affordability without sacrificing the essentials.
With a smaller lineup, Go Play focuses on streamlining production and keeping costs low, while still offering core features like a solar package, propane ovens, and enclosed underbellies.
It’s perfect for new RV owners or those looking for a hassle-free camper without paying for unnecessary extras.
To learn more about Go Play Travel Trailers, check out, The Go Play Origin Story- High-Quality, Low Cost Travel Trailers
Check out Wayfinder Go Play Campers for a look inside!
Build Quality: How Do They Compare?
When it comes to construction, these three brands share some key similarities, but their differences in materials and design might influence which is the right fit for you.
Build Similarities:
All Three Brands Feature:
- 12” on-center floor joists
- 16” on-center wall studs
- Walkable roofs with 16” on-center roof trusses and 3/8” OSB roof decking.
(OSB, or Oriented Strand Board, is a durable, cost-effective wood panel used in RV construction but can be vulnerable to water damage if not maintained properly.) - Insulation packages suitable for spring, summer, and fall camping, making them ideal for camping throughout most of the year.
Build Quality: Cherokee Grey Wolf:
Grey Wolf trailers are built with durability in mind, using high-quality materials and smart design to reduce overall weight and height.
- 5/8” Tongue & Groove Plywood Flooring: Strong and resilient, Grey Wolf’s flooring holds up well under use and is less susceptible to water damage.
- Step-Up Schwintek Slide System: This system reduces the need for a slide-out ram-bar, allowing the RV to ride lower on its chassis. This leads to a lower overall exterior height, easier towing, and improved aerodynamics.
- Cabinet Construction: Grey Wolf uses staple-fastened cabinets, which might be a concern for long-term durability, though the lighter weight contributes to lower costs.
- 6’6” Ceiling Height: Shorter ceiling height, but combined with the lower chassis, it makes Grey Wolf trailers more accessible and lighter overall.
Build Quality Keystone Hideout:
The Hideout series is designed with sturdiness in mind, but it uses different materials that offer both benefits and drawbacks.
- 5/8” “Big Board” OSB Flooring: Fewer seams mean fewer weak points, but OSB is vulnerable to water damage if not properly maintained. While strong, it can become a major issue if it gets wet.
- Rack & Pinion Floor Flush Slide: This floor-flush system allows for more seating options and an open feel, without the intrusiveness of step-up slides.
- Pocket-Screwed Cabinets: The Hideout’s cabinets use pocket screws, offering better durability and long-term use compared to staples.
- 6’9” Ceiling Height: Taller ceilings create a more open and spacious feel, ideal for families or anyone who values extra headroom.
Build Quality Wayfinder Go Play:
Go Play campers focus on practical, budget-conscious construction, while still offering key features for most campers.
- 5/8” OSB Plywood Flooring: While strong, Go Play’s flooring is slightly less resilient than Grey Wolf’s tongue-and-groove plywood.
- Rack & Pinion Floor Flush Slide: Like the Hideout, Go Play uses this system to offer more open, unobstructed interiors.
- Pocket-Screwed Cabinets: For durability, Go Play follows the same cabinet construction as the Hideout, using pocket screws for long-lasting sturdiness.
- 6’9” Ceiling Height: Taller ceilings provide a spacious feel, making Go Play trailers a comfortable option for campers seeking affordability and practicality.
Features & Amenities: Which Offers the Best Experience?
When it comes to features, each of these brands aims to provide essential comforts for the casual camper, with a few key differences that may sway your decision depending on how you like to camp.
Features Similarities:
All three brands focus on delivering the basics needed for a good camping experience:
- 10 cu. ft. 12V Compressor Refrigerators: Standard across all models, these fridges are energy-efficient and perfect for short trips or extended stays.
- Camp Queen Beds (74” Long): While all offer the standard 60” wide queen bed, Grey Wolf provides a wider Olympic Camp Queen (66” wide) in most models.
- Solar Packages: Solar prep is included on all models, with various capacities depending on the brand.
Features & Amenities: Cherokee Grey Wolf:
Grey Wolf trailers tend to have the most premium features among the three, offering upgrades that cater to those seeking a little more luxury.
- Electric Fireplace: Many models include an electric fireplace, a feature not commonly found in the Hideout or Go Play, which adds warmth and ambiance.
- Skirted Stainless Sink with Cup Sprayer: The Grey Wolf includes a premium sink, giving you a residential feel with added convenience.
