Picture this: It's Opening Day at camp. Trunks are lined up outside the cabin—dozens of them, all looking nearly identical. Your camper scans the row, searching for theirs among the sea of standard footlockers. It takes a few minutes of checking nameplates and double-checking colors before they finally spot it.
Now imagine a different scene. Your camper walks up, instantly recognizes their trunk from across the lawn—the bold pattern they picked themselves, the colors that reflect their personality, maybe even a custom LidSkinz design they created online. No hesitation. No confusion. Just confidence.
That's the difference a custom camp trunk makes. And at Everything Summer Camp, we've spent over 30 years perfecting the art of helping families build trunks that are as unique as the campers who carry them. From classic steel construction to hundreds of design combinations, we offer more customization options than any other camp outfitter—because your camper deserves gear that feels like theirs from the moment they open it.
Let's explore how to build the perfect custom camp trunk that'll stand out, last for years, and make camp feel like home.
Why Customize Your Camp Trunk?
A trunk isn't just storage—it's your camper's home base for weeks away from home. It holds everything they need, sits right beside their bunk, and becomes a familiar anchor in a brand-new environment. When that trunk reflects their personality, it does more than just look good. It makes camp life easier, more organized, and genuinely theirs.
Here's why customization matters:
Easy Identification. In a cabin full of similar-looking trunks, a personalized camp trunk stands out immediately. No more checking every nameplate or second-guessing which trunk belongs to whom. Your camper knows theirs at a glance—and so do counselors, bunkmates, and anyone helping with luggage on arrival day.
Express Their Style. Camp is about self-expression, creativity, and showing up as yourself. A custom camp trunk lets your camper bring their interests, favorite colors, and unique personality into their cabin space. Whether they're into sports, animals, bold patterns, or minimalist designs, they can build a trunk that feels authentically theirs.
Long-Lasting Quality. When you invest in a durable summer camp trunk that's customized to your camper's taste, it becomes something they'll want to keep for years. Our C&N steel trunks are built from cabinet-grade birch plywood and reinforced with powder-coated steel hardware—then backed by a Lifetime Warranty. They're not just for one summer. They're for camp, college, road trips, and beyond.
Customization turns a functional piece of gear into something your camper takes pride in. It's not about being flashy—it's about creating a trunk that works for them and feels like home wherever they go.
Start with the Right Trunk Size and Style
Before diving into colors and patterns, let's talk foundation. Every great custom camp trunk starts with a solid base—literally. At Everything Summer Camp, we manufacture our own C&N steel camp trunks right here in Wisconsin, using the same quality craftsmanship that's earned us a reputation for durability and longevity.
Our steel trunks are built from real cabinet-grade birch plywood and reinforced with powder-coated steel hardware. They're designed to hold up to 1,800 pounds on top, which means they double as a bench, nightstand, or step stool in tight cabin quarters. They're not flimsy plastic bins that crack under pressure—they're furniture-quality pieces that last for decades.
Size matters. Choosing the right trunk size depends on how long your camper will be at camp and how much gear they need to bring. Here are the most popular options:
- Happy Camper Trunk (32"L × 18"W × 13.5"H): Our best-selling standard size, perfect for 2–4 week sessions
- UnderGrad Trunk (32"L × 18"W × 16.5"H): Slightly deeper for longer stays or campers who like extra room
- Graduate Trunk (32"L × 18"W × 18.5"H): Our largest trunk, ideal for extended sessions or serious packers
Once you've selected the right size, the real fun begins—because every one of these trunks can be customized to match your camper's style.
Ready to start building? Explore our full collection of steel camp trunks and find the perfect base for your custom design.
Choose from Dozens of Colors and Patterns
Here's where Everything Summer Camp truly stands out: we offer more color and pattern options than any other trunk manufacturer. Not just a handful of basic shades—we're talking 20+ solid color options, plus hundreds of designer patterns that cover the entire trunk in bold, eye-catching prints.
Solid Colors: Classic, timeless, and endlessly versatile. Choose from vibrant reds, blues, greens, and purples, or go with sleek black, crisp white, or neutral tones. You can even opt for our Black Trim Trunk for a distinguished, polished look that adds an extra level of style without going full pattern.
Want to take it further? Our Create-Your-Own Footlocker option lets you mix and match colors across all 10 steel panels of your trunk. Build a theme, create a gradient, or go wild with a patchwork design—it all looks amazing. This level of customization is unmatched in the camp trunk world.
Designer Trunks: Revolutionary. Stunning. Unforgettable. Our Designer Trunks feature full-coverage prints that wrap the entire trunk in vivid, high-quality designs. From mermaids and unicorns to aquariums, llamas, and geometric patterns, we literally offer hundreds of different designs.
Popular categories include:
- Sports: Basketballs, soccer balls, baseballs, and more for the athlete
- Animals: Horses, dolphins, butterflies, and woodland creatures
- Nature: Florals, sunsets, tropical vibes, and outdoor themes
- Hi-Tech: Geometric patterns, futuristic designs, and bold modern looks
- Food & Fun: Donuts, pizza, emojis, and playful graphics
These aren't decals or stickers—they're professionally printed directly onto the trunk surface for durability and vibrant color that lasts. Your camper's trunk will look as good on Closing Day as it did when you first ordered it.
Whether you go classic solid or bold designer, the variety of camp trunk colors and camp trunk patterns we offer means your camper can build something truly one-of-a-kind.
