Packing your child for summer camp comes with a mix of emotions. There’s excitement for what’s ahead, with a healthy dose of anxiety that you’ll forget to include a necessary item. That’s why it’s so important to create a list of all the essentials. We polled the pros to build this summer camp packing list, which covers a wide range of must-haves, from bedding to bug spray, with plenty of items in between.
It’s likely that your child’s camp will provide a packing list for you, but some are more comprehensive than others. Forgetting to send certain items can cause you unnecessary stress and may even interfere with your child’s experience, says Sarah Kurtz McKinnon, co-founder of The Summer Camp Society. “When kids know their basic needs are going to be met at camp—and yes, part of that will be having the right gear, knowing where to find it and how to use it—they can feel safe enough to explore and have fun,” she says.
Every child needs slightly different things away from home, and some camps may have special requirements. Still, this summer camp packing list can help ensure you’ve got the basics covered.
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Summer Camp Packing List At A Glance
- Luggage And Bedding: Large Rolling Duffel, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Sheets, Pillow, Stuffed Animal/Comfort Object
- Clothes And Shoes: T-shirts, Shorts, Crocs, Clothing Labels, Swimsuits, Underwear, Socks, Sneakers, Flip Flops
- Bathing Essentials: Quick-Dry Towels, Shower Caddy, 2-In-1 Body And Hair Wash, Toothbrush Protector, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Washcloths
- Health And Safety: Bandages, Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, Hat, Prescription Medications, Extra Glasses
Summer Camp Packing List: Luggage And Bedding
Your summer camp packing list starts with the bag that everything else goes in. While a wheeled suitcase is a great choice for navigating airports, it’s generally not ideal for summer camp. “The ground is bumpy, dirty and full of rocks. The wheels aren’t going to be much help, although there’s nothing wrong with the suitcase itself,” says Nathan Vaughn, director of program ministries at Camp Pecometh. “A duffle bag is pretty popular, although some will show up with a bin of clothes.”
Most overnight camps provide a bed for your child to sleep on, but some camps recommend that you pack sheets and/or a sleeping bag. “Regardless of if the camp provides a pillow, I recommend bringing a pillow that your camper is used to and likes,” says Brooke Cheley-Klebe, owner and director of Cheley Colorado Camps. “And stuffed animals are brought even by our teenage campers.”
Another tip from Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association: “Check to see if you should pack a mattress pad, too.”
Our Picks
A Versatile Duffle You Can Use Again
Experts unanimously agree that a duffle or trunk is the best luggage solution for campers, but these bags can be hard to carry when they’re loaded up. This duffle from Calpak has wheels that your child can use over smooth terrain, along with straps to hoist it up on uneven ground. Multiple pockets and a bottom shoe section help your camper stay organized. While they may not get a ton of use at camp, the telescoping handle and wheels make it more likely that your child can use this bag beyond summer (it’s also great for college).
Extra Padding For More Comfortable Nights
Powerlix’s sleeping pad is a popular pick for campers looking to add cushioning to their sleep surface. This pad inflates in less than a minute, and has a sturdy nylon exterior to stand up to outdoorsy life. It also comes in a small bag you can hang on your child’s suitcase, and weighs just over a pound. Campers can choose from six different shades.
A Sleeping Bag For Cool Summer Nights
A sleeping bag can provide cozy warmth when temperatures dip or simply serve as added padding below on hotter evenings. The North Face’s Wawona Bed comes in regular and long sizes to fit a range of kids, with a wraparound zipper that allows the bag to lie flat in case your child prefers a more traditional blanket. It’s water resistant and warm, but not so toasty that your camper will roast on hot evenings. For more options, check out our list of the best sleeping bags for kids.
Airy Sheets That Work Beyond Camp
Bedding is an area you don’t want to neglect, says Cheley-Klebe. “I always encourage families to focus on the bedding,” she says, because nighttime is often when campers miss home the most. The Buffy Breeze Sheet Set is lightweight with an airy feel to help keep your camper cool on hot evenings. But it’s also soft and comfortable, regardless of the temperature. This set comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet and two pillowcases, washes easily and is durable enough to use at home once camp is over.
