Struggling with your summer camp packing list? We’ve got you covered with options for every essential.
Getting kids ready for camp can feel overwhelming, especially with all the what-ifs. We are sharing our summer camp packing list that saves us from the stress of the overnight camp experience.
Pack for summer camp confidently. This list includes the camp-tested, kid-approved essentials your camper will use daily. Think sleeping gear, durable water bottles, and flashlights for late nights. Every piece here serves a purpose and stands up to the wear and tear of busy camp days.
Let’s break down everything you need in your summer camp packing list.
Best Summer Camp Packing List
1. Best Camp Shoes
Proper footgear is a top priority when checking off your summer camp packing list. Yes, you need more than one pair to accommodate campground walks, all-terrain hikes, or an afternoon at the pool or lake.
We are sharing the top-rated shoes your kids will love. Each pair of camp shoes provides superior comfort at the right time. These tried-and-true camp shoes have been winners with our kids for years. They offer variety, withstand rough camp conditions, and are easy to clean.
(1) Closed-Toe Sandals: Want to add extra protection while allowing the kids’ feet to breathe? Many camps require sandals with back straps. These Keen Seacamp Closed Toe Sandals are water-resistant, offer superior grip and comfort, and are machine washable.
(2) Water Shoes: Daily trips to the lake or pool require no-fuss Water Shoes. These top-rated full-coverage slip-ons will be a hit.
(3) Shower Shoes: Good hygiene is a must at summer camp. This non-slip shoe has holes to drain water and is slip-resistant.
(4) Hiking Sneakers: Sturdy hiking sneakers for running and hiking are ideal for combatting campground terrain. Merrill Unisex Trail Chasers are lace-free and comfortable.
2. Summer Camp Gear
Camp gear is a cross-section of comfort and function. While there are many choices, not all items are created equal.
Some things will make life a camp way easier, and others… well, they’ll just take up space in your kid’s duffel. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) which gear actually gets used and which items end up untouched at the bottom of the bag.
(1) Camp Trunk with Wheels: This is the best way to carry and store kids’ summer camp essentials. These bags are roomy and flexible, and once emptied, they are easy to store.
(2) Battery-Operated Fan: Camp temperatures and climate vary. A personal fan will offer relief after returning to a steamy cabin. Don’t forget the extra batteries. If the cabin has electricity, that’s even better. A Clip-on Plug-in Fan that’s quiet with a nice breeze is right on time.
(3)Flashlight: Summer nights are incomplete without after-dark storytime and chatting among friends. This one packs a punch with a zoom-in and out feature, super bright LED light, and includes batteries.
(4) Headlamp: Hiking at night to the campsite can be a little easier with a light to guide your camper. A battery-operated headlamp is a nice addition.
Summer Camp Gear
(5) Neck Fan: Hands down, one of the best inventions for hot weather! A rechargeable neck fan keeps your child cool during outdoor activities, hikes, and even while hanging out in the cabin. It’s lightweight, hands-free, and provides a personal breeze that actually makes a difference. My kids don’t camp without it-and honestly, I don’t travel without mine, either.
(6) Reusable Water Bottle: Not all water bottles are created equal. The Owala FreeSip stainless steel bottle is perfect for camp life-it. Drinks can stay cold for up to 24 hours, and the bottle doesn’t leak. Choose 24 oz and 32 oz, depending on your child’s water intake. Encourage them to fill up at breakfast.
(7) Daypack Backpack: Campers are constantly on the move, and a lightweight daypack is the best way to carry everything from sunscreen and bug spray to a snack or a towel.
(8) Laundry Bag: A waterproof laundry bag with backpack straps = genius. It holds dirty clothes during the week and makes packing up at the end of camp way easier.
(9) Digital Watch: Most camps don’t allow smartwatches or phones, so a simple digital watch is the way to go. Choose one that’s water-resistant and easy to read. We love models under $20, so no one stresses if it gets muddy, scratched, or misplaced.
Summer Camp Gear
(10) Sunglasses: Protect those eyes! A pair of durable, UV-blocking sunglasses is essential for sunny days on the trail, at the lake, or just walking between activities. Look for flexible frames, impact-resistant lenses, and maybe even a strap to help them stay put. Sunglasses for 14 years and up.
(11) Goggles: If your camper is hitting the pool or lake, pack a pair of anti-fog, shatter-resistant swim goggles. Look for ones with an adjustable strap and a snug fit that won’t leak mid-cannonball. And yes—send a backup if you’ve got a kid who loses things. (I’ve learned this the hard way.) Goggles for 14 years and up.
(12) Sun Hat: It may not be the coolest item in the bag, but it’s one of the smartest. It keeps the sun off their face and neck during hikes, lake days, or just walking between activities. Trust me, their skin will thank you.
(13 & 14) Baseball Cap (Breathable) & Tennis Hat: For kids who won’t wear a wide-brimmed hat, a lightweight baseball or tennis cap is a solid backup. They offer a bit of shade and keep sweat out of their eyes. We look for moisture-wicking fabric and adjustable straps for a good fit.
(15) Labels (Clothes and Personal Items): Two words: label everything. A good set of stick-on or iron-on labels makes it easy to identify your camper’s towel, hoodie, or water bottle in a sea of identical gear. Get a waterproof, washer-safe version so it stays on for the whole session—and maybe longer!
