Couple loading kayaks at StaxUP Storage Woodside Lakeside

What to do for fun in Lakeside CA? | Packing & Storing Tips

Admin | November 24, 2025 @ 12:00 AM

The weekends at the Lakeside usually revolve around being outdoors; from fishing at the lake to hiking at the Louis Stelzar Park. This area draws in both locals and visitors who are looking for open space without leaving the county. As the climate gets warmer; we tend to notice a surge in the traffic - boats launching early, families staying late near the water or the trails getting filled up quickly; Said that, it's important for you to pack smartly, keep your gear in good condition without letting outdoor equipment take over your garage.

Where does the Lakeside Fun Actually Happen?

The most popular recreational spots are within a few miles from each other at the Lakeside making it easy for you to plan your whole weekend without traveling much. We have Lake Jennings popular for its trout, catfish or anglers throughout the year. El Capitan Reservoir has a lot of kayakers, paddleboarders and even boaters seeking the calm water. There’s also local trails such as Stelzer Park, San Vicente or El Monte Park which offer shaded, family-friendly routes.

Each destination has its own beauty and is suitable for any age group; It also comes with having your own gear that many households have an issue with storing. These county parks have seen a surge in annual trial use as San Diego families are seeking these outdoor options. This contributes to increased demand for the StaxUP storage units to hold their gear like camping chairs, coolers, bins, fishing rods and more

What to Pack for your Weekend?

Planning is key to a successful lakeside vacation due to the rapid change in weather that occurs over the course of a day at the lake. In the morning, the area around the lake may be in the shade with cooler temperatures than during the afternoon which may have sunshine and warmer temperatures; and it may be windy in the late afternoon/early evening.

For a packing list, you want to think about sun protection, layering, water shoes, wind-breaker jackets, and the basic necessities such as small coolers, fishing gear, and portable folding chairs. For families, you want to pack some extras such as additional towels, snacks, portable chargers, and one additional outfit per child.

You do not need to pack personal items in bulk, as they are typically lighter and can be carried in smaller bags or luggage, but heavy and/or bulky gear (i.e. paddle boards, inflatable boats, fishing boxes, propane stoves, etc.) take up a lot of garage space or apartment storage, and can easily get damaged when left outside.

Why Opt for Storage Options For Your Weekend Getaway?

Gear used outdoors will degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight, dust and high temperatures – conditions that are typical at lakes like Lakeside most of the year. To keep your outdoor gear organized, clean and ready for a last minute trip to the lake (such as during fishing season or while camping), store your gear in a dry, indoor area.

Household members with multiple lakeside activities to rotate through will be able to utilize a designated unit for their outdoor gear, keeping bins organized by label, rods and paddles standing upright and large equipment (coolers, tents) away from the elements.

Additionally, storing gear near an access point reduces the amount of time spent preparing for outings. Rather than searching through garages or re-packing the vehicle every week, families can take what they need from a secure unit and depart immediately for Lake Jennings, El Capitan, etc. This type of system is beneficial for renters, condo dwellers and anyone without garage storage.

Tips From StaxUP Storage backed by the Experts:

Using lakeside activity-specific organization methods will make each trip to Lakeside easier to manage. By storing all of your fishing equipment near the entrance of your unit you can be ready to go out on the water as soon as the sun rises. Storing your camping gear in a vertical manner also helps you keep everything at hand from the tent to the stove to your sleeping pad. Additionally by using wall-mounted rack or raised supports to store your kayak(s) and/or paddleboard(s), they will not bend when stored. Finally, store your seasonal items (such as blankets and cold-weather clothing) toward the back of your StaxUP storage unit, and then bring them forward once the seasons change again.

Locals who frequently visit the trails surrounding Lakeside have found it helpful to prepare a "ready-to-go" bin with the essentials such as sunscreen, first aid supplies, head lamps, water filters, etc., and trail snacks; this is helpful because it saves time going to the store looking for those same items. This type of organizing is particularly helpful if you are able to store these types of products in a way which keeps them cool, clean and easily packed in the event of an emergency.

Lakeside’s Recreation Momentum and Your Role

Preparing for weekend trips to Lakeside will become even more important as it attracts increasing numbers of visitors. While county parks promote both safe recreational activity and responsible gear use, preparing and maintaining this type of gear primarily occurs at one's home or in storage; where gear is maintained, stored and protected with an eye toward providing many years of successful outdoor use. Additionally, keeping gear in climate-controlled units to store those essentials helps prevent clutter in the home and reduces potential damage to gear and/or other property that may force a visitor to shorten their trip.

A Lakeside-Ready Checklist

Walk through the storage spaces in your home, find out which items don't have to be inside daily. Move outside equipment that is large or heavy, into a climate controlled, safe space. Group lake and trail supplies with activities they are used for, to allow for easy transition from weekend fishing to hiking. A nearby StaxUP storage unit provides a reliable extension of the home for those with many different types of gear to pull out during a given season. It will make your weekends less stressful, more enjoyable and much more productive.

Plan Your Next Weekend with Ease

Regardless of whether your weekend at the lakes is spent quietly on the lake, discovering some of the many other things to do in the area that are near the lakeside, or simply changing your gear from fishing to hiking to paddling; using a smart system makes each adventure less complicated. When gear is kept clean, dry, and organized, Lakeside weekend adventures are easier to plan, and there's much more fun to be had. There are also nearby options for storing your gear and keeping it safe when you visit as an owner or visitor so that all of your gear will always be available and ready for whatever changes come up with your future trips.

Take the Stress Out of Your Fun

Storage at a location like StaxUP at Lakeside means you’re ready for whenever you feel like making spontaneous plans. You can leave items safe, organized, and easy to access. That extra flexibility gives you one less thing to worry about while you go out for your next adventure at the Lakeside

Contact Info & Location

StaxUP Storage – Woodside

12202 Woodside Ave, Lakeside, CA, 92040

Phone: (619) 473-7420

Website: staxupstorage.com

Open month-to-month and fully equipped for adventurous needs.

RESERVE YOUR UNIT TODAY!

AUTHOR
Admin
What unit size is right for you!

Watch our size guide videos to choose the right unit

Size Guide for storage units

Find storage near me

Recommended locations