The Ultimate Camp Packing Checklist
Everything your child needs for camp—organized by camp type, with tips for what NOT to pack and how to keep track of belongings.
Rule #1: Follow Your Camp's List
Every camp provides a specific packing list. Use it as your primary guide.This resource supplements their list with tips and catches common oversights.
🏕️Overnight Camp Checklist (1-2 Weeks)
Clothing
- □ T-shirts (8-10)
- □ Shorts (4-5)
- □ Long pants/jeans (2)
- □ Underwear (10+)
- □ Socks (10+ pairs)
- □ Pajamas (2-3 sets)
- □ Sweatshirts/hoodies (2)
- □ Swimsuits (2-3)
- □ Rain jacket
- □ Warm jacket/fleece
- □ Sun hat/baseball cap
Footwear
- □ Sneakers/athletic shoes (2 pairs)
- □ Sandals with back straps
- □ Flip flops (for shower)
- □ Water shoes (if required)
- □ Hiking boots (if hiking program)
Bedding
- □ Sleeping bag OR sheets + blanket
- □ Pillow + pillowcase
- □ Mattress pad (optional comfort)
Toiletries
- □ Toothbrush + toothpaste
- □ Shampoo + conditioner
- □ Body wash/soap
- □ Deodorant
- □ Hairbrush/comb
- □ Hair ties (if needed)
- □ Shower caddy/bag
Sun & Bug Protection
- □ Sunscreen (SPF 30+, labeled)
- □ Lip balm with SPF
- □ Bug spray (DEET or natural)
- □ After-sun lotion
- □ Sunglasses
Towels & Linens
- □ Bath towels (2-3)
- □ Beach/pool towel
- □ Washcloths (3-4)
Extras & Easy-to-Forget Items
- □ Flashlight + extra batteries
- □ Water bottle (labeled!)
- □ Laundry bag for dirty clothes
- □ Plastic bags (for wet/dirty items)
- □ Stationery + pre-addressed envelopes
- □ Stamps
- □ Books/magazines
- □ Deck of cards/travel games
- □ Small comfort item from home
- □ Photos of family/pets
- □ Watch (non-smart)
- □ Day pack/small backpack
🌅Day Camp Daily Bag
Daily Essentials (in a labeled backpack):
- □ Water bottle (full, labeled)
- □ Sunscreen (applied before, pack for reapplication)
- □ Change of clothes (in case of water play or accidents)
- □ Swimsuit + towel (if swimming)
- □ Hat for sun protection
- □ Lunch + snacks (if not provided)
- □ Any required medications
- □ Bug spray
- □ Light jacket/sweatshirt
Day Camp Pro Tips:
- • Apply sunscreen BEFORE leaving home—it takes 15 min to activate
- • Pack everything in a labeled, easy-to-carry backpack
- • Include a plastic bag for wet swimsuits
- • Write child's name on EVERYTHING (it will get mixed up)
🏔️Adventure & Wilderness Camps
In addition to standard overnight items, adventure camps typically require:
Additional Gear:
- □ Hiking boots (broken in!)
- □ Hiking socks (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
- □ Daypack (15-20L)
- □ Headlamp + extra batteries
- □ Sleeping pad (if camping)
- □ Quick-dry clothing
- □ Rain gear (jacket + pants)
- □ Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)
- □ Buff/bandana
- □ Personal first aid kit basics
- □ Whistle
Important:
Wilderness programs often provide technical gear (tents, cooking equipment, safety gear). Check with your specific camp—don't buy expensive gear you may not need.
🏆Sports & Specialty Camps
Standard packing list PLUS sport-specific items. Check with your camp for exact requirements:
Soccer/Football
Cleats, shin guards, multiple sets of athletic clothes
Tennis
Racket, tennis shoes (non-marking soles), athletic wear
Dance/Gymnastics
Leotards, dance shoes/slippers, hair supplies
Horseback Riding
Long pants, boots with heels, helmet (or use camp's)
🚫What NOT to Pack
- ✗ Electronics - phones, tablets, gaming devices (most camps ban them)
- ✗ Food - attracts animals, violates allergy policies
- ✗ Expensive jewelry - will get lost or damaged
- ✗ Anything irreplaceable - favorite stuffed animal that can't be duplicated
- ✗ Cash/valuables - beyond small spending money if camp allows
- ✗ Weapons of any kind - including pocket knives unless specifically permitted
- ✗ Anything not on the camp's list
💡Packing Pro Tips
Label Everything
Use permanent marker, iron-on labels, or a laundry marker. Include first AND last name. Camps have lost-and-found bins full of unlabeled clothing.
Use a Duffel Bag, Not Hard Luggage
Duffel bags fit under bunks and in camp trunks. Hard suitcases don't fit in cabin storage.
Pack Together
Have your child help pack. They'll know where things are and feel ownership over their belongings.
Don't Overpack
More stuff = more to lose. Stick to the camp's list. They'll do laundry or you can send a care package.
Test Everything First
Make sure the sleeping bag zips, the flashlight works, and the shoes fit. No surprises at camp.
The Bottom Line
The camp's packing list is your bible. This guide fills in gaps and prevents common mistakes. When in doubt, less is more—you can always mail additional items if truly needed. Label everything. And let your child help pack so they own the experience from the start.