Well, heres your winter alternative: cabin camping.
Many state parks offer cabins, and some private campgrounds do as well.
Check with your favorite state park system or campground to see what they offer during the winter.
Most cabins will fall somewhere in between these two extremes.
Often, it helps to learn the park systems lingo.
In Pennsylvania, a modern cabin has different amenities than a rustic cabin.
In some places you might find yurts, lodges or other structures to stay in.
Things you might need to bring
Dont expect a hotel-level experience where everything is provided for you.
In most cases, youll still need to provide some of thebasicsyourself.
Bedsheets and pillows
The cabin beds Ive stayed in often have a vinyl-coated mattress and nothing else.
Another option is to bring a sleeping bag and just sleep in the bag on top of the bed.
If you are bringing sheets, see to it to check the sizes of the beds.
Twins and fulls are common, but you never know.
If you arent sure, a flat sheet pluscorner strapsmay be more versatile than a fitted sheet.
Towels and toiletries
If sheets arent provided, towels probably wont be either.
Cabins wont necessarily have bathrooms, so check out the toilet and shower situation before you leave home.
Better than assuming you’re free to sprawl your things out like you might in a hotel bathroom.
Even our cabin with the full kitchen had a fire ringanda charcoal grill in the yard.
Consider bringing your smores supplies and any cookware youd use over a campfire.
(Always buy firewood at your destination to be sure you arent bringing invasive pests to new territory.)
A floor mat by the bed can also be a nice touch on a chilly morning.
Bring garbage bags, and bring at least some basic cleaning equipment.
Once again, Ive experienced both extremes.
And then realize that even if the cabin has a heater, that doesnt mean it will necessarily bewarm.
So pack those warm sweaters and socksor, better yet, fuzzy slippers.
