Let’s be real: a perfect day at the lake doesn’t just magically happen. Yes, the water’s warm, the cliffs are Insta-worthy, and your tan lines are already plotting to show up uninvited, but if you show up unprepared, you’re basically one forgotten item away from regretting everything. Whether you’re heading to Sand Hollow, the Red Bull of Utah lakes, or Quail Creek, the more chill, spa-day-in-nature kind of vibe, your lake day success comes down to one simple thing: the packing list.
So, if you’re wondering what to toss in the trunk before launching your paddleboard or climbing onto that rented jet ski, you’re in the right place. This is your complete, no-fluff, hype-fueled guide to packing smart for an unforgettable day on the water at Sand Hollow Lake or Quail Creek Reservoir.
First, Let’s Talk Gear: Because You’re Not Just Here To Tan
Sure, you could spend the day sitting on the shore watching other people have fun. Or, you could come correct with your own water adventure setup. If you’re bringing your own paddleboard, kayak, or jet ski (flex), don’t forget the essentials like paddles, life jackets, dry bags, and tie-down straps. But if you’re renting? Even better. Southern Utah Adventure Center has you covered with paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and boat rentals at both Sand Hollow and Quail Creek. Still, just because you’re not hauling the gear doesn’t mean you get to coast on packing basics. You still need the right stuff to make the day not only fun, but functional. Because nothing says “buzzkill” like realizing your phone’s dead and your granola bar melted into your car seat.
The Clothing Vibe: Lake Day Edition
Start with the obvious: a swimsuit. Yes, a real one. Not that fashion-y thing you wear to pool parties but don’t want to get wet. If you plan on jet skiing, paddleboarding, or just existing near water in southern Utah, your suit will end up soaked. Add a lightweight rash guard or sun shirt if you’re planning to stay out on the water for long stretches. Because as magical as the Utah sun looks bouncing off the cliffs, it’s also trying to BBQ your shoulders.
Next, bring a cover-up or a change of clothes for the ride home. Trust me, you’re going to get back to the car damp, sandy, and maybe smelling like sunscreen and lake water, a killer combo that’s less sexy after hour four.
And don’t forget shoes. Flip-flops are fine for walking to the shore, but water shoes or sport sandals are a game changer for rocky entries, slippery boat docks, and walking across molten sand that feels personally offended by your bare feet.
Sun Protection: Because Southern Utah Doesn’t Mess Around
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t a casual “oh I forgot sunscreen, I’ll be fine” kind of place. This is southern Utah, where the UV index is basically a dare. So yes, pack sunscreen, broad spectrum, water-resistant, and high SPF. Reapply it every 2 hours, or every 30 seconds if you’re the type who insists on “just floating a bit longer.”
Sunglasses are non-negotiable. Not only are you protecting your eyes from harsh reflections off the water, but they’ll also keep you from squinting in every single photo. Polarized lenses will let you see beneath the water’s surface, which is cool for both spotting fish and not smashing your paddleboard into a rock.
Top it off (literally) with a hat. A wide-brimmed option gives you full coverage and makes you look like the kind of person who has their life together, even if you absolutely do not.
Hydration and Snacks: Be a Hero, Not a Heatstroke Victim
You might think, “There’s water everywhere, how dehydrated can I get?” Let me stop you right there. Being around water while the sun bakes you from above is a fast track to dehydration, especially if you’re too busy having fun to notice. So bring more water than you think you need. Double it. A full cooler with ice and reusable bottles is ideal. Bonus points if you freeze half the bottles the night before so they slowly melt into chilled hydration gold.
Snacks are another overlooked hero. You don’t want to be the person who starts losing it halfway through the afternoon because lunch was a rogue granola bar and half a fruit snack you found at the bottom of your bag. Pack high-energy, heat-tolerant snacks: trail mix, jerky, apples, sandwiches, protein bars. Bonus points for snacks that can be eaten with one hand while the other hand is holding your paddle, fishing rod, or the throttle on a jet ski.
The Tech: Useful, Not Overkill
Yes, it’s 2025 and you’re bringing your phone everywhere. Just make sure it survives the lake. Get a waterproof phone pouch or case, something with a strap you can wear around your neck so it doesn’t become an expensive sunken treasure. These things cost, like, $10 and save you $800 in heartbreak.
If you’re bringing a speaker, keep the volume respectful and waterproof. Not everyone wants to hear your cousin’s EDM remix playlist blaring from the opposite shoreline. Just a vibe, not a rave.
And while we’re talking power: portable charger. If your phone dies, and you haven’t taken at least 19 photos of your paddleboard balancing skills, did the trip even happen?
Extras That Make You Look Like a Lake Day Genius
Let’s talk shade. Both Sand Hollow and Quail Creek offer stunning red rock backdrops and shimmering waters… and exactly zero trees. Don’t assume you’ll find a shady spot unless you bring it yourself. A pop-up canopy, beach umbrella, or even a big towel draped over your cooler will feel like luxury when that midday sun starts microwaving your soul.
Towels. Plural. You always need more towels than you think. One to dry off. One to sit on. One that inevitably falls in the water. The math never adds up, so bring more.
Chairs. Because sitting on the ground sounds fun until you’re two hours into your “relaxing beach day” with sand in places that should never see sand.
Dry bag. Yes, it’s a niche item, but if you have anything you actually care about keeping dry, keys, wallet, your legendary turkey sandwich, put it in a dry bag. Not a Ziploc, not a grocery bag. A real, waterproof dry bag.
What Not To Pack: Let’s Save You Some Regret
Coolers without wheels. Don’t be that person dragging a 50-pound cooler across hot sand like you’re reenacting a scene from Dune.
Glass containers. They’re not allowed, they break, and nothing ruins a beach day faster than bare feet and broken bottles.
Your entire closet. Lake days don’t need six outfits. Pick one, commit, and let go. You’re here to live, not host a runway show.
Tailoring the Packing List: Sand Hollow vs. Quail Creek
Alright, now that you know what to bring, let’s fine-tune it based on which of these southern Utah lakes you’re hitting. At Sand Hollow, you’re in for action. If your plans include renting jet skis or going full-send behind a wakeboard boat, bring tighter-fitting swimwear that won’t shift when you wipe out at 30 mph. Think GoPro-ready energy. You’ll also want to bring extra water and snacks, this lake has a go-big-or-go-home attitude and you’ll be moving all day.
At Quail Creek, it’s more about peaceful paddling, fishing, and floating. Think serene lake energy with your paddleboard, a sun hat, and maybe a book you’ll pretend to read between naps. Pack accordingly: less gear, more relaxation tools. Bring your camera if you want to capture that early morning glassy water, it’s unreal.
One Last Thing: Pack the Right People
Yes, this is a packing guide, but the truth is, the most important part of a perfect lake day isn’t what you bring, it’s who you bring. Whether it’s your loud friends hyping you up as you launch off a wake or your quiet friend who always remembers to bring extra sunscreen, the right crew turns a good day into a great one.
If you’re still missing gear, or if you just want to show up like a total pro without hauling your own toys, Southern Utah Adventure Center has you covered. We’ve got boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and more available at both Sand Hollow and Quail Creek, so you can focus on the fun and let us handle the logistics.
Now go forth and conquer your lake day, packing like a seasoned local and playing like you’ve waited all winter for this moment. Because you did.
