Whether heading out for a day trip to the beach or a week-long lake adventure, packing the right essentials can make all the difference. To ensure a smooth experience, we’ve compiled the ultimate lake trip packing list.
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Lake trips are the epitome of relaxation and fun! To ensure your lakeside adventure is filled with nothing but good vibes and epic memories, we’ve created the ultimate packing list for your lake trip.
From sun protection to unexpected essentials, this guide will ensure you’re prepared for anything your lakeside adventure throws your way!
Scroll down for the lake packing guide and to get your free printable lake day trip packing list.
More Packing Lists:
Day Trip Lake Packing List
Everything you need for a day at the beach, on the boat, or along the shore.
- Bathing suit
- Rash guard or swim shirt
- Swim Cover Up
- Beach towel(s) – these towels are fast-drying & easy to pack
- Sandals/water shoes
- Dry change of clothes
- Grocery sacks/gallon Ziplock bags/wet bags for wet clothes/suits
- Beach bag/day bag and/or dry bag
- Ziplock bag or waterproof bag for phone/keys/wallet/etc. – this one is so cute
- Waterproof phone case – I have one like this
- Floating keychain – inexpensive set here
- Portable safe – this one is waterproof
- Waterproof power bank (bonus if it’s solar-powered)
- Chargers (phone, tablet, watch, etc.)
- Headphones/Airpods
- Waterproof Portable Speaker
- Action Camera/Go Pro (waterproof) – I have this one & I think it works just as well as a GoPro at a fraction of the price
- Portable Fan – this one is small but mighty!
- Pair of Sunglasses
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- SPF Chapstick/lip balm
- Insect Repellent/bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Brush/hair ties
- Good book or kindle/e-reader
- Playing cards + board games
- Outdoor activities/games (cornhole, frisbee, football, ladder golf, etc.)
- Floats/Noodles/Intertubes
- Lifejackets
- Beach tarp/blanket
- Beach chair(s) or camping chair(s)
- Sun tent or beach umbrellas – this tent is compact & easy to set up
- Beach Wagon
- Portable hammock – I love setting a hammock up in the woods or near the beach!
- Water sports (Wakeboards/water skis/pull tubes/etc.)
- Fishing poles/bait/supplies + fishing license
- Boating license/registration + driver’s license
Food/Picnic
- Food/snacks
- Water/other drinks
- Cups/water bottles/tumblers/can coolers
- Utensils/serving utensils
- Plates/bowls
- Additional paper products (paper towels, napkins, etc.)
- Other necessary kitchen supplies (knives, cutting board, grill tools, etc.)
- Cooler/ice
- Bottle opener/wine key
- Ziplock bags/food storage
- Hand wipes
- Clorox wipes
- Trash bags
For the Kids
- Diapers/swim diapers
- Wipes
- Lifejacket/puddle jumper
- Baby powder – helpful for getting sand off if you’re going to the beach
- Beach/Lake-friendly toys
- Goggles/snorkel
- Kids’ water bottles – these are our favorites
- Portable High Chair – we use this all the time when traveling & eating outside
- Baby Carrier/baby seat
Just in Case
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight
- Rain gear
- Pocket knife/multi-tool
- Aloe Vera
- Medications
- ID/Insurance Cards
- Cash, credit/debit cards
Lake Vacation Packing List
Everything you will need in addition to the lake day gear listed above.
Clothes/Accessories
- Additional swimwear (swimsuits, trunks, rash guards, etc.)
- Shirts and tanks
- Sweatshirts/jacket
- Pants/shorts/leggings
- Dresses/Rompers/skirts
- Nightwear
- Workout Clothes
- Swim Cover-Up
- Basics (socks, underwear, bras, undershirts)
- Shoes/sandals/water shoes
- Belts
- Clutch/Purse
- Fanny Pack
- Jewelry
Toiletries
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Skin Care Essentials (cleanser, toner, moisturizer, etc.)
- Body Lotion
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Floss
- Retainers
- Contacts/Solution
- Glasses
- Makeup
- Makeup Remover
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Body Spray/Perfume/Cologne
- Hair Brush
- Hair Products
- Hair Dryer/Straightener/Curler
- Hair ties/hair accessories
- Toiletry Bag
- Medication/Vitamins
- Laundry Pods
- Dryer Sheets (so many uses – wipe sand off at the beach, keep shoes/suitcases/the car smelling fresh, place in vents to freshen up your hotel room, etc.)
For the Kids (Babies/Toddlers)
- Diapers (5-12 per day depending on age
- Wipes/diaper cream
- Changing Pad
- Swim Diapers
- Baby Carrier
- Pack-n-play or travel crib
- Sleepsack
- Loveys/pacifiers
- Baby Monitor
- Night diapers/pull-ups
- Nightlight
- Toys/books
- Children’s Tylenol
- Face/Hand Wipes
- Portable high chair
- Bottles/sippy cups/water bottle
- Breast pump/pump parts
- Burp cloths
- Snack cups/toddler utensils
- Bibs
- Bottle cleaning kit/drying rack
- Travel dish soap
- Sterilizer bags
I hope this lake trip packing list was helpful. You should have all the essential items whether you’re spending the week at a lake house or heading out for the day!
