The Summer Sleepaway Camp Packing List You Actually Need

From essentials like clothing and toiletries to comforting items that remind them of home, packing for camp can feel a little overwhelming. I cannot even begin to describe the amount of hours I’ve spent researching and shopping for the perfect duffel bag, reviewing camp rules and packing restrictions, shopping for little items to mail to camp or to sneak into their bags, asking seasoned camp moms for the most effective and safe insect repellent spray, and more.

Each year, I tweak this list to reflect what actually got used (and what didn’t), what my kids have outgrown, and any new favorites we’ve discovered. Whether you’re sending your kiddo to sleepaway camp for the first time and are starting from scratch, or you’re a seasoned pro looking to level up the experience, this post is here to help. (Psst — I keep my Amazon Summer Camp List updated with all our current favorites too.)

Little Things That Make a Big Difference at Camp

Before we get into the full packing list, here are a few tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years that make a big difference during camp week—for both the kids and us parents:

• Bribe your kid. No, seriously. If you want to see their cute little face in camp photos or get a letter home, give them some motivation. I’ve done everything from pennies per photo to a dollar per letter. Maybe for your kid it’s a trip to the ice cream shop when they get home or an extra screen time token. Whatever works—no shame in the bribe game! Last year when we switched camps, I was so nervous about how they were adjusting, so I asked them both to give me a hand signal in a photo—fingers 1–10—showing how much fun they were having. When I saw two 10s on day one, I literally burst into tears of happiness. Moms, it works.
• Pack the packing list. The same one you used to get everything in the bag? Print an extra and toss it in their trunk. It’s a lifesaver when they’re packing up to come home and trying to figure out if they came with one pair of socks or ten.
• Bag outfits by day. Pro tip from Thomas: if you don’t want your kid living in the same two pieces of clothing all week, pack outfits in Ziploc bags by day. Last year he swore I didn’t send enough shirts—plot twist: there were plenty, he just didn’t see them buried in his bag. This year he can grab a bag and go.
• Pre-stamp & address envelopes. If you’re hoping to get any snail mail from camp, make it easy for them. I always pack stationary and a few pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelopes—bonus if you add a list of who to write to (hi, grandparents!).
• Send a care package or letter EARLY. I’ve learned to mail the first letter or care package before my kids even leave for camp—because between travel time, sorting, and cabin delivery, it can take a while to get to them. I put together a full list of fun and creative care package ideas here, including things like a funny letter from the family pet, glow-in-the-dark goodies for the whole cabin, a friendship bracelet kit, fabric markers for signing pillowcases, and a disposable camera so they can capture their own camp memories.

Alright, let’s get down to the packing list…

— Summer Camp Packing List —

CLOTHING & SHOES

Your camp will likely provide you with a packing list of essential items to bring, so definitely start there. The quantity of items your camper may need will vary depending on the length of stay, any special activities/events, and whether or not your camp utilizes a laundry service. Also, don’t forget to label everything! Here are a few label options: Iron On or Stamp (order early—these can take time to arrive!).

• T-Shirts: Pack ALL the random school, sports, and camp t-shirts they already own.
• Shorts: These are Caroline’s favorite shorts. They are flowy and breathable (perfect for hot days) but also have a compression liner underneath that allows shorts to stay in place while being active. Thomas will pack 6 pairs of these lightweight shorts. They are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, are easy to dress up or down, and are available in several colors.
• Shorts: These Butterfly Shorts are Caroline’s favorite—flowy and breathable (perfect for hot days), with a compression liner underneath so they stay in place while active. Thomas will pack 6 pairs of these lightweight shorts—they’re moisture-wicking, quick-drying, easy to dress up or down, and available in 5 colors.
• Pants: If you need to bring a nicer pair of pants, we love these for Thomas.
• Sweatshirt: A fun item to buy from your camp store, if available.
• Underwear + Stay Dry Racerback Sports Bras
• Socks: These Junk Food Themed Crew Socks are hilarious and ensure your campers will know exactly which ones are theirs!
• Tube Socks (for Sock War)
• Pajamas: Caroline will bring these sleeveless pajamas, these short sleeve pajamas, and these Sweatpants. Thomas will sleep in t-shirts and lightweight shorts or sweatpants (for chilly nights).
• Bathing Suits: Swim Trunks for Thomas / One Piece Swimsuits for Caroline
• Tennis Shoes: We buy these unisex sneakers again and again for both kids. They’ll bring an older pair to camp.
• Outdoor/Hiking Sandals: These open toed lightweight shoes are supportive for long hikes, quick-drying and anti-slip grip for water activities, and comfortable. We’ve purchased this exact pair twice for both kids.
• Shower Shoes/Sandals: Girls Slides / Boy Slides (They will double as slippers around the cabin)
• Rain Jacket
• Sunglasses + Hat

