How to Plan the Ultimate Friends Lake Trip

Nothing says “let’s make some questionable memories” quite like a friends’ lake trip. I’ve personally been doing trip with friends in the summers since college. You’ve got sunshine, water activities, and the perfect excuse to eat snacks in bulk. Whether you’re the planner of the group or the one who just brings the vibe, here’s everything you need to know to pull off the ultimate lake trip with your favorite people.

Step 1: Lock Down the Perfect Lake and Location

First, decide which lake you want to bless with your presence. Do you want epic views? Great fishing? Or maybe a party-friendly lake where no one minds if you’re playing Spice Girls at max volume? Here are a few classic options:

• Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – Ideal for those who love crystal-clear water and amazing mountain scenery. Plus, it has plenty of nearby nightlife for when the sun goes down.
• Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri – Known for party coves and tons of fun bars. Just the place if your group wants to mix it up between nature and night life. Just make sure you charter that DD Boat Captain to keep the trip safe for all!
• Lake George, New York – A bit more low-key but loaded with charm. Perfect for groups who love a good balance of outdoor activities and lazy lake days.

Not sure where to start? Let me take the reins and find the perfect lake destination for your crew. From choosing a lake with the best activities to booking an amazing lakefront cabin, I’ll make sure you’re set up for the ultimate adventure.

Step 2: Find Group-Friendly Accommodations (Without Driving Each Other Crazy)

Once you’ve picked the lake, it’s time to find the place where you’ll all be “cohabitating” (read: learning how loud your friends really snore). When booking a house, look for:

• Enough bedrooms and bathrooms: Because, trust me, sharing one bathroom with 10 friends is not cute.
• A big kitchen: You’re going to need space for all the snacks, drinks, and inevitably, the impromptu late-night ramen cook-off.
• Outdoor space: A deck, fire pit, or a dock for morning coffee and nightcap vibes is a must.

Finding the perfect lake house can be tricky, but I you covered! I will find the best group-friendly spots around the lakes (and have a few tricks to score you the most Instagram-worthy views). Let me handle the accommodations so you can focus on the fun!

Step 3: Plan Activities That Make Memories (And Maybe Embarrassing Stories)

Now, the real fun begins. Lake trips can be the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Pontoon Party: Rent a boat for the day and live like lake royalty. If you’re feeling extra, add a giant floaty, like a flamingo or unicorn, and watch as it slowly drifts away.
• Kayaking, Paddle boarding, or Tubing: Great for a bit of exercise (or a lot of floating). Just remember, don’t challenge your most competitive friend to a race unless you’re ready to get soaked.
• Bonfire and S’mores Night: Nothing says bonding like making s’mores, telling ghost stories, and accidentally lighting your marshmallow on fire.
• Wine Tasting or Brewery Crawl: If you’re near a lake with wineries or breweries nearby (like the Finger Lakes or Lake Chelan), plan a tasting tour. Just make sure you have a designated driver or shuttle service to get you back home safely.

And, of course, don’t forget to throw in some downtime. Sometimes, the best lake memories are made just lounging on a deck, soaking up the sun, and talking about everything (or nothing at all).

Need help lining up the perfect mix of activities? I can take care of it all! From boat rentals to brewery crawls, I’ll make sure your itinerary is packed with unforgettable moments.

Step 4: Divide and Conquer for Food and Drinks

One way to make sure everyone stays fed and happy is by assigning “food duty” so no one is stuck as the trip chef. For example:

• Day 1 Dinner: Taco night, hosted by Team Margarita
• Day 2 Brunch: Pancake bar, brought to you by Team Mimosa
• Day 2 Dinner: BBQ & bonfire, courtesy of Team S’mores

Consider bringing some ready-to-eat snacks for the hangry moments (because someone will get hangry). Things like chips, guac, and hummus are lifesavers, and don’t forget the caffeine – coffee and energy drinks are essential for early mornings on the water.

Step 5: Capture the Memories (But Don’t Overdo It)

Designate a friend as the “trip photographer” – we all have that one friend who uses their phone or a drone and takes pictures/video like they’re getting paid. Let them handle the snaps while the rest of you enjoy living in the moment.

Just remember, balance is key. You want enough photos to remember the trip, but you also don’t want to spend the whole time posing. A candid of everyone laughing around the campfire? Gold. A video of your friend falling off the paddle board? Priceless.

Step 6: Expect (and Embrace) the Chaos

Let’s be real: with a group of friends, something will go hilariously wrong. Maybe someone forgets to pack a sleeping bag, or you end up with 10 bottles of hot sauce but no coffee. Just roll with it – these little mishaps usually make the best stories.

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Planning a friends’ lake trip is all about balancing fun, relaxation, and a bit of organized chaos – and that’s where I come in. I can help coordinate every detail, from finding a lakefront cabin big enough for the whole gang, to lining up group activities everyone will love. So, take the pressure off yourself and let me turn your lake getaway into an epic, stress-free adventure!

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Now, go forth and plan that epic friends’ lake trip! Cheers to endless laughs, perfect s’mores, and maybe even a splash or two! 🥂