There's just something about a fall cottage getaway.
Cool mornings by the lake, colourful leaves, oversized sweaters, afternoon hikes and cozy evenings by the fire — fall might just be one of the best times of year to escape to the cottage.
But packing for a fall cottage weekend can be a little trickier than summer. The weather changes quickly, evenings get chilly, and you'll probably want everything from hiking boots to your favourite cozy blanket.
So whether you're heading away for a romantic weekend, a girls' trip, a family getaway or just a quiet few days by the lake, here's the ultimate fall packing list to make for a stress-free trip.
Short on time? Download the free printable fall cottage packing list here.
🍂 Clothing & Cozy Layers
Fall cottage weather is all about layers. You might have a warm, sunny afternoon followed by a very chilly evening, so bring pieces you can easily add or remove throughout the day.
- Warm sweaters
- Hoodie
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts for layering
- Jeans or comfortable pants
- Leggings or joggers
- Warm pajamas
- Underwear & bras
- Thick wool or cabin socks
- Fleece jacket
- Toque
- Light gloves
- Slippers
- Waterproof boots or hiking shoes
Cottage tip: Pack at least one outfit that's warmer than you think you'll need. Those mornings by the lake can get surprisingly chilly!
🔥 Cottage-Cozy Essentials
This is the fun part.
Fall cottage weekends are made for slowing down, putting your phone away and doing all the cozy things you never seem to have time for at home.
- Favourite cozy blanket
- Book or Kindle
- Deck of cards
- Board game or puzzle
- Journal
- A craft or small project
- Reusable mug or travel tumbler
- Portable speaker
- Phone charger
- Portable power bank
- Flashlight or headlamp
Bring something you can do during a rainy afternoon or while sitting beside the fire. A puzzle, book or simple craft can end up being one of your favourite parts of the weekend.
☕ Fall Food & Drinks
Is it even a fall cottage weekend without hot chocolate?
Plan a few easy meals before you leave so you can spend less time figuring out dinner and more time enjoying the cottage.
- Hot chocolate
- Marshmallows
- Coffee and/or tea
- Apple cider
- Cream or milk — bonus points for pumpkin spice!
- Favourite snacks
- Breakfast ingredients
- Ingredients for easy cottage dinners
- Charcuterie supplies
- Popcorn
- S'mores supplies
- Reusable water bottle
- Cooler + ice
- Travel containers for leftovers
Easy cottage idea: Bring everything you need for a charcuterie board on your first night. There's almost no cooking involved, and it's perfect with a cozy drink by the fire.
🌲 Outdoor Adventures
Don't let the cooler temperatures keep you inside. Fall is one of the most beautiful times to explore cottage country.
Pack for hikes, walks by the lake and those spontaneous stops when you find the perfect fall view.
- Hiking shoes
- Small backpack
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Baseball cap
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Picnic blanket
- Bug spray — yes, even in fall!
- Sunscreen
- Rain jacket
- Umbrella
- Hand warmers
- Fire starters
Don't forget the fire starters! Fall weather can mean damp firewood, and having a few fire starters tucked into your bag can make getting that cottage fire going so much easier.
🧖♀️ Hot Tub & Sauna
If your cottage has a hot tub or sauna, you're going to want to use it — especially on a cool fall evening.
- Bathing suit
- Flip-flops or slides
- Bathrobe
- Extra towel
- Hair tie
- Refillable water bottle
There are few things better than sitting in a hot tub when the air is crisp and cool around you.
🧴 Toiletries
Cottages don't always stock the same toiletries you'd expect to find at a hotel, so it's best to bring your everyday essentials.
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Body wash
- Deodorant
- Face wash/skincare
- Moisturizer
- Lip balm
- Hairbrush
- Medications
- Pain reliever
- Feminine products
- Contact lenses/glasses
Fall tip: Don't skip the moisturizer and lip balm. Cooler temperatures, wind and wood-burning fireplaces can make everything feel a little drier than usual.
🐾 Bringing the Dog?
A cottage weekend is even better when your four-legged family member gets to come along.
Fall can mean muddy trails and darker evenings, though, so pack a few extras.
- Dog food + treats
- Food and water bowls
- Leash
- Collar/harness + ID tag
- Dog bed or blanket
- Towel for muddy paws
- Poop bags
- Favourite toy
- Tick remover
- Any medications
- LED light-up collar for evening walks
Dog-owner tip: Keep that tick remover handy even when the temperatures start dropping. Tick season doesn't necessarily end when summer does.
🪵 Before You Leave Home
A few quick things before you hit the road can make your cottage arrival much easier — especially if you're heading somewhere with spotty cell service.
- Download your cottage directions
- Screenshot the check-in instructions
- Check the weather forecast
- Confirm whether firewood is provided
- Fill up the car
- Grab groceries on the way
- Pack an extra bag for wet or muddy clothes
One of my biggest cottage travel tips: Don't assume you'll have cell service when you arrive. Screenshot your address, directions, Wi-Fi information and check-in instructions before leaving home.
🍁 One Last Thing…
You don't need to pack your entire house to have an amazing cottage weekend.
Bring plenty of layers, something cozy to do, your favourite fall snacks and whatever you need to get outside and enjoy the season.
Then make a hot drink, put your phone down, go for a walk through the leaves and enjoy the reason you came in the first place.
Download this fall cottage packing list for your next weekend away — and send it to whoever you're bringing with you so they don't forget the marshmallows. 🍂🔥
🍂 Want the Packing List to Take With You?
Download my free printable “Everything to Pack for Your Fall Cottage Getaway” checklist and save it for your next cottage weekend.
Download the Free Packing ListHappy fall,
Ash
Your Cottage Connect
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