Your Ultimate Lake Powell Houseboat Packing List

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Get ready to rock the waves! Discover the must-haves for your Lake Powell trip with our ultimate Lake Powell houseboat packing list. Smooth sailing is guaranteed!

Of all of the trips we have gone on, staying on Lake Powell is one of our favorite ones! There is something so relaxing about being in the middle of the lake, surrounded by tall cliffs, and disconnecting from the world and just swimming, eating, and exploring. 

Whether you are new to going to Lake Powell or are a seasoned veteran, this Lake Powell houseboat packing list will help you be super prepared and keep you from forgetting anything that you need to have a good time! 

Let’s get started with the ultimate Lake Powell houseboat packing list and send you off on your vacation prepared and ready to have fun!

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Lake Powell Houseboat Rental

Renting a houseboat on Lake Powell is pretty easy! The marina has several different rental options that are all in good shape! The first time that we went to Lake Powell after Josh and I got married, we rented a houseboat and it was SO NICE. The rooms were comfortable and there was plenty of room for everyone. This is the one we rented and we went with 7 people! 

To rent a houseboat, here is the website to do so! They have so many different options to choose from. The pricing varies between whether it’s peak season and how many days you rent it. You can also use that website to see what is included with your houseboat rental and what things you need to bring from my Lake Powell houseboat packing list below!

How to Pack for Lake Powell

Now, you might be glancing at the list below and wondering how on earth you’ll carry everything! Well, fear not, because we’ve got a nifty trick up our sleeves. We’ve found that packing all those non-clothing essentials into these trusty storage totes is an absolute game-changer. It not only keeps things incredibly organized but also makes lugging them down to the houseboat at Lake Powell an absolute breeze. 

When making your Lake Powell packing list, don’t forget to add totes to carry your stuff in.

How to Take Stuff to Your Houseboat

Getting stuff to your houseboat can sometimes feel a little chaotic once you get to the parking lot, but here are some different options that you have to help make it easier!

Pack stuff into your boat

If you are taking a boat down, you can put all of your luggage and storage bins into the boat before you launch it. Doing so can reduce the amount of things that you have to carry down yourself!

Call a porter

At Wahweap and Antelope, there are porters that you can call to come help. They are employees of the marina who drive around in golf carts to help people get to and from their houseboats. Some of the golf carts will have carts attached to the back that make it easy to put your stuff in! They are so great and you can tip them with cash or through Venmo. During peak Lake Powell seasons though, they do get really busy, so you may have to wait a while for one.

Use a cart

If none of the options above work for you, there are usually carts available that you can load your stuff into and bring it down to the houseboat yourself. This is a great option when the porters are busy. The hill can get pretty steep though, so make sure you have good shoes if you’re going to do this.

Bring a wagon

If you have a foldable wagon at home, it never hurts to bring it to take your stuff to and from the houseboat! You can also use it for other things, like hauling trash bags to the dumpster. If you don’t have a wagon, then it may be worth it to add to your Lake Powell packing list.

Lake Powell Houseboat Packing List

If you haven’t been to Lake Powell in a while (or ever), the lake is SO BIG. And it’s pretty remote. There aren’t grocery stores or restaurants readily available along the lake, so if you want something, you need to bring it with you! 

Even though this list may seem really long and intense, this is from years of experience! We have been adding and removing things from this list each year to make sure that we have all of the things we will need to have a good trip!

Keep in mind that this Lake Powell houseboat packing list is going to be COMPREHENSIVE to include all the things that you will need while out on the lake. Keep in mind that your houseboat may already have A TON of these things included so you don’t have to worry about bringing them!

Kitchen Packing List for Lake Powell Houseboat

The kitchen is probably where most of this Lake Powell packing list will come from haha. Mostly because food is pretty important, right? But keep in mind that your houseboat will have most of these things so make sure to check with whom you are going with or on the houseboat rental site!

One thing that I will say about your kitchen packing list that has been HUGE for us is to plan and prep your meals before you even get to Lake Powell! For example, we like spaghetti and instead of bringing all of the ingredients and making it on the houseboat, we will make the sauce at home, freeze it, and then bring it down in a cooler. When it’s time for dinner, we just warm the sauce, cook the noodles, and we are set!

Cooking

• Cookware and Utensils
  • Pots and Pans
  • Cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, spoons, whisk, tongs)
  • Mixing bowls and measuring cups
  • Knives
  • Cutting boards
  • Can/bottle opener
  • Pot holders and oven mitts
• Tableware
  • Plates, bowls, and utensils (forks, knives, spoons) – We like to bring plastic or paper items to cut down on dishes
  • Cups, mugs, and water bottles – Plastic cups are recommended!
  • Napkins and paper towels
  • Salt and pepper
  • Dish soap and Scrubber
• Grilling
  • Charcoal or grilling pellets
  • Grilling utensils (brush, tongs, spatula)
  • Marinades and seasonings
  • Skewers and roasting sticks
  • Portable grill (if your houseboat doesn’t have one)
• Drinks
  • Bottled Water (A lot of this!)
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Juices and sodas
  • Coolers and ice packs
• Food
  • Snacks like energy bars, dried fruit, nuts
  • Canned Food
  • Chips
  • Fruit
  • Food for Meals (Try to prep/plan as much as you can beforehand so you don’t have to worry too much on the trip!)

