The Ultimate Lake Day Packing List for 2026

A great lake day starts with great preparation. The key to a perfect day on the water is packing the right gear so you can relax, float, and enjoy cold drinks without running back to the car every twenty minutes.

We've spent countless weekends on lakes across Texas, the Carolinas, and Tennessee dialing in this list. Here's everything you actually need — and a few things most people forget.

The Essentials

These are the non-negotiables. If you forget anything else, make sure these make the cut:

Cooler with ice — A quality hard cooler for a full day, or a soft cooler for a quick trip. Pre-chill it the night before for maximum ice retention. Not sure which to get? See our best beach coolers roundup.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming. Water reflects UV and you'll burn faster than you think.
Water — You're in the sun all day. Bring more water than you think you need. One bottle per person per hour is a good rule.
Towels — At least two per person. One for drying off, one for sitting on.
Sunglasses with a strap — Polarized lenses cut glare off the water. The strap keeps them out of the lake.

Drinks and Snacks

Beer — Pack your favorites in cans, not bottles. Glass and water don't mix. Aim for 3-4 per person for a half-day, more for a full day. Want to try something new? Check our best beer subscription boxes.
Electrolyte packets — Mix into your water bottles. Sun and beer both dehydrate you.
Easy snacks — Trail mix, jerky, chips, fruit. Nothing that needs a plate or utensils.
A few extra drinks — Someone always forgets theirs. Be the hero.

Comfort and Fun

Bluetooth speaker — Waterproof and portable. JBL Clip or similar. Keep the volume neighborly.
Floats or tubes — One per person. Tie them together so nobody drifts away.
Camp chairs — Low-profile beach or camp chairs. They pack flat and set up on any bank.
Shade — A pop-up canopy or large beach umbrella. Afternoon sun on the water is brutal.

The Stuff Most People Forget

Dry bag — Keeps your phone, keys, and wallet safe from splashes and sand.
Bug spray — Lake bugs come out at dusk. Don't get caught without it.
Trash bags — Leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring in.
First aid kit — Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen. Keeps small problems small.
Extra hair ties and a hat — Sun on your scalp is no joke.

What to Leave at Home

Glass anything — bottles break and shards hide in sand
Valuables you can't get wet
Bad attitudes

FAQ

What time should you get to the lake?

Aim for mid-morning, around 9-10 AM. You'll beat the crowds, snag a good spot, and get the most out of the day before afternoon storms roll in.

How much ice do you need for a lake day?

Plan for about 2 pounds of ice per person per hour. For a group of four on a full-day trip, a 20-pound bag is a solid starting point. Pre-chill your cooler the night before to make ice last longer.

How do you keep food cold at the lake?

Use a separate cooler for food and drinks. Every time you open the cooler, warm air gets in. Freeze water bottles and use them as ice packs — they double as cold drinking water later.

What should you wear to a lake day?

Swimsuit, a lightweight cover-up or rash guard for sun protection, water shoes or sandals with grip, and a hat. Bring a change of dry clothes for the drive home. Need a new suit? See our best bikinis for lake day picks.