Preparing for a Successful Cabin Camping Trip

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

Learn More
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.

Find And Reserve A Cabin Site
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 Bring

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. When booking a cabin at KOA, make sure to find out what is provided and what you will need to bring yourself. In general, you'll need the following items for a comfortable camping experience:

Packing Checklist
  • 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.

  • 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. Many 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.

  • Cooking gear: Planning to cook at your cabin campsite? There's nothing like hot dogs roasted over a campfire - just add your own 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.

  • Personal belongings: You're the expert here, so we will leave the specifics of this category up to you. Bring the clothing, toiletries and other personal belongings you need to enjoy your trip. Don't forget the bug spray and sunscreen if you will be out in the sun.

  • 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.

  • Activity gear: While you can spend a lifetime exploring by foot, camping is always more fun with a Frisbee or other outdoor equipment. Don't forget the other outdoor essentials like your trusty walking stick and fishing rod. And keep the good times rolling after sunset by bringing your favorite board game or a deck of cards.

Find And Reserve A Cabin Site

Cabin Camping

vsVacation Rental

Expert Tips to Prepare for your Cabin Stay

Expect the best when you reserve your cabin at a KOA Campground. We have you covered with quality accommodations and friendly customer service. To make sure your camping adventure is even better, check these tasks off your to-do list:

  • Verify the reservation details: Read the fine print to make sure you fully understand the reservation requirements.

  • Check the amenities: Get a feel for your selected KOA location by checking out the specific amenities before you go. Visit the campground's page, under "amenities." Many KOAs are so packed with recreation that you may not need to pack or schedule as much as you thought.

  • Plan your menu: Planning your meals ahead of time lets you prepare all the gear and ingredients you need. Also keep in mind that many KOAs have food service on-site. Check the "food" tab on the campground's KOA.com page to see what food service is available as an option for your camping experience. The KOA store is also stocked with camp cooking essentials, so if you are cramped on space, buy your chocolate and marshmallows at the store!

  • Plan an itinerary: Have an idea of the types of activities and events that are in the local area and on the campground. Check the "events" to find campgrounds events on KOA.com and "local area" to find local area attractions and events. You may have to add a day to pack in all the excitement. While spontaneity is perfectly fine for your KOA camping adventure, knowing the types of activities and local attractions you want to visit is a good idea.

  • Bring a smile: Whether you camp every weekend or haven't camped since you were a kid, you're in for a treat. Head into you cabin camping trip with a positive attitude and excitement about the fun you're about to enjoy.

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

Read More +

Tips for Cabin Camping

Read More +

Learn More About Camping Cabins with a KOA Patio®

Read More +

Save With KOA Rewards

Read More +