Americans love hitting the road in search of adventure, but when it comes to our comfort, we like to take what we love about the cozy indoors with us when we enjoy the great outdoors. While 40 million Americans go camping each year, many of them no longer want that rough and tumble experience of sleeping in a tent, eating off paper plates, and waiting weeks for a hot shower or clean clothes. And for those families with young children, teens or millennial adults who cannot go an hour without their email or social media, connectivity to the world is important.
Camping with family and friends is a wonderful way to spend time together while seeing the country’s parks system, getting great exercise, and relaxing away from the sounds and stress of city noise, demands, and the usual tourist crowds and hustle. Here are 10 things to bring to your next cabin stay to make it feel more like home:
Window curtains or coverings:
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Many cabins do not offer any form of privacy coverings on their windows, so travel shades provide a sense of privacy, shield the interior from too much sun, keep heat inside and offer protection from prying eyes viewing your personal belongings. Shades made of paper, plastic, or cloth that sit on the window sill or install with suction cups are available on several websites.
WiFi:
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Many campsites offer Internet access, but if you are staying way off the grid or traveling in mountainous regions, consider bringing a WiFi source with you in the form of a portable hotspot. These vary in price and what you buy depends on the number and type of devices you own, but this investment keeps adults and kids amused during foul weather and long nights.
A set of dishes and glassware:
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Some campsites provide the basics, but a set of your own makes it feel like your own home. And you’ll be reminded of Mom when you look at the cabin’s dishes and think “You don’t know where they’ve been,” and feel better about your own set, whether fine china or plain plastic. Add some glassware and silverware to those dishes and your table setting is complete.
A solar battery charger:
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Powered by the sun and no cords needed, this will recharge your phones, cameras, and other electronics if the electricity fails. A device designed to keep you sane and safe, so you can stay in touch with the outside world and the kids still have Candy Crush.
Bedsheets/blankets/pillows:
Photo Credit – Mountain Springs Cabins
Cabin beds probably have the minimum mattress sheet, pillowcase, and maybe a top sheet, plus one thin blanket. Weather and the demands of cleanliness mean you’ll want your own set of sheets and blankets, and a good night’s sleep is a guarantee with your own pillow.
Food basics:
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Because fresh food is perishable, campgrounds won’t provide it, so bring what you like. Even if the cabin offers a supply of canned and packaged food, there’s no way to determine how long it’s been in the cabinets or if it’s been tampered with. Pack a box with basics to get you through at least a few days: bread, powdered or shelf-stable milk, coffee, cocoa, sandwich spreads, dried fruit, nuts, spices and seasonings, vegetables, cooking oil and spray, pudding and fruit cups, and canned and bottled beverages that don’t require a bottle opener.
Laundry soap and dryer sheets:
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If you or a family member have allergies to scented laundry products, you may be unable to find scent-free products in a small-town location. Pack your own so your laundry stays fresh, clean, and perfume-free.
Books, a deck of cards, and games that don’t require batteries:
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If the power goes out or you forget the chargers, these will be the only evening amusement you have besides conversation with each other. And old-fashioned board games are the perfect time to teach the kids what it was like in the era before electronics ruled when people sat around the table, talked, laughed, and had a good time without the eternal sounds of the smartphone.
First aid kit:
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Even in the relative safety of a cabin stay, minor injuries happen. Take care of the small hurts before they become bigger issues with a well-stocked first-aid kit; they are available fully supplied in lightweight carry cases and serve double duty at home and in the car.
Pots and pans:
Photo by Gary Sandoz on Unsplash
The cabin may have a few small cooking utensils, but if you’re hosting a large gathering, enjoy cooking large quantities or plan to invite neighboring cabin dwellers over and make new friends, bring a large pot, cookie sheet, and basic cooking utensils (wooden spoon, pancake turner, poultry shears, meat tongs, long metal fork) and your culinary skills will bring all the campers to your cabin.
About RVC Outdoor Destinations
RVC Outdoor Destinations develops, owns, and operates vacation resorts set within naturally beautiful environments and in close proximity to local attractions and activities. We offer RV Sites, Cottages, Yurts, and Tent camping at our 8 locations across the country! Visit our website rvcoutdoors.com for more information or to speak with a reservation specialist through our Live Chat!
