After a full day of swimming, hiking, and nonstop activity, a good night's sleep isn't optional — it's how campers recharge and show up ready to do it all over again. The right bedding makes a real difference. Not just for comfort, but for helping a new camper feel settled and at home in a bunk that isn't theirs yet.
At Everything Summer Camp, we carry sleepaway camp bedding in every size and style, from fitted cot sheets to cozy blankets to mattress pads and pillows. Here's a breakdown of what's available and how to put together the right setup for your camper.
Sleepaway Camp Bedding: Essentials and Extras
A good camp bedding setup doesn't need to be complicated. Start with the basics: sheets sized correctly for your camper's mattress, a blanket or two, and a pillow. Then layer in a few extras based on your camper's comfort preferences and what the camp recommends. Here's what we carry and what each piece does.
Camp Sheets
Sheets are the foundation of any camp bedding setup, and sizing matters more than most parents expect. Camp mattresses often aren't standard twin. Many are cot-size or narrow twin, which means a regular twin sheet will be too loose and won't stay put. We carry sheets in cot, twin, and twin XL sizes to match whatever your camper's bunk requires. Check your camp's packing list before ordering; they'll usually specify.
Camp Comforters and Blankets
Summer camp cabins aren't air conditioned, which means they stay warm, sometimes very warm. A thick, heavy comforter isn't the right call. What works best is a layering system: a lightweight fleece blanket for most nights, with a warmer wool blanket available for cooler evenings. Two blankets give your camper options without taking up much trunk space.
We also carry personalized fleece blankets with name embroidery, a practical touch that prevents mix-ups at laundry time and makes the bunk feel a little more personal. For campers who spend time outdoors, our durable outdoor blankets from brands like Kelty, Rumpl, Therm-A-Rest, and ENO are made of nylon or ripstop, tough enough for the trail, comfortable enough for an afternoon nap on the grass.
Mattress Pads & Protectors
Camp mattresses are functional, but they're not exactly plush. A mattress pad adds a meaningful layer of comfort, and a mattress protector keeps everything cleaner and drier throughout the session. Our Cabin Comfort Memory Foam Egg Crate Mattress Pad is a favorite for campers who want that extra cushion, and our mattress protectors guard against spills, humidity, and the general wear of camp life.
Pillows & Pillowcases for Camp
Even if the camp supplies pillows, many campers sleep better with their own. A familiar pillow is a small but real comfort, especially for first-timers adjusting to a new environment. Pack at least two pillowcases so one can be in the laundry while the other is on the bunk. Our autograph pillowcase is a camp favorite: campers collect signatures from cabinmates and counselors all session long, turning it into a keepsake by the time they head home.
Cuddly Extras
A small stuffed animal or cozy throw can do more for a new camper's first few nights than any piece of gear on the packing list. Something familiar from home, something soft to hold onto when the cabin feels a little too quiet, goes a long way. We carry plush pillows, iScream fleece pillows, and soft extras that make a bunk feel genuinely cozy rather than just functional.
Summer Camp Bedding FAQs
Most campers bring a set of sheets (fitted and flat), one or two blankets, a pillow with extra pillowcases, and optionally a mattress pad. Some also pack a sleeping bag as a backup for cooler nights or outdoor overnights. The camp's packing list is always the best starting point. It'll tell you exactly what's needed and what size.
It varies by camp. Many overnight camps use cot-size mattresses (narrower than a twin), while others use standard twin or twin XL. Always check your camp's packing list before buying sheets: using the wrong size means a fitted sheet that won't stay put and a flat sheet with too much extra fabric.
Not necessarily, but bringing a familiar pillow from home can genuinely help, especially for new campers. Something recognizable at bedtime eases the transition. Pack two pillowcases so there's always a clean one available while the other is being washed.
Both are common, and some camps use cot-size mattresses that are narrower than a standard twin. The only reliable way to know is to check the camp's packing list or contact the camp directly. Buying the wrong size sheets is one of the most common (and easily avoidable) camp prep mistakes.
Camp mattresses are functional but basic. Most are thin foam or vinyl-covered. A mattress pad makes a noticeable difference in comfort, especially for longer sessions. Our memory foam egg crate pad is a popular choice. Even a thin mattress pad is worth packing if your camper is particular about sleep comfort.
Lightweight and layerable is the winning formula. A fleece blanket covers most summer nights, with a warmer wool or thicker blanket available for cooler evenings. Avoid heavy comforters. They take up too much trunk space and are overkill for most camp climates. Two lighter blankets beat one heavy one every time.
It's not always required, but it's a smart addition, especially for younger campers or longer sessions. A waterproof mattress protector guards against spills, humidity, and general camp wear, and keeps the mattress pad and sheets cleaner throughout the session.
Two is usually the sweet spot. A lighter fleece blanket handles most nights, and a warmer option gives campers flexibility when temperatures drop. It also means a backup is available if one ends up in the laundry at the wrong time.
For most cabin-based summer camps, a sleeping bag isn't required. Sheets and blankets do the job. That said, some campers prefer a sleeping bag for simplicity (it's easier to make a bed), and it's a useful backup for outdoor overnight trips or campouts. Check if your camp includes any outdoor overnights in the program.
One set of sheets is usually enough for sessions up to two weeks, since most camps have weekly laundry service. For longer sessions, two sets gives your camper a clean backup while the other is being washed. Pack two pillowcases regardless of session length; they're small and easy to rotate.
Label every piece: sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and any mattress pad. Iron-on or stick-on name labels work well on fabric. Mark in a consistent location (corner of sheets, inside edge of blankets) so it's easy to spot in a communal laundry pile. Everything Summer Camp carries a full range of name labels made specifically for camp gear.
For sheets, brushed microfiber is a top choice. It's soft, lightweight, dries quickly, and holds up well through repeated washing. Cotton is also great for warm nights. For blankets, fleece is lightweight and breathable; wool adds warmth without bulk. Avoid anything heavy, slow to dry, or requiring special washing. Camp laundry conditions are not gentle.