TOILETRIES & PERSONAL ITEMS

Before we dive in: pack extras of anything that would gross you out if it fell on the bathroom floor and your kid kept using it for a week (ahem… toothbrush). Camp hygiene hits different—plan accordingly.

• Toiletries: Hanging Toiletry Bag / Toothbrushes (pack extra!!) + Travel Cases / Skincare Products
• Hair Brush + Hair Ties + Hair Elastics (for braids)
• Shower Items: Shower Caddy / Silicone Body Scrubber Loofah (I prefer silicone loofahs because wash cloths at camp grosses me out) / Shampoo + Conditioner + Body Wash
• Sunscreen: Face Stick + Spray
• Bug Items: Mosquito Spray + Bug Bite Relief Tool + Itch Relief Patches + Stickers for Gear & Clothing + Bracelets

BEDDING, TOWELS & CABIN ITEMS

Here are a few of our favorite cozy comforts to help make their space in the cabin feel a little more like home. Pro tip: If your camper’s trunk gets hauled separately to the cabin, pack bedding in a separate bag so you can get a head start on bed setup while waiting for the trunk to arrive!

• Bed Sheets + Sleeping Bag
• Blankets: Another fun item to purchase from the camp store. Pack some Fabric Markers for signing blankets/pillowcases! So fun to see the blanket get more colorful through the years!
• Pillow + Pillow Cases: I send cheap pillows instead of their pillows from home. This personalized autograph pillowcase is a super fun tradition.
• Sleep Mask (fun activity for whole cabin)
• Towels (Shower & Swimming)
• Laundry Bag: Check your camp store for this too. I recommend getting one with a shoulder strap so it’s easier to carry.
• Small Battery-Powered Clip-On Fan (for hot nights) + Extra Batteries
• Stationery Supplies: Storage Bag + Stationery (cute option, cute option) + Stamps (I will pre-address and stamp the envelopes for Thomas) + Clipboard (with storage for pens/markers) + Pens (these glitter gel scented pens are so fun!)!
• Bible + Journal + Book + Reading Light
• Bunk Decorations: Photo Garland + Printed Photos + Fairy Lights

GEAR

Trunk versus duffle bag? Check with your camp first to see if they have any restrictions or preferences. Pro Tip: Spray your camper’s gear and outerwear ahead of time with this Insect Repellent Spray. It works SO well to protect from ticks, mosquitos, chiggers, spiders, etc. for up to 6 weeks.

• Duffle Bag: If you aren’t required to use a trunk, we love our XL Adventure Bags from LL Bean. These hold everything we need for our kids in ONE bag (including sheets/pillows/etc.). Order soon because it sometimes take extra time to ship — especially if you are personalizing/monogramming.
• Trunk: If you prefer or are required to bring a trunk, I highly recommend a plastic one so you can easily wash it when it comes home. We now use a trunk and a duffle (see pro tip in the section above regarding bedding) to pack the kids up.
• Sling Cross-Body Bag: Perfect size for carrying water bottles, goggles, towel, etc. around camp or while hiking. Lots of color options.
• Flashlight + Head Lamp: They’ll likely use the head lamp way more than the flashlight.
• Goggles
• Water Bottle (I buy a camp Nalgene + pack splash guards + fun stickers for decorating their bottles)
• Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
• Crazy Creek Chair
• Disposable Camera

REST HOUR ACTIVITIES & PACKAGE IDEAS

If your camp is “package-free,” here are 30+ non-food surprises you can sneak into your camper’s luggage to let them know you are thinking about them. Lots of these items come in large quantities making them perfect for sharing with bunk mates and new friends — especially during rest hour! A few of my favorite items:

• A friendship bracelet kit for Caroline
• Glow in the dark stuff for the whole cabin: Squishies, LED Light-Up Scrunchies, and Glow In The Dark Nail Polish for the girls + Glow Critters and Foam Glow Batons for the boys
• Fabric Markers for signing blankets/pillowcases

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