(16) Sleeping Bag: A good sleeping bag is camp gold. Look for one that’s lightweight but warm enough for cooler nights. If it comes with a carry sack and can roll without a wrestling match, even better.
3. Bedding and Personal Care
A little comfort can go a long way- especially when your camper is winding down after a long day or getting ready in a shared bathroom with ten other kids.
Here are the basics they’ll need to sleep well and stay fresh (even if “clean” is a bit of a stretch some days). From cozy bedding to daily must-haves like sunscreen and insect repellent, these items are small but mighty when it comes to keeping your kid happy and comfortable at camp.
Bedding
(1) Mattress Pad: If your camper is a light sleeper or just likes a little extra coziness, a thin quilted mattress pad adds comfort without bulk. It also adds a layer between your child and the camp mattress (which, let’s be honest, has seen better days). Look for one that packs down small.
(2) Twin Sheet Set: Camp mattresses can be… let’s just say “basic.” A soft, breathable, 100% cotton twin sheet set instantly makes bunk beds feel more like home. Look for a set that’s 100% cotton, lightweight, quick-dry, and easy to pack.
(3) Pillow: This is one of those don’t-skip-it items. A standard-size pillow makes all the difference at bedtime, especially after a day of nonstop activity. Choose one that’s fluffy but not too bulky for packing.
(4) Blanket: Even if it’s warm during the day, nights at camp can get chilly. A lightweight fleece or microfiber blanket is perfect for layering or snuggling up during downtime. Roll it tight to save space—or let your camper pick one with their favorite design for an extra comfort boost.
Personal Care
(5) Mesh Shower Caddy: A camp bathroom essential! A mesh shower caddy keeps everything your camper needs in one place—plus, it dries quickly and doesn’t get gross. Look for one with multiple compartments and sturdy handles to hang on hooks or easily carry to the showers.
(6) Sunscreen SPF 50+: Camp = all-day outdoor play. This is the #1 thing your camper will use daily (or should!). A water-resistant, kid-friendly sunscreen with SPF 50+ is a must. Spray or stick formats are usually easier for kids to apply on their own—and less messy for everyone involved. Pro tip: toss in a travel-size for their daypack.
(7) Aloe Vera Gel: For those “oops, I forgot to reapply sunscreen” moments, a travel-size aloe vera gel is a total lifesaver. It cools down sunburns fast and helps soothe bug bites and irritated skin. Opt for a clear, fragrance-free version to avoid sticky or overly scented options.
(8) Insect Repellent: Bugs love camp. A DEET-free or kid-safe bug spray can save the day (and the ankles). Choose a formula that’s long-lasting but gentle, and if your camper hates the smell, try a natural version with essential oils like citronella or lemongrass. Layer up with DEET-Free wrist/ankle bands.
(9) Lip Balm w/SPF: Dry lips happen fast when kids are outside all day. A simple SPF lip balm helps prevent cracking, peeling, and sunburned lips. Look for a flavor-free or lightly flavored version so they actually use it—and pack a backup, because these tend to disappear.
4. Fun Stuff and Quiet Time Activities
Downtime at camp is golden—and having a few activities on hand makes all the difference. Whether it’s raining, rest hour, or just time to wind down in the cabin, these picks keep kids entertained, creative, and connected in the best way.
Games, Notecards, and Fun Stuff
(1)Playing Cards (Waterproof): Classic camp fun—waterproof playing cards are durable, easy to clean, and perfect for indoor or outdoor games. Whether your camper loves Go Fish, War, or a made-up game only their cabin understands, these cards will hold up through it all (even if they get left on a wet picnic table). Another fun card game is Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese Pizza.
(2) Magnetic Travel Board Games: Perfect for bunk beds, rainy days, or rest hour, magnetic board games are a lifesaver. No lost pieces, no noise, just easy fun that packs flat and travels well.
(3) Mad Libs (Camp Edition): Mad Libs are a total camp win—silly, creative, and great for group giggles during downtime. They don’t require any setup and keep kids laughing while practicing storytelling and grammar (but don’t tell them that part). Would You Rather and Ghost Story Mad Libs are also great options.
(4) Camping Journal: A journal gives your child space to write about their day, draw, or jot down new friends’ names. It’s a sweet keepsake. Camp Journal for Teens
(5) Instant Camera: Want your camper to bring home memories that aren’t just in their head? A kid-friendly instant camera is fun and functional. They’ll love snapping pics of their bunk, favorite counselor, or s’mores night—and you’ll love the peek into their camp world when they get home.
(6) Note Cards & Envelopes: Camp mail is still a thing, and trust me—it’s one of the best parts of the day for both campers and parents. Pack a few note cards, pre-addressed envelopes, and stamps to make writing home super easy. This note card set also comes in a neutral-colored version.
(7) Glow Bracelets: Simple, fun, and surprisingly handy. Glow bracelets double as camp dance accessories, cabin night lights, and even late-night trail markers. Toss in a few packs—they’re inexpensive, lightweight, and make your camper the bunk MVP.
We hope you found our thoughtfully curated summer camp packing list helpful.
What’s the one thing you never forget to pack for camp? Drop it in the comments!
