Packing for camp is more than just stuffing clothes into a trunk—it's about being prepared, organized, and ready for adventure. From must-have gear and clever storage hacks to little extras that bring comfort and fun, these camper-, parent-, and staff-tested tips will help you get the most out of your camp gear.
Bring An Instrument
Bring an instrument if you play one—guitar, uke, anything portable! I borrowed one for the talent show and wished I'd brought my own.
Get Everybody In On The Fun
Bring themed items (glow sticks for glow party, etc.) for your whole cabin—it's a fast way to bond.
Get Good Gear
Buy quality basics—flashlights, bedding, bins, mat, chair. Ours washed up like new and will last.
Trunks
Don't take a plastic trunk…
Sleeping Bags
Send a sleeping bag for campers who aren't adept at making beds.
Get Good Labels
A sturdy laundry bag + sturdy name labels/stamps are key.
Don't Forget The Games!
Pack a game or book for rest periods.
Pack Warm Clothing
Extra socks and PJs—including a warm set for surprise chilly nights.
Stickers, Stationery, and More
Pack stationery, stickers, fun pens; pre-address and stamp envelopes; send letters early—and keep notes upbeat.
Set Aside Camp Items
Label and stash camp items in a clear bin during the year—it makes packing a breeze.
Rumpl Blankets
Rumpl as a bedspread: dirt brushes off and it dries quickly.
Batteries
Send more batteries than you think—dead fans in summer heat are no fun.
Watches
Wear a watch, especially overnight, so early risers know the time.
Mad Libs
MAD LIBS rule—perfect for rainy days and cabin-wide laughs.
Duffle Bags
Sturdy trunk + (if allowed) a duffle and backpack for overflow—huge help.
Shower Caddy
Bring a shower caddy and a wrap-around towel—hands free and organized.
Egg Crate Foam
Thin mattress? Add an egg crate/topper; pack two sheet sets and a warm blanket.
Accessories
Dress-up gear fuels cabin spirit—beads, sunnies, bandanas, wigs, hats, knee socks, face paint, and color tees.
Quick Dry Towels
Quick-dry towels are thin, pack small, and dry fast—great swap for pool towels.
Drawstring Backpacks
A drawstring backpack kept essentials handy and hands free all day.
Glide & Go Trays
Glide & Go tray = simple extra storage.
Outdoor Accessories
Send a Crazy Creek chair and an ENO hammock—kids love them.
ESC Camp Chairs
ESC Camp Chair = clutch for overnights, campfires, and shows.
Pack for Theme Days
Pack every color tee plus camp logo gear—instant spirit for skits, dances, and contests.
Color Themed Clothing
Have solid colors ready for teams: red, blue, black, yellow, green.
Crocs & Rain Boots
Woodland girls love crocs (sports mode!), stretchy pants, and rain boots.
Polaroid Cameras
Polaroids capture memories and look great hung from fairy lights or in lockers later.
Pack Comfy, Old Clothes
Don't overbuy—send comfy old tees/shorts and let kids get messy.
Pop Up Trunks
Popup trunk with duffle attachment organized bedding perfectly and stayed light.
Customize Your Trunk
Use a Cricut to cut vinyl name decals—easy custom trunk flair.
The Perfect Spot for Stickers
Your trunk is the perfect place for stickers!
Choosing a Backpack
Skip drawstrings—they overfill, break, and dig into shoulders.
Cheap Shirts
Old Navy's $5 tees are perfect—some clothes won't make it home.
Decorating Your Trunk
Hire a local artist for a custom-painted trunk—ours by Marc Fresh was amazing.
Entertainment During Quiet Time
Bring books or a bracelet kit for quiet time.
Peace & Quiet With Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones help with a noisy bunkmate (and don't be the noisy one!).
Know Your Packing List
Follow the list! Trunks with wheels are great; popup/collapsible trunks were amazing.
Backpacks With Pockets
For young campers, choose backpacks with lots of pockets to stay organized.
Stationery
Fill-in-the-blank stationery encourages more frequent letters home.
The right gear doesn't just get you through camp—it makes the experience smoother, more comfortable, and way more fun. Whether it's sturdy trunks, cozy bedding, or quirky extras that make cabin life easier, these tips prove that a little forethought goes a long way. Pack smart, pack with spirit, and let camp memories take care of the rest.
