What To Pack For Lake Tahoe In The Summer: A Complete Guide

Every summer, my sister and I travel to one of California’s most scenic destinations: Lake Tahoe. We typically visit Lake Tahoe in late July and love hiking at Emerald Bay, kayaking along the North Lake Tahoe Shore, swimming in the crystal clear waters at Crystal Cove, biking on the Tahoe East Shore Trail, and so much more.

Packing for trips can be super stressful, but with my comprehensive Lake Tahoe packing list, you will definitely be more prepared for your next vacation. If you are planning a trip to Lake Tahoe in the summer, make sure to check out the list below for a complete guide of what to pack.

Lake Tahoe Summer Essentials Packing List

• SHOES

• Hiking shoes or boots

• Flip flops and/or sandals - I love Teva’s water-resistant sandals

• Every day tennis shoes

• CLOTHES

• Shorts

• Shirts

• Rompers and/or sundresses

• Pants

• Warm sweatshirt and/or jacket

• Pajamas

• Warm, cozy socks

• Undergarments

• Socks

• Swimsuits

• ACCESSORIES

• Sun hat

• Sports hat

• Beach bag and/or backpack

• Glasses (if needed)

• Sunglasses - I always bring my favorite pair of polarized sunglasses

• Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets (optional)

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• OUTDOOR ACTIVITY GEAR

• Waterproof phone protector- this is essential for taking your phone with you during kayaking or other water activities

• Mini cooler for food & drinks - essential for day trips/hikes

• Exercise shorts

• Exercise tops

• Insulated, reusable water bottle - my personal favorite for hot summer days is the Owala water bottle

• Hydration backpack — hassle-free hydration has never been easier. This is one of my must-haves for hiking or long walks.

• Beach umbrella — there’s no shade at most of Lake Tahoe’s beaches and it can gets SUPER hot. Bring an umbrella to comfortably extend your time at the beach and protect your skin.

• Packable microfiber towel — we always use these for dips in the lake during hikes. Super easy to stash in a backpack and are quick-drying.

• Swimming goggles

• TOILETRIES

• Hanging toiletry bag — I use this for all of my vacations; it saves SO much counter space especially when sharing a bathroom

• Sunscreen for face - I always use this one by EltaMD (and I’m super  picky) or this one by Supergoop!

• Suncreen for body - Sun Bum is my forever go-to

• Hairbrush

• Hair ties

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Tweezers

• Nail clippers remover

• Makeup

• Makeup remover

• Contacts (optional)

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Razor

• Body wash

• Body lotion

• Face wash

• Moisturizer

• Any medications or supplements you take

• Lip balm

• Dry nose spray or ointment — it’s very dry in Tahoe typically; you’ll thank me later on this one!

• TECH

• Laptop

• Laptop charger

• Smartwatch charger

• Portable phone charger — perfect for days spent outside exploring

• Car phone charger

• Car phone mount

• Phone charger

• Portable speaker

• Camera — I personally bring my Canon DSLR camera, my Canon G7X, and/or a drone for epic, high-quality images.

• MISCELLANEOUS

• Eye mask

• Earplugs

• Book

• Journal

• Laundry bag

• Picnic blanket

• Driver’s License — you’ll need this to rent jet skis, kayaks, etc.

• Credit cards

• Cash

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A few Lake Tahoe packing tips to keep in mind:

1. Lake Tahoe is very casual, so unless you plan on dining at high-end restaurants or resorts during your trip, it is not necessary to bring dressy outfits. During my Tahoe trips, I mostly wear a swimsuit, hiking outfit, casual shorts, and a top, or pants and a top for dinner once the sun goes down.

2. Don’t forget to bring a warm jacket and a pair of pants for the evenings — even if the forecast says otherwise. It gets chillier than you would think at Tahoe’s altitude level.

3. If you are planning a road trip to Lake Tahoe, check out my helpful list of 10 travel essentials you need to pack for every road trip.

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Be sure to use this checklist for what to pack for Lake Tahoe in the summer and you will be well on your way to a smooth vacation. Do you have any other travel must-haves? I’d love to hear about them. Drop any suggestions down in the comments below! 

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