When kids head off to summer camp, their bunk becomes their little corner of the world. After long days packed with swimming, hiking, and nonstop fun, a comfortable bed setup helps them recharge for the next round.
Summer camp bedding doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to feel familiar. Re-creating a touch of “home” goes a long way toward easing nerves and promoting better sleep. A soft fitted sheet, a cozy blanket or lightweight trail bag, and a pillow that feels like home are all they really need. Toss in a couple of bunk accessories, like a small throw or pillow cover, and you’ve got the perfect mix of comfort and practicality.
Comfort plays a bigger role than you might think. The first few nights of camp can feel overwhelming, especially for new campers adjusting to new faces, schedules, and sounds. A soft throw or favorite pillow can provide an emotional anchor. It's something familiar to hold onto while everything else feels new. It’s not just about sleeping well; it’s about feeling safe, grounded, and ready to take on each day’s adventure.
2. The Sheets vs. Sleeping Bags Debate
The great camp bedding question: should you send camp sheets, a sleep sack, or both? The answer depends on your camper and the camp environment.
Sheets work best when cabins are warm or air-conditioned and the mattresses have vinyl or waterproof covers. They’re easy to wash and feel like home. Mummy or rectangle bags, meanwhile, are a classic for good reason—they’re convenient, compact, and ideal for cooler nights or outdoor slumbers.
Some parents find the perfect middle ground: fitted sheet on the mattress, bedroll unzipped as a blanket on top. It’s the best of both worlds. Easy to make, easy to clean, and comfortable no matter the weather.
If your camper is prone to kicking off the covers, a lightweight sleeping bag might be easier to manage. For those who run warm, sheets and a light cover make a great combo. The goal is flexibility so your camper can rest comfortably whether the cabin feels like a sauna or a breeze tunnel.
3. Weather-Ready Summer Camp Bedding
Summer nights are unpredictable. It’s warm and muggy one evening, cool and breezy the next. The trick to keeping your camper comfortable? Layering.
- Base: breathable cotton or microfiber sheet
- Middle: lightweight blanket or sleep sack
- Extra: fleece or flannel throw for cooler nights
Avoid bulky quilts or heavy comforters. That stuff takes up valuable trunk space and traps heat. Stick to lightweight, breathable materials that dry quickly and pack easily.
The same logic goes for camp apparel. Breathable pajamas, sweatshirts, or tees that double as sleepwear make bedtime simpler and more comfortable. If your camper’s heading to a humid Southern camp, quick-dry fabrics that resist mildew and feel cool against the skin are a win both for bedding and nighttime apparel.
4. Bedding and Bags That Work Hard at Camp
Everything at camp must earn its keep—especially bedding. It’ll face humidity, quick-dry laundry cycles, snack crumbs, and who-knows-what else. Go for durable, machine-washable materials that can handle a little abuse.
Skip any bunk stuff that needs delicate care or special washing. Send bedding that can be tossed in with towels and come out fine. Many parents pack older sets or simple, solid-color ones that won’t show stains.
A waterproof bedding mattress pad is a quiet hero. It adds comfort while protecting against spills, humidity, or leaky water bottles. And don’t overlook sleeping bags. They’re ideal for campers who like to stay snug or for cooler nights when blankets just don’t cut it. A lightweight, easy-to-roll trail bag can double as both bedding and blanket, making it a versatile backup if laundry day takes too long.
An extra pillowcase or throw can save the day when something inevitably gets dirty. Label all bedding, sleeping bags, apparel, and accessories with permanent markers or laundry-safe labels so your camper’s gear doesn’t vanish in the communal wash.
5. The Finishing Touches: Personal Comfort
Finally, make the bed feel like theirs! A few thoughtful accessories turn a plain bunk into a cozy haven that feels like home.
Let your camper pick out a pillowcase, a cover, or even bring along a small stuffed animal. Some parents slip a handwritten note under the pillow—a quiet reminder that home isn’t far away. We’ve got it all on our online one-stop shop for all things summer camp.
Beyond décor, your camper’s bunk plays a role in their routine. After days filled with activities and excitement, a familiar bedtime ritual helps kids unwind. Encourage them to straighten their sheets, fluff the pillow, or journal before lights out. That small act of “settling in” helps signal to their brain that the day’s over and rest has begun.
The key is balance: enough comfort to feel settled, but not so much that packing or cleanup becomes complicated.
Good bedding does more than just offer rest, it anchors your camper in a new environment. When they climb under the covers each night, they’ll feel safe, rested, and ready for another day of camp.
Shop all the right stuff to make your camper's bunk feel like the lap of luxury and get these items crossed off your packing list!
Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!
- John
