Going to camp is a great experience and can create great memories. However, deciding what to pack can be very stressful, as you might not always know what you're going to be doing. Read this article for some helpful tips and pointers about what to bring with you.

Summer Camp Packing List for Girls

  1. 1
    Dress for comfort and confidence. As for clothing, you want to feel confident in the clothes you wear. Pack your favorite outfit and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or wet.
    • You're at camp to have fun and be active, not to model your entire wardrobe, so bring clothes that are great for activities and don't worry about looking like a fashion model. While you should be prepared, there is no need to pack excessive amounts of clothing.
  2. 2
    Start with socks and underwear. Pack one set for each day, plus several extras, especially if your going to be getting wet or dirty.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Bring suitable sleepwear:
    • Short pyjamas for hot weather
    • Long pyjama pants in case it gets cold
    • A dressing gown or onesie to wear over the top
  4. 4
    Pack comfortable bottoms. Bring shorts, leggings or capri pants for daily activities. You should bring a decent amount to get you through the camp session, although you will be able to re-wear items as long as they smell acceptable and aren't dirty. In terms of variety it's wise to bring:
    • Denim or athletic shorts. Soft shorts make for great swimsuit covers, and to sleep in since they're comfortable and light.
    • Some camps do not allow shorts, and if that is the case, bring some comfortable capris! If, for whatever reason, you cannot find capris, pick some longer pants and hem them to your desired length.
    • Leggings/jogging pants, in case it is too cold for shorts.
    • Jeans may not be acceptable for activities, but feel free to bring some for evenings/free time.
  5. 5
    Pick your tops. As for tops, just remember to be comfortable and wear what you like. The most practical option for day wear are probably simple t-shirts or tank tops. Bring a sweater in case of cold weather, and maybe some nicer tops for the evenings.
  6. 6
    Bring suitable footwear. You will probably need a few pairs of shoes for your trip away. The following should cover all activities:
    • Walking boots or athletic sneakers for activities
    • Sneakers such as converse or slip-ons for free time
    • Flip-flops will come in useful for showers or the lake/pool
    • Depending on activities, you may want a pair of dressier flats or sandals
  7. 7
    Keep your hair supplies and options simple. You will probably just want simple, casual hair styles. Perhaps a high ponytail, or natural and down. Bring lots of ponytail holders and stretchy headbands for those sporty activities. Bobby pins also help keep bangs out of your face. You won't need heat styling tools, but a hairdryer may be useful (if there's a place to plug it in, of course). You could also bring your usual styling products, and don't forget shampoo and conditioner.
    • Bring sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.
  8. 8
    Remember to bring toiletries too! You will need toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, face wash, moisturizer, deodorant, hair brush and sunscreen.
    • You probably won't want to wear make-up, because you will probably be running around, but if you do you can bring a small amount: maybe just some concealer and lip balm. Also think about tampons or pads.
    • Bring sunscreen for sun protection.
  9. 9
    Pack extras as allowed. Finally, here are a few optional extras you may want to bring along:
    • Books or magazines
    • Tech products: camera, cell phone, chargers (most camps prohibit these, so they may be confiscated until the end of the week)
    • Snacks such as candy, drinks and cereal bars (again, most camps don't allow these as food attracts unwanted visitors, such as raccoons and ants)
  10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Should I bring sunglasses?
    Kami the great
    Kami the great
    Community Answer
    It would be ideal to bring sunglasses. The sun can damage your eyes, so make sure your sunglasses are UV protective.
  • Question
    What if at summer camp there are no outlets, so you can't plug anything in or charge anything? What should you do?
    Kami the great
    Kami the great
    Community Answer
    First of all, limit your phone time, so your battery will last as long as possible. Also, bring a powerbank that can charge your phone more than once.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have no pretty clothes for camp and I'm not allowed to buy new clothes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Don't worry, it's unnecessary to have pretty clothes as they could get ruined through camp activities. When packing, ask yourself these questions: Will I be embarrassed if I wear this? Am I okay for this item of clothing to get trashed? Is it suitable? Do I like it?
Advertisement

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 33 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 36,161 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 33
Updated: March 17, 2023
Views: 36,161
Categories: Camping | Travel Packing
Advertisement