What Are Volunteer Cabins?

Volunteer Cabin Information

You may have noticed a YouTube video about one or seen them mentioned on message boards, but what exactly are volunteer cabins?

Volunteer cabins are cabins (usually historic) that are both maintained by volunteers and that you can visit and even spend the night at. The best part is that they are free to use. They are mainly located in California, especially in the Death Valley area, but I've also heard of some in Arizona and Nevada.

How Do I Know if a Volunteer Cabin Is Available?

You'll know whether or not a cabin is available if the American flag is flying. All cabins have flags, and the protocol is to hang the flag if you plan to occupy it. In the top photo of this article, you see that a flag is flying, which means someone is staying there.

If you're just stopping in for a visit, there is no need to put the flag out, as you won't be staying the night. However, if you are planning to spend the night, then you should put the flag out as soon as you arrive so anyone approaching the cabin will see that it's already occupied.

Amenities in the Cabins

The most common amenities are a table, chairs, and either a pot belly or a wood-burning stove. Once in a while, there will even be a fireplace. Some have cots or bed frames. There are usually cleaning supplies and some food, mainly canned. I would suggest checking the expiration date before using any of the food, though. Sometimes, there's water and even some liquor.

As far as things that are fun go, many have books and magazines, and a few even have games. Several of the more practical items that some cabins possess are lanterns, first aid supplies, candles, cooking accessories, log tools, and generators (occasionally).

Outside, you'll usually find somewhere to sit, such as chairs or picnic benches, as well as a barbecue pit.

Do the Cabins Have Bathrooms?

I have yet to see one of these cabins that has a working bathroom. You might get lucky and find one that has an outhouse. Otherwise, I suggest you bring a shovel, toilet paper, and toilet wipes with you to ensure your outdoor bathroom experience is as comfortable as possible.

Now, if you're hoping for running water, many cabins have sinks, and if you're lucky, supply distilled water or have water piped in from a natural spring in the area. But most of the time, you won't find this.

Hantavirus Warning

When you arrive at a cabin, you may find a sign warning about Hantavirus. So what is Hantavirus? It's a respiratory disease spread by the urine or droppings of rodents—particularly rats, in the case of these cabins. It is contracted by breathing in the virus particles.

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Before you panic, the condition is rare. However, caution should be taken if you run across rodent urine or droppings in a cabin. Unless you know how to safely and properly clean these up, it's best not to disturb any of this as you don't want the vapors getting in the air.

How Do I Find a Cabin?

Now, this is the tricky part. The locations are generally kept secret to avoid vandalism. That doesn't mean you can't find them, though. Just do some research on the internet, and you're bound to find some information about where they are. The same goes for YouTube videos. For some people, the challenge of finding them is part of the fun.

Keep in mind that many of the cabins are old miners' cabins that were built when the miner staked a claim. Therefore, the only way to access them is via dirt roads, and some of these roads can be pretty challenging. It's best to use a four-wheel drive vehicle to get to them.

Volunteer Cabin Protocol

Be sure to hang the American flag provided as soon as you arrive and take it down before you leave so the next guests will know that the cabin is available.

Leave the cabin in the same condition or even better than you found it. Although volunteers maintain them, there are times in between visits when some cleaning may be needed, so pitch in when you can.

Make sure all fires and flames are out, whether it be from a fireplace, wood-burning stove, candles, or fire pit. Make sure all power is turned off as well, if applicable.

You can also feel free to leave something for future guests. This can be in the form of food, water, books, candles, or anything else you feel the cabin needs.

Finally, sign the guest book! If you don't see one out on a table, check out the drawers. Feel free to leave comments on your experience there as well.

Inside a Volunteer Cabin

The video above shows you the inside of one of the nicest and most well-kept cabins located in Butte Valley in Death Valley, California. You can see all the amenities the cabin has, including a rustic fireplace, quite a bit of food, games, and even solar power. This location also has an outhouse.

What to Consider Before Going

If remote locations, dirt roads, and quaint cabins appeal to you, then you should surely enjoy your visit to a volunteer cabin, especially since they are free of charge. Keep in mind that these are on a first-come, first-serve basis. It's best to have a backup plan in case the cabin you're hoping to stay at is occupied. Perhaps throw a tent in the back of your car?

While there, be sure to follow proper protocol and remember to pick up after yourself. Keeping these cabins in good shape is a way to ensure their use for the next generation of adventure seekers.

And finally, make sure you enjoy your stay!