Complete Cabin Packing List

A cabin is the perfect place to stay.  Whether you want to relax after a day’s hiking in summer, be surrounded by colorful foliage in the fall, cozy up by a fire in winter or enjoy the cool spring days, a cabin is always perfect. 

If you are wondering what to pack for a romantic cabin getaway, what things to take to a log cabin in the woods or just generally the essential things to pack for a cabin trip, then this cabin trip packing list is for you. 

There is an itemized list, a downloadable checklist and opportunities to buy anything on the list that you need.

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Complete Cabin Packing List
Use This Complete Packing Checklist for Cabins

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    A note to start: this packing list focuses on your cabin experience. I have additional packing lists for other specialty aspects of a vacation, so check them too if your vacation:


    CABIN RESERVATION ESSENTIALS  

    Let’s start with your cabin trip checklist with the basic pre-departure essentials. 

    1. Driving Directions / Map 

    The first item for your cabin camping checklist – printable directions or a map. You will probably rely on GPS, but cabins are often in more remote areas with poor or no cell service and your GPS may not work.   

    I always use a GPS because it’s much easier than a map, but I always print out directions and have a paper map as a backup.  And I have been very glad on several occasions that I did! 

    2. Access Code or key to the entrance  

    Know how you will get into the cabin.  Many places will email you an access code or directions on how to get the key.  Again, don’t rely on cell service to access your email – have all this printed out. 

    3. Email a friend or family member a copy of your itinerary  

    This is a basic precaution you should always take when you go away, just in case something goes wrong. 

    4. Emergency contact number for the cabin  

    Hopefully your cabin trip will be hassle-free, but in case you need something (the gas runs out, the power runs out, the toilet gets clogged, etc.), always make sure you have a contact number for the owner/ manager. 

    5. Travel Insurance  

    This is also a basic thing you should have for every trip.  Travel insurance not only covers medical (which may not be covered on your regular health insurance), but also includes theft or damage of your property, cancellation, medical repatriation, etc.  Hopefully nothing will happen, but if you need to be transported to hospital from a remote cabin, the expenses can be astronomical if you don’t have travel insurance. 

    If you need some, I like Travelex. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:

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    CABIN ESSENTIALS 

    There are some basic cabin essentials you should always take. 

    6. First Aid Kit  

    Some cabins may come with a basic first aid kit, but even if you’re able to conform they have one, you can’t know for sure if the person before you left it fully stocked or if the one thing you need has run out.  This is why I consider a basic first aid kit one of the cabin camping essentials.  It doesn’t need to be huge, but should have some basic things like Band-Aids, bandages, disinfectant, painkillers, etc. 

    >> GET A FIRST AID KIT HERE 


    7. Bug spray 

    I prefer organic bug spray.  Insect repellent that has DEET in it is terrible for your skin and the environment, so it’s much better to be kind to yourself and the environment around your cabin at the same time (and prevent those bugs from driving you crazy!) 

    >> GET BUG SPRAY HERE 


    8. Hand sanitizer  

    It’s handy to have a small bottle of hand sanitizer with in in case the water stops running or you are out and about without water and soap.  

    >> PICK UP SOME HAND SANITIZER HERE 


    9. Flashlight and spare batteries 

    In case the power goes out, or if you need to go outside after dark, a flashlight is super handy.  I prefer a headlamp, as you then have your hands free.  Be sure to take an extra battery with you too, just in case.  

    >> GET A HEAD LAMP HERE 


    CABIN ENTERTAINMENT 

    Some fun things to bring to a cabin include: 

    10. Playing cards  

    Cards take up almost no space and are a classic way to spend some time in your cabin. I love these national parks cards. 

    >> BUY SOME NATIONAL PARKS PLAYING CARDS HERE 


    11. Kindle or other tablet reader  

    Curling up with a good book – either outside in a hammock or inside by a fire – is the perfect way to spend your cabin vacation. 

    >> GET A KINDLE HERE 


    12. Headphones or earbuds  

    Listen to your own music without disturbing others.  

    >> BUY SOME NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHINES HERE 


    CABIN COOKING 

    Cabins are often isolated or at the very least out of town, so going to restaurants every night is either not an option or just not something you want to do.  You can save money and make a special occasion of cooking.   

