On the Water
The house comes with four kayaks, a paddleboard, and life jackets, so you do not need to pack your own. What most people forget is sun protection specific to being on the water. A wide-brim hat, polarized sunglasses, and a long-sleeve sun shirt make a full day on Van Etten Lake comfortable rather than something you regret by 2 pm.
Water shoes or sandals you do not mind getting wet are worth having. The dock is easy to launch from. Flip-flops work fine there, but they are less useful if you want to explore the shoreline.
If you plan to fish from a kayak, pack a small tackle box and a rod that can be rigged and ready to drop over the side. Bass, pike, and perch are in the lake, and fishing from a kayak is one of the better ways to find them in the shallow coves.
Clothing
Michigan lake weather in summer is warm during the day and noticeably cooler after sunset. Pack one light layer you can throw on in the evening. A sweatshirt or light fleece is right for most July and August nights. If you are coming in June or September, a mid-layer and a light rain jacket are both worth having.
Rain is realistic at any point in the summer. A packable rain jacket takes up almost no space and makes the difference between cutting a paddle short and staying out. Bring one even if the forecast looks clean.
For the dock and beach, regular swim gear works. If you plan to wade the Au Sable River for fishing or exploring, water shorts and wading sandals are more practical than swimwear.
Kitchen and Groceries
The house has a full kitchen with the basics covered. What makes a lake house weekend better is bringing the food you actually want to cook rather than making do with what you can find locally. Rogers Family Foods on US-23 is the closest full-service grocery store, about 6 minutes from the house. Family Fare Supermarket is also nearby at the same distance. For a larger selection, Meijer in Tawas City is about 25 minutes south.
A few things worth packing from home rather than buying locally: your preferred coffee, any specialty items you know you will want, and spices if you plan to cook. The kitchen is well-stocked for standard cooking, but specific ingredients are easier to bring than hunt down.
A good cooler is worth having for the dock and kayaks. The house has a refrigerator, but a dedicated cooler keeps drinks cold without requiring trips inside.
Dock and Beach Gear
The house has beach towels, but bringing a few extras is never a bad idea. A lake house weekend means multiple people rotating on and off the dock all day. A quick-dry towel is a practical option if you are packing light and want to skip the bulk.
A portable Bluetooth speaker makes the dock better. Sunscreen is essential and easy to underpack. SPF 50 and a separate lip balm with SPF cover what most people miss. Bring enough for the whole group rather than counting on one small bottle.
Bug spray is worth having for evening hours, especially near the marshy north end of the lake and around the fire pit. DEET-based spray is the most effective option in Michigan. Citronella candles are available locally if you prefer them for sitting outside.
Extras Worth Bringing
A pair of binoculars is worth it if anyone in your group is interested in wildlife. Van Etten Lake has herons, ospreys, eagles, and loons regularly visible from the dock. They are also useful for watching boats and wildlife on the far side of the lake.
The house has a game room stocked with board games and puzzles, so rainy days are covered. Bringing a personal favorite from home is still a good call if your group has one. Michigan lake weather can turn quickly, and a day indoors is easy if you are prepared for it.
A portable phone charger if your group relies on phones for navigation, weather, or fish finders. The house has charging options, but a small power bank avoids the scramble when multiple people need power at once.
Cash for local bait shops, farmers markets, or the occasional small vendor around Oscoda that does not take cards. Most places take cards now, but having a small amount of cash on hand avoids the occasional hassle.
What You Do Not Need to Bring
Kayaks and life jackets are at the house. Fishing poles are available locally at bait shops and Walmart if you want to pick up gear on arrival rather than traveling with it. Camping and folding chairs are at the house for the dock and fire pit. Basic kitchen supplies including pots, pans, and utensils are covered.
The best lake house weekends are the ones where you spend less time managing gear and more time on the water. Pack the things that matter, leave what the house already has, and keep the car load manageable enough that Friday afternoon does not feel like a logistics problem.