What to pack for a Broken Bow cabin trip (and what to leave at home)

Most cabin packing lists are bloated with stuff that's already in the cabin. Here's what actually matters.

What we provide (don't pack it): - All linens, towels, beach towels - Full kitchen: cookware, knives, French press, blender, spices, oil, salt/pepper, coffee filters - Toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, hand soap, shampoo/conditioner, body wash - Hair dryers in every bathroom - Hot tub towels and chemicals (maintained between stays) - Firewood for the fire pit (seasonal — confirm in your welcome message) - Board games, playing cards, a few books - Streaming TV (bring your own logins)

What to bring (we don't supply): - Groceries and any specialty coffee beans you care about. Stop at the Hochatown Grocery on the way in — they have everything basic. Walmart in Broken Bow proper has the bigger selection. - Beer/wine/spirits (no closer than Hochatown Distilling or the gas-station sections) - Bug spray, especially May through September - Sunscreen - A real cooler if you're going to the lake - Comfortable hiking shoes — Beavers Bend trails have roots and rocks - Swimsuits and a second swimsuit (one is always wet) - Cash for tips at the local restaurants - Your phone chargers (we never have enough loaners) - A daypack for hikes - Your dog's food and bed if pet-friendly cabin

What guests always forget: - A water bottle for the trails - Layers — Broken Bow gets cold at night even in summer - Pajamas (people pack for the lake and forget bedtime) - A coat in the shoulder seasons; the temperature swing is 40°F in a single day

What you don't need: - A grill — both cabins have them - Beach chairs — we have them in the garage - A first-aid kit — every cabin has one - A vacuum, mop, broom — we've got it

If you forget anything: Hochatown Grocery and the Hochatown Travel Plaza cover most emergencies. Walmart Broken Bow has everything else, 15 minutes south.