    Most cabins tend to have a kitchen with the basics (fridge, stove, sink) and have basic plates and utensils.  Part of any packing list for cabin vacation lovers should include any food items you will need.  

    13. Hot cocoa mix  

    14. Seasonings (salt and pepper, condiments, etc.) 

    15. Food 

    16. Drinks (wine, beer, soda, juice, etc.) 

    17. Cooking oil  

    18. Ziplock plastic bags  

    19. Sponges  


    RUSTIC CABIN COOKING 

    Some cabins are “off the grid”.  These tend to be in more isolated areas and have very basic facilities.  They can be awesome, but you will want to make sure you know in advance what is not available, so you can bring it if you need to.  If your cabin doesn’t have a kitchen, then you will need to add some extra items to your cabin supplies list. 

    20. Multi-purpose lighter  

    Make sure you have a multi-purpose lighter in your cabin camping packing list in case you need to light a burner or start a fire and there is nothing available to do that in your rustic cabin. 

    >> GET A MULTI-PURPOSE LIGHTER HERE


    21. Travel utensil set  

    Your cute remote cabin might not have the kitchen supplies you need, take a portable set of kitchen utensils with you so you can cook and eat in comfort. 

    >> GET A PORTABLE KITCHEN UTENSIL SET HERE


    22. Camping stove

    Rustic cabins often don’t have a kitchen, but part of the appeal of staying in a cabin is being to cook fun meals – especially when you’re away from restaurants and stores.  It’s easy to take a portable burner with you – and even more fun to have a portable charcoal barbecue for the fill vacation experience. 


    23. Propane or butane or charcoal 

    Make sure you have the fuel you need for your burner and barbecue. 

    >> PICK UP SOME CHARCOAL HERE


    24. Pots and pans (including a Dutch oven) 

    The kitchen will often not have any – or enough – pots and pans.  it’s easy to take a portable set with you.  Even better?  Take a Dutch oven that you can sue on a burner or an open fire and camp out in your cabin.  

    Read my detailed guide to buying the best Dutch oven, if you need to get one.


    25. Plates, bowls, cups, glasses 

    Along with pots and pans and utensils, you may also need plates, bowls and cups. 

    >> GET PLATES, BOWLS, ETC. HERE


    26. Unbreakable wine glasses  

    If you drink wine, then cozying up around a fire in cooler weather or in a hammock in summer with a glass of wine is the perfect way to while away the hours on your cabin getaway.  If you are like me and this is you, then add a set of unbreakable wine glass to your cabin weekend packing list. 

    Unbreakable glasses may not be suitable for a cocktail party, but they are the perfect thing for a cabin, where you do not want to have to deal with broken glass.  

    >> GET SOME DURABLE WINE GLASSES HERE


    27. Bottle and can opener 

    This takes up almost no space and will save your life (not literally, but it might feel like it if you can’t open your food or beers) if the cabin doesn’t have one! 

    >> BUY A BOTTLE/ CAN OPENER HERE


    28. Corkscrew 

    The companion piece for wine drinkers.  Cabins will often have a corkscrew, but I always take oine just on case, even if it is included in the description of items they have.  You never know when the person before you accidentally packs it away with them and then you arrive to a cabin without one. 

    >> GET A CAMPING CORKSCREW HERE


    29. Paper towels  

    These also take up little space and do double duty cleaning surfaces and acting as napkins.  

    30. Small dish soap  

    Again, I always pack a small bottle of dish soap just in case there isn’t one there when I arrive, or in case there isn’t enough for my whole stay.  

    31. Reusable water bottles 

    Rustic kitchens often don’t have running water, and you will need to carry it from on water source.  I like to take some reusable water bottles to make it easier to carry and use the water in a rustic cabin kitchen. 

    >> PICK UP SOME COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOTTLES HERE


    32. Coffee maker 

    There is little in life more enjoyable than a cup of freshly brewed steaming coffee in the morning in a cabin in the woods.  If you need (or just enjoy) a cup of coffee in the morning, then you will definitely want to make sure you take your own coffee maker with you.   

