Group trip planning: all four cabins for up to 16

Sleeping plan

How to split 16 people
across four cabins.

Every cabin sleeps up to 4: 1 queen bed in a private bedroom and 2 fold-down futons in the living area. That makes room assignments simple.

• Four couples, or couples plus friends: give each couple the queen bedroom in its own cabin. The futons can take up to two more guests per cabin.
• Families with kids: one family per cabin. Parents take the bedroom and kids take the futons, so every family keeps its own kitchen, bathroom and bedtime routine.
• Friends’ groups: four per cabin, with the queen and the two futons. Decide early who shares, so nobody is negotiating at check-in.
• A smaller party of 3: Maple is most comfortable for up to 3, so it suits grandparents, a couple with one child or anyone who wants extra room.

Organizer checklist

A planning checklist.

1. Pick dates and check the all-four Airbnb listing for availability, total price, check-in and check-out times, and minimum stay.
2. Confirm the headcount (up to 16 overnight guests) and assign each household a cabin.
3. Tell the host if dogs are coming; the pet fee is $30 per cabin.
4. Ask the host about parking for your vehicles and trailers, and about seasonal activities like the outdoor cinema and paintball.
5. Plan the meals: four full kitchens mean each cabin can cook, or you can take turns hosting dinner.
6. Share a day plan, with a Cook Forest day, a forest trail walk and a night at the fire pits.

Packing

Packing tips for the group.

• Layers and sturdy shoes for the forest trails and Cook Forest State Park.
• Swimsuits for four private hot tubs.
• Leashes, bowls and bedding for dogs.
• Groceries and drinks for your first night; split the shopping list by cabin.
• A movie pick for the outdoor cinema and something warm for evenings at the fire pit.

Groceries & food

Stock the kitchens.
Eat out once or twice.

Groceries: Baughman’s Market in Marienville, for apples and fresh produce, is a local favorite we love recommending. Leeper Red & White Market is a grocery and deli stop for meats, hoagies and cabin supplies. Marienville Beverage is a local stop for beer, and Yeany’s Maple has syrup for a group breakfast.

Dinner out: Bettina’s Italian Restaurant is our number-one pick for dinner in Marienville, and the Kelly Hotel adds shuffleboard and pool to a meal. In the Cook Forest area, try The Forest Nook (seasonal, family-style) or The Clarion River Lodge. Small-town hours change, so call ahead with a big group.

See the full things to do near Cook Forest guide for more.