Cabin Camping Guide:
Packing Tips, Location Selection and More

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There are various reasons to consider a cabin camping trip as your next excursion. A cabin offers shelter and security you don't get with tent camping, yet you can seamlessly access the great outdoors and amenities like camping, hiking and swimming.

That being said, cabin camping trips require ample planning and preparation, just like any other camping trip. Fortunately, you don't have to stress when deciding where to go or what to bring for cabin camping. This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing a location to creating your packing checklist, along with other handy tips to keep in mind.

Whether traveling with a family, solo or with your favorite pets, successful cabin camping trip involves making the following preparations.

Choosing a Location

Cabin camping is the perfect acommodation for your next getaway. Before packing your bags, take some time to pick the perfect cabin for your trip. Before packing your bags, take some time to pick the perfect cabin for your trip. Here are a few tips and trips from your experts at KOA:

Location, location, location-It doesn't just apply to real estate. Finding the perfect KOA location for your trip makes all the difference. Do you want to stay close to home, or do you want to venture out on a cross-country trip? Are you looking for big-name attractions nearby, or do you prefer a quaint, unique experience?

With over 500 locations across the country, KOA has campgrounds with cabins that are where you want to be. To easily search if a location you are interested in has a cabin, use the search filter for "cabin," in the search widget on KOA.com.

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Tips for Deciding on a Location

How close to home do you want to be?

With so many locations, you won't need to travel far to find KOA campgrounds with cabin rentals. Renting a cabin close to home lets you escape for the weekend without packing loads of camping gear or traveling across the country. It's a low-stress option to recharge you batteries while you make memories. If you would like to travel farther away from home, though, you have the option to do that as well.

Do you want to explore a new place?

Some travelers prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of major attractions, instead opting to explore a new place away from home. Use KOA.com, or the KOA Directory, and decide on the type of adventure you want to enjoy. We have KOA locations across the U.S. and Canada, with cabin rentals near hidden gems and popular camping destinations, including oceans and sandy beaches, mountains, beautiful national parks and national forests, major cities, sports arenas and festival locations.

Are you traveling for a particular event?

Whether you want to take in a professional sporting event, an art show, a spring break camping getaway, a summer music festival or just meet a friend for a weekend, there's a KOA waiting to make your stay memorable. Instead of reserving a hotel when you enjoy your favorite hobbies or attend events, find a KOA campgrounds for your acommodations.

Are you stopping along the way?

Do you already have your route planned for your summer road trip? Use the KOA Trip Planner to find a KOA campground with cabins along your route. Enter your starting point and you destination to find all the the KOA campgrounds along the way. Our KOA journey campgrounds offer convenient locations near major highways throughout North America for a quick overnight stay during your road trip.

What to Pack for Cabin Camping

You've made the decision. KOA cabin camping is the perfect solution to your upcoming accommodation needs. We take the stress out of camping with cabins that are ready for you to show up and enjoy, but knowing what to expect can make the trip even more relaxing.

While cabin camping cuts down your packing list significantly, you will need some basics to make your trip go smoothly. We recommend accounting for the following items when packing for cabin camping:

Packing Checklist

1. Bedding

Our cabins come furnished with comfy full beds and bunk beds, but you generally need to bring your own linens. Check the description of your cabin on the KOA Campground's landing page or call the front desk of your location to see if linens are provided. Pack sheets and blankets, or simplify your packing with sleeping bags you can roll out on top of the mattresses.

2. Toiletries

Remember to pack any toiletry items you normally use, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and lotion. Don't forget the bug spray and sunscreen if you will be out in the sun.

3. Activity Gear

Pack any essential or recreational outdoor equipment you plan to use, such as Frisbees, fishing rods and walking sticks. [Rewrote this section to clear a Copyscape hit]

4. Entertainment Items

There will be plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, you still might want to pack some indoor games and activities for a rainy day, or for nighttime entertainment when you're relaxing in your cabin before bed. Consider bringing books, board games, a deck of cards or a laptop to watch movies and shows. Remember to pack chargers for all electronics, as well.

5. Flashlights or Lanterns

While your cabin will have sufficient lighting, you still might want to pack flashlights or lanterns. These devices can provide extra illumination if you'll be outdoors at night.

6. Disposal and Storage Supplies

We recommend packing Ziploc, grocery or trash bags. These items allow for easy containment and disposal of garbage.

7. Cooking Gear

If you are planning to cook at your cabin, campfire-roasted hotdogs are always a classic — just remember to bring roasting forks. Some of our Camping Cabins include barbecues, or you can pack your own portable grill.

