Cabin Packing List: The Essential Cabin Camping Checklist
Cabin stays are the best way to get away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and escape into the woods. To really experience a cabin retreat you will likely be far away from any store, so you don’t want to forget to pack the essentials! Below is a comprehensive cabin packing list for any type of cabin stay. From a cozy winter getaway to a rustic cabin camping trip this checklist will make sure you bring the essentials.
You can even download a cabin camping checklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Cabin Essentials to Bring
Below are some of the essentials you may need at your cabin no matter the time of year or type of cabin.
- Reservations– Print out your reservations before you leave to make sure you have all the information you need such as where to park, or any door codes.
- Directions & GPS– If you think you might lose service on the way to your remote cabin getaway, it is always a good idea to print off the directions as well.
- Cell Phone & Charger– Don’t forget your cell phone charger, as well as a car charger.
- Flashlights or Headlamps– During our first cabin stay the lights went out, so you never know when you’ll need a flashlight!
- First Aid Kit– Often Airbnb or rentals will have a first aid kit available, but if not you may want to bring your own.
- Firewood– Check if your cabin stay has a woodfire stove, fireplace, or campfire pit. Bring your own firewood if it’s not provided!
Things to Bring to Do at a Cabin
Stumped on what to even do once you are at the cabin? Here are some fun items to add to your packing list to enjoy alone or with family and friends.
- Portable Speaker– This is especially nice if you are renting your cabin with friends or family and want to have some music to listen to while playing board games, sitting around the campfire, or relaxing by the lakeside.
- Books– Your cabin vacation is the perfect time to get to all the books you’ve been meaning to read lately!
- Binoculars– You’ll likely see some wildlife if you are in the woods, so take some binoculars to help you spot the deer and birds better!
- Board Games- A lot of people “grow out” of board games, but they are such an underrated form of entertainment and a great way to bond with a group. If it’s been a while since you’ve played board games, try a hilarious easy group game like Exploding Kittens, and you’ll feel like a kid again.
- Cards– If board games aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with a set of cards camping. Or you can spark some great conversation with prompt cards.
- Puzzles
- Journal
- Drinks of Choice
- Snacks
Relaxing at the Cabin
Don’t forget to relax on your cabin vacation! Bring a hammock and some comfy clothes to help you relax on your getaway.
- Hammock– Bring a hammock on your cabin outing to relax in the woods or by the lake. Make sure you also have the proper hammock straps that don’t damage trees
- Camping Chairs– Check if your cabin provides these, but if not, don’t forget your camping chairs to hang out by the campfire.
- Warm Fleece Pants– [Men’s Version]
- Slippers– Teva makes great slip on shoes to wear around the cabin [Men’s Version]
- Flannel– Have a cozy flannel to relax in outdoors [Men’s Version]
- PJs
Rustic Cabin Camping Checklist
Many cabins are more rustic and may not have amenities like running water or electricity, and some you even have to backpack to. You will need to pack some extra gear for your rustic cabin stay!
- Sleeping Bag– Kelty makes a great budget but warm sleeping bag for Women and Men.
- Sleeping Bag Liner– If your sleeping bag is not rated to low enough temperatures, use a sleeping bag liner to keep you warm.
- Pillow– If your cabin requires hiking in, bring a backpacking pillow. Otherwise, just grab some from home.
- Hot water bottle– Heat this up with extra hot water, and put it in the bottom of your sleeping bag before you go to bed.
- Toilet Paper– If your cabin doesn’t have running water, you may need to bring your own toilet paper and a trowel.
- Headlamp
- Knife/Hatchet
- Battery packs
Rustic Cabin Cooking Essentials
If you are camping off-the-grid, you will need more supplies to make your cabin camping trip comfortable.
- Soft Sided Cooler
- Camp Stove
- Camp Pot
- Camping Mugs
- Camp Plate and Bowl Set & Utensils
- Portable Coffee Press.
- Multi Towel
- Dish Soap
- Camp Stove Fuel
- Zip Lock Bags
- Trash Bags
- Bottle Opener
- Lighter
- Ice
- Water
Outdoor Hiking Gear Packing List
Planning on doing some hiking on your cabin getaway? Make sure to include the right hiking gear on your packing list. Below is some basic gear to help you get started, depending on the time of year.
- Heavy Outer Layer– In the winter or on chilly mornings you may need a packable down jacket to keep you warm. Women’s Jacket, Men’s Jacket
- Mid Layer– A fleece quarter-zip is a good mid-layer to have while hiking and also just hanging around the cabin at night. Women’s Fleece, Men’s Fleece
- Base Layer Shirts- Any shirt will do, but the best hiking shirts are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly. Women’s Hiking Shirts, Men’s Hiking Shirts
- Leggings or Hiking Pants– REI sells good hiking pants and shorts for women. I personally tend to wear hiking leggings more than shorts. [Men’s Hiking Pants, Men’s Hiking Shorts]
- Rain Jacket– Always keep a rain jacket in your pack, as weather can change in an instant, especially in mountain conditions. Women’s Rain Jacket, Men’s Rain Jacket
- Hiking Boots– Merrell makes both Women’s and Men’s Hiking Boots for a relatively inexpensive starting point.
- Hiking Socks– If you do wear boots, make sure to bring good socks to reduce the risk of blisters! Women’s Hiking Socks, Men’s Hiking Socks
- Baseball Hat– Wear a baseball hat to keep ticks off your head and the sun off your face.
- Day Pack– A good daypack can make your hike so much more enjoyable. Properly distributing weight can ease your trip and allow you to bring all the essentials!
- Microspikes– In the winter these may be necessary. Check recent trail conditions to know if you need traction.
- Trekking Poles
- Knit hat
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Water Bottle
Cabin Toiletries
Don’t forget the essentials! Before you leave, check if there is any nearby convenience stores or gas stations nearby to buy supplies you may forget and if not double-check you have everything you need!
- Toiletry Carrier
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Soap
- Toothbrush
- Brush
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Chap Stick
- Towels
Other Things to Pack
This list is of course not comprehensive, so here are a few more things to pack in your bag.
- Camera– Don’t forget your camera, so you won’t forget a moment of your trip.
- Laundry Bag– Bring a laundry bag, so you can quickly wash all your clothes when you get home.
- Bathing Suit– If your cabin has a hot tub or is on a lake, make sure to bring your bathing suit!
Read More: Beginning Hiking Camera Gear
Lakeside Cabin Packing List
Many cabin stays are right on a lake, making them the perfect summer getaway. Make good use of the lake access and bring or rent some gear for water activities.
- Beach Towel
- Paddle Board
- Canoe or Kayak
- Dry Bag
- Floaties
- Fishing pole (and fishing license if needed)
- Sandals
- Water Shoes
- Life Jacket
Cabin Packing List by Season
Winter Cabin Packing List
Booking a cabin stay in the winter can be the perfect cozy getaway. Be prepared for the snow and cold with the gear below.
- Snow Shoes
- Extra Blankets
- Snow Pants
- Thermal Layers
- Snow Boots
- Hand Warmers
Spring Cabin Packing List
If your cabin stay is in the spring, be extra prepared for rain. You may also want to prepare some more options for indoor activities if you get rained on.
- Rain Jacket
- Rain Boots
- Umbrella
Summer Cabin Packing List
Cabin’s make for a great summer vacation. Don’t forget to add bug spray and sunscreen to your packing list!
- Water Bottle
- Sandals
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
Fall Cabin Packing List
Fall trips mean campfires and chilly nights. Plan appropriately with lots of firewood and smores supplies!
- Smores skewers
- Log Carrier
- Apple Cider
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