1. A first aid & emergency kit is essential when doing a cabin trip. When you are off the grid and doing outdoor activities you want to make sure you have a basic emergency kit just to be safe. Also, packing basic over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl and ibuprofen is always a must when taking a cabin trip.

2. Fire Essentials are a must when taking a cabin getaway. Does your cabin have firewood or access to firewood nearby? If not, you should be prepared by bringing some with you. 

I highly suggest bringing a fire starter with you, starting a fire can be difficult without one. Make sure you also have multiple lighters or matches to be safe, you will be using these a lot on your trip. 

3. Bug Spray & Sunscreen. Bugs can get bad on camping trips so you want to be prepared with bug spray and other repellents such as a citronella candle, outdoor yard repellant sticks, and a mosquito repellant rechargeable device. 

Sunscreen applies for all seasons because we snowbirds know a sunny day in the snow can even lead to sunburn.

4. Blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows are not always in every cabin. If this is an Airbnb, check the listing to see exactly what is being provided.

5. Cooking supplies are a big one! Know the cooking situation at your cabin destination. Is there a grill? If so, is it charcoal or gas? Do you need to bring charcoal? Is there electricity? Do they have a fridge? Is there a microwave? Are there utensils and running water to wash them?

If you are not located near a town with a grocery store or access to food, you will need to bring your perishables in a large cooler that will last the duration of your trip. Bring a good amount of non-perishables to ensure you have enough food for your trip that won’t go bad. 

Check out the best-canned food to bring camping before your getaway.

If you have no electricity or grill at the cabin, consider getting a portable grill to cook up a few good dinners or this propane portable stove to have some great hot meals.

For my coffee lovers, I have this inexpensive percolator coffee pot that will work on a fire, stovetops, etc. (coffee is a must in my option)

6. Paper goods. Hit up the store before your cabin getaway and bring some paper goods like paper plates, silverware, toilet paper, and paper towels. 

PSA: if you don’t bring disposable plates, cups, and silverware make sure you bring dish soap and a sponge to clean your dishes!

 7. Water! Make sure you find out if your cabin has running water and if it is drinkable. If not you need to make sure you bring enough with you. You could also get a LifeStraw which will filter the water for you (and it’s inexpensive).

8. Flashlight & pocket knife. If you have electricity at your cabin, I would just bring a basic flashlight. If there is no electricity, I would get a few different sources of lighting. You should bring a basic flashlight, a headlamp for walking around at night, and some camping lanterns. A pocket knife is always good to have when hiking, camping, or spending time in nature.

9. A map of the area is smart to carry because more rural cabin setting won’t have good service, and you don’t want to aimlessly drive around and get lost in the woods.

10. Portable Chargers. If you do not have electricity this is a must-have on your cabin packing list. 

11. Shower Bag & Towels. If your cabin does not have running water you may want to rinse off with this easy and cheap shower bag, or you could just use the lake if it’s close by!