Mountain cabins can be beautiful and affordable too! Are your vacation plans are taking you to check out some mountain cabins this year?  Whether you’re going to an exclusive hideaway far from civilization or you’re meeting extended family at a cabin near loads of fun and entertainment, there are a few things you need to make your trip more fun and less stressful, and to keep you both safe and sane.

5 Things to Bring to Mountain Cabins

One visit to the mountains to stay a Dollywood Cabins in the Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee. Near the super family-friendly (and affordable) Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, yet set in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains. Dollywood Cabins, like most vacation rental cabins, are stocked with just about everything you have at home. However, there are still some things you should bring with you.

Soap

Most mountain cabins give you only enough laundry soap, dishwasher detergent, and dish soap for one day (if they give you any at all). Save the money and bring some single item pods from home.  As a bonus, you can pack light knowing you can wash clothes each day.

Food

Save your dining out money for fun splurges and eat most meals in the cabin. You can bring food from home if you have the space in the car. That will save time and probably money, or you can scoop some up at the local market and maybe find some regional specialties…like wine!

Bug spray

Many mountain cabins are in rural places or in parks with lots of green space outside, and there will most likely be bugs. If you plan to spend anytime enjoying the great outdoors, as of course you should, bring some bug spray. You will especially need it at night when you’re roasting marshmallows around the campfire or enjoying a quiet moment in a comfy rocking chair.

Flashlight

If you have to take the garbage out at night, grab something from the car, or do anything outside after sunset, you’ll want a flashlight. With no light pollution near most mountain cabins, you should have a fantastic view of the stars, but that means it is really dark. (Like really, REALLY dark.) With animals big and small out at night, a flashlight can also help keep you aware of your surroundings.

Board games

If the weather is not complying with your itinerary and you find yourself stuck in the cabin, some board games will come in handy. Internet and cable service can easily be disrupted so don’t count on all your fancy technology to keep the kids happy. Card games work well too as they are easily packed.

Mountain cabins can be great for larger families as they tend to offer more space for the money than typical  hotel rooms. Plus, you can save money by eating in and bringing activities to entertain your brood.  For those of us allergic to camping, spending a few nights enjoying a mountain cabin can be just the burst of nature we need before heading back to the bright lights and big city.

Heading to Tennessee to check out a cabin? Check out this post by Tonya Prater, Ohio TravelingMom, on finding thrills in the Smokies.