What to Pack for a Week on Maine’s Coast
Welcome to Maine’s Version of Summer
Packing for a week on Maine’s midcoast isn’t complicated — but it’s not exactly flip-flops and sundresses either. Maine summers are famously beautiful and famously unpredictable. One minute you’re sunbathing on the porch; the next, you’re reaching for a fleece.
To help you pack light but right, we’ve put together a list of what we recommend bringing for your stay at Camelot Cottage (plus what we already provide, and what you can leave at home). You don’t need a whole new wardrobe or a second suitcase full of gear. Boothbay Harbor region summers are laid-back, no-fuss, and better enjoyed with sand in your shoes and salt in your hair.
Here’s a guide to help you pack just enough — and not too much — for your week at Camelot Cottage on Southport Island.
Clothes to Bring
Layers, layers, layers. Think T-shirts and sweatshirts, jeans, and shorts. Mornings and evenings can get cool, even in July. The humidity can pack a punch, though, and add a couple of degrees of heat to the forecast, so err on the lighter side of clothing.
A rain jacket or windbreaker. Coastal Maine weather is nothing if not moody, and you’ll be glad for the extra protection if you need it.
Comfortable shoes. You’ll want sneakers or sandals for walking around town, and maybe a pair you don’t mind getting a little sandy or muddy. Add water shoes if you like extra comfort wading into the (sometimes rocky) shallows.
Swimwear + a beach wrap. You may only use it once… but you’ll be glad you brought it.
PJs + cozy socks (and maybe even your slippers). Trust us — there’s nothing better than curling up with warm feet.
Essentials We Recommend For Your Stay
Bug spray + sunscreen. The Maine essentials. Blackflies and mosquitoes are real, but avoidable.
Reusable water bottle. Especially helpful for beach trips and drives.
A good book (or three). There's no TV at Camelot, and you probably won't miss it.
Board games or a deck of cards. We have a few at the cottage, but feel free to bring your favorites.
Books + magazines — Yes, we have a few. But it never hurts to bring that novel you’ve been meaning to finish.
Headlamp or flashlight if you like nighttime strolls — there’s not a lot of street lighting around here.
Any special groceries you can't live without. Local stores are great, but if you have a favorite brand or dietary need, grab it before you arrive (Hannaford in Boothbay is the nearest chain store, and you’ll pass it on the way in).
Cottage-Specific Items You Don't Need to Bring
Bed linens + towels are provided (no need to stuff your suitcase).
All the cooking gear you could need is in the kitchen — including pots, pans, and utensils, as well as plenty of mugs, a blender, and tupperware for leftovers.
WiFi is available, so if you need to check email or stream a podcast, you’re covered.
Firewood – We’ve got tons.
Anything “dry clean only” – This is a sandy-feet, damp-towel, grilled-cheese kind of place.
Streaming devices or TVs — There isn’t a TV here, and that’s by design (although we won’t judge if you open the metaphorical ‘Break In Case of Emergency’ Netflix tab on your laptop).
Hair dryer — There’s one at the cottage if you need it.
Stress, noise, or urgency — Not compatible with this location.
Bonus Tips to Consider Adding to Your Suitcase
Bring a tote bag or backpack. Handy for beach outings or walks into town.
Pack your favorite light blanket or shawl. Great for cool evenings on the deck.
A pair of binoculars and/or a sketchbook. If you like birdwatching or people-watching, you’ll be in good company.
Pre-downloaded playlists or podcasts – Cell service can be spotty in parts of the island, so offline entertainment comes in handy.
A journal – Something about the slow pace here makes you want to reflect or jot things down.
A kite or frisbee – Especially fun for families or kid-at-heart adults at the beach or front lawn (Camelot’s lawn has space for frisbees only, but kites are great for the beach!).
Packing for a stay at Camelot is less about what you bring and more about what you leave behind. You don’t need much here — just your favorite layers, a few porch-worthy snacks, and maybe a second book in case the fog rolls in. You’ll be amazed how little you need when the pace slows down and the days are shaped by the tide, not your to-do list.
Want to see more tips for planning your trip? Browse the blog, or check availability here to start counting down the days.