Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Off-grid cabin welcome book template

Off-grid guests need more instruction than most, and they need it before they lose cell signal. The guide has to explain the composting toilet, how much solar power there is, where the water comes from and how to get help without a phone.

This template lays out each section with sample text for an off-grid cabin, written so guests can read it offline and know exactly what to do.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

Welcome

Welcome to [Cabin name]! You're off the grid now. Please read this guide before you lose signal on the way in.

Check-in

Check-in is from [Check-in time].
The last [Distance] is [Road note, e.g. rough gravel; high clearance recommended]. The key is in [Key location].

Wifi

[Wifi note, e.g. there's no wifi, and cell signal is only at [Signal spot]].

Parking

Park at [Parking spot]. The walk in is [Walking time].

How things work

Composting toilet: after each use, add a scoop of [Cover material, e.g. sawdust] from the bucket and close the lid. Toilet paper can go in; nothing else, please. [Separation note, e.g. sit down to use it, so liquids go to the front].
Solar power: the battery monitor is [Monitor location]. Lights, phone charging and the fridge are fine. Please skip hair dryers, kettles and heaters; they drain the battery fast.
Cloudy days: power can run low after [Number] grey days. If the monitor shows [Low reading], use the lanterns in [Lantern location].
Water: [Water note, e.g. rainwater for washing; drinking water is in the blue jugs]. Please use it sparingly.
Heat: the wood stove guide is on the wall beside it. Dry wood is in [Woodshed location].

House rules

Up to [Max guests] overnight guests. No parties or events.
Quiet hours [Quiet hours].
Pets: [Pet policy]. No smoking or vaping inside.

Trash and recycling

There's no pickup here, so please keep trash sealed inside in [Bin location] to keep animals away. Food scraps go in [Compost bin].

Local picks

Nearest store and signal: [Town name], [Drive time].
Swim spot: [Spot name].
Stargazing: [Clearing or dock].

Emergency info

Emergency: [Local emergency number]. Cell signal: [Signal spot]. [Satellite or landline note].
Directions for responders: [Directions from the main road].
Smoke and CO alarms: [Locations]. Fire extinguisher: [Location].
Host: [Host name], [Host phone].

Checkout

Checkout is by [Checkout time].
Please let the stove burn out, put used dishes in the basin, and switch off the lights and fridge [Fridge note].
Lock up and leave the key at [Key location]. Thanks for living lightly with us!

Tips

Send the guide before arrival so guests can save it while they still have signal.
Write composting toilet steps for your exact model; the cover material and separation steps vary.
List which devices the solar system can and can't handle, rather than a vague 'use power wisely'.
Write turn-by-turn directions for emergency responders, since GPS may not find a remote cabin.
Say where the nearest cell signal or landline is, and test it yourself.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

Keegix turns your welcome book into one link and a QR sign by the door. Upload the binder you already have and AI drafts the page in about a minute, or paste this template in. Free forever for one property.

Upload my binder, free See a sample guest page

Questions

How do I explain a composting toilet to guests?

Give simple steps for your model: what to add after each use, what can go in and whether to sit for separation. A short sign next to the toilet helps too.

What should guests know about solar power?

Which devices are fine, which drain the battery, where the battery monitor is and what to do if power runs low after cloudy days.

What emergency info does an off-grid cabin need?

The emergency number, where to find cell signal or a landline, written directions from the main road for responders, and where the alarms and extinguisher are.

More free templates

All welcome book templates · Every free template

Free to use

Copy it, change it, print it, use it with any platform. Sharing it with a host group, on a blog or in a forum? A link back to this page helps other hosts find the latest version:

https://keegix.com/welcome-book/off-grid-cabin/