    >> BUY A CABIN COFFEE MAKER HERE


    33. Camping fridge or cooler 

    If your rustic cabin doesn’t have a fridge, then you will want to make sure you have something to keep your food cool.  The simplest option is a cooler, but you will also need to have enough ice to last the distance.  Read my guide to the Best Yeti Cooler for FAQs and additional recommendations.

    The other option is to take a camping fridge with you.  They run on a generator (which the cabin will typically have) and most also include a freezer section. If you stay in rustic cabins and/ or cabin a bit, then it is worthwhile looking into buying a camping fridge.  I have written a detailed guide to the best camping fridges (read it here) with tips on what to look for and reviews and recommendations.


    CABIN INDOOR COMFORT 

    If you like to cozy up inside, include these things on your cabin vacation packing list.  They will make your cabin trip more comfortable. 

    34. Comfortable socks  

    In addition to socks for hiking and walking around outside, be sure to pack a couple of pairs at least of thick, warm, comfy socks for walking around inside and hanging out on the sofa. 

    >> GET THESE SUPER FUN COZY SOCKS HERE


    35. Slippers  

    Keep your feet cozy and warm with your favorite pair of slippers.


    36. Cardigan sweater  

    Nothing says indoors comfort like a warm wooly cardigan. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any cabin trip in cooler weather.  

    >> BUY A CARDIGAN HERE


    37. Comfortable pajamas  

    Be sure to pack your favorite pair of pajamas for cool evenings and sleeping in late. Best paired with a cup of coffee in the morning.

    38. Kindle/ A good book 

    Staying in a cabin is the perfect chance to curl up in a hammock or around a fire with a good book. 

    I used to always take several real books with me, but I must admit I am a convert to e-readers.  I love my Kindle – especially when I travel, as I can download several books and it’s just one small thing to pack and carry. 

    Make sure it’s fully charged before you go and take your charger with you in case the battery runs low. 

    >> GET A KINDLE HERE


    39. A cozy blanket  

    The cabin will no doubt provide blankets, but I like taking at least one of my own so I can curl up in it without wondering if it was cleaned.  I love this national parks one. 

    >> GET THIS NATIONAL PARKS BLANKET HERE

    40. Extra pillows 

    You can never have too many pillows in a cabin – and there is no pillow quite like your own from home.  


    CABIN OUTDOOR ACTIVE 

    If you like to get out and about/ be active, you will need to make sure you have all you need.  A  packing list for cabin trip outdoor enthusiasts should include the following items.

    41. Rain jacket 

    Hopefully you won’t need this, but I always take a ran jacket with me in case.  It doubles as a wind breaker too. 


    42. Sunglasses  

    I always take a good pair of polarized sunglasses with me. 

    >> PICK UP A PAIR OF POLARIZED SUNGLASSES HERE


    43. Sunscreen  

    I have learned the hard way to never forget to take sunscreen.  Nothing is worse than being bright red and burning hot after a day in the sun.  You want your cabin adventure to be pleasurable, not painful.  

    >> GET SOME REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN HERE


    44. Hiking boots  

    If you plan to do any hiking, then you should absolutely have a good pair of hiking shoes or botos with you.  Some people prefer botos because they offer more ankle support, while others prefer shoes because they are usually lighter, which can make a difference on longer hikes.   

    If you need to get a new pair, be sure to check out my guide to the best hiking shoes and boots for the full low down on what to look for as well as recommendations.  


    45. Day pack  

    A day pack is essential when hiking. 

    You should have one with a hip strap to take some of the weight off your shoulders, pockets to keep a water bottle easily accessible, a back pad to absorb sweat, and comfortable shoulder straps.   


    46. Water bottle  

    Always take more water than you think you’ll need.  It’s better to have some left at the end of the hike than run out and be thirsty.   

    >> GET A HYDROFLASK REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE HERE


    47. Pants  

    Ideally you will have hiking pants with synthetic fabric that dries quickly and wicks moisture away so you stay dry and cool. Definitely do not wear jeans on a long hike, as they absorb water, and get heavy and cold and stay wet for ages. 


    48. Shorts 

    If you’re hiking in warmer weather, swap out the long pants for some hiking shorts.   


    49. Jacket 

    Take a jacket with you if there is any chance at all of the weather getting cool.  You never know when the weather will change quickly, and a warm sunny day can turn cold and wet.