Summer Camp Packing List: Clothes And Shoes
Some summer camps have kids wear uniforms, but many don’t. Regardless, you’re going to want to make sure your child is well stocked in advance of camp. Camp experts say this is not the time to splash out on fancy clothes. “The biggest rule for camp clothing is to not bring anything you’d be sad to lose,” McKinnon says. In addition to the standard T-shirts, bottoms, underwear and socks, she recommends packing an extra swimsuit so your child doesn’t have to put a wet one back on.
By the way, it’s crucial to label everything. “Let’s say you have 10 to 12 kids in a bunk. How will you know whose item is whose?” says Stacy Fleischman, former camp director and director of business development at Camp Specialists.
When it comes to footwear, camp experts agree that close-toed shoes are the way to go. “For most camp programs, we recommend a closed toe shoe that your child can comfortably run around in all day long,” says Mike Saperstein, vice president of Steve & Kate’s Camp. “It can also be helpful to pack flip-flops or water shoes for any water play available.”
Our Picks
T-Shirts You Can Afford To Lose
It’s hard to go wrong with $6 T-shirts, particularly if your child is prone to using their shirts as a napkin or tissue. This three-pack from H&M comes in a range of colors, including some patterns, allowing you to pick up several in one go. There are plenty of neutral shades in the mix, so the likelihood of your child wearing matching clothes on any given day is high. It’s smart to send a white tee, in case tie-dye is on the list of camp activities.
Mesh Shorts That Wick Away Sweat
Adidas Big AeroReady Pacer Mesh Shorts
Most camps keep kids busy from sunrise to sunset, making it important for your child to be comfortable and ready for action. These Adidas shorts are made with lightweight mesh and AeroReady technology that’s designed to pull moisture away from your child’s skin. Choose from six different colors or snag several pairs. (The classic three-stripe shorts are a good counterpart for boys.)
Close-Toe Shoes With A Range Of Uses
Crocs Kids' Classic Clog
While it’s still a good idea to pack athletic sneakers, classic Crocs are another good option at camp. These sturdy shoes are versatile enough to wear on trips to and from the mess hall, can go in the shower and serve as a solid pool shoe. Plus, with a wide range of colors, your child can choose a shade that matches their style.
Highly Personalized Clothing Labels
You can technically label your kid’s clothes with a marker, but that can be time-consuming and even tricky when it comes to tagless items. Mabel's Labels is a popular choice for camp labels, with personalized stickers you slap on your child’s clothes, shoes and other items. Your camper can pick their font, design and color, giving them a feeling of ownership over their gear.
Summer Camp Packing List: Bathing Essentials
It’s important to go over bathing essentials—and how to use them—in advance of camp, says Lauren Nearpass, co-founder and chief happy camper officer at Summer 365. “Many first-time camp parents are often very nervous about shower hour. Can my daughter get her conditioner out? Will their teeth get brushed? Will they apply sunscreen head to toe?” she says. “While the answer is ‘yes,’ I do highly encourage you to go over that stuff with them now and practice taking a couple-minute shower.”
Any products you can find that are multi-purpose are a good way to go, Nearpass says. “Especially with showering, less is more and we love a two-in-one combo shampoo and conditioner, which is perfect for days spent swimming and sweating,” she says.
It’s also a good idea to get a caddy for your camper to carry everything in, Fleischman says. “Try to make things as clean and simple as possible for kids,” she says. As for a towel, Rosenberg says it “doesn’t have to be the family’s best, since they'll be used for swimming and other waterfront activities as well as for showers.” (Some camps will recommend that you pack a beach towel for swimming, though.)
Our Picks
Faster Drying Towels
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Bath towels at camp are prone to getting musty, making a quick-dry option all the more important. This bestselling towel from Pottery Barn is made from 100% Turkish cotton for a soft feel, and it’s also fast-drying. You can tack on a coordinating hand towel and wash cloth, too—they’re all available in 14 colors.