- Convection Electric Oven/Microwave: Though there’s no propane oven option, Grey Wolf includes an electric oven as standard, making it ideal for those who rely more on electric cooking.
- 200W Solar Package: Comes with an expandable solar system that can support up to 450W, great for extended boondocking.
- USB Plugs in Multiple Areas: More USB charging points throughout the camper compared to the other brands.
- Water Heater: Features an on-demand water heater for instant hot water.
- Enclosed Underbelly with Tank Heaters: Enclosed only where holding tanks are located, with standard tank heaters for added protection in colder weather.
What are you waiting for? Check out Cherokee Grey Wolf Campers Now!
Features & Amenities: Keystone Hideout:
The Hideout leans more into offering flexibility with seating and lighting options, making it a solid choice for families or those seeking a more customizable interior.
- Convection Electric Oven/Microwave: Like Grey Wolf, Hideout lacks a propane oven but includes an electric oven standard.
- Seating Options: Thanks to the floor-flush slide system, the Hideout offers more seating variety, including theater seats and hide-a-beds, which aren’t possible in Grey Wolf’s step-up slide system.
- 220W Solar Package: Offers a larger solar package as standard, with more wattage compared to Grey Wolf.
- Dimmable Beam Lighting: Hideout includes modern lighting features, creating a futuristic ambiance with dimmable LED beam lighting.
- Water Heater: Also features an on-demand water heater for instant hot water.
- Fully Enclosed Underbelly with Forced Air Heating: Provides more comprehensive protection with full underbelly heating, making it better for cold-weather camping.
Want to see more Keystone Hideouts? We got you covered!
Features & Amenities: Wayfinder Go Play:
Go Play focuses on simplicity and practicality, offering the essential features without overloading on extras you’ll probably never use.
- Standardized Seating: Seating is simplified to help keep costs low. While some models feature hide-a-beds (like the 262RLS), most offer jackknife sofas.
- Propane Oven: Unlike the other two brands, Go Play includes a propane oven in its kitchens, which is a big plus for those who prefer gas cooking.
- 200W Solar Package: Offers a standard solar package, which can be expanded but is more limited in outlet capacity compared to Hideout.
- Inverter Prep: Go Play includes inverter prep for around three outlets, making it more basic compared to Hideout’s more extensive setup.
- Water Heater: Gas/electric water heater, offering a more traditional setup compared to the on-demand systems in the other two brands.
- Fully Enclosed Underbelly with Forced Air Heating: Like Hideout, Go Play offers full underbelly protection and forced air heating, good for cooler camping conditions.
Ready to see more of this low-cost, high-value camper?
Floor Plan Variety & Space: Which Brand Offers More Choices?
When it comes to finding the perfect floor plan, the variety and use of space can make or break your camping experience. Let’s break down how each of these brands handles floor plans and available space.
Want to know how to read an RV Floor Plan?
Check out our article, What do the Numbers and Letters in an RV Model Number Mean?
Floor Plans & Space: Cherokee Grey Wolf:
Grey Wolf trailers offer a broad selection of floor plans, with models designed to accommodate couples and larger families.
- Variety: Grey Wolf focuses on a wide range of layouts, offering everything from smaller couple’s trailers to bunkhouses and toy haulers. This brand provides numerous family-friendly options with extra sleeping spaces.
- Highlights: With models ranging from 22 to 34 feet, Grey Wolf trailers tend to maximize storage and sleeping areas, with some models featuring step-up slides. These step-up slides save space but may be more intrusive into the interior compared to floor-flush options.
- Noteworthy: Grey Wolf has a slight edge in terms of toy hauler options, making it appealing for those looking to bring along ATVs or other recreational vehicles.
Floor Plans & Space: Keystone Hideout:
Keystone Hideout (and Springdale) takes pride in offering a diverse array of floor plans with flexibility for any RV lifestyle.
- Variety: Hideout shines when it comes to floor plan options, with an extensive lineup featuring couples’ models, family-friendly bunkhouses, and toy haulers. You’ll find plenty of choices, with models ranging from compact units to spacious 34-footers.
- Highlights: The use of floor-flush slides in most models offers a seamless transition from one living space to another, giving the interior a more open and home-like feel.
- Noteworthy: Hideout’s taller 6’9″ ceilings create a spacious interior environment, which, paired with flexible seating arrangements, makes these trailers feel more open and accommodating.
