The Camp Packing List

Not the 47-item list that stresses everyone out. Just what your kid actually needs—and the stuff people always forget.

The Golden Rule of Camp Packing

Pack for function, not fashion. Your kid will be sweaty, dirty, and probably wear the same three shirts anyway. Don't send anything you'd be upset to see come home stained, torn, or missing.

The Essentials (Don't Leave Without These)

Clothing

  • ☐ T-shirts (one per day + 2 extra)
  • ☐ Shorts (4-5 pairs)
  • ☐ Underwear (one per day + 2 extra)
  • ☐ Socks (one per day + 2 extra)
  • ☐ Pajamas (2 sets)
  • ☐ Swimsuit (2 is ideal)
  • ☐ Sweatshirt or hoodie (even in summer—nights get cool)
  • ☐ Rain jacket
  • ☐ Sneakers/tennis shoes
  • ☐ Sandals or water shoes
  • ☐ Hat or cap

Sleep & Personal

  • ☐ Sleeping bag or bedding (check with camp)
  • ☐ Pillow
  • ☐ Towels (2 bath towels, 1 beach towel)
  • ☐ Toiletry bag
  • ☐ Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • ☐ Shampoo/conditioner
  • ☐ Body wash or soap
  • ☐ Deodorant
  • ☐ Hairbrush/comb
  • ☐ Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • ☐ Bug spray

The Stuff Everyone Forgets

  • ★
    Shower shoes/flip-flops

    Camp bathrooms are communal. Trust us on this one.

  • ★
    Laundry bag

    A mesh bag or drawstring bag for dirty clothes. Game changer.

  • ★
    Flashlight or headlamp

    For nighttime trips to the bathroom.

  • ★
    Pre-addressed stamped envelopes

    If you want letters, make it easy for them to write.

  • ★
    Plastic bags

    For wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, or random stuff.

  • ★
    A book or journal

    For rest hour when electronics aren't allowed.

What NOT to Pack

  • ✗
    Electronics

    Most camps don't allow phones, tablets, or gaming devices. Check the policy.

  • ✗
    Expensive clothing or jewelry

    It will get lost, stolen, or destroyed. Don't send anything precious.

  • ✗
    Food/candy (usually)

    Attracts bugs and animals. Most camps prohibit food in cabins.

  • ✗
    Pocket knives or weapons

    Even if your kid is responsible. Camp rules apply to everyone.

  • ✗
    White clothes

    They won't be white when they come home.

Packing Tips from Camp Veterans

Label everything

Use a Sharpie on tags. Things get mixed up in shared spaces.

Let your kid help pack

They're more likely to know where things are if they packed them.

Use gallon Ziploc bags

Organize outfits by day if your kid needs that structure.

Pack a photo from home

A family photo for the bunk can help with homesickness.

Don't overpack

A full duffle is harder to manage than having fewer choices.

Put meds in original bottles

Camp health staff need to see the prescription labels.

Quick Packing Checklist

Clothing

☐ T-shirts (7-8)

☐ Shorts (5)

☐ Underwear (8)

☐ Socks (8 pairs)

☐ Pajamas (2)

☐ Swimsuits (2)

☐ Sweatshirt

☐ Rain jacket

☐ Sneakers

☐ Sandals

☐ Hat

Other Essentials

☐ Sleeping bag/bedding

☐ Pillow

☐ Towels (3)

☐ Toiletries

☐ Sunscreen

☐ Bug spray

☐ Shower shoes

☐ Flashlight

☐ Laundry bag

☐ Plastic bags

☐ Stamped envelopes

Found This Helpful?

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