Cabin camping is a beloved tradition of families from all walks of life – those who seek adventure on a budget, those who enjoy vacation activities such as hiking and fishing, and those who love to commune with nature…but with a little bit of a buffer!
Tent camping is not for everyone. Some campers need more back support than is offered by a sleeping bag, and some younger family members might be scared to spend the night with only a piece of nylon between them and the creatures of the surrounding woods.
Cabin trips offer the perfect compromise by blending rustic accommodations with modern conveniences. If you are planning a cabin getaway to a mountain retreat, a national park, or a favorite lake, use our comprehensive cabin camping checklist to get packed and ready and on your way!
To pack appropriately for your cabin trip, you will need to answer these questions first:
Be sure to consult your rental agreement for all of the “fine print” associated with your cabin, including the items we have outlined above as well as any specific expectations for guests (such as “no smoking on the property” or “no noise after 10 p.m.” or “this is a pet-friendly cabin” etc.)
Once equipped with this pertinent information, you are ready to follow our ultimate cabin camping checklist.
The first part of our checklist covers the basics, and you may be thinking, “shelter is already covered!” While it is true that the cabin itself may be your primary shelter, consider whether or not you should pack a tent as well. You might have brave kids who want to spend a night outside the cabin, or perhaps you want to have a tent if you plan to take a long hike to another campsite.
When it comes to clothing for cabin camping, your decisions will be largely based on the season and whether or not you have electricity (in other words, heat or air conditioning!)
The best cabin camping wardrobe will include seasonally appropriate layers, waterproof gear, swimsuits (if needed), durable and comfortable footwear, hats for sun protection, and sunglasses.
Camping clothing should be made of durable materials with UV protection. Look for items that can work well in changing temperatures. For example, convertible hiking pants are particularly useful for a camping wardrobe as they can change easily from pants to shorts when the temperatures rise. Similarly, a fleece jacket might be the perfect layer in the evening when the temperatures drop.
One pair of shoes may be plenty for a short (weekend) family camping trip, but you should pack at least two for longer trips. Consider a pair of water shoes if you are in a cabin near a river or lake, and you might want a pair of flip-flops if your campground includes a swimming pool (they can also be useful if you walk back) forth to the community shower rooms).
If there is a grocery store near the campground, you may be able to pick up most of the food you need on the way to the cabin, but if the location is especially rural, you should plan to bring all of your food with you.
Most cabin campers like to keep it simple with easy camping recipes and meals that can be prepared quickly (such as sandwiches), and of course, do not forget to pick up graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars for campsite smores! An old wire hanger works in a pinch as a skewer, or you can also order a set before you head out on your camping adventure. Even picky eaters usually love s’mores, so bring plenty of ingredients.
When packing food, consider the staples you may need from home, including nonstick cooking spray, aluminum foil, salt and pepper, paper plates, and napkins. While the cabin might have some of these items, it is better to play it safe.
Be sure to double-check whether or not the cabin refrigerator has an ice maker; if not, you may want to pick up a few bags of ice to store in a large cooler at the cabin. Also, find out what type of coffee maker is in the cabin (if any), so you can buy the appropriate coffee and filters.
As you prepare for your cabin camping trip, you also need to think about health and safety, which could mean everything from soothing the sting of an insect bite to managing an existing medical condition with daily medication.
A good first aid kit is one of the most important items to pack for any camping trip. If you already own one, check to ensure it does not need to be replenished or that any items have expired.
You will want plenty of bandages in various sizes, sterile wipes, antiseptic creams and ointments, gauze pads, and pain relievers (such as ibuprofen). It is also a good idea to have an antihistamine for allergic reactions.
Speaking of reactions, bug spray is another must-have for your cabin trip to keep the insects at bay. If you plan to spend evenings out on the cabin porch listening to the sounds of nature, consider bringing a citronella candle or incense.
For the sake of safety on your trip, especially if you will be hiking long distances, pack a camping whistle; a pocket multitool can also come in handy. You should have multiple flashlights, and an emergency radio will come in handy if, for any reason, you lose access to power to charge your phones (but you should also pack a portable charger for this reason).
Keep your skin safe while camping with a protective sunscreen; if you have young kids, they may need a specific sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin.
Take all medications you may need from home; to pack efficiently, use a pill case where you can pack only the amounts you need rather than carrying individual bottles.
One of the best ways to make memories on a cabin trip is by spending time around a campfire. You might sing, tell ghost stories, or enjoy star gazing together!
But before you can create the perfect night of family fun, you must be sure you have everything to get the fire started.
If the cabin has a fire pit, find out in advance if firewood is available or if you need to bring your own. It is better to play it safe than sorry and bring the supplies below even if you find they are already available at the cabin.
Lastly, consider your family’s favorite cabin activities when packing for your trip (and remember you could end up stuck inside on a rainy day!)
If a body of water is near your cabin, you might strap kayaks to the top of your SUV or pack inflatable rafts or other water toys. Bikes might be a must-have for your group if you want to explore trails near your cabin, or you might want to include sporting equipment such as a volleyball net. Be sure to include fishing poles and tackle if there are anglers in your group, and a guitar might come in handy during a campfire singalong.
You could also opt for music streaming from your phones, but a battery-operated radio or CD player is a good backup when needed.
The cabin you rent might have books, games, and puzzles available for guests, but bringing along your own is not a bad idea (especially if there is rain in the forecast).
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