What to Pack for a Cottage Vacation: The Ultimate Cottage Packing List
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There's nothing better than arriving at the cottage, unpacking, and realizing you have everything you need.
There's also nothing worse than getting there and realizing you forgot your phone charger, bug spray, or bathing suit.
After managing cottages and seeing what guests commonly bring—and forget—here's my simple cottage packing checklist.
Cottage Essentials
Start with the things you definitely don't want to leave at home:
- Bathing suits
- Beach towels
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Reusable water bottles
- Comfortable shoes
- Sandals or water shoes
- Sweater or hoodie for cool evenings
- Rain jacket
- Pajamas and comfortable clothes
Featured product
OFF! Botanicals Deet Free Insect and Mosquito Repellent Lotion, Unscented, 118 mL
Why I recommend it: Cottage evenings by the water mean mosquitoes — this is the one thing I never let guests arrive without.
Shop This ItemFor the Lake
If your cottage is on the water, you'll probably spend a good part of your trip outside.
Pack:
- Beach bag
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Dry bag
- Water shoes
- Personal flotation devices if they aren't provided
- Floating toys
- Goggles
- Books or magazines
- Portable speaker
Tip: Always check the cottage listing before packing bulky lake gear. Many cottages already provide things like kayaks, paddle boards and life jackets.
Featured product
JOTO IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch, Up to 7" — 2 Packs, Black
Why I recommend it: Keeps your phone dry on the boat, the dock and the paddle board — and you can still take photos through it.
Shop This ItemFood & Kitchen Items
Before grocery shopping, check what your cottage provides. Some rentals have fully stocked kitchens while others provide only the basics.
A few things that are easy to forget:
- Coffee and coffee filters/pods
- Cooking oil
- Condiments
- Snacks
- Ice
- Reusable containers
- Aluminum foil or food wrap
- Marshmallows and s'mores supplies
- A cooler for day trips
And don't forget to plan your first morning's coffee before you arrive. Trust me on this one.
Tech & Chargers
Cottages are a great place to disconnect, but somehow we still end up needing approximately 47 chargers.
Bring:
- Phone chargers
- Power banks
- Charging cables
- Camera charger
- Headphones
- Laptop/tablet and charger if needed
A fully charged power bank is also handy if the cottage loses power or you're spending the day away from an outlet.
Featured product
Anker Zolo Power Bank, 20,000mAh 45W Portable Charger with Built-in USB-C
Why I recommend it: Keeps phones going through long lake days and the occasional cottage power outage.
Shop This ItemFor Evenings at the Cottage
Some of the best cottage memories happen after the sun goes down.
Consider packing:
- Cards
- Board games
- Books
- Flashlights
- Cozy sweaters
- Outdoor blankets
- Campfire supplies where permitted
Featured product
LED Flashlight, Ultra Bright XML T6 Handheld Flashlights — Zoomable, 5 Modes, Water-Resistant (2 Pack)
Why I recommend it: Cottage roads and paths get very dark — a reliable light makes late-night trips to the car or dock easy.
Shop This ItemIf You're Bringing Your Dog
Don't forget about your four-legged cottage guest.
Pack their:
- Food
- Bowls
- Leash
- Collar and ID
- Glow in the dark / LED collar
- Dog bed or blanket
- Towels
- Favourite toy
- Waste bags
- Any medications they need
A glow in the dark collar is one of my favourite cottage must-haves — it makes it easy to keep an eye on your dog after dark around the fire pit, the dock and unlit cottage roads.
Featured product
3 Packs LED Dog Collars, 27.5 in USB Rechargeable Light Up Collar for Small Medium Large Cats Dogs
Why I recommend it: Rechargeable and easy to spot after dark — perfect for evening walks and letting your dog out at the cottage at night.
Shop This ItemThe Things Guests Forget Most
These are the little things that are surprisingly easy to leave behind:
- Phone charger
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Beach towels
- Coffee
- Toothbrush
- Medications
- Sunglasses
Do one final check for those before pulling out of the driveway.
Featured product
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, 177 ml
Why I recommend it: The most forgotten item of all — and the one you'll regret most after a full day on the water.
Shop This ItemOne Last Tip From a Cottage Manager
Read your cottage listing before you pack.
A well-equipped cottage may already provide linens, towels, life jackets, kitchen basics, firewood, kayaks, games and other essentials.
Knowing what's already waiting for you means less stuff in the car—and more room for the things you'll actually use.
Save This Cottage Packing List
Heading to the cottage soon? Save this list so you can come back to it while you're packing.
I've also put together some of my favourite cottage essentials—from lake gear and chargers to practical items that are easy to forget.
Happy cottage season,
Ash
Your Cottage Connect
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