Why a Camp Trunk Matters More Than You Think
Sending your child to summer camp is a proud milestone—one filled with excitement, a little worry, and a whole lot of packing. Before your camper heads off for a season of adventure, one important question stands in your way: what will hold all their stuff?
Campers bring clothes, bedding, toiletries, essential gear, and personal treasures. All of it needs a home base that keeps it protected, organized, and easy to manage. For many families, the answer is a camp trunk—a rugged footlocker built to survive the chaos of camp life.
But is a camp trunk right for your child’s summer stay? Let’s break it down.
Why Camp Trunks Are a Trusted Classic
Camp trunks have been around for generations—and for good reason. They're built to handle rough treatment, unpredictable weather, and the wear and tear of daily camp life. Unlike duffel bags or rolling suitcases, trunks offer structure and protection, keeping your camper’s belongings safe and organized.
In fact, summer camp experts Dr. Christopher Thurber and Dr. Jon Malinowski name-drop our trunks specifically in The Summer Camp Handbook, saying, “The trunks we like best come with a lifetime guarantee and are manufactured in Wisconsin by C&N Footlockers and sold by EverythingSummerCamp.com.”
When the pros agree—and when more camps recommend C&N than any other brand—you know you're looking at a time-tested piece of camp gear.
First Things First: Does Your Camp Allow Steel Trunks?
Before you get your heart set on a trunk, check your camp’s packing guidelines. Every camp has its own rules when it comes to luggage. Some require hard trunks to keep cabins neat and organized. Others prohibit them to save space.
You’ll typically find packing policies in:
- Welcome packets
- Parent handbooks
- Camp FAQs
- Emails from camp staff
Some camps even specify trunk dimensions or require removable wheels to avoid damage in transit. If you’re unsure, call the camp office—better safe than sorry!
And keep in mind—camps update their policies from year to year. Just because last summer allowed trunks doesn’t guarantee this summer will too. Be proactive and confirm the most current guidelines before making your purchase.
Wheel Your Way to Camp with a Trunk Rover
A trunk might be perfect for your camper’s bunk, but the road there matters. How your child travels plays a huge role in what container makes the most sense for their stuff.
- By Plane: Trunks aren’t ideal for flying. Airlines often charge oversized baggage fees, and their size comes dangerously close to airline luggage limits. Trunks don’t exactly glide through the baggage claim either.
- By Bus: If your camper is traveling by coach bus, turning their camp footlocker into a rolling trunk rover with our wheel system can make loading and unloading much more convenient.
- By Car: Driving your child to camp? This is where trunks shine. Load them in the car, drive to camp, and carry (or roll) them to the cabin. Easy.
**Don’t forget** Campgrounds aren’t always paved. The walk to the cabin might mean mud, gravel, or uneven trails. A tough trunk won’t fall apart on the way.
Also think about who will be moving the trunk. If your camper is young or small, a heavy trunk might be a burden. Wheels or team-carry handles can make a big difference in keeping arrival day smooth and positive.
Teaching Responsibility, One Trunk at a Time
Camp isn’t just about fun—it’s about growth. Camp trunks help campers learn responsibility by giving them a personal space to organize, protect, and care for their belongings.
Instead of rummaging through an overflowing duffel, your child will have compartments, trays, and lid organizers to keep their cabin life in order. That little bit of structure goes a long way toward building independence and confidence.
And for parents? It’s peace of mind. Knowing your child’s belongings are secured in a solid, lockable trunk makes packing and drop-off much easier.
Camp Trunks: Built for the Camp Life—and Beyond
A good camp trunk is more than just luggage. It’s a home base for your child’s gear, their quiet corner for organization, and sometimes their seat, table, or step stool.
