Top 20 Things You Can’t Forget to Pack for Your Gatlinburg Cabin Vacation

Sometimes packing is the hardest part of vacation. It’s hard to choose what to pack, especially when you have no idea what you really want to wear or what you might need! We have been watching families come and go for years, so we know exactly what you need to pack and exactly which items people tend to forget. We don’t want packing to stress you out, so use our cabin packing list to double-check your bag before you load them in the car! Here are the top 20 things you will don’t want to forget to pack for your Gatlinburg cabin vacation:

1. Important Documents

You should pack any documents you will need to check in to your Gatlinburg cabin rental. It is best to pack these items somewhere in the car, so you don’t have to dig through your suitcases to find everything.

2. Eye Protection

No matter what time of year you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains, sunglasses or hats with visors belong on your cabin packing list. Even in the winter months, the sun shines bright in the mountains, especially if there’s snow on the ground.

3. Entertainment for the Car

If you’re coming to the Smokies by a long car ride, you’ll want to keep kids entertained with games, music, and books. Headphones are great for road trips, so the kids can listen to their own music while you drive.

4. Snacks

Snacks are perfect for car rides. Pack a few things to munch on and keep them handy. Anything that isn’t eaten in the car will be perfect for keeping in your cabin rental in Gatlinburg. With snacks comes trash, so make sure you have a small trash bag and maybe even some baby wipes for keeping small hands clean.

5. Camera

If you plan to make any stops along the way, you may want to have your camera on hand. If you’re coming to Gatlinburg from the Cherokee, NC side of the mountain, you will have a beautiful drive along Newfound Gap Road. There’s many pull offs, so you can get out of the car to stretch your legs and take a few beautiful pictures of the Great Smoky Mountains, too.

6. Variety of Clothes

The weather can change in an instant in the Smokies, so you should pack everything from a rain jacket to a light jacket even in the summer, and good walking shoes. If you’re not quite sure what activities you’ll be doing on your vacation, you’ll want to bring a variety of clothes for any occasion, from a visit to the national park to a nice dinner at a Gatlinburg restaurant.

7. Hiking Gear

If you are planning on hiking on your Gatlinburg cabin vacation, you’ll want to have the proper clothing with you. Some items you will need include hiking boots and a backpack, as well as a park map.

8. Swimsuit

Don’t forget your swimsuit either. Many cabins have hot tubs or swimming pool access, and it’s a great way to relax at the end of the day.

9. Sunscreen and Aloe Vera

You should always bring sunscreen with you when you’re on vacation. You’ll want to protect your skin and prevent burns, even in the winter! In case you end up getting sun burned or you burn yourself while cooking on your Gatlinburg cabin vacation, having aloe vera with you is a great idea!

10. Chargers

Many people forget to pack the chargers for their electronics. Double check your bags to make sure you bring your chargers!

11. Laundry Supplies

Our cabins come equipped with a washer and dryer, so pack detergent and dryer sheets if you plan to do a couple of loads of laundry.

12. Bug Spray

Bug spray is a must no matter when you visit the Smokies. You don’t want to be covered in itchy bug bites!

13. First-Aid Kit

It’s a great idea to always carry a first-aid kit with you, just in case. You never know what could happen!

14. Toiletries

People can sometimes forget to grab all their toiletries they will need during their trip. Be sure to grab all the shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other products you may need!

15. Case of Water

It’s always a good idea to keep water with you no matter where you go. Pack a case of water bottles or jugs of water!

16. Medicines

You don’t want to find yourself without your prescriptions while you’re away. Double check you have enough of your medications to last you while you’re away.

17. Entertainment for the Cabin

While you probably have a ton of plans for your vacation, it can rain any time. In case you get stuck inside, bring some board games, a book, your tablet, or whatever you enjoy doing inside! Some of our cabins have game rooms with pool tables, foosball tables, and air hockey tables so you can enjoy some fun inside your cabin.

18. Favorite Foods

If there’s a certain type of coffee or other food you love, you might want to bring it with you! If you forget anything, don’t worry — there are several grocery stores in the area where you’ll be able to find everything you need.

19. Cash

We know many people don’t tend to carry cash anymore. It’s still a good idea to bring some with you because you never know when you might need it!

20. Stuff for Your Pet

Do you plan on bringing your pet with you? Then you need to remember to pack your pet’s things too! They will need food, toys, a bed, a crate, and whatever else they might need for a comfortable stay in some of our pet friendly cabin rentals.

With this cabin packing list, you won’t forget anything on your next Gatlinburg cabin vacation! Since you have your packing list ready to go, book your Gatlinburg cabin rental now!