10 Fun Things To Bring To A Cabin -Free Printable Cabin Camping Packing List

There’s something magical about staying in a cabin.

No phones ringing. No traffic. Just trees, quiet, and that smell of morning coffee on the porch.

For my birthday this year, I booked a cabin overlooking the Ohio River—complete with a hot tub on the back deck. I’ve had my eye on this spot for ages, and I can already imagine the peaceful evenings and starry nights.

---

🎁 Get Your Free Cabin Camping Checklist

Want to make packing for your next cabin trip easy?
My 13-page printable checklist covers everything from cozy comfort items to kitchen gear, safety supplies, and even bonus ideas for fun.

Inside you’ll find:
✅ Pre-trip planning section
✅ Cabin kitchen must-haves
✅ Personal comfort + safety list
✅ Fun activity ideas
✅ Pet travel checklist
✅ Printable cabin packing pages

👉 [Sign up below to get the checklist sent straight to your inbox!]

---

Why You Still Need a Packing List for a Cabin

Why You Still Need a Packing List for a Cabin

People often think cabin getaways are like staying in a hotel—but that’s not really the case.

Sure, you’ll have a roof over your head, but most cabins don’t come stocked with extras like bug spray, coffee filters, or even a decent can opener. After forgetting the essentials one too many times, I finally made a master checklist—and it’s been a game changer.

This isn’t just about surviving the weekend—it’s about making it comfortable and fun.

10 Fun Things to Bring to a Cabin

These are the extras that make the trip memorable.

1. A Deck of Cards or Favorite Board Game
Rainy day? Game night. We always pack Uno and Yahtzee.

2. A Stargazing Kit
The stars out in the woods are breathtaking. A blanket, a thermos of hot cocoa, and a free stargazing app make for a magical night.

3. Your Favorite Books
Cabin time is the perfect excuse to unplug and read by the fire.

4. A S’mores Kit
No campfire is complete without it. Don’t forget the roasting sticks.

5. Binoculars for Bird Watching or Wildlife
We’ve spotted deer and wild turkeys from the porch. Totally worth packing.

6. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Set the mood for cabin cooking or sunset porch sitting.

7. Craft Supplies or a Puzzle
I bring my crochet bag, but a puzzle or adult coloring book is just as relaxing.

8. Kayaks, Tubes, or Floats
If there’s a river or lake nearby, you’ll thank yourself later.

9. Camera or Polaroid
Capture moments. My favorite shot last trip? My husband dozing on the porch swing.

10. A Nature Journal or Scavenger Hunt List
Especially fun with kids—or if you just like to slow down and notice the little things.

---

✨ Don’t Forget Your Printable Cabin Checklist

Skip the stress and pack like a pro. My printable checklist has spots to write in your food plan, essentials, and comfort items you’d totally forget otherwise.

👉 [Fill out the in the form below]

---

Cabin Comfort Essentials

Let’s face it—cold feet and forgotten pillows aren’t fun. Here’s what we bring to stay cozy:

Bedding

• Sheets for cabin beds
• Throw blanket
• Warm comforter
• Pillows

Clothing

• Layers for chilly mornings
• Thick socks and slippers
• Rain jacket
• Swimsuit for hot tubs or lakes

Lighting & Warmth

• Lanterns, flashlights (with batteries)
• Space heater (if allowed)
• Cozy candles

---

Let’s Talk Food

A little prep goes a long way in a rustic kitchen.

Easy Meals

• Pasta + jar of pesto
• Canned chili with shredded cheese
• Pancakes and syrup
• Marinated meats for grilling

Snacks

• Trail mix
• Cheese and crackers
• Peanut butter + apples
• Cocoa mix and instant coffee

Must-Have Kitchen Gear

• Skillet and pot
• Cooking utensils
• Dish soap + towels
• Can opener, foil, Ziploc bags
• Cooler (we freeze water bottles to keep things cold)

---

💡 Love home-cooked food on vacation?

Check out my beginner-friendly guide:
Homestead Canning for Beginners – perfect if you’re packing your own jam or pickles for the trip!

---

Safety and First Aid

Things happen—be ready with a small kit that includes:

• Band-aids, ointment, pain meds
• Allergy meds and bug spray
• Flashlight and whistle
• Tweezers, gloves, thermometer

Bringing pets?
Pack leashes, food, shot records, towels, and a crate or portable fencing.

I used to travel with my three chihuahuas, and I always packed a foldable metal fence. It was perfect for setting up a little outdoor space where they could hang out safely while I was cooking or relaxing outside. I’d toss in their favorite beds, and they’d curl up and nap while I enjoyed the fresh air—no tying them up or worrying about them wandering off. That fence was one of the best things I ever packed for a cabin trip!

---

Michelle’s Pro Tip: The Cabin Tub

I keep a big plastic tub in the garage packed with all our cabin stuff:

• Flashlights
• First aid
• Cookware
• Toiletries
• Cords and chargers

I can just grab and go when it’s time for a weekend away. Total sanity saver.

---

Make It Memorable

Group Trip?

• Campfire stories
• Cabin cook-offs
• Cornhole or board games

Romantic Getaway?

• Hot tub + stargazing
• Porch wine at sunset
• Cozy movie night with a tablet

Solo Escape?

• Hikes
• Journaling
• Reading by the fire

---

📩 Ready to Pack?

Your peaceful weekend is just a checklist away.
Skip the stress, enjoy the quiet, and make space for real rest.

👉 [Click here to get your free Cabin Camping Checklist now.]

Unplug. Breathe. Enjoy your time in the woods.
Happy cabin camping!
– Michelle

---