Ultimate Lake Trip Packing List: 37 Must-Have Essentials for 2025
Packing for a lake trip can feel like a massive chore. Sure, maybe you’re only gone for a few days, but you want everything ready for an epic vacation.
Nobody wants to be caught without their swimsuit or sunscreen because it was hiding in the back of your closet!
To make your lake vacation a breeze, we’ve put together the ultimate lake trip packing list with 37 must-have essentials. From swimsuits to ice (lots of ice!), these things will keep you ready for swimming, boating, or just chilling by the water.
Plus, grab our free printable checklist to stay organized!
Table of Contents
NOTE: Some links on this page lead to Amazon or other merchant pages. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. You can read our entire Affiliate Disclosure here.
Why Is Packing Important for a Lake Trip
A lake trip is all about relaxation, but poor packing can turn your getaway into a stress-fest. Smart packing makes sure you’re ready for all the activities—think swimming, fishing, hiking, or just lounging on the beach.
With limited space in your car or suitcase, you need a plan to cover all the bases without overpacking.
The crazy thing? Packing can be so stressful, and a lake trip is supposed to be all about kicking back!
That’s why we’ve created this lake vacation packing list – to make your prep easy and your vacation unforgettable.
What to Consider Before Packing for a Lake Trip
Before you toss stuff into your suitcase, keep these tips in mind to pack smart for your lake vacation:
- Weather and Activities: Pack clothes and gear suited for the weather and activities like sunbathing, boating, or trail hiking. Skip those cute-but-impractical shorts that look amazing but aren’t trail-ready.
- Trip Duration: Is it a quick day trip, a weekend getaway, or a week-long lake adventure? (You lucky dog!) Pack enough for the length of your stay.
- Who’s Coming?: Adults, kids, and pets all have different needs. Kids need floaties; pets need food and leashes.
- Local Amenities: Check if there’s a store nearby for sunscreen, diapers, or snacks. A fully stocked lake house is different than a rustic cabin with no shops for miles.
- Lodging Type: A furnished lake house rental might have extra towels, but a bare-bones cabin or campsite won’t. Don’t assume your friend’s lake home has everything!
Pro tip: Ice is the #1 must-have for any lake trip—bring lots and plan to buy more! With these considerations, let’s get to the ultimate packing list.
Ice just might be the #1 essential for any boat trip. Bring ice. Lots and lots of ice.
Top 5 Lake Trip Essentials
Wondering what you absolutely can’t forget? According to a 2025 survey of 200 lake vacationers, these are the top five must-have items for a stress-free lake trip:
- Swimsuits: Essential for swimming and water fun.
- Sunscreen: Protects against harmful UV rays, even on cloudy days.
- Ice: Keeps food and drinks cold. Pack extra!
- Towels: For drying off after swimming or showering.
- Life Jackets: Mandatory for safe boating and peace of mind.
And here’s the full list of 37 essentials to ensure your lake vacation is smooth sailing.
Ultimate List of 37 Lake Trip Packing Essentials
Here’s your complete lake vacation packing list, packed with everything you need for fun, relaxation, and adventure.
Not every item will apply, but this list will spark reminders for those “oh no, I forgot!” moments.
