Water Purifiers
Camping by a lake means you have a ready supply of potential drinking water, but you should never assume that lake water is safe to drink. Bring along water purification equipment to increase your chances of safety and decrease your chances of bringing home unwanted critters inside your digestive system. Fresh water can be purified by boiling, chemicals or filters. "The Campsite Companion," written by Rob Beattie, reminds you that polluted lake water is never safe enough to drink.
Life Preserver
Bring along a life preserver, even if you don't bring along a kayak or canoe. If there's a lake by the campsite, chances are there will be some kind of boating available. A ready supply of life preservers, however, may not necessarily be available. Take safety into your own hands by coming prepared.
Plastic Bags
Resealable plastic bags prove useful when camping near a lake. Proximity to water means things can get wet. Placing cell phones, wallets, matches and other water-sensitive items inside a protective plastic bag offers insurance against the unexpected.
Fishing Equipment
Bring fishing equipment when heading to a lakeside campsite. Even if you aren't planning on fishing, at least you're prepared in case you learn the fish are biting. Fishing also helps pass the time and replenishes food supplies in case you forgot some or wildlife absconds with it.
Warm Clothes
Pack an extra jacket or long-sleeved shirt and maybe even some longjohns when you go camping near the lake. Breezes blowing off water can create a significant change in temperature. Don't rely on past warm-weather trips to dictate clothing needs for future trips.
Duluth Pack
A Duluth pack is the preferred backpack for canoeists. These packs, also known as portage packs, are built especially for use in watery areas.
