What do you Need to Pack for Camp like a Pro?
Summer’s here, which means soon many kids will be heading off to sleepaway camp for a week (or more!) of outdoor adventures, new friendships, and independence. If you’re wondering what to pack for camp, you’re not alone—packing a camp trunk or duffel bag can feel overwhelming, even for experienced camp parents.
After years of packing for my own kids—and spending summers working at a sleepaway camp—I’ve learned there are a few universal truths of camp life that make packing easier.
Camp Packing Essentials Every Parent Should Remember
1. Sunscreen (and Backup Options)
Don’t forget sunscreen. You know your child best, but most kids are not consistent about reapplying, so giving them options helps. Sending both a lotion and a stick sunscreen increases the chances they’ll actually use one.
It also helps to pack:
A hat
A sun shirt
Sunglasses
These provide extra protection even if sunscreen is forgotten.
2. Bug Repellent Is a Must
One universal truth of camp life—especially at camps in wooded or open areas—is that insects are everywhere. Mosquito bites and itchy skin can make it harder for kids to sleep and enjoy their week.
A solid bug balm is easy for kids to apply and less messy than sprays. If you want to learn more about choosing a natural option, you can read our guide on Why Our Founder Made our Bug Repellent Solid.
3. A Shower Caddy
Even if showers are in the cabin, kids need an easy way to carry toiletries. A simple shower caddy:
Keeps items organized
Allows drainage
Helps prevent mildew in humid cabins
Find a caddy large enough to hold the basics like shampoo, body wash, a toothbrush, and a washcloth. It’s also helpful to include a travel-size hand soap for quick cleanups in shared spaces and a lip balm to keep lips comfortable in sun, wind, and dry cabin air.
Keeping everything together and easy to grab makes it more likely kids will actually use their supplies. Bonus: shower caddies are easy to find at most home goods stores and can be reused at home for organizing toiletries the rest of the year.
4. A Laundry Bag
Dirty clothes add up quickly at camp. A mesh laundry bag works well because:
It allows airflow
Helps prevent mildew
Makes it easy to transport laundry home
At pickup time, you can toss bedding in as well for a fast pack-up.
5. A Flashlight
Even at camps with electricity, flashlights are essential for:
Reading before bed
Walking to the bathroom at night
Late-night cabin adventures
For a fun surprise, try sneaking a new book or magazine into your child’s bag—they’ll love discovering it.
6. A Stamped, Pre-Addressed Envelope
One of the best parts of camp is unplugging from technology, but that means parents don’t hear much. Sending stamped, addressed envelopes makes it easier for kids to write home—and those letters are priceless.
7. Something That Helps Them Make Friends
A small, shareable item can help kids break the ice:
A deck of cards
Glow bracelets
Mad Libs
Coloring books
A soccer ball
Care packages to share with cabinmates are also a great way to build connections.
Sleepaway Camp Packing List (Quick Checklist)
Here’s a simple sleepaway camp packing list to make sure nothing important gets left behind:
Clothing & Bedding
T-shirts and shorts
Sweatshirt or light jacket
Pajamas
Underwear and socks
Sneakers and shower shoes
Raincoat or poncho
Bed linens or sleeping bag (check camp requirements)
Bath and beach towels
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and body wash
Travel hand soap for quick cleanups
Lip balm to prevent dry, chapped lips
Sunscreen
Hairbrush or comb
Cabin Essentials
Flashlight
Laundry bag
Shower caddy
Water bottle
Books or quiet activities
Nice-to-Have Items
Stamped, pre-addressed envelopes
A small game or deck of cards
A reusable bag for wet or muddy items
Always label everything you want to come home at the end of camp and check the weather before packing so your child is prepared.
Care Package Tip
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect box. A simple surprise in the mail—snacks (if allowed), books, or small activities—can brighten your child’s week.
And yes, sometimes Amazon Prime saves the day when something important gets forgotten.
One Last Thought
Once packing is done, the hardest part might be figuring out what to do while the kids are away!
Do you have favorite camp packing tips or care-package ideas? Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear them.