What to pack for Urban Cowboy Lodge (seasonal checklist)
Pack layered clothing for variable Catskills weather, plus sturdy footwear for hiking and evening pieces for The Dining Room and Parlor Bar. Bring swimwear and a towel for the seasonal outdoor pool or natural swimming holes, toiletries and any medications (the lodge has minibars and canteens but not a full grocery), a photo ID and the card used to book, and any pet supplies if traveling with a dog.
In this guide
Travel essentials & arrival logistics
Carry a government photo ID and the credit card you used to reserve the room; Urban Cowboy Lodge requires guests to present both at check-in. The front desk has limited hours, so inform the lodge of your expected arrival time in advance.
Bring printed or offline copies of your reservation and the property's address (37 Alpine Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410). Cell service can be limited on site, so download maps and contact details before you lose reception.
- Photo ID + credit card used to book
- Reservation confirmation (printed or offline screenshot)
- BookResorts 24/7 phone: +1 (888) 605-1350
- Offline maps or GPS app with downloaded area
| Check-in detail | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Front desk hours | Expect limited hours; arrange late arrival in advance |
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in begins 3:00 PM; check-out before 11:00 AM |
| Age policy | Adults-only property (no guests under 18) |
Clothing: layer for seasons
Catskills weather changes quickly. In spring and fall, plan lightweight layers (long-sleeve shirts, fleece or wool mid-layer, waterproof shell) because temperatures can swing from the 40s at night to the 60s–70s by day.
Summer calls for breathable shirts, shorts, and a light rain layer for afternoon storms; bring a swimsuit for the seasonal pool and natural swimming spots. Winter visitors should pack warm base layers, insulated outerwear, hat, gloves, and winter boots for snow and skiing nearby.
- Spring/fall: base layer, mid-layer (fleece), rain jacket, hiking socks
- Summer: breathable tops, swimwear, sun hat, insect repellent (black flies common in May)
- Winter: insulated jacket, thermal layers, waterproof boots, microspikes if you plan high-elevation hikes
| Season | Must-pack clothing |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Layers, waterproof jacket, trail shoes |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Shorts, swimwear, sun/rain protection |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Warm layers, jacket, good hiking boots |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Thermals, insulated coat, snow boots |
Footwear and active-gear for outdoor activities
If you plan to hike Giant Ledge, Slide Mountain, or nearby trails, bring sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes, a daypack, and a refillable water bottle. For summer creek dips or the Peekamoose Blue Hole, pack water shoes and quick-dry clothing.
For winter trips to Belleayre, Hunter, Windham, or Plattekill resorts, bring ski/snowboard gear or plan to rent locally; the lodge does not advertise an on-site ski shop.
- Hiking boots or trail runners
- Daypack, water bottle, headlamp
- Water shoes for swimming holes and creek access
- Optional: trekking poles, microspikes (winter/icy trails)
| Activity | Recommended gear |
|---|---|
| Day hiking (Giant Ledge, local trails) | Sturdy boots, layered clothing, snacks, map |
| Swimming (seasonal pool, Esopus Creek) | Swimsuit, towel, water shoes |
| Skiing/snowboarding day trips | Winter outerwear; rent slopeside if you don't bring gear |
What to pack for your room and spa time
Many rooms offer clawfoot tubs, cedar soaking tubs, or private outdoor tubs—pack a quick-dry robe or separate swim cover if you prefer not to use lodge-provided robes. Bring slippers and toiletries you prefer; the rooms include stocked minibars with local goods and there are 24-hour canteens on site for basics.
If you’ve booked spa services or the Estonian sauna, bring a swimsuit for the seasonal pool or private cedar/copper tub sessions if you intend to use a tub on a balcony or patio. Book spa treatments in advance since massages and facials are offered by reservation.
- Quick-dry robe or oversized tee for tub time
- Flip-flops or spa slippers
- Personal toiletries and any preferred hair products
- Prescription medications and contact lenses supplies
| In-room feature | Packing note |
|---|---|
| Freestanding tubs (indoor or balcony) | Swimwear or robe for shared spaces; consider towel protection |
| Fireplace-equipped rooms (e.g., Luxury Room, Fireplace, Mountainside) | Bring long matches or use lodge-provided fire starters per staff guidance |
| Kitchenette rooms (Chalet, Kitchen, Annex Building) | Basic groceries, coffee/tea if you prefer specific brands |
Dining, bar etiquette, and packing for meals
The Dining Room serves seasonal farm-to-table American brunch and dinner; reserve a table in advance for prime times. Bring attire appropriate for a relaxed restaurant and bar setting—casual to smart-casual is suitable for The Dining Room and Parlor Bar.
Pack any specialty dietary items if you have strict needs, though The Dining Room offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Bring a small day bag for bringing snacks to the trail or a second layer for evening dining on cooler nights.
- Reservation confirmation for The Dining Room if you booked in advance
- Casual-smart evening outfit (many guests dress up a bit for dinner)
- Small cooler or snack bag for hikes and day trips
| Venue | Hours / note |
|---|---|
| The Dining Room | Brunch 8–11 AM; Dinner 5–9 PM (reservations recommended) |
| Parlor Bar | Cocktails—Mon–Fri 3–10 PM; Sat–Sun 1–10 PM |
| Ralph's Bar & Bowling | Casual bar and bowling—no reservations |
Travel extras and pet-friendly packing
Urban Cowboy Lodge is pet friendly for dogs (cats are not permitted). If traveling with a dog, bring leash, bedding, food, bowls, waste bags, and vaccination records if your carrier may ask. Confirm any pet fee or specific room pet rules with the lodge prior to arrival.
Other useful extras: a portable charger (power can be precious with spotty cell service), binoculars for wildlife and foliage viewing, insect repellent (especially in May), and sunscreen for summer hikes.
- Dog supplies: leash, food, blanket, vaccination record
- Portable battery pack / charger
- Binoculars for birdwatching and fall foliage
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
| Item | Why bring it |
|---|---|
| Portable charger | Limited on-site cell signal and longer outdoor days |
| Insect repellent | Black flies and mosquitoes in spring/early summer |
| Copies of pet paperwork | Useful if asked when checking in with a dog |
