Camping in Cabins: When You Need a Break From Tents

Sometimes you want to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars. Maybe tent camping is a little too rustic for you in general, or maybe you’re just craving the luxury of a firm bed and a warm shower. Ask the most passionate outdoor enthusiasts too, and you’ll find even they need a break from tent camping now and then. Luckily, you can still enjoy the benefits of camping and embrace the outdoors while staying in a cabin. Yes, cabin stays can be considered camping. 

Dive in to learn what separates cabin camping from tent camping. Plus, get an extensive list of essential gear and discover some of the best places to cabin camp in 2024. 

The Main Difference Between Tent Camping and Cabin Camping

While they share a name, camping in a cabin tent is a much different experience than camping in a traditional cabin. With traditional tent camping, you’ll be responsible for the set up of your campsite, from pitching your tent to setting up a camp kitchen. Oftentimes, this is an intensive process that requires thoughtful planning for a successful and efficient campsite. By reserving a cabin to stay in, you bypass this major task, saving yourself time that you could use towards experiencing the destination to the fullest. 

Aside from the time you get back, you’ll also enjoy luxuries that make for a more comfortable experience in the wilderness. The structure of a well-built cabin will protect you from the elements better than any tent could. No matter how many ground tarps you lay or fly sheets you pitch, staying dry and warm in a tent is never guaranteed as weather is simply unpredictable. While most tents offer ample protection, they’ll never beat the four sturdy walls and roof of a cabin. Further, cabin tenting comes with the luxury of a real bed, an objectively more comfortable place for a night’s rest than any sleeping pad setup in a tent. Most cabins will also have a bathroom and kitchen, private amenities you won’t find at your campsite. 

Overall, cabin camping is more comfortable and more convenient, making it the optimal way to explore the outdoors with families and young kids, as well as making it ideal for long-term camping. 

Camping Gear To Bring Cabin Camping

The beauty of cabin camping is that your shelter is already set up for you. This eliminates a huge portion of gear and supplies you’d normally need to pack on a camping trip. It’s important to note that the amenities and offerings at cabin sites can vary widely. Some cabins will come equipped with full bathrooms, full kitchens, and all the furnishings of a hotel room, like bath towels and basic toiletries. Others will have shared campsite bathrooms, no kitchen space, and no toiletries. Understanding what your cabin will have for you upon arrival is vital to packing smartly for your trip. With this in mind, let’s break down the essential camping gear to bring cabin camping.

Essentials for a comfortable sleep

• Ear plugs
• Sleeping masks
• Battery-powered portable heater (if your cabin doesn’t have heat)
• Battery-powered fan (if your cabin doesn’t have A/C)
• Extra blankets and pillows

Campsite gear to pack

• Camping chairs
• Hammock
• Firewood
• Firestarter
• Lighters or matches
• Lanterns and headlamps
• Mallet, axe, pocket knife, and a multi-tool
• Bear spray
• Map of the area and destination guidebooks 
• Compass
• GPS
• Binoculars
• Star chart
• First aid kit

Clothing and footwear

• Duffel bags for packing
• Undergarments 
• Baselayers
• Long sleeve shirts
• Short sleeve shirts
• Outdoor pants
• Shorts
• Jackets
• Sweatshirt
• Sweatpants
• Raingear (jackets, boots, or umbrellas)
• Thick socks
• Hiking boots
• Sneakers
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Sleepwear
• Sunglasses
• Glasses and/or contacts with contact solution
• Gloves 
• Hats (baseball, bucket, beanie, or visor)
• Swimwear
• Water shoes

Hygiene and toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Body wash or bar soap 
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hairbrush
• Sunscreen
• SPF Lip balm
• Bug spray
• Bath towels and washcloths
• Prescription medications
• Menstrual products
• Hair accessories (ponytails, clips, or bandanas)

Food and hydration

• Water bottles 
• Ingredients for meals and snacks
• Cooking oils, spices, and condiments

If your cabin doesn’t have a kitchen area

• Camp stove
• Stove fuel
• Cooler with ice packs 
• Cooking utensils
• Eating utensils
• Pots and pans
• Cutting board
• Plates and bowls
• Mugs and cups
• Portable dishwashing basin
• Biodegradable soap
• Dish sponge

If your cabin doesn’t have a restroom and basic cleaning supplies

• Paper or hand towels
• Small and large trash bags
• Hand sanitizer
• Biodegradable wet wipes
• Toilet paper
• Portable camp shower 
• Portable camp toilet

Entertainment

• Any recreational gear like bikes, hiking poles, and kayaks
• Swimming towels
• Picnic blanket
• Portable speakers for music
• Cards and board games
• A book or Kindle

Best Places To Cabin Camp in the US

There’s no shortage of places to stay when it comes to cabin camping. You’ll find that many public campgrounds at national and state parks offer cabins for booking. Or, if you prefer to go the private route, the options for unique cabins amongst nature are endless on sites like Hipcamp and Airbnb. While there’s plenty to choose from, here are some standout cabin sites from coast to coast. 

On the East Coast: Poconos Peaceful Woodlands Campground in Pennsylvania

The Poconos are a go-to East Coast vacation spot for a reason, especially for outdoor lovers. Peaceful Woodlands Campground boasts campsites, RV sites, and cabins for guests. Their cabins are the standout offering, mixing the rustic with luxury while maintaining the spirit of the great outdoors.   

On the West Coast: Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort in California

Nestled among the iconic Cascade Mountain Range is Lake Siskiyou, an underrated natural escape in Northern California. At Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, choose from cabins that range in size, from small studios to large houses with plenty of room for the entire family or friend group. 

In the South: Big Bend Terlingua Ranch in Texas

Enjoy the unique scenery of Big Bend National Park from the comfort of a cabin at Terlingua Ranch. These cabins come with large porches to fully immerse yourself in the sounds and sensations of southern wilderness.

In the Midwest: Sycamore Springs Park in Indiana

Sycamore Springs Park is a natural preserve with robust options for cabin camping. Pick from furnished and unfurnished cabins, all complete with amenities you won’t get out of a tent, like A/C, running water, and kitchenettes. 

Finding an In-between: Glamping

Traditional tent camping and cabin camping offer two very different levels of wilderness immersion. For some, tent camping may be too rustic but cabin camping may seem too far removed from nature. If you find yourself in this camp (no pun intended), consider a popular in-between: glamping! Glamping seamlessly merges these two styles of camping, offering the best of both worlds when it comes to sleeping under the stars while maintaining high levels of comfort. A canvas yurt tent offers similar luxuries to a cabin, with enough space to set up furniture, like a queen bed. Many private campgrounds offer full-service glamping experiences, complete with the same amenities you’d enjoy cabin camping. Which style of camping is right for you will depend on your personal preferences, like how important comfort is to how much work you want to invest into creating the campsite of your dreams.  

Final Thoughts

The ways to camp are endless in the modern age, ranging from bare-bones primitive camping to luxurious cabin stays. Sleeping on the ground in a pitched tent isn’t for everyone, and even people who love tent camping need a break sometimes. Booking a cabin for your next camping trip offers numerous benefits, from enhanced comfort, better protection from the elements, and unmatched convenience. Or, if you’re looking for a happy medium, glamping gives you the perfect balance. With endless options across the US ranging from basic shelters to luxurious retreats, there’s a cabin experience to suit every preference.  If you find yourself wanting to indulge in a cabin escape, understand what camping gear you’ll need to bring to make your trip complete. While you won’t need to worry about pitching a shelter, you’ll still need various items for your campsite and any activities you might be participating in. So pack your essentials, choose your perfect spot, and embark on the memorable adventure that is cabin camping!