A lake week asks for less than you think. Two swimsuits, one warm layer for the dock at night, and shoes you do not mind soaking — that is most of the list. Every villa already has towels, beach chairs and a stocked kitchen, so the suitcase can stay light.
Plan around water, not outfits. Mornings are usually calm enough for paddling, afternoons get breezy, and evenings drop cooler than the forecast suggests. One hoodie per person solves the entire evening wardrobe.
Bring a dry bag for phones and keys, reef-safe sunscreen, and a refillable bottle. If you are travelling with children, a set of clip-on lights for the dock makes the walk back after dinner much easier.
Leave room for what you buy locally. Farm stands and small markets near our Virginia properties are worth a stop, and a half-empty bag on the way out becomes a full one on the way home.