Getting ready for your Camp Lake St. Joseph adventure? We’re excited to welcome you! To help you pack smart and prepare for the great outdoors, we’ve put together this handy guide with essential items to bring and a quick overview of the weather you can expect. Whether you’re planning a fishing expedition, a relaxing family vacation, or a fun-filled group retreat, this list will ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay.
What To Expect
The Weather at Camp Lake St. Joseph
While we typically enjoy beautiful weather during our months of operation, it’s not uncommon to experience a few days of extreme heat or cold. And of course, we can’t control the wind or rain! We recommend dressing in layers and being prepared for any weather to make the most of your time with us at Camp Lake St. Joseph.
Typical Temperatures by Month
May 59°F – 37°F (15– 3°C)
June 71°F – 49°F (22 – 9°C)
July 75°F – 55°F (24 – 13°C)
August 71°F – 52°F (22 – 11°C)
September 60°F – 42°F (16 – 6°C)
October 45°F – 31°F (7 – 1°C)
Help Us Conserve for a Greener Adventure
Camp Lake St. Joseph’s generators supply essential power to our remote camp. To make the most of our resources, we kindly ask you to switch off lights and reduce heat in your cabin during the day. Your support helps keep our camp sustainable and the wilderness pristine.
What to Bring For Your Stay at Camp Lake St. Joseph
In a region like Northwest Ontario, weather conditions can shift quickly. Dressing in layers allows you to adapt without carrying bulky clothing or feeling weighed down. Rain showers can happen unexpectedly, and waterproof outer layers prevent water from soaking into your clothes, keeping you dry and comfortable. Staying dry is essential for maintaining warmth and preventing discomfort. Waterproof jackets and pants are often wind-resistant as well, which protects you from the chill of lake breezes and gusts. Being out on the open water can feel significantly colder, so wind resistance is important for staying warm.
Fishing Gear:
- Fishing Rods & Reels
- Spare Line & Terminal Tackle
- Tackle Box with Plenty of Lures
- Tools: Pliers, Jawspreader
- Bait Cooler
- Stringer (trust us, you will need one!)
Additional Gear:
- Insect Repellent
- Dry Bag (to keep gear dry in the boat)
- Matches / Lighter
- Binoculars
- Compass
- Camera
- Flash Light / Headlamp
Other Items
- Pain Reliever & Prescription Medications
- Ontario Fishing License + Outdoors Card
To Wear:
- Brimmed Hat / Polarized Sunglasses
- Rain Gear (jacket & pants)
- Waterproof Shoes (e.g. rubber boots)
- Insulated Jacket
- Clothing to Layer (e.g. long and short sleeves, sweaters, shorts and pants, long underwear)
- Spare Prescription Glasses
- Comfortable Camp Shoes
- Plenty of Socks
- Sunscreen
Kitchen & Bath Items
- Food & Drinks for the Duration of Your Stay
- Hand & Dish Soap
- Paper Towels / Napkins
- Cooler(s)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, etc.)
Lighten Your Load
What NOT to Bring to Camp
Pack light and travel with ease! Remember, everything comes to camp by boat, so keeping your luggage to a minimum is a good idea. Plus, we provide many essentials like bedding, towels, cooking utensils, and even life jackets for boat rentals. Leave the extras at home and enjoy a hassle-free arrival! Below is a short list of some items that you can leave behind:
Essentials we provide that you don't need to bring:
- All Linens (Bedding, Towels, etc.)
- Cooking Utensils, Dishes, Pots & Pans
- BBQ Grill / Fish Cookers
- Fans
- Toilet Paper
Other items to leave at home:
- Kitchen Appliances (slow cookers, electric fryers, anything that requires power to operate)
- Unnecessary Valuables
- Your Stress and Worries
Renting a camp boat during your stay? We provide:
- Swivel Boat Seats
- Anchor
- Landing Net
- Paddles
- Safety Kit
- Life Jackets
Want to travel even lighter? Check out our rentals:
- Depth Finders
- Shorelunch Kits
- 16' and 20' Boats