Packing for sleepaway camp means thinking through every detail, and one of the most important items your child will use every single day is their camp caddy. Whether it's their first summer at camp or their fifth, having a well-organized caddy stocked with the right essentials makes bathroom trips easier, keeps toiletries from getting lost, and helps your child feel confident and prepared.

This guide covers everything you need to pack in a camp caddy, how to choose the right one, and tips for staying organized all summer long.

Why Your Child Needs a Camp Caddy

At sleepaway camp, your child will share communal bathrooms with their bunkmates. That means carrying all their toiletries, shower essentials, and personal care items back and forth multiple times a day. A good camp caddy keeps everything in one place, prevents items from getting mixed up with other campers' belongings, and makes bathroom trips quick and stress-free.

Quick-dry, portable caddies with handles or compartments mean your child can grab what they need and go without fumbling through a messy bag or leaving half their stuff behind in the bunk. And with everything clearly labeled and organized, there's less chance of things getting lost in the shuffle.

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What to Pack in a Camp Caddy: The Complete Checklist

Here's everything your child needs in their camp caddy, organized by category. Use this as part of your checklist when packing for camp.

Hair Care

• Shampoo and conditioner – Travel-size bottles or refillable containers work best. Full-size bottles are too heavy and take up unnecessary space.

• Detangling spray or leave-in conditioner – Essential for kids with longer or curly hair. Makes post-swim brushing so much easier.

• Hair brush or wide-tooth comb – A detangling brush prevents breakage and works well on wet hair.

• Hair ties and headbands – Pack extras. They disappear at camp.

• Dry shampoo (optional) – For campers who want to skip a wash day or freshen up between showers.

Body Care

• Body wash or bar soap – Bar soap in a soap case travels easier and doesn't spill. Body wash works too as long as the cap is tight.

• Face wash – A gentle cleanser for morning and night. Sunscreen and dirt buildup is real at camp.

• Loofah or washcloth – Something to lather up with. Replace or wash regularly.

• Razor and shaving cream – For older campers who shave.

Oral Care

• Toothbrush and toothbrush case – A case keeps the toothbrush clean and prevents it from touching everything else in the caddy.

• Toothpaste – Travel-size or a squeezed tube that's easy to pack.

• Floss – Often forgotten, always needed.

• Mouthwash (optional) – Travel-size bottle if your child uses it regularly.

Skin Care

• Sunscreen – Waterproof SPF 30 or higher. Non-negotiable for camp. Reapply throughout the day.

• Moisturizer or lotion – For dry skin or post-sun care.

• Lip balm with SPF – Lips get sunburned too.

• Bug spray – Camps are often in wooded or lakefront areas. 

• After-sun gel or aloe – For inevitable sunburns. Aloe gel is cooling and soothing.

Shower Essentials

• Shower shoes or flip flops – Non-slip soles are key. Communal showers mean your child needs something waterproof and easy to clean. Shop shower shoes.

• Quick-dry towel – Camp towels need to dry fast between uses. Look for microfiber or quick-dry fabric. Browse camp towels here.

• Washcloth or face towel – For washing face or hands.

• Shower cap (optional) – For campers who don't wash their hair every day.

Other Must-Haves

• Deodorant – Non-negotiable for campers of all ages. Active kids need deodorant.

• Nail clippers – For trimming nails.

• Tweezers – For splinters, ticks, or stray hairs.

• Q-tips – For cleaning ears or applying ointment.

• Feminine hygiene products – Pads, tampons. Pack extras.

• Contact lens case and solution – If your child wears contacts. Include a backup pair of glasses in their trunk.

Find travel-size toiletries and bath essentials at Denny's x Lester's toiletries collection.

How to Choose the Right Camp Caddy

Not all camp caddies are created equal. Choose the right one based on your camper's needs.

Mesh Shower Caddies

Best for: Quick drainage and visibility

Mesh caddies are lightweight, water drains instantly, and you can see everything inside at a glance. Great for campers who want something simple and functional. The downside is that mesh can tear over time, and smaller items like hair ties can slip through the holes.

Plastic Shower Caddies

Best for: Durability and carrying larger bottles

Plastic caddies are sturdy, hold more weight, and are easy to clean. Good choice if your child is packing full-size bottles or heavier products. Water can pool at the bottom, so dump it out regularly.

Toiletry Totes and Bags

Best for: Extra organization with pockets

Toiletry totes often have multiple compartments, handles, and the ability to hang on hooks. Great for campers who like everything in its place. They take longer to dry and can get heavy when fully packed.

What to look for:

• Quick-dry material – Mesh or perforated plastic lets water drain and air circulate.

• Comfortable handles – Your child will carry this multiple times a day. Make sure it's easy to hold.

• Enough compartments – Separate sections keep items organized and prevent spills.

• Camp-approved size – Check your camp's packing list for any size restrictions.

Shop our shower caddies and toiletry bags.

Camp Caddy Organization Tips

Packing the caddy is one thing. Keeping it organized all summer is another.

Use travel-size containers

Full-size bottles take up too much space and add unnecessary weight. Refillable travel bottles or buying travel sizes keeps the caddy light and manageable.

Label everything

Use waterproof labels or a permanent marker to write your camper's name on every bottle, brush, and container. Things get mixed up in communal bathrooms, and labeled items are way more likely to make it back to your child's bunk.

Keep it simple

Your camper doesn't need 10 different hair products or a full skincare routine. Stick to the essentials and pack multi-use items when possible.

Pack a backup

Toss an extra toothbrush, hair ties, and travel shampoo in their trunk. Things get lost, forgotten, or used up faster than expected. Easier to have backups than to make an emergency camp store run.

What NOT to Pack in a Camp Caddy

Just as important as what to pack is what to leave at home.

• Glass containers – They break easily. Stick to plastic or silicone.

• Expensive or sentimental items – Camp is not the place for fancy products. Save them for home.

• Aerosol sprays – Many camps prohibit aerosols. Check your camp's packing list.

• Excessive products – If they don't use it at home, they won't use it at camp.

• Anything unlabeled – Unlabeled items will get lost or mixed up with someone else's stuff.

Make Camp Packing Easy with Denny's x Lester's

A well-packed camp caddy makes life easier for your child. It keeps them organized, prevents lost items, and takes the stress out of communal bathroom trips.

Denny's x Lester's carries everything you need: mesh shower caddies, quick-dry towels, shower shoes, travel toiletries, and all the camp essentials for a great summer. Shop online or visit one of our 12 locations across NY, NJ, and FL.

Not sure where to start? Book a camp appointment for personalized packing help from one of our camp specialists. With 45+ years of experience outfitting campers, we know exactly what your child needs.

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