Packing List for Cabin Camping

Cabin camping allows campers to enjoy the great outdoors, while still having many of the comforts of home. Cabins range from rustic, primitive cabins with limited amenities to luxurious retreats featuring the services found in hotels, such as Wi-Fi and cable television. Before making a packing list, all campers should check with the individual rental company or park service to learn the exact amenities for their cabin.

  1. Kitchen

    • Most cabins have some kitchen area and usually come with a refrigerator and small stove. Some national park campsites only offer water and electricity part of the year, so if visitors find themselves without a refrigerator, it is wise to bring an ice chest and find the nearest store that carries ice. All food should be tightly secured in airtight containers or bags to avoid attracting animals and to prevent leakage. Luxury cabins in private campgrounds may include dishes and serving ware, but most campers will need to bring pots, pans, cooking utensils and dishes and glasses, as well as potholders, kitchen towels and cleaning items.

    Bed and Bath

    • It is rare for a cabin to come with linens, but most provide bed frames and mattresses, unless the cabin is very rustic. If the cabin has no beds, small cots or sleeping bags are a good way to stay warm and dry. For beds without mattresses, inflatable mattresses are easy to transport and quick to set up. It's best to use biodegradable products when camping, especially for items such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste. Men should bring razors and shaving cream if they shave and all campers should bring a washcloth and a bath towel. Some cabins do not come with their own bathroom and in that case, campers will want to take bags to carry the items to the public showers and flip-flops or some sort of shower shoe is a good idea to prevent athlete's foot.

    Clothes

    • Clothing choice depends on the season and location of the campground, but even in summer months, campers should have boots, gloves, rain ponchos or other rain gear, hats and coats because many areas from forests to deserts become cold at night. If the camper plans to hike or do any other activities, he should pack the appropriate attire and gear. It is best to have socks that are made of quick drying material or wool to prevent fungal infections when hiking or biking for long periods of time.

    Safety

    • Even if the cabin comes equipped with full electrical service, it is always a good idea to have flashlights and a lantern, as well as replacement batteries and light bulbs. All campers should have a first aid kit that includes bandages, anti-itch cream, allergy medication in case of an allergic reaction to an insect, antiseptic, tweezers to remove splinters, pain relievers and of course, any prescription medication that they are taking. Campers who wear glasses should bring an extra pair. Insect repellent and sunscreen are important year-round.

    Entertainment

    • Some luxury cabins come equipped with cable television, Internet service and DVD players. Campers who stay in a cabin with these amenities will probably want to bring their laptops and possibly DVDs and personal mp3 players. Books, magazines, videogames, cards and board games are all good to have along to keep the members of the camping party entertained. If traveling with children, be sure to bring toys and any items that they need to get to sleep, such as a favorite toy or nightlight.