Packing for summer camp can be both exciting and daunting. The thrill of preparing for an adventure away from home often comes with the challenge of ensuring your camper has everything they need while avoiding overpacking or bringing prohibited items. Whether your child is a first-time camper or a seasoned pro, having a comprehensive summer camp packing list is essential to make their camp experience smooth and enjoyable.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to pack, from essential clothing and personal items to specialty gear and optional extras. We’ll also provide important packing tips to help you and your camper plan ahead, review camp packing lists, and label belongings properly. Equally important, we’ll highlight items that should stay at home to ensure safety and compliance with camp rules.
By following this in-depth packing list and considering our tips, you’ll ensure your camper is well-prepared to dive into the fun and excitement of summer camp, ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Click below to access a printable version of our ultimate summer camp packing list.
Summer Camp Packing List
Essential Clothing
- T-shirts (pack at least one for each day, plus a few extras)
- Shorts (pack at least one pair for each day, plus a few extras)
- Long pants/jeans (for cooler evenings and protection against bugs)
- Sweatshirts/hoodies (for warmth in the mornings and evenings)
- Swimsuits (two or more, in case one is wet)
- Underwear (one pair per day, plus a few extras)
- Socks (one pair per day, plus a few extras, including some thick socks for hiking)
- Pajamas
- Bathrobe
- Rain gear (waterproof jacket, pants, and rainboots)
- Sandals/flip-flops (for showers and swimming)
- Sneakers
- Hiking boots (if applicable to camp activities)
- Dress clothes (if applicable to camp activities)
- Polos
- Scarves/bandannas
- Baseball caps
- Sunhat
- Eyeglasses
- Sunglasses
Bed and Bath
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair ties/bands
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Bug spray/repellent
- Towel (two: one for bathing, one for swimming)
- Washcloths
- Shower caddy
- Personal hygiene products (if needed)
- Medication (in original packaging, with clear instructions)
- Mattress pad
- Mattress cover
- Blanket
- Pillow and pillowcases
- Sheets
- Laundry bag
- Sleeping bag
- Blanket
Activity Gear
- Water bottle or canteen
- Backpack (for day trips and carrying essentials around camp)
- Flashlight/headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Notebook/envelopes, stamps, and pens (for journaling or writing letters)
- Books or magazines
- Compass
- Fan (with extra batteries if applicable)
- Swimming goggles
Extras
- Disposable camera
- Costumes for theme days
- Cards/games for bunk time
- Foldable camping chair
- Plastic storage drawers (if permitted)
- First aid kit
For The Counselor
- Emergency contact information
- Information about your child’s medications, allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions
Click below to access a printable version of our ultimate summer camp packing list.
What to Leave at Home
When preparing for summer camp, it’s just as important to know what to leave at home as it is to know what to pack. To ensure a safe and enjoyable camp experience, several items should be excluded from your camper’s luggage. Electronics such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices are best left behind. These items can be distracting and are often against camp policies, which aim to encourage campers to engage with each other and immerse themselves in nature. Valuables, including jewelry, cash, credit cards, and sentimental items, should also stay at home to prevent loss or damage.
Prohibited items like weapons, including pocket knives, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products, are strictly forbidden for safety and legal reasons. Food and beverages, particularly perishable items, candy, and snacks, should not be brought to camp as they can attract animals and pests. Camps typically provide all necessary meals and snacks.
Refer to your selected camps’ policies for their full list of prohibited items.
Summer Camp Packing List Tips
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable summer camp experience, a little preparation goes a long way. Start by considering how your camper will be living—whether out of a backpack, duffel bag, suitcase, or trunk – and pack accordingly. Review the camp packing lists and follow any specific guidelines or recommendations provided by the camp. Make sure to label everything using classic iron-on/stick-on clothing labels, dishwasher-safe vinyl labels, and laundry pens so your camper’s belongings are easily identifiable. Break in shoes and boots before camp begins to avoid blisters and discomfort. Involve your camper in the packing process; this way, they’ll know where everything is and feel more prepared for their adventure.
Consider shipping your child’s bags ahead with Ship Camps, too, to make for a more seamless and stress-free move-in day. With these simple steps, you can help ensure your camper is ready for an unforgettable camp experience.