Visit the on-site campground store for firewood, propane and other cooking gear if you forget to bring your own. Our Deluxe Cabins sometimes provide dishes, utensils, hot plates, microwaves and other items to make cooking and eating in your cabin easier.

8. Coolers

None of our Camping Cabins come with kitchenettes, so you'll want a cooler to keep any perishable foods and drinks you bring along nice and cold. However, some KOA Camping Cabins do provide mini-fridges, so check with your specific location before making a reservation.

Some Deluxe Cabins do have kitchenettes and, if that's the case, you won't need to bring along your cooler to keep perishable foods fresh. Check with the campground to see what amenities your cabin offers.

9. Towels

If you are staying in one of our camping cabins, there will be clean showers with hot water nearby, so bring towels from home to make your shower experience complete. If you choose to stay in a Deluxe Cabin, you'll get to enjoy your own private bathroom. Deluxe Cabins at some locations also offer linen service, meaning you won't have to bring your own towels. Check to see what's available at specific campgrounds.

KOA cabin camping is the perfect solution to your upcoming accommodation needs. We take the stress out of camping with cabins that are ready for you to show up and enjoy, but knowing what to expect can make the trip even more relaxing. When booking a cabin at KOA, make sure to find out what is provided and what you will need to bring yourself.

Find And Reserve A Cabin Site

Cabin Camping vs Vacation Rental

When you choose a KOA Campground, you'll experience the kind of quality and friendly customer service that only can be found Behind the Yellow Sign. While the specific amenities and facilities may vary, you can expect the following standards at all locations:

Affordable Lodging

Our cabin rentals offer a cost-effective alternative to the often-expensive vacation home rentals in popular vacations areas, and you will not have to sacrifice convenience or quality. You will still have access to all of the activities, features and unbeatable customer service.

Comforts of home

a KOA cabin rental provides many of the essentials you have at home, including a private bathroom if you opt for a Deluxe Cabin. It gives you a safe, comfortable space to call your own for the duration of the camping trip. With a lockable door, you can rest assured that your family and belongings are safe and protected.

Connection with nature

Cabin camping gives you a chance to breathe in the fresh air, gaze at the stars each night and bond over a campfire with your family and friends - all while still being very close to nearby popular attractions. It's tough to get that kind of valuable connection when you're staying in the middle of the city.

Charm

Camping in cabins and cottages is just plain fun! You get to spend your evenings marveling at Mother Nature before retreating to the comfortable indoors of our cabins. You get all the glory of camping with the comforts of a vacation rental. It really is the best of both worlds!

Camping benefits

Speaking of camping, it really is good for your health. All that fresh air, exercise and time reconnecting with your family reduce your stress levels and improve your emotional well-being. Plus, you'll get to leave with all those memories you create and a stronger relationship with your luxury cabin camping companions. You can enjoy all those benefits without giving up traditional comforts.

Amenities

KOA Campgrounds offer more than spots to camp. While the specific amenities vary by location, common features include swimming pools, jumping pillows, dog parks, bike rentals, mini-golf and fishing holes. Themed events and planned family fun activities fill your days with even more fun. You get a true resort feeling that's often missing when you rent a single vacation home. Plus, you get to retreat to your own private luxury cabin rental when you've had enough excitement for one day.

Customer service

When you choose a vacation rental home, you never quite know what to expect when it comes to customer service. On-site management and an easy check-in process are both important factors to consider along with a number of others. What happens if you have an issue? Can they recommend local attractions and fun things to do? With KOA, you never have to guess! From the first warm welcome you receive you your final encounter, you are guaranteed quality customer service across our campgrounds.

Low stress

Take some of the stress out of vacation planning by reserving a KOA cabin. Our camping vacation rentals are easy to reserve on KOA.com, on our app or by contacting the selected campground directly. Pull up to your cabin, and vacation time starts immediately!

Find And Reserve A Cabin Site

Additional Resources

Your adventure is waiting at one of over 500 KOA locations. What are you waiting for? Find KOA cabin rentals near you and prepare yourself for the fun, quality and memories you will experience.

10 Reasons to Try Cabin Camping

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Tips for Cabin Camping

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Learn More About Camping Cabins with a KOA Patio®

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Save With KOA Rewards

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Plan Your Next Camping Adventure at KOA

At each KOA Campground, you will have access to clean bathrooms with hot water, laundry facilities, a KOA Store and a KampK9 dog park for your dogs to run free - and with more than 500 locations throughout North America, you are sure to find a KOA near you. If you are ready to experience an unforgettable glamping trip, find a KOA today.

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