Extras

• Cooking oil or spray
• Ziplock bags and food storage containers
• Matches or lighters
• Aluminum foil
• Hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes
• Cleaning supplies
• Kitchen Towels
• Trash bags
• Foldable Wagon

Cabin Comfort and Bedding Lake Powell Packing List

Let’s talk about the next most important thing in life after food: sleep. Sleeping on a Lake Powell houseboat is usually pretty fun! And definitely a step up from camping on the beach. All of the houseboats have staterooms with pretty comfortable beds. If you rent a houseboat, most of them will come with sheets and pillows. Always check though! This list below is going to assume that you need all of the bedding and such, so if it doesn’t apply to you, just cross it off your list!

Bedding and Sleep Essentials

• Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets for beds
• Comfortable pillows for a good night’s sleep
• Extra blankets or throws for added warmth
• Sleeping bags (if preferred)
• Mattress pads or toppers for added comfort

Climate Control

• Portable fans for air circulation in warmer weather (most houseboats have really good AC, so you don’t HAVE to bring this)
• Heaters or space heaters for cooler nights (cold nights are rate though!)
• Sweaters and layers
• Window coverings to block out sunlight or cold drafts (most houseboats have this already)

Extras

• Travel-sized laundry detergent (for any unfortunate accidents that may happen)
• Eye masks and earplugs for better sleep

Basic Clothing Lake Powell Packing List

If you are curious about the type of clothing and other items that you need when going to Lake Powell on a houseboat, this section is for you! Here is our go-to houseboat packing list. We tweak a few things, depending on how we are feeling, but the basics always remain the same!

Clothing

• Pajamas and sleepwear
• Lounge pants and comfortable T-shirts
• Slippers or cozy socks
• Sweaters or sweatshirts for cooler evenings
• Shirts and shorts (we hardly ever bring pants unless they are sweats!)
• Undergarments
• Lots of swimsuits!
• Swim coverups
• Beach essentials
• Sandals/tennis shoes/hiking shoes

Toiletries and Personal Comfort

• Towels for showering and swimming
• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush or comb
• Hand lotion and moisturizers
• Razors for shaving
• Feminine products for women
• Makeup for women (even though you may not even touch it!)
• Sunscreen

Sun Protection and Accessories

• Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun-soaked days.
• Water-friendly footwear for walks on the beach and lake activities.

Entertainment and Electronics Lake Powell Packing List

Alrighty, let’s talk fun and games – because no trip is complete without a little entertainment, right? In this digital world, we’ve got to add it to our Lake Powell houseboat packing list for the ride of a lifetime. From cameras to capture those epic moments to board games for late-night laughs, we’ve got you. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between digital delights and the great outdoors!

Entertainment and Relaxation

• Books, magazines, or e-readers
• Portable speakers for music
• Board games, cards, puzzles, and other group activities.
• Coloring books or crafts for relaxation
• Water toys and gear for lake adventures.
• Inflatable Kayaks
• Life Jackets
• Camping Chairs

Electronics

• Charging cables for devices
• Extension cord for easier charging
• Portable chargers
• Waterproof cases for electronics near the water
• Cameras for capturing memories

Health and Safety Lake Powell Packing List

Finally, before we dive headfirst into the excitement of Lake Powell, let’s talk about something super important: your health and safety. We’re all about fun and relaxation, but a bit of prep goes a long way in ensuring a worry-free trip. In this section, we’ll cover the basics to keep you and your people feeling their best and ready for whatever the lake throws your way. 

• Basic first aid kit for minor injuries
• Basic medicines like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and gas relief
• Essential medications and personal health supplies
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and contact information
• Communication devices for staying connected in remote areas (like satellite phones!)

As we wrap this post up, just take a sec to soak in the excitement! You are going to Lake Powell AND now you have your Lake Powell houseboat packing list! Trust me, this is your ticket to a hassle-free adventure. Now get ready to create some memories and let the peacefulness of this beautiful place wash over you.

Lake Powell FAQ

Is going to Lake Powell on a houseboat worth it?

Yes! Going to Lake Powell on a houseboat is for sure worth it! It offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. The gorgeous red rock formations, pristine waters, and endless opportunities for water activities make it a dream destination. Whether you’re seeking peaceful serenity or thrilling water sports, Lake Powell has it all. It’s a chance to create unforgettable memories with friends and family while basking in the stunning scenery. So, yes, without a doubt, it’s a worthwhile experience you won’t regret! 

What are the best canyons to stay at in Lake Powell?

Choosing the best canyons to stay at in Lake Powell largely depends on your preferences. For breathtaking vistas and serene beauty, consider Wahweap Bay and Antelope Point. Adventurous souls might prefer exploring the narrow twists of Navajo Canyon or the remote tranquility of Escalante Canyon. Each offers a unique experience, from water activities to hiking opportunities. So, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it’s all about what speaks to your heart and adventure spirit. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a memorable stay amid nature’s wonders.

Where you head will also depend on where you start! If you’re starting from the Wahweap side, you’ll absolutely love Last Chance, Padre Bay, and the serene San Juan Arm down on the south end of the lake. But hey, if you’re making your way from Bullfrog Marina up north, keep your eyes on gems like Iceberg, Forgotten, Escalante, and Moki Canyons. These spots are like nature’s paradise playgrounds, each offering its own unique charm and adventures waiting to unfold. So, wherever you decide to drop anchor, you’re in for an epic Lake Powell experience! 

Is there still water in Lake Powell?

Absolutely, Lake Powell continues to be a fantastic destination with abundant water for recreational activities. While water levels can vary seasonally, it remains a vast and picturesque reservoir surrounded by stunning red rock canyons. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the beauty of the landscape, there’s still plenty of water in Lake Powell to make your visit memorable. So, rest assured, the lake’s allure and recreational opportunities persist for you to enjoy.