Buzz
Camping was the perfect way to spend a pandemic summer: social distancing came naturally, you avoided unnecessary indoor time with strangers, and if you selected a location close to home, you didn’t face the hassles of airport travel or crowded places. Now, here’s a winter version of that: cabin camping.
Many state parks offer cabin rentals, and some private campgrounds do too. Reach out to your local state park or campground to inquire about their winter availability. While some cabins are only open during summer, others stay open year-round and typically come with heating.
Make sure to do your research
When planning a cabin camping trip, the most important thing to remember is that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to what a ‘cabin’ offers. I once spent a summer weekend in a bare-bones cabin at Bowman Lake State Park in New York, where it was just a small room with a few beds. The following year, I brought my family to a cabin at Raccoon Creek State Park in Pennsylvania, which had a full kitchen and bathroom, including a shower and fridge. Typically, cabins fall somewhere between these two extremes.
It’s useful to get familiar with the terminology used by the park system. For example, in Pennsylvania, a ‘modern cabin’ offers more amenities than a ‘rustic cabin.’ You might even come across yurts, lodges, or other types of structures for your stay.
The features listed on the park’s website might not tell the whole story, so I always make sure to look for photos, especially of the interior. This is how you can find out if the kitchen includes a microwave or whether there’s a dining table inside. You can also check reviews and additional photos on social media—try searching for images tagged with the campground’s name or location.
What to bring along
Don’t expect a full-service hotel experience where everything is provided. In most cases, you’ll need to bring some of the basic essentials yourself.
Bed Linens and Pillows
The cabin beds I’ve stayed in usually just have a vinyl-coated mattress with no bedding. You can either bring your own linens—sheets and pillows—and set up your bed as you would at home, or opt for a sleeping bag and sleep directly on the mattress.
If you’re bringing your own sheets, be sure to check the bed sizes. Twin and full sizes are common, but it’s always a good idea to confirm. If you’re uncertain, a flat sheet with corner straps might be a more adaptable choice than a fitted sheet.
Towels and Toiletries
If sheets aren’t included, don’t count on towels being provided either. Be sure to bring your own bath towels, washcloths, and hand towels. If your cabin has a kitchen, don’t forget kitchen towels as well.
Not all cabins come with bathrooms, so be sure to check out the toilet and shower arrangements before your trip. You may have to carry your toiletries to a separate building each night, making camping-style toiletries more practical. It’s better than assuming you can spread your items around like you would in a hotel bathroom.
Campfire Cooking Gear
Most cabins provide a fire ring and picnic table, or a similar setup for outdoor meals. Double-check what’s available at your cabin. Even our cabin, which had a full kitchen, included a fire ring and a charcoal grill outside. Don’t forget your s’mores supplies and any cookware for the campfire. (Always buy firewood at your destination to prevent transporting pests.)
Seating and Other Practical Furnishings
Camp chairs aren’t just for tents—they’re perfect for the porch of a cabin, too. You might also want to consider additional essentials like a folding table if the cabin’s furnishings are minimal. A floor mat next to the bed can also add comfort on a chilly morning.
Trash Bags and Cleaning Supplies
Trash bags are something you take for granted in a house, but when cabin camping, it’s wise not to assume anything. Make sure to bring garbage bags along with basic cleaning supplies.
Once again, I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum. The fully equipped cabin provided all the cleaning supplies, and we were expected to tidy up before checking out. On the other hand, the most basic cabin I stayed in didn’t even have a broom to sweep out the dirt we brought in.
Layered Clothing
For cold-weather camping, the first thing you should confirm is whether the cabin is heated. However, even if it has heating, don’t expect it to always be cozy. On chilly nights, there could still be drafts, and the heater might not be able to warm the space adequately. So, be sure to pack warm sweaters, socks, and—if you can—fuzzy slippers for extra comfort.