    50. Thermos or Coffee mug with lid 

    This is not as essential as a water bottle, but if you like coffee or other hot beverages, then a thermos or a coffee mug with a lid will help make your hike more civilized and fun.  

    >> GET A COFFEE MUG WITH LID HERE


    51. Fleece Jacket  

    A fleece jacket is ideal in cooler weather to keep you warm and cozy on a cool day. 


    52. Inflatable kayak 

    Not an essential item, but if your cabin is near a lake r river, then getting out on the water is a wonderful cabin activity.  Most places will not have a kayak rental place conveniently nearby and taking a full-sized kayak is not very convenient.  Which is why I love inflatable kayaks.  They take up almost no space and give you the perfect freedom to get out on the water. 

    If you are looking to buy one, read my guide to the best inflatable kayaks.  It goes over exactly what to look for and reviews the top inflatable kayaks on the market.  

    >> BUY AN INFLATABLE KAYAK HERE


    53. Picnic daypack 

    A cabin trip and picnics go hand in hand.  If there are hiking trails around the cabin, then having a picnic daypack is the perfect way to take everything you need for a picnic lunch along the trail.   

    >> PICK UP A PICNIC BACKPACK HERE


    CABIN OUTDOOR RELAXING 

    If you are traveling in warmer months, you will want to make sure you have these things on your packing list for cabin outdoor relaxing. 

    54. Hammock  

    Some cabins have hammocks already strung up between surrounding trees, but unless you know for sure they do – and as long as there are trees around – taking a hammock and rope is a great idea. 

    I love lying in a hammock, reading a book on my Kindle and having a glass of wine on a warm summer day.  

    >> BUY A CAMPING HAMMOCK


    55. Water shoes  

    If you plan to relax in a nearby lake, river or creek, then I recommend taking water shoes with you, so that you can walk on the surface underwater without worrying about what you’re walking on! 

    Check out my guide to the best hiking sandals for some suggestions and detailed reviews. 

    >> GET SOME WATER SHOES HERE


    56. Sneakers  

    When you’re not hiking or in the water, sneakers are the most comfortable option for walking around outside your cabin.


    57. Foldable chairs 

    The cabin may have some outdoor furniture, but taking your own folding chairs gives you more options for hanging out outside. 

    >> BUY SOME FOLDABLE CHAIRS HERE


    CABIN TOILETRIES / PERSONAL ITEMS 

    Make sure you don’t forget to include these personal items on your cabin/ cottage packing list. 

    58. Toiletry Bag 

    It is useful to keep all your toiletry items together when you travel.

    >> GET A TOILETRY BAG HERE


    59. Laundry bag for dirty clothing

    I always like to keep my dirty clothes separate from my clean ones, so I like using a laundry bag.

    >> GET A LAUNDRY BAG HERE


    60. Toothbrush / Toothpaste  

    61. Skincare  

    62. Lip balm with SPF  

    63. Shampoo and conditioner  

    64. Hair care (brush, etc.) 

    65. Female sanitary items  

    66. Enough clothes for your stay  

    67. Underwear & socks  


    CABIN EXTRAS 

    Some extra items for your cabin packing checklist that don’t fit neatly into any of the other categories are: 

    68. Portable charger  

    Most cabins will have electricity and you can take your regular phone and camera chargers with you. 

    However, I always like to take a portable charger with me as well just in case the power goes out.  That way, I can still charge my phone (which doubles as my camera much of the time). 

    >> BUY A PORTABLE CHARGER HERE


    69. Binoculars   

    Chances are that your cabin will be surrounded by nature, so there will be chances to see wildlife, birds and various geological formations.  I always take binoculars with me so I can see things up close.   

    If you are thinking of buying some, check my Binoculars Buying Guide.  It explains basics about binoculars like depth of field, lens strength, etc. and gives some recommendations for the best binos for the money.  

    >> GET THE BEST BINOCULARS FOR THE MONEY HERE


    70. Camera  

    Don’t forget to take your camera. Plus, all the extras (memory cards, batteries, chargers, lenses, etc.)!   

    I love the GoPro because it’s designed for adventure activities, so it is durable, and has photo, video and streaming capabilities.  

