Looking for one last relaxing weekend in the great outdoors before winter really sets in? DCist took to the road this past weekend and headed to Shenandoah National Park. If you’re still considering a fall weekend nature trip, here’s our tips to make the most of it.

Make sure you get the cabin that best fits your group/caravan/drunken posse.
There’s plenty of cabins available, especially now during the low season. We used Home Away From Home, which offers rental properties all over the country. In Shenandoah, HAFH has plenty of properties to rent; and the best part is that you contact the owners of the house directly, which cuts down on the possibility of misunderstandings. Of course, be sure to research your locations appropriately before committing. If possible, try to get a cabin with a fireplace. There’s absolutely nothing better for those of us who live in cramped apartments.

If you’re concerned about blowing your entire checking account on one weekend in the boonies, don’t worry. Many of the cabins we perused could easily fit six to eight people, and will run you somewhere between $400 to $500 for a three-day, two-night stay, with plenty of thoughtful amenities. Of course, remember that more splits in the rental cost are inversely related to the amount of food and drink you’ll need to purchase. Or you could just bring four or five of your straight-edge and vegan friends. Either way, budget appropriately.