Personalize It Even Further with Custom Add-Ons
You've chosen your size, picked your color or pattern—now it's time to make it unmistakably theirs. At Everything Summer Camp, we offer a range of accessories and add-ons that take your personalized camp trunk from great to exceptional.
LidSkinz: The ultimate custom statement. Our LidSkinz cover the entire top surface of your camp trunk with a custom design you create yourself using our online designer tool. This isn't a decal—it's a metal panel printed with your design and secured with hardware to the trunk lid. Upload photos, add text, choose graphics, and build something that's 100% unique. It's like a billboard for your camper's personality.
Nameplates: Simple, classic, and essential. Add a personalized nameplate to the front of your trunk so there's no question whose it is. Choose from different styles and finishes to match your trunk's look.
Functional Accessories: Customization isn't just about looks—it's also about making camp life easier. Consider adding:
- LidMate Organizer: Keeps toiletries and small essentials accessible inside the trunk lid
- Wheel Away System: Removable wheels make heavy trunks easy to transport
- InstaGlo LidLight: Motion-sensor lighting for finding gear in dim cabins
- Trunk Liner: Washable fabric liner to protect the interior and keep it clean
These accessories don't just personalize—they elevate the functionality of your trunk, making it the best camp trunk for customization and daily use.
When it comes to trunk personalization, Everything Summer Camp gives you more options, better quality, and easier tools than anyone else in the industry.
How to Build Your Custom Camp Trunk on Everything Summer Camp
Ready to design your perfect trunk? The process is surprisingly simple—and genuinely fun. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Choose Your Trunk Size
Start by selecting the base trunk that fits your camper's needs. Browse our Camp Trunks collection and pick from Happy Camper, UnderGrad, or Graduate sizes. Not sure which one? Our team is always available to help you decide.
Step 2: Select Your Color or Pattern
This is where the magic happens. Choose from:
- 20+ solid colors for a classic, clean look
- Hundreds of Designer Trunk patterns for bold, full-coverage style
- Create-Your-Own Footlocker to mix and match colors across all trunk panels
Browse the options, compare styles, and pick the one that makes your camper's eyes light up.
Step 3: Add Personalization
Now it's time to make it unmistakably theirs:
- Add a custom nameplate with your camper's name
- Design a LidSkinz with our online tool for a completely custom trunk lid
- Choose accessories like wheels, organizers, or lighting
Step 4: Review and Order
Double-check your selections, add any final touches, and place your order. Most orders ship within 2 business days, so even if you're cutting it close to camp drop-off, we've got your back.
The entire process takes just minutes, but the result is a custom camp trunk your camper will use for years. And because we offer virtually unlimited camp trunk design options, no two trunks are ever exactly alike.
Add Even More Personal Touches Before Camp Starts
Your custom trunk is already personalized, but why stop there? Once it arrives, you can add even more character with decorations, organizers, and fun extras that make it feel even more like home.
Stickers and Decals: Let your camper add their favorite stickers from places they've visited, hobbies they love, or bands they're into. It's a low-commitment way to add personality that can evolve over the years.
DIY Touches: Some families use fabric, ribbon, or paint to add extra flair. Just make sure any DIY additions are camp-appropriate and won't damage the trunk's durable finish.
Interior Organization: Consider adding bins, packing cubes, or a trunk liner to keep everything tidy inside. The better organized the trunk, the easier it is for your camper to find what they need—even in the chaos of cabin life.
For more ideas and supplies, check out our Trunk Accessories collection for everything from organizers to decorative touches that make your trunk truly yours.
Choose C&N Trunks from Everything Summer Camp
When it comes to camp gear, we don't just sell trunks—we live and breathe the camp experience. At Everything Summer Camp, camp isn't a side hustle—it's the heart of what we do. For over 30 years, we've partnered with hundreds of camps and supported tens of thousands of families across the country, helping each one send their child off with confidence, preparation, and pride.
We know what works because we've seen it all. Our gear is built on decades of camper feedback, real-world testing, and hands-on experience. Here's what sets us apart:
Durable Construction: Our C&N camp trunks are built right here in Wisconsin from cabinet-grade birch plywood, reinforced steel hardware, and quality materials tested by real campers. We control quality from start to finish.
Unmatched Customization: We offer more personalization options than any other camp outfitter. From 20+ solid colors to hundreds of designer patterns, Create-Your-Own panels, LidSkinz, nameplates, and accessories—no one gives you more ways to build a trunk that's uniquely yours.
Expert Guidance: We don't just ship gear—we help you choose what works best for your child, their camp, and your summer trips. Our team knows camp prep inside and out, and we're here to answer questions every step of the way.
Fast, Reliable Shipping: Most orders ship within 2 business days, so even if you're cutting it close, we've got your back. Need it delivered to camp directly? We can handle that too.
Lifetime Repair Warranty: In the event that your trunk breaks, we fix it. Simple as that. You invest in us, and we invest right back in you.
Whether you're gearing up for your child's very first summer away or replacing a beloved trunk that's seen one too many years in the attic, we're here to make the process simple, stress-free, and even a little fun. From choosing the right size to picking custom colors and accessories, we'll walk you through every step with expert advice and real-world insight.
You don't have to figure it out alone—we've got your back, so you can focus on what matters most: giving your camper their best summer ever.
Ready to design your perfect custom camp trunk? Start building your Create-Your-Own trunk or explore our Designer Trunk collection for a one-of-a-kind look!
Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!
- John
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