What to Pack for Grown-Up Camp

Hey there, you! Yes, you with that extensive packing list from Camp Tumbleweed, which seems to demand a small fortune at Target, leaving you scraping the bottom of your wine box for that last drop. What if you could skip the complicated packing math (where X is your kid, Y is their clean clothes, and X over Y means they’ll return with someone else’s socks)? What if you could just go to camp yourself instead? (It’s a thing!) So, what would packing for a grown-up camp look like?

Clothing

Bikinis are welcome if that’s your vibe, and if not, go for comfy caftans. Just remember to cover up those areas you care about (chiggers, anyone?). Thanks us later! Whatever you wear, keep it clean. And if you’re opting for the au naturel look, please keep it tidy—no one wants to visit the health department unless it’s for a fun reason, like a campfire mishap.

After that infamous Tory Burch incident in 2012, let’s keep logos to a minimum. Socks are optional, but just know that blisters are no fun for anyone.

Footwear

Sure, you brought the cutest flip-flops to show off that pedicure, but stub your toe once, and you’ll be wading through a bin of mismatched Crocs like the rest of us. Remember, your flip-flops, Crocs, and all those eco-friendly shoes are great for the shower (hello, athlete’s foot!).

Toiletries

Staying clean is important, but hair products? Not so much at grown-up camp. Embrace your natural look—curly, straight, gray, or thin. Most scented soaps and gels are banned, but if you’re unsure about what’s allowed, check with the office. And leave your Love’s Baby Soft and Drakkar Noir at home—those are definitely not welcome. Electric toothbrushes? No, but your doctor can approve recharging vibrators at the clinic.

Bedding

Your fancy John Robshaw sheets are nice, but they might not survive our camp washing machine’s boil-in-bag setting. Our platform tents keep you off the ground, but it’s wise to bring a tarp too—it can serve as a rain poncho or emergency shelter. And don’t forget to shake out your anti-dust-mite pillows daily; spiders love to make themselves at home.

Outdoors

The camp staff won’t take responsibility for your fancy sunblock, so stash it in your lockbox. Your plant-identification books could turn a bland camp salad into a gourmet experience—just steer clear of the mushrooms. And while the kitchen doesn’t stock kale, we do have chia seeds for your pudding experiments.

Entertainment

Leave your Apple Watch at home; there’s no Wi-Fi or Internet, which begs the question—why were you wearing it anyway? Before you bring any editions of Cards Against Humanity, your counselor will need to inspect them for any contraband decks. Premixed cocktails are a go (and some are delish!), but you’ll need to bring your own fruits.

Sundries

Devices are fine, but once you cross the river, all Wi-Fi and cell service vanish. So, no Kindles unless they’re fully charged and packed with backup batteries, and forget about streaming videos. If you encounter a tech emergency, see the nurse. Your camp store money will be deposited into your account—no lending it to fellow campers for favors, either. We still don’t know who left those creepy photos in the counselor’s hut last year, so cameras are strictly prohibited. Join the new arts-and-crafts class in courtroom sketching to capture those unforgettable moments.

Please Don’t Bring

Leave weapons (yes, even Krazy Glue) at home. Pets are only allowed if they’re service or therapy animals. And while we may turn a blind eye to some non-prescription meds, it’s better to play it safe.

In summary, packing for grown-up camp is all about practicality and fun—think comfort, cleanliness, and a little creativity. If you’re curious about home insemination or want to dive deeper into the topic, check out our partners at Healthline for expert advice, and visit this link for an authoritative source on insemination kits. And don’t forget to review our privacy policy here to stay engaged!