    >> BUY A GOPRO CAMERA HERE


    CABIN SEASONAL ITEMS 

    Depending on which season you travel, there are extra things you should take on your cabin trip. 

    Winter Cabin Trip  

    Winter is a great time to cozy up in a cabin, but you will want to make sure you have these things on your winter cabin packing list so you are completely comfortable. 

    1. Cozy pair of slippers 

    Nothing says cozy winter cabin wear like your favorite pair of warm fuzzy slippers!


    2. Wooly sweater  

    A warm wooly sweater is the perfect addition to your winter cabin wardrobe.


    3. Snow boots

    If your cabin will be in the snow and you’ll be heading outside at all, you will want to make sure you have a food pair of snow boots with you, so your feet stay warm and dry.   

    If you need to get some, first read my guide to the best winter boots for men and my guide to the best women’s winter boots.


    4. Warm coat  

    In addition to a warm wooly sweater, you will also want to pack a warm winter coat so you stay warm outside.  Check out my guide to the best jackets for cold weather for reviews and recommendations.

    5. Your favorite flannel pajamas 


    Spring Cabin Trip  

    Spring is a great time for a cabin trip, but it can be rainy so having the appropriate cabin attire for wet weather will make your trip much more pleasant.  In addition to the list above, add these items to your cabin vacation checklist for a spring trip: 

    1. Rain jacket  

    Spring is famous for melting snow and rain showers.  Stay dry with a rain jacket.


    2. Rain boots  

    If you’ll be in a cabin where it might rain or there will be snow melt around, then be sure to pack a good pair of rain boots so you stay dry.


    Summer Cabin Trip  

    If you are traveling in summer, be sure to add some extra items to your summer cabin / cottage trip packing list:

    1. Sunscreen  

    If you’re wondering what to wear to a summer cabin trip, the first and most important thing is sunscreen. (You should take shorts, short-sleeved shirts and sandals as well, of course). I like reef-safe sunscreen even if you aren’t going in the water, as it is environmentally-friendly and gentle on your skin.  

    >> BUY SOME SUNSCREEN HERE


    2. Water-safe shoes  

    Since the most common water you will access on a cabin trip is either a river or a lake, I always like to take water safe shoes with me.  That way I can wear them I the water and walk around without (a) worrying my shoes are getting wet); (b) still be comfortable; and (c) not worry about what sticks or rocks, etc. I’m walking on.  

    >> GET SOME WATER-SAFE SHOES HERE


    3. Swimsuit  

    A summer cabin trip often means a lake or river nearby for you to cool off in.  Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit.


    4. Beach towel 

    The cabin will usually provide a bath towel, but often won’t have a second one for you to take outside.  Cabin owners usually get kind of funny if they find out you’ve taken a bath towel outside anyway.  So, I always pack a beach towel with me.   

    >> BUY A BEACH TOWEL TWO-PACK HERE


    5. Sun hat 

    Basic sun protection. I’m actually not a huge fan if hats, but always wear a sun hat if I’ll be outside for any length of time. 

    >> BUY A SUN HAT HERE


    Fall Cabin Trip  

    Some of the extra things to pack for cabin trip in the fall include: 

    1. Log carrier  

    There is nothing better on a fall cabin trip than cozying up around a fire.  If your cabin has an outdoor fire pit or a functioning fire place, take something to carry logs in.  There is usually a stocked wood pile, but often nothing to carry logs with.  You can carry them one by one, but it’s much nicer carrying a small bundle at a time. 

    >> GET A LOG CARRIER HERE


    2. Fire starter and lighter 

    Make sure you can start your fire!  Don’t forget a fire starter and lighter or waterproof matches.  

    >> BUY FIRE STARTERS HERE


    3. Campfire s’mores 

    Nothing says cozy fall cabin trip better than s’more around a fire.  Make sure you take all the trappings with you.  

    >> BUY A S’MORES STATION HERE


    4. S’more skewers  

    Don’t forget the skewers for your s’mores!  

    >> BUY A SET OF STYLISH SKEWERS HERE


    5. Cozy blankets


    Enjoy your cabin vacation!  

    Do you have any other essential items you’d add to a cabin checklist?  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

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    About the Author 

    James Ian Yosemite

    James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

    He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and all of the main national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

    Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

    As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

    Read more…


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