A complete summer camp packing list for girls is one of those things that feels manageable when you start it in May and slightly overwhelming when you realize drop-off is in two weeks and you still have not labeled a single pair of socks. I have been through this enough times to have a system, and this is it — every item your daughter needs organized by category, all available on Amazon and all either tested personally or recommended consistently enough that I trust them. Everything in the image above is included, plus a few extras that experienced camp moms know to add.

If you also have a son heading to camp this summer, the summer camp packing list for boys has the complete counterpart list.

The Trunk and Bunk Setup

The bunk setup is the foundation of a happy camp experience. A girl who can find her things, keep her space reasonably organized and feel at home in her little corner of the cabin is going to have a significantly better time.

The Trunk

A floral camp trunk with gold hardware is the item that sets the aesthetic tone for everything else. The rose floral print with rose gold hardware is beautiful, holds everything and is sturdy enough for weeks of camp use. Confirm the size requirements with your specific camp — most have a standard footlocker size — and label the exterior with her full name on both the top and the side.

Bunk Caddy

A pink bunk bed caddy or hanging organizer that clips to the bed frame keeps all the small things accessible without cluttering the bunk. Chapstick, a book, a flashlight, her journal, hair ties — everything that would otherwise end up under the mattress has a home. Look for one with multiple pocket sizes and a sturdy clip that fits most standard bunk rails.

Storage Basket

A small white storage bin or basket for the shelf above or beside her bunk corrals sunscreen, snacks, a fan and whatever extras accumulate over the session. Simple, practical and inexpensive enough that it does not matter if it comes home a little worse for wear.

Pop-Up Laundry Hamper

A pop-up mesh laundry hamper in lavender or pink is one of those items that makes a real functional difference. It collapses flat for the drive to camp, pops open immediately and gives her a designated spot for dirty clothes so clean and dirty never get mixed up in the trunk. The mesh construction means athletic clothes can breathe instead of developing that particular camp-laundry scent.

Wall Hooks

Removable adhesive wall hooks beside the bunk for towels, bags and jackets are something veteran camp moms add to every list. Four hooks is the right number — one for a towel, one for a bag, one for a jacket and one that will inevitably hold six things at once.

Drawstring Bag

An L.L. Bean or canvas drawstring backpack in a neutral cream or natural tone is the perfect camp day bag — light enough to not matter, big enough to hold a towel and sunscreen, stylish enough that she will actually want to use it. A floral drawstring bag as a secondary option for activities or the waterfront gives her choices.

sleepaway summer camp packing list

Clothing and Footwear

Pack more than you think you need. Label every single item before it leaves the house.

Everyday Clothes

Athletic shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and breezy casual clothes make up the bulk of camp wardrobes. Pack for the full length of the session plus several extras — she will need clean clothes for activities, for dinner and for the nights when a wardrobe change happens for no identifiable reason. Two sweatshirts minimum, one for cooler evenings around the campfire and one that she will wear every single day until it needs washing.

Pack enough underwear and socks for the entire session without relying on laundry — at minimum two pairs per day plus a few extras. These are the things that disappear fastest.

Footwear — Three Types

Lavender or pink sneakers for activities, sports and everyday camp wear. Skechers consistently makes comfortable, supportive girls’ sneakers that hold up well to heavy daily use and come in the prettiest colors.

New Balance white or neutral sneakers as a second pair — a slightly cleaner, more versatile option for special events, capture the flag evenings or the days when she wants to look slightly more put-together. New Balance 574 and similar styles are popular at camp because they are genuinely comfortable across all-day wear.

Pink water sandals with ankle support for the waterfront, creek activities and any wet terrain. The closed-toe style with a secure ankle strap is what camp counselors recommend because it protects feet on rocky waterfront areas.

Chunky slide sandals for the shower house and casual bunk time. These are the shoes that never go anywhere important but get worn constantly at camp because they are easy to slip on for the walk to the bathroom at midnight or a quick trip to the canteen.

Rain Jacket

A Columbia zip-up rain jacket in coral or salmon pink is a camp essential that most families forget until it rains on day three. Camp continues through rain — outdoor activities, hikes and waterfront all happen in light to moderate rain — and a packable, waterproof layer makes all of that manageable rather than miserable.

Swimsuits

Pack at least three. Wet suits need a full day to dry at camp and rotating through three means she always has something dry available. Label the interior of each one.

Hair and Beauty

This is where the girls’ camp list has a whole category the boys’ list does not need.

Hair Accessories

A set of coiled spiral hair ties in multiple colors and a generous pack of satin or velvet scrunchies in pastel tones are the two hair accessories every girl needs at camp. Pack at least 10-12 of each because they travel into the lake, get left behind at the waterfront and are the most commonly traded item in any girls’ cabin. The coil style is especially good for active days because it holds without creasing.

