Estes Park cabin trip: packing list

• Book Bird & Jim today (party of 4)In season, Resy often has 4:00–4:30 or 7:30/8:00/8:30, not 6pm. Book on Resy or call (970) 586-9832. Menu · ask for the GF menu.
• Call the KOA: (970) 586-2888Ask: can Winnie stay alone in the cabin? Does our cabin have a wood fire ring and a fridge? Is firewood from home OK?
• Download Magic School Bus episodesPeacock or Paramount+ have all 4 seasons.
• Recheck the weather and fire status Saturday morning

• Firewood from home (pine/piñon)KOA's site doesn't mention a rule on outside wood. They also sell it at the store, 8am–5pm.
• Fire starters + kindling
• Long lighter + backup matches
• Water bucket or big jugFor dousing. Stir and soak until cold.
• S'mores kitMarshmallows, chocolate, regular grahams, GF grahams for Raquel.
• Roasting sticksKids' ones shorter, or hold Story's with her.
• Wet wipes for sticky hands

KOA's camping cabins are bring-your-own-linens: bare mattresses (full bed + bunks), heat, electric, no bathroom. Only Deluxe Cabins come with sheets, towels and a kitchen. Skip this section if you booked a Deluxe.

• Sleeping bags or sheets + blanketsFull bed for you two, bunks for the kids. Low 40s outside.
• PillowsRaquel's pregnancy or side pillow too.
• Bed rail or floor pad for StoryIf she's not bunk-ready.
• Bath towels + washclothsShowers are in the bathhouse.
• Shower caddy + flip-flops

Per person: warm days, near-freezing nights at 7,500 ft, rain possible Sunday.

• MikePuffy, rain shell, beanie, PJs, change for Sun.
• RaquelPuffy, rain shell, beanie, PJs, change for Sun.
• SmithPuffy, rain shell, hat + gloves, warm PJs, 2 outfits, extra socks.
• StoryPuffy or bunting, rain shell, hat, warm PJs, 2 outfits plus a spare.
• Shoes that can get muddyPlus slip-ons for bathhouse runs.
• Sun hats + sunglasses

• Diapers/pull-ups + wipesAs needed, plus a couple of extras.
• Travel potty or seatThe bathhouse is a walk at night.
• StrollerFor the Lake Estes Trail.
• Carrier
• Lovies + bedtime books
• Sound machine + nightlightThe cabin is near the highway, so the noise helps.
• Car activitiesBooks, stickers, small toys.
• Shows downloaded + kid headphonesMagic School Bus works offline on Peacock or Paramount+. The canyon has spotty signal.

The cabin pet fee is $25, paid at check-in. Leashes have to be 6 ft near other campers, and there's a dog park on site.

• 6 ft leash + collar with tags
• Poop bags
• Food (2 meals + extra) + treats
• Food and water bowlsCollapsible one for the car.
• Dog bed or crate
• Tie-out for the patio
• Old towelFor muddy paws before she gets on the bedding.
• Vaccine recordA photo on your phone is fine.

Dinner is out. Camping cabins have no kitchen, and only some have a fridge, so plan on a cooler.

• Cooler + ice
• Sunday breakfast basicsMilk, yogurt, fruit, GF cereal or muffins, unless you're doing Mountain Home Cafe.
• GF snacks for RaquelPlus kid snacks for the car and the trail.
• Water bottles for everyoneIt's dry up there, so drink more than usual.
• Paper plates, cups, utensils, sippy cups

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrush
• SunscreenThe sun is stronger at 7,500 ft.
• Lip balm + lotion
• Raquel's prenatal vitamins + meds
• Kids' Tylenol/Motrin + syringe
• Band-aids + small first-aid kit
• Hand sanitizer + a roll of TP

• Headlamps + flashlightReviews say the cabin entrances are dark at night.
• BinocularsFor elk at dusk. Stay 75 ft away, since it's rut season.
• Camera
• Chargers + power bank
• Card for the park pass$35 for 7 days, card only. Go after 2pm, when you don't need a timed-entry reservation.
• Some cashTaffy, festival booths, pony rides.
• Camp chairsSome cabins have patio seating, so they're optional.
• Trash bags + paper towelsBear-proof dumpsters are near the front.
• Bug spray (optional)Probably not needed in October.