What To Pack For The Lake
Nothing screams summertime like a weekend at the lake. I grew up going to the lake with my family, and it created some of my favorite childhood memories. My parents always had everything prepared for a fun-filled weekend, but now that we are adults, the packing falls onto my shoulders! I’ve learned over the years that there are a few essentials that I would never head to the lake without. If you and your friends or family have a lake trip planned soon, bookmark this post as the ultimate what to pack for the lake guide.
Don’t forget to check out these posts so you can find the perfect swimsuit, cover-up, and sandals for your lake plans:
- One Piece Swimsuit Guide for Women Over 50
- Comfortable Shoes You Need for a Beach Vacation
- Modest and Flattering Swimsuits for Women Over 40
What to Pack for the Lake
Tote Bag
You’ll need a large bag to hold all of your lake essentials, like your beach towel, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and more. These Bogg bags are the ultimate bags for taking with you to the lake, pool, beach, camping, waterpark, etc. They are so roomy and lightweight. Plus, they are easy to clean and come in so many fun colors and patterns! I also love this canvas Lake Life tote. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but big enough to carry the entire family’s stuff!
Hat
You’ll want a hat to keep the harsh sun off your face whether you are boating, floating, or sitting around the campsite. Plus, who wants to worry about doing their hair at the lake? Hats are a great choice for hiding wind-blown, air-dried, or dirty hair!
Lake Shirt
Whether you wear it on your way to the lake, throw it over your swimsuit, or put it on for sitting around the campfire, you can’t pass up bringing a cute lake shirt!
Water Shoes
If you are doing a water activity like kayaking or paddle-boarding, hiking, or wading out into the water, you’ll want a pair of quick-drying shoes. I think the Teva sandals look just as cute with a little sundress or denim shorts as they do with athletic wear.
Entertainment and Games for On and Off the Water
No matter if you like to spend your lake days in a boat on the water, at a campsite, or on the shoreline, you’ll want to bring something to entertain for your family… especially if you have kids or preteens that get bored easily! If you rent a cabin or lake house or spend the night in a camper or tent, board and card games are a must.
Waterproof Storage Solutions
It’s important to keep your essentials and valuables dry, especially if you are engaging in water activities!
Other Lake Day Essentials:
- Sunscreen – Sun protection is necessary every day, but especially so if you are at the beach, lake, or pool. I typically use sunscreen by Rodan and Fields, but Supergoop Play SPF 30 Sunscreen and Elta MD Skincare SPF 40 Sunscreen are some other great options you can pack to protect your skin.
- Swimsuit – Check out my favorite one pieces here.
- Sunglasses
- Bugspray
- Cooler (I love this one with wheels and a towing handle!)
- Marshmallow Roasting Sticks (and S’mores supplies!)
- Fast-Drying Towel
Shop More Items to Pack for the Lake:
Do you love going to the lake? What are some of your must-have lake essentials?
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Verse Of The Day
Romans 10:17
17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Love my Bogg bag. So versatile and perfect for the beach or to carry my laptop to work. If it gets sandy or dirty I just hose it off.
I haven’t been to the lake in many years. Great ideas for essentials. I am ready to go to the mountains, sometime soon.
It is a long time since I have read your posts, you are still sharing great fashion ideas and Scriptures.
Faith goes to those who believe. AMEN
We spent 40 years on a boat at the lake, it was fabulous! Our children were raised on a boat every weekend and they love the water. One essential I always had were can caps to keep drinks from spilling, still have them!
Oh, just about forgot, I hope Joe feels better soon and YOU don’t get it!
Thanks so much, got lots saved in my cart for our small lake in the back of our home!
You find the best!
Next week I’m headed to the lake with my Tennessee family. We are going to be staying on a houseboat, so I’m trying to find all the items I’ll be needing.
Sounds like you all have a lot of fun.
Love all of the items on today’s post. Thank you for all of the great ideas…good for gifts too when visiting friends at the lake! Hope Joe feels better soon!
Simply Southern has a bag very similar to the Bogg bags at a much better price. You can purchase additional handles and the attaching buttons in various colors to alter the look. Check these out. https://amzn.to/3OWIWet
Love reading your posts everyday!