C&N camp trunks are built from cabinet-grade birch plywood and armored in steel—a serious step up from plastic bins and cheap duffels. They’re built by hand in Wisconsin and backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
These trunks can:
- Hold up to 1,800 pounds of pressure
- Double as a table, bench, or step stool
- Slide under most camp bunks
- Survive year after year of rugged camp life
And the best part? These trunks don’t quit when summer ends. They become keepsakes—personal spaces where kids store memories along with their gear and other camp stuff.
Finding Space for Trunks at Home: Don’t Overlook It
Camp only lasts a few weeks, but your trunk is coming home when it’s over. Do you have a spot for it?
Many campers use their trunks year-round as bedroom storage, toy chests, or display pieces covered in camp stickers and memories. Some even take them off to college as a storage trunk or coffee table. But if your home is tight on space, consider a soft-sided trunk like the C&N Pop Up Soft Trunk. It folds flat when not in use but still holds your camper’s full packing list.
And remember—kids grow fast. Today's summer camp trunk could become tomorrow’s dorm room organization or even the moving trunk they take to their first apartment. A well-built trunk grows with your child’s journey.
Hard Trunk vs. Soft Trunk: Which Is Best?
- Hard Trunks (C&N Footlockers): Built tough with steel and plywood. Best for long stays, rough cabins, and campers who want structure and protection.
- Pop Up Soft Trunks: Flexible, lightweight, and collapsible. Great for camps that require soft luggage, flights, or families with limited extra space.
Soft trunks won’t double as furniture or last a lifetime, but they’re easy to carry and store. Pick the one that fits your camper’s needs—and your available space.
No matter your choice, the goal stays the same: equip your camper with a packing solution that works for camp life and beyond.
What Size Trunk for Summer Camp?
From left to right: the UnderGrad (bottom left), the Happy Camper (bottom right), and the Graduate (back center).
C&N trunks come in several sizes to match your camper’s needs:
- Happy Camper: Our most popular size. Perfect for most one or two-week camp sessions.
- UnderGrad: A little bigger. Ideal for longer stays or campers who like to bring extra gear.
- Graduate: Our biggest trunk. Built for three weeks or more—or for those campers who pack like pros.
If you’re ready to buy, C&N Camp Trunks come in several sizes to match your camper’s needs. Not sure what size fits best? Search our website for sizing details or reach out; our team is always happy to help.
And don't forget—growth spurts happen. Choosing a slightly larger trunk now might save you from needing to upgrade next summer.
Accessories That Make Camp Life Easier
The trunk is just the beginning. C&N accessories turn it into a full camp command center:
- Wheel Away System: Make heavy trunks easy to move with durable wheels—hard plastic ones that roll smoothly over rough campgrounds.
- LidMate Organizer: Keep toiletries, flashlights, and essentials within reach.
- Trunk Liner: Keeps the interior neat and protected.
- Glide & Go Tray: Adds a removable shelf for smaller items.
- Nameplates, LidSkinz, and Stickers: Personalize your camper’s trunk to reflect their style.
These add-ons are essential to helping kids stay organized, prepared, and ready for whatever camp throws their way.
Your Search for the Right Camp Trunk Ends Here
If your camp allows it and your camper’s travel plans make sense for it, a camp trunk is one of the best investments you can make. It’s practical, protective, and built to last for years of camp memories.
But it’s not for everyone. If your camper is flying, if your camp prohibits trunks, or if your home doesn’t have space for off-season stowaway, a soft trunk or duffel may be a smarter fit.
No matter what you choose, the goal is simple: give your camper a container that makes camp life easier, keeps their belongings safe, and helps them feel at home—even when they’re miles away.
Ready to Pack?
Explore our full lineup of C&N Camp Trunks and soft-sided alternatives. Whether you need the durability of steel or the flexibility of fabric, Everything Summer Camp has you covered.
Buy once and use it for years! Our footlockers are built for summers to come, for seasons upon seasons.
And if you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is made up of former campers, parents, and gear experts who love helping families find the perfect fit. We’re here to make your summer prep smooth, stress-free, and—most importantly—fun.
Happy Camping!