A Sturdy Caddy With Plenty Of Drainage Holes
iDesign Spa Plastic Storage Shower Basket
Kids need an efficient way to lug all their shampoo, body wash, toothbrush and more to and from the bathroom. The iDesign shower basket is a popular choice thanks to its sturdy plastic construction and open design. A bevy of cut-outs allow water to drain out, helping to keep this caddy gunk-free.
Shampoo And Body Wash In One Bottle
Dial Kids 2-in-1 Body+Hair Wash
It can be stressful to think about your child being solely responsible for bathing themselves. “I love finding toiletries so good your camper will be sure to use them,” Nearpass says. The Dial Kids 2-in-1 Body+Hair Wash has a fun melon scent and is tear-free. The adorable seahorse on the front doesn’t hurt either. This wash comes in a pump for easy dispensing.
A Cap To Keep Toothbrushes Clean
Steripod Clip-On Toothbrush Protector
Everything that’s in your child’s caddy is going to hit the bathroom, which means their toothbrush is highly likely to take a trip to the shower, too. Keep it protected with this clip-on device. It easily clips over the head of their toothbrush to shield it from whatever is floating around the bathroom.
Summer Camp Packing List: Health And Safety
If your child gets hurt, you can rest assured that they should be properly cared for. “Every decent summer camp will have first aid kits around,” Vaughn says. However, he says that you may want to send adhesive bandages for smaller cuts and scrapes, so kids can put them on themselves if needed.
“Bug spray and sunscreen are going to be important,” Vaughn says. “Camps will usually have those around, but it’s good for campers to bring them, too, because we go through so much.” If your child is sensitive to the sun, packing a hat they’ll actually wear can also be helpful.
Our Picks
Adhesive Bandages That Double As Accessories
Hands down, Welly makes the coolest adhesive bandage designs. The brand’s Bravery Bandages come in a tin to keep out excess moisture and dirt, with fun camp-themed patterns like campfires and maps that your kid will be excited to wear. If the camp theme isn’t for them, Welly has a slew of other themes to choose from, including tie dye and pets.
Effective, DEET-Free And Easy To Spray
Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
Bug spray is a must-have at summer camp, making it important to really stock up. This two-pack from Repel features oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is a DEET-free insect repellent active ingredient recommend by the Environmental Protection Agency. The pump is easy for smaller hands to operate, too. As a bonus, it has a fresh lemon scent.
Easy To Apply Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Eucerin has a reputation for being gentle on skin, and the brand’s sensitive mineral sunscreen is no exception—it tops our list of the best sunscreens for kids. The zinc oxide sunscreen is water-resistant and easy to put on, making it more likely your camper will actually use it. It’s free of fragrance, oil, dyes, parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone and octinoxate. The only downside is that the bottle is on the smaller side. Buy a few to stock up.
This Baseball Hat Goes With Everything
Volcom Quarter Snapback Hat
It can be tricky to convince kids to wear a hat under any circ*mstances, making it important to grab one they approve of. This baseball cap from Volcom goes with everything and is stylish enough that your camper will actually want to wear it. An adjustable strap in the back will help them get that just-right fit.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Sending your child off to camp is a big deal. The Forbes Vetted parenting team knows the importance of being prepared for this milestone. We’re also experts in gear for kids, whether it’s researching and writing about the best shoes for kids or best sunscreen for kids.
- Author Korin Miller is a mom of four young children who has sent several kids off to camp. She reports on health and parenting topics, and has also tested a wide variety of gear for Forbes Vetted.
- This story was edited by Margaret Badore, a mom and avid camper, who participated in many summer sleepaway camps herself as a child.
- To enhance our personal knowledge and research, we consulted with seven camp advisors and staff members. Those include Sarah Kurtz McKinnon, co-founder of at The Summer Camp Society; Stacy Fleischman, former camp director and director of business development at Camp Specialists; Nathan Vaughn, director of program ministries at Camp Pecometh; Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association; Brooke Cheley-Klebe, owner and director of Cheley Colorado Camps; Lauren Nearpass, co-founder and chief happy camper officer at Summer 365; and Mike Saperstein, vice president of Steve & Kate’s Camp.
- We know that feedback from other parents is important, too, which is why we analyzed reviews and only recommended products with an average of four or more stars.