Hairbrush

A Goody ouchless brush in a fun color — pack two. One for the shower kit and one for the bunk caddy. Girls go through hairbrushes at camp the same way boys go through socks.

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase

A Kitsch satin pillowcase is one of those additions that sounds like a luxury until you see how much better her hair looks after sleeping on it for a few weeks. It reduces frizz, prevents breakage and is genuinely kinder to hair that is getting washed in camp shower water and air-dried in humidity. This one is worth including for any girl who cares about her hair.

Lighted Makeup Mirror

A small LED makeup mirror that stands on the shelf is a much-loved addition for older girls. Camp cabin lighting is universally terrible and a small lighted mirror for getting ready for evening activities makes a real difference.

Toiletries and Personal Care

Shower Setup

A pink hanging toiletry organizer with hook that holds full-size bottles and multiple compartments is the shower house essential. Look for one with a swivel hook so it can hang from any surface, a clear bottom compartment for drainage and enough space for shampoo, conditioner, body wash and face wash.

A second pink cosmetic pouch and a floral travel makeup bag for the trunk keep everything organized in layers — shower supplies in the hanging caddy, everyday toiletries in the small pouch and backup or less-used items in the larger bag.

Skincare and Lip Care

EOS 2-in-1 moisture body wash simplifies the shower routine to one product, which matters in communal shower houses with limited shelf space. The scented versions make showers feel genuinely nice even when the facilities are basic.

Glossier lip products or tinted balm and Burt’s Bees original lip balm — pack at least four total across styles. Lip balm disappears at camp at an alarming rate. Start with more than you think she needs.

WaterWipes sensitive skin wipes in the 60-count pack are gentler than regular cleansing wipes for girls who have more sensitive skin and are especially useful for face cleansing on nights when the shower feels too far away.

Deodorant

Native deodorant in a gentle, pleasant scent — lavender or coconut vanilla are both popular choices that smell wonderful without being overpowering in a shared cabin. Pack two.

Toothbrush

A 4-pack of Oral-B toothbrushes in pink — one for the shower kit, one backup in the trunk and two spares. Camp toothbrushes get dropped on shower floors, lost and forgotten. Having extras costs almost nothing and saves real frustration.

Poo-Pourri

Poo-Pourri Before You Go spray goes in the shower kit for any girl old enough to be self-conscious in shared bathrooms, which is most girls by about age nine. This is the gift you give both your daughter and every other person in that shared bathroom situation. Non-negotiable.

Sun Protection and Essentials

Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70 is the sunscreen dermatologists recommend most for face protection — it goes on without feeling greasy, does not break girls out and disappears under makeup or as a standalone. For body, Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50 is a consistently well-reviewed option that applies lightly enough that girls will actually use it.

Pack two of each for a two-week session.

Water Bottle

An Owala FreeSip water bottle in purple or lavender is a camp staple. The freesip spout is spill-resistant, it keeps water cold for hours and it is durable enough for daily camp use. Label the bottom with her full name before it leaves the house — water bottles are the single most commonly lost item at camp.

Portable Fan

A small pink rechargeable handheld fan that stands on a desk or bedside shelf is genuinely appreciated at camp in warm climates. Cabins are hot, afternoon rest period is warm and having a personal fan makes the difference between a comfortable rest hour and a miserable one.

Tech and Electronics

Check your camp’s electronics policy carefully. Many overnight camps restrict devices during the session — know the rules before packing.

Charging and Power

A white extension cord or power strip is essential because camp cabin outlets are always in the wrong place and always insufficient for the number of devices in a modern girl’s kit. A compact strip with three to four outlets handles everything.

An AirTag in a silicone case tucked into the trunk is one of the most genuinely reassuring things you can pack. If the trunk ends up on the wrong bus home or gets temporarily misplaced at session end, you know exactly where it is. The silicone case protects it and makes it easy to attach.

AirPods for camps that allow personal audio devices — for rest period, for the drive home and for the evenings when she wants to listen to music in the cabin.

Comfort and Sleep

A Carizy cozy cooling blanket that rolls up compactly is perfect for camp because it provides warmth without overheating — great for cool evenings around the campfire, air-conditioned dining halls and the early morning hours when cabin temperatures drop. The cooling fabric technology means it is comfortable across a wide temperature range.

Snacks

A well-stocked snack supply in the trunk is something every camp girl appreciates deeply, especially during the long stretches between meals and on late evenings when the dining hall is closed.

MadeGood Soft Baked Mini Cookies are allergy-friendly, genuinely delicious and the kind of snack that gets shared in the cabin and makes your daughter the most popular person in her bunk. Clif Kid ZBars provide real energy for active camp days without the sugar crash.

Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies are a savory option that balances all the sweet snacks and hold up beautifully in a warm cabin. Justin’s Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs are a protein hit in individual portions — no spoon, no mess, no refrigeration needed. That’s It Mini Fruit Bars in strawberry are made from two ingredients, taste like a treat and feel like a slightly healthier choice when the protein bar supply runs low.

Organization Extras

Ziploc gallon storage bags and quart slider bags are unsung camp heroes. They keep wet swimsuits contained, separate clean clothes from dirty ones in the trunk, protect electronics from humidity and organize snacks for day trips. Pack one box of each.

Floral luggage tags on the trunk, the drawstring bag and any other item that travels separately ensure everything can be identified at a glance even without digging for a name label.

A gold spiral journal or notebook for the girl who likes to write, draw or process her camp experience on paper is a small but meaningful addition. Many girls come home from camp with a journal full of memories they would not have if they had not had it to write in.

Complete Girls’ Camp Packing Checklist

summer camp packing list for girls

Bunk and Storage

  • Floral camp trunk with gold hardware
  • Pink bunk hanging caddy
  • Small white storage basket
  • Pop-up mesh laundry hamper
  • Removable adhesive wall hooks (4)
  • Canvas drawstring bag (cream)
  • Floral drawstring bag (secondary)

Clothing

  • Athletic shorts (6-8 pairs)
  • T-shirts (10+)
  • Tank tops (5+)
  • Sweatshirts or hoodies (2)
  • Athletic pants or joggers (2-3)
  • Pajamas (3-4 sets)
  • Underwear (14+ pairs)
  • Socks (14+ pairs)
  • Swimsuits (3)
  • Rain jacket

Footwear

  • Lavender or pink sneakers
  • White/neutral sneakers (New Balance)
  • Pink water sandals
  • Pink slide sandals for the shower

Hair and Beauty

  • Spiral coil hair ties (12+)
  • Scrunchie set
  • Hairbrush (x2)
  • Kitsch satin pillowcase
  • Small LED makeup mirror

Toiletries

  • Pink hanging shower caddy
  • Small toiletry pouch
  • Floral cosmetic bag
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body wash (EOS 2-in-1)
  • Deodorant (x2)
  • Lip balm (4+)
  • WaterWipes (60 count)
  • Oral-B toothbrushes (4 pack)
  • Toothpaste
  • Face wash
  • Poo-Pourri

Sun and Comfort

  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 70 (x2)
  • Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50 (x2)
  • Owala water bottle (labeled)
  • Pink portable fan
  • Cozy cooling blanket
  • First aid kit

Tech

  • Extension cord or power strip (white)
  • AirTag with case
  • AirPods (if permitted)

Snacks

  • MadeGood mini cookies
  • Clif Kid ZBars
  • Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies
  • Justin’s peanut butter squeeze packs
  • That’s It fruit bars

Organization

  • Ziploc gallon bags
  • Ziploc quart slider bags
  • Floral luggage tags
  • Gold spiral journal

FAQ: Summer Camp Packing List for Girls

How many clothes should I pack for girls’ camp? More than feels necessary. Pack one full outfit per day plus at least four or five extras. Add extra swimsuits, socks and underwear beyond what the math suggests — these are the things that disappear fastest and run out first. When in doubt, add one more.

Do I need to label everything? Every single item. Every piece of clothing, every shoe, every water bottle, every toiletry, every hair tie if possible. Write directly on items with a permanent marker, use iron-on labels for clothing or buy a label maker before camp season. The trunk and all bags should have her full name visible on the exterior.

What is the best trunk for girls’ summer camp? A floral or patterned camp footlocker with reinforced corners and secure latches is both functional and personal. Confirm the exact size dimensions with your camp before ordering — most have specific requirements. Rose gold or brass hardware elevates the look and holds up better than cheap chrome.

What snacks are good to pack for girls at camp? Individually wrapped, non-refrigerated, mess-free options that hold up in a warm cabin. Soft baked mini cookies, protein bars, cracker snacks, peanut butter squeeze packs and fruit bars are all excellent choices. Pack a variety of sweet and savory so she has options depending on what she is craving.

What should not go in a camp trunk? Valuables, expensive jewelry, significant cash and anything irreplaceable. Check your camp’s specific prohibited items list — many camps restrict gaming devices, cameras and social media-capable electronics. Anything you would be upset to lose or have damaged should stay home.

The first time you pack a camp trunk feels like a production and by the third summer it becomes something you can do in an afternoon with a checklist and a labelmaker. Get everything ordered with enough time to wash, label and pack properly before drop-off and send her off knowing she has everything she needs for the best summer. My best advice for the days leading up to camp: let her help pack. She will remember where things are, feel ownership over her space and have one less reason to call home on day two. If you are packing for a son at the same time, the summer camp packing list for boys covers everything he needs in the same organized format.

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