Packing for camp isn’t just about shoving clothes into a trunk—it’s strategy, creativity, and hard-won wisdom from families who’ve been there. We gathered their best advice and pinned it all on one big board of inspiration. From clever hacks to heartfelt reminders, these tips help you pack smart, stress less, and send your camper off with confidence.
Tips for Packing
We made a video on packing tips for summer camp! Watch here.
Make a Check List
Always make a check list of everything you bring and label personal items. Save this list in a pocket or drawer and check again before leaving so nothing gets left behind.
Bring Extra Socks
One thing you will need at camp is socks. I always lost mine, so bring extra!
Bug Spray and Sunscreen
Pack plenty of sunscreen and bug spray—you’ll need it. It keeps burns and mosquito bites from ruining your fun.
Pack With A Plan
Decide where everything will go before you pack. It saves time and space.
Pack Extra Clothing
Don’t pack anything you’d be upset about losing or ruining. Camp laundry is rough!
Packing Cubes Make a Tidy Trunk
Use cubes to keep things neat and easy to find.
No Need to Over-Pack
Don’t overpack clothes—you’ll live in your swimsuit a lot of the time.
Send Care Packages
Hold back a few fun items and send them later in care packages—kids love surprise mail.
Limit Your Packing
Bring only what you’ll use—usually a trunk, backpack, and day bag is plenty.
Lists Prevent Over-Packing
Make a list, then edit it down—most kids won’t use half of what they bring.
Organize Clothing With Packing Cubes
Use cubes to sort by type. Place them in cubbies—no messy stacks!
Extra Storage
Pack socks in your riding helmet—fill every space you can!
Packing Cubes Are Essential
Roll shirts and pack in cubes—everything fits and stays neat.
Easy Packing
Pack clothing groups—T-shirts, pajamas, etc.—in jumbo slider storage bags to make packing and unpacking easier.
Get Your Camper Involved in Packing
Show kids their items before packing so they recognize everything at camp.
Know Your Packing List
Follow the official packing list. Collapsible trunks with wheels are amazing!
Packing For Young Campers
Pack each day’s clothes in labeled zip bags—kids keep track better that way.
Tips for Packing
I have one of the leading parenting channels on YouTube — we made a video last year on tips for packing for summer camp!
Bring Extra Socks
I’m the biggest over-packer — bring extra socks. They disappear faster than you think.
Get Dirty
Don't be afraid to try new things — you're at camp. Pack clothes you don't mind getting messy.
Bug Spray and Sunscreen
Pack plenty of sunscreen and bug spray — extras too. Mosquitoes and sunburns will ruin a day fast.
Pack With A Plan
Have a plan where everything will go in trunks/bags before you pack. It saves time and uses space efficiently.
Extra Storage
Stuff small items into extra pockets — socks in helmets, shoes, or small nooks. More stowage = less chaos.
Pack Extra Clothing
Don't pack anything irreplaceable. Camp is messy and laundry mixes stuff — pre-wash new colored items before packing.
Packing Cubes Make A Tidy Trunk
Use packing cubes — they keep things neat, easy to find, and speed up dressing & put-away.
Limit Your Packing
Stick to one trunk, one duffel/backpack — fold tightly and only pack essentials for activities you’ll actually do.
Lists Prevent Over-Packing
Make a master list, cut items as you go. Pack for the days you’ll be at camp — keep activity gear minimal.
Don't Pack Perishables
No food or moisture-packed items in trunks — perishables and leaks are a recipe for a ruined trunk.
Organize Clothing With Packing Cubes
Use cubes (clear or colored) to keep clothing types together — makes laundry and finding outfits easy.
Packing Cubes Are Essential
Cubes are lifesavers — roll shirts and stack by type so outfits are simple to assemble each morning.
Get Your Camper Involved in Packing
Show your child their things before packing so they know what laundry bags and gear look like at camp.
Know Your Packing List
Follow the official packing list — pop-up trunks or wheeled trunks can be a game-changer depending on camp rules.