| Item | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|
| Bag for Wet Clothes | Keeps soaking towels and swimsuits from leaking in your car. Use waterproof dry bags for the boat. |
| Beach Blanket | Perfect for picnics, campfires, or shielding from chilly boat winds. |
| Beverages | Pack adult drinks, soda, juice, and sports drinks for hydration. Reusable bottles are a win! |
| Bug Spray | Repels hungry lake insects. Thermacell units create a 15-ft mosquito-free zone without DEET, or use our homemade DIY bug spray. |
| Boat Tote | A sturdy, waterproof tote for snacks, phones, and towels on the water. |
| Camp/Beach Chairs | Lightweight, foldable chairs for docks, pontoons, or campfires. Look for cup holders! |
| Can Koozies/Thermal Bottles | Keeps drinks cold and hands warm. Fits in pontoon cup holders. |
| Cash/CC/Venmo | For gas, tolls, or local shops. Some places don’t take cards—trust me, we learned the hard way! |
| Clothes | Pack for swimming (quick-dry shirts), hiking (waterproof boots), and chilly nights (hoodie, rain jacket). |
| Cooler (Insulated) | Keeps food and drinks cold for days. Use separate coolers for drinks, snacks, and raw meat. We like this cooler from RTIC. |
| Cover-up | Lightweight layer for sun protection and style. Bring a spare for wet days. |
| Drinking Water | Pack more than you think for drinking and washing. Bottled water is a boat must-have. |
| First Aid Kit | Include bandages, pain relievers, and aloe for sunburns or bug bites. |
| Fishing License | Required for public lakes. Check state regulations at bait shops or online. |
| Flashlight/Head Lamp | Essential for dark lake nights. These head lamps are great for campfires or unpacking. |
| Food | Pack snacks (nuts, trail mix), meals, and cooking supplies for grills or campfires. |
| Games & Activities | Cards, board games, or lawn darts for family fun. Great for rainy days! |
| Hats/Visors | Protects from sun and wind. Ball caps or bucket hats add style to vacation pics. |
| Hostess Gift | A small gift for your host shows appreciation. Check out our post on lake house hostess gifts. |
| IDs/Licenses/Insurances | Bring driver’s license, health insurance, and vehicle insurance. Double-check before you go! |
| Ice | The #1 lake trip essential. Pack extra coolers with clean ice for drinks. |
| Keys | House, boat, or rental keys—don’t get locked out after your trip! |
| Life Jackets | Mandatory for boating safety. Kids need them on at all times. |
| Music/Speaker | A waterproof speaker for beach or pontoon vibes. These JBL waterproof speakers have over 80,000 5-star reviews! |
| Paper Plates/Utensils | Biodegradable plates and napkins for easy cleanup. |
| Personal Toiletries | Shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, and medications. Sun and wind chap lips fast! |
| Phone Charger | Include a solar charger for boating. Keep devices powered. |
| Pillow | Your favorite pillow for cozy sleep. Add ear plugs for unfamiliar noises. |
| Reservations | Confirm lodge or activity bookings before leaving. Keep contact info handy. |
| Sandals/Water Shoes | Sandals for cabins, sturdy water shoes for rocky lakebeds. |
| Sunglasses | Protect eyes from sun and wind. Add a strap for fishing. |
| Sunscreen | Reapply after swimming. Clouds don’t block UV rays! |
| Swimsuits | Pack a backup suit for each person to swap while one dries. |
| Toilet Paper | For remote areas. Pack in waterproof bags with hand sanitizer. |
| Towels | Bring extra beach towels for swimming and showering. These beach towels are fun, large and extra-absorbent. |
| Trash Bags | For garbage and recycling. Dispose locally or take home. |
| Water Toys/Floaties | Inflatable rafts or noodles for lake fun and relaxation. |
It’s All about Fun, Easy and Relaxing
Packing for a lake trip can feel overwhelming, but with a little organization, it’s a snap.
These 37 essentials make sure you’re ready for swimming, boating, or chilling by the campfire.
Many are inexpensive and take up little space, leaving room for those awesome lake souvenirs!
Remember: Pack light but smart, covering all the bases so you can relax and enjoy.
Printable List
Enjoy what you’re reading? Here’s what to do next:
- Go ahead and Pin or Share this article right now. Don’t worry, we’ll wait!
- Leave a comment below
- Print your own Lake Trip Packing List
- Book a lake vacation and start planning your getaway now!
Thanks for stopping by Northwoods Oasis! See you next time.
I love how detailed your vacation essentials information is. I think this is a must for traveling.
Thanks Ann! I can’t pack without a detailed list. 🙂
This is a great list to refer to since I always forget one or two things.
Same! Detailed lists are born of desperation, lol!
Now I want to go to the lake asap!! fun list!
Thank you! It seems like a lot of packing, but it’s so much easier once you get there. 🙂