14 Features to Look for When Buying a Park Model Cabin
If you own a campground, hope to put a guest cottage on your property, or are looking for a tiny log cabin to live in, you may be interested in purchasing a charming and rustic park model cabin.
But here’s the problem:
If you buy something with cheap features that doesn’t suit your needs, it becomes a massive headache within a few months. No one likes dealing with mold in the walls, broken appliances, or a shower that’s too tiny to turn around in!
At Lancaster Log Cabins, we get it. With our years of experience researching and constructing quality park model cabins, we know that features and durability matter.
So what features should you be looking for in a park model cabin?
Here are 14 features we’ve found to be critical.
(Note: If you’re uncertain about what a park model cabin is and whether it’s the type of structure you need, read this blog post first: Park Model Cabins: What They Are, and How to Use Them.)
Table of Contents
Size
Park model cabins are small, typically 320 to 400 square feet. Any larger and they’re no longer considered park model cabins, meaning different zoning laws apply.
But remember, there are many benefits to a small size! Staying under 400 square feet has many benefits, including:
- Saving space in your campground (or wherever you choose to park it)
- Minimal maintenance
- Lower utility bills
- Environmentally friendly lifestyle
- A simplified life
- In many cases, no property taxes
That said, when looking at park model cabins, it’s important to ask yourself, “Is the size adequate for my needs?” Sizes vary a bit, so you have some flexibility in choosing something that best fits you.
Also, some park model cabins have loft and porch options, which can make the whole thing feel more spacious.
It’s also important to consider local zoning regulations to ensure that the cabin can be placed where you want it.
Finally, think about how often you’ll need to move the cabin if you have the necessary equipment to do so, and what it would cost to hire someone to move it for you. All these factors will help you choose the correct size.
Floor Plan
If you want your park model cabin to be a functional space, the layout matters as much as the size.
How many rooms are there? How are they laid out? How large are the rooms? All these factors together determine how practical and convenient the space is.
Things to check for:
- Are there any bottleneck areas? Look at hallways and doorways in particular. Do they allow a free flow of traffic, or will people always be squeezing past each other?
- Think about what might pile up and block traffic. For instance, laundry facilities in a hallway might not work well since laundry tends to pile up on the floor of the laundry room.
- Take a close look at the doors. Does an open bathroom door block the path to the bedroom?
- Some cabins have fold-out or convertible beds in the living areas. If the beds are set up, how does that affect the dynamics of the living space?
- Look at the space allotment and see if it aligns with your needs. For instance, would you rather have a larger bedroom at the cost of the main living space?
One final note: If you’re renting out your cabin instead of living in it, take care to make sure it’s accessible for people with special needs!
Insulation
Proper insulation is essential in keeping your park model cabin comfortable. If your park model cabin isn’t adequately insulated, it will be miserable in both the harsh winter and hot summer months!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the quality of the insulation. Insulation quality is measured by R-value – the higher the R-value, the better it insulates.
Then, check over the park model cabin, making sure it has proper weatherstripping and caulking to prevent drafts.
Windows
No one wants to stay in a dark, dank cabin, so windows are vital! Choose a cabin with windows that are optimized for:
- Plenty of natural light
- Beautiful views
- A good cross-breeze if you open multiple windows
- Adequate insulation and energy efficiency
The right windows allow you to sit cozily indoors and gaze at nature no matter the weather.
Roof
A high-quality roof on your park model cabin is essential. If your roof leaks, you’ll have to deal with mold and structural damage.
What a headache!
Investing in a higher-quality roof will save you time and money in the long run. Different roofing materials may be better suited for different climates, so look into the harsh weather conditions of the place you hope to park your cabin and make sure your roof can handle it.
Appliances
When it comes to the appliances in your park model cabin, there are several things you should be concerned about:
Quality: Your appliances should last a long time without breaking down.
Energy Efficiency: Especially if your cabin will be going off-grid, energy efficiency is vital to ensure that your battery and propane tanks last as long as possible!
Size: This part depends on your taste and habits. Some prefer full-size appliances, while others would rather save space with smaller versions.
Storage
Storage may not be the first thing on your mind when shopping for a park model cabin, but it will be the first thing on your mind after you’ve lived in it for several weeks!
Of course, your storage needs will differ depending on how long you or your guests stay. Overall, make sure it has adequate space for the following:
- Food
- Kitchen utensils
- Clothing
- Bathroom toiletries
Beyond that, make detailed lists of the things you or your guests may need, and make sure there is enough storage. Make a note of any equipment specific to where you wish to park it, such as fishing gear, weather protection, or sand toys.
HVAC System
Small spaces quickly heat up or turn frigid in extreme weather. To stay comfortable, choose a cabin with a sound HVAC system. A good system will have the following:
- An output that’s adequate to heat and cool the space
- Energy efficiency
- Ease of use
- High consumer ratings
Overall, you should be able to easily maintain a comfortable temperature all year round.
Outdoor Space
Depending on where you park your cabin, guests may want to be outdoors more than in. For this reason, make sure you have lovely outdoor living spaces!
Although you can build these independently of your cabin, you may want to look for a model with a large inviting covered porch.
Beds and Bedrooms
The optimal number of beds and bedrooms depends entirely on your needs! In some situations, you may want beds in the main living area that fold up in a futon for daytime use, while in other cases, you may want a separate bedroom.
Loft
Choosing a cabin with a loft is a sneaky way to get more space without adding to the cabin’s square footage for zoning purposes.
On the other hand, a loft may be difficult for some people to access if they have mobility issues.
Bathroom
A tiny or inefficient bathroom can be a huge pain for people staying in a cabin. Make sure your cabin’s bathroom has:
- High-quality fixtures and materials
- Proper storage for toiletries
- Adequate space for comfortably showering
- An accessible layout for anyone with mobility issues who may need to use it
- Reliable plumbing
- Proper ventilation
Remember: nothing puts a damper on a park model cabin stay like a small, dank, inefficient bathroom!
Kitchen
Kitchen space varies widely from model to model. If you or your guests cook and bake a lot, plenty of room, a large countertop area, lots of cupboard storage, and quality appliances are vital!
On the other hand, if you just need a small area to make coffee, heat up takeout, and assemble sandwiches, pick a model with a smaller kitchen to save that space for other things.
But no matter what, make sure your kitchen has high-quality appliances and materials! No one wants to deal with a broken stove or refrigerator that won’t work.
Materials
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, if you want your park model cabin to last for many years with minimal maintenance, make sure it’s made from high-quality materials!
Here are some things to look for:
- Made from solid wood
- High-grade insulation
- Sturdy construction with no sagging or warping
- Smooth finishes and tight joints
- Energy-efficient fixtures and appliances
How Lancaster Log Cabins Can Help
At Lancaster Log Cabins, we saw a need in the park model industry for cabins made from solid wood logs, and we determined to make it happen.
We construct our log cabins from high-quality materials, including 100% real wood walls, and maintain a rustic aesthetic.
We offer six cabin models, all with different layouts, so you can find the one that suits your needs!
Contact us today if you have any questions.
Or, if you’re near the Lancaster County, PA, area, give us a visit and walk through the cabins so you can see the craftsmanship for yourself!