Floor Plans & Space: Wayfinder Go Play:
Go Play’s lineup of floor plans is smaller in comparison, but it’s designed with a focus on efficiency and affordability.
- Variety: With fewer models, Go Play offers a more streamlined approach, making it easier to choose but with limited options. The reduced variety can help keep costs down for buyers but may feel limiting for those seeking specific layouts.
- Highlights: Go Play models range between 22 and 32 feet, covering the essentials like couple’s trailers, family bunkhouses, and even a toy hauler option. The streamlined design often leads to fewer frills but more efficient production and cost savings for the buyer.
- Noteworthy: By limiting the variety of models, Wayfinder Go Play can keep production costs down, passing those savings on to the customer while still delivering core features.
Pricing & Value: Which Brand Delivers the Most for Your Money?
While price is always a key factor, value isn’t just about the sticker price—it’s about what you get for your money. Let’s break down how each of these brands stacks up in terms of price and overall value.
Price & Value: Cherokee Grey Wolf:
Grey Wolf trailers are positioned as a budget-friendly yet feature-packed option, making them a solid value for buyers seeking durability and extra amenities without a hefty price tag.
- Pricing: Grey Wolf models tend to be affordable, offering great value for the number of features included. You get a lot of high-end perks, like fireplaces and larger solar packages, at a competitive price point.
- Value: Thanks to its higher trim levels, Grey Wolf often delivers more features than competitors at a similar price. The combination of durable construction, thoughtful design, and useful amenities gives it a slight edge in value, especially for those looking for a tough, versatile trailer.
Price & Value: Keystone Hideout:
Hideout trailers offer more premium features and flexibility, but these added benefits come with a slightly higher price tag.
- Pricing: Typically priced higher than Grey Wolf, Hideout trailers justify their cost with more seating options, taller ceilings, and upgraded interior features like floor-flush slides and advanced lighting.
- Value: For buyers who prioritize comfort and interior flexibility, the Hideout’s higher cost is offset by better seating options, more space, and additional conveniences like an expanded solar package and more outlets for inverter use.
Price & Value: Wayfinder Go Play:
Go Play focuses on providing the essentials at the most affordable price, making it a great option for first-time buyers or those on a tight budget.
- Pricing: Wayfinder Go Play is the most affordable option of the three, offering a lower price point while still delivering high-quality core features needed for camping.
- Value: While Go Play doesn’t include as many high-end features, it delivers solid value by focusing on the essentials without inflating the price with extras. The streamlined design helps keep production costs low, which translates to big savings for the customer.
Which Brand is the Best Fit for You?
Choosing between Cherokee Grey Wolf, Keystone Hideout, and Wayfinder Go Play ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in an RV.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which brand aligns best with your camping style and needs.
Cherokee Grey Wolf is a Good Fit For:
If you want a durable camper with more premium features at a reasonable price, Grey Wolf is the way to go.
It’s a great fit for RVers who want the ruggedness to handle off-road adventures while enjoying extra comforts like electric fireplaces, stainless sinks, and higher solar capacity.
It’s also ideal for those who prefer a lower, easier-to-tow profile.
Keystone Hideout is a Good Fit For:
The Hideout is perfect for RVers who value spacious interiors and flexibility.
Its taller ceilings, floor-flush slides, and versatile seating make it a great choice for families or couples who want a more open and home-like feel in their RV.
If comfort and flexibility are your top priorities, Hideout is your go-to option.
Wayfinder Go Play is a Good Fit For:
Go Play is tailored for first-time buyers or those who want to keep things simple and affordable.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense camper that covers the basics with high-quality core features — without inflating the price — Go Play is the best fit.
It’s ideal for weekend campers or those who want a budget-friendly, easy-to-use travel trailer without unnecessary frills.
Your Next Steps for Choosing the Right RV
In this article, we’ve explored the key differences between the Cherokee Grey Wolf, Keystone Hideout, and Wayfinder Go Play.
At Bish’s RV, we can guide you through every step of the process of choosing the brand that has everything you’re looking for, from comparing models to answering any lingering questions — even if you don’t buy from us. Our goal is to get you offline and outside.
Visit one of our locations or contact us today, and let’s get you on the road in the RV that fits your life.
Which Camper Will You Choose?
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Greg Long
Bish’s RV Content Manager
Amateur adventurer; professional dreamer.
aka: The Bish-Blog-Guy