Packing For Young Campers
For younger kids: pack each day’s outfit in a labeled zip bag — staff can grab extras quickly and kids stay organized.
Bring Entertainment
Long travel? Pack books or activity kits for the ride — but expect camp to provide entertainment once you arrive.
Pack in Reverse
Load the trunk so what you need first is on top: bedding, then shower caddy & hygiene, then outfits & smalls.
Packing for Younger Kids
One labeled gallon bag per day (plus extras). Staff can grab a full change fast when needed.
Coordinate Clothing
Pick a simple color scheme so every top matches every bottom—zero decision fatigue at 7am.
Duffle Bags
Sturdy trunk + duffle + backpack covers overflow that won’t fit in the trunk.
Towels
Bring thinner, quick-dry towels in humid climates; plush never dries between uses.
Sticker IDs
Decorate trunks & bottles with stickers for instant ID (and still label everything).
String Lights
Battery string lights, clip-on fans, reading lights, photos & Command hooks = cozy bunk vibes.
Accessories
Bandanas, wigs, face paint, colored tees, socks & shades—spirit gear for theme nights.
Set Aside Camp Items
Collect camp-only gear in a clear bin year-round; when it’s time, packing’s half done.
Extra Clothing
Pack a few outfits you won’t mind getting wrecked—some activities get messy.
Zipties
Zip-tie trunk zippers for transit—prevents accidental opening or tampering.
Toiletries (Leak-Proof)
Wrap bottles with Press’n Seal, put “wet” items in a box, then bag the box—no leaks in transit.
Packing Cubes
Cubes add structure and squeeze more into tight trunks without chaos.
Ziplock Bags (Boys)
Pre-matched outfits in ziplocks = fast changes & no “where are my shorts?”
Plan Outfits
Complete outfits in XL ziplocks with dates—decision-free mornings.
Pack Early
Start packing early and show campers where items live—avoids duplicate buys at camp.
Backpacks
A small backpack is clutch for evening programs—hands free, essentials close.
Storage Cubes
Fabric cubes hold swimsuits & “hard-to-fold” stuff—lift from trunk straight into cubbies.
Packing (Smalls)
Put underwear in mesh lingerie bags—easy to pack, grab, and keep together.
Pack Warm Clothing
Include extra socks & a warm PJ set—chilly nights happen even in summer.
Don’t Forget Crocs
Crocs work for showers, pools, and around camp. Ours even became a signed keepsake at the end.
Bring an Instrument
If you play one, pack it! Talent shows are more fun when you’ve got your own guitar or uke.
Care Packages
Hide party supplies or bunk junk in luggage. Label FOR COUNSELORS ONLY with the open date.
If You Think You Need It
Pack it. Better to have than wish you did when you’re at camp with no extras.
Don’t Wait to Pack
Start packing as soon as you have the list. A little each day saves last-minute panic.
Less is More
Too much stuff = too much to track. Keep it lean so campers can focus on fun.
Packing List
Follow the list exactly. Cross off what goes unused each year and save it in the trunk for next time.
Packing & Labeling
Have kids help pack and label. They’ll know what they own and where to find it.
Leave Notes
Tuck little notes into books, shirts, or journals. Sweet surprises keep homesickness at bay.
Label Everything
Every sock, every pen—if it can walk off, it will. Sharpie it or use labels.
Bedding
Pack bedding inside the laundry bag so it’s ready to grab and set up first thing.
Toiletries
Use a small mesh laundry bag for toiletries. It airs them out and keeps them together.
Giant Packing Cubes
Use giant zip cubes: bedding in one, clothes in another. Nothing shifts, everything unpacks easy.
Every note on this board comes from real camp families who’ve lived the adventure. Grab the tips that fit your camper, try a few new tricks, and make packing part of the excitement. Once the trunk closes, the memories are just beginning—and this board makes sure you’re ready for every step of the journey.