A houseboat vacation on Rainy Lake is one of the most memorable ways to experience the water, islands, and shoreline scenery. This houseboat packing checklist will help you plan the essentials before your trip. That way, you can enjoy the lake without overpacking.
Houseboats can accommodate 2 to 12 guests. They may also include kayaks, canoes, water slides, and other amenities. Because each boat and rental company is different, it helps to know what is provided. It also helps to know what you should bring from home.
A houseboat trip on Rainy Lake gives you the comfort of home with the adventure of a wilderness vacation. The area’s two houseboat rental companies* – Rainy Lake Houseboats and Northernaire Houseboats, provide amenities to help make your trip comfortable and safe. Still, a simple checklist makes it easier to pack the items you’ll actually use.
Houseboat Packing Checklist for Rainy Lake
Houseboat Packing Checklist: Boating Must-Haves
Safety matters on Rainy Lake. Before you leave, someone at your rental company will walk you through what you need to know about operating the vessel.
- Provided: Navigational charts (maps) a ship-to-shore marine band radio, generators, anchor, horn, navigation lights and more.
- Bring: Personal life jackets, flashlight, first aid kit and a camp saw for firewood (chainsaws are not permitted in the park).
Kitchen Supplies for Your Houseboat Checklist
One of the best conveniences of a houseboat is the kitchen. You can make anything from gourmet meals to a quick bowl of cereal.
- Provided: Your floating kitchen has a refrigerator/freezer, stove, oven, coffee pot, toaster and microwave. It’s also stocked with dishware, silverware, cookware and utensils.
- Pack: Aluminum foil, Ziplock baggies, paper towels, paper plates, extra dish soap and garbage bags.
As you work through your houseboat packing checklist, think about your full day on the lake. For example, plan for meals on board, outdoor activities, and quiet evenings.
Outdoor Gear for a Rainy Lake Houseboat Trip
Next, add outdoor gear to your houseboat packing checklist based on how you plan to spend time on the lake.
- Provided: Gas grill, coolers, deck table and chairs, life jackets.
- Pack: Extra coolers, camp chairs, swimsuits, sunscreen, inflatables tubes and rafts, beach towels, boots or shoes for hiking park trails, rain gear, camera, and binoculars. If you plan on fishing, you’ll also want your own equipment like tackle boxes and rods, depth finder, filet knife and cutting board.
Rainy Day Items to Pack
Weather can change quickly on the lake. Because of that, it’s smart to pack a few rainy day items just in case.
- Provided: stereo, covered deck
- Pack: CDs, iPod with charger and jack to plug into stereo system, games, cards, books, magazines and puzzles.
Comfort Items for Your Houseboat Packing Checklist
Finally, your houseboat packing checklist should include a few personal comfort items. These small things can make the trip feel more like home.
- Provided: Some rental companies supply sheets and towels, while others don’t, so be sure to check in advance.
- Pack: A favorite pillow, blanket or stuffed animal for kids, air freshener for the bathroom and any toiletries you may want.
If you forget something while loading your houseboat, let your rental company know.
*Check with the company you are renting through to ensure your boat model has the items listed here.
A simple packing list helps keep your houseboat trip comfortable without bringing more than you need.
Is there anything else you would pack? Let us know in the comments down below!