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The Ultimate National Park Packing Guide
Packing for a trip to one of our beautiful national parks can sometimes feel like a daunting task! Trust me… I’ve been there. I have packed for many national park adventures, and I know the anxiety it can cause. There are many factors to consider: the time of the year you are traveling, what types of activities you plan on doing in the park, and what the elevation and weather will be like in the park. I created this guide based on my personal experience and what I believe are essential items to ensure a smooth and successful visit to any of our national parks!
National Park Basics
America the Beautiful Pass
If you are planning on visiting multiple national parks in the same year, then you should consider purchasing an annual America the Beautiful Pass. The cost of this pass is $80. It is valid for an entire year, and it provides you entry to over 2,000 sites and national parks. One vehicle and up to four people are included. We like to buy our pass through REI because they donate 10% of sale proceeds to the National Park Foundation!
National Park Map
Cell service in national parks can be very spotty at times. You can’t always rely on Google maps to help you navigate throughout the park. Because of this, I would encourage you to bring a paper map for your specific park! This is something I always purchase before a national park trip, and it has come in handy many times. You can purchase most of the national park maps on Amazon!
Essential Gear and Supplies
Sunscreen
It does not matter which national park you are visiting… you should use sunscreen! There is nothing worse than a bad sunburn when you are trying to have an enjoyable trip. If you plan to get in the water, I suggest using a reef-safe sunscreen. Reef-safe sunscreens have a lower environmental impact on marine environments!
Backpack
Carrying a backpack is a must when you are exploring a national park! You need a comfortable bag with adjustable straps so that you can easily carry snacks, water, and extra clothing. I always carry a couple water bottles with me, along with some high protein snacks like beef sticks and peanut butter crackers. My backpack also has a water bladder in it that comes in handy if I just want a quick sip!
Bear Spray
If you are exploring a national park located in bear country, bear spray is a must! Bear attacks are very uncommon, but if you do find yourself in an encounter with a bear, this concentrated pepper spray can help deter the bear and save your life. When my husband and I were hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we came in close quarters with a black bear. Thankfully, we had our bear spray in case the bear decided to attack!
Binoculars
I would consider a good pair of binoculars essential on a national park trip! You will want to observe wildlife, birds, and natural formations up close, and binoculars will certainly help you do that. When my husband and I were on our honeymoon in Yellowstone National Park we used our binoculars a ton to see bison and wildlife that was far away!
Bug Spray
If you are not a fan of insects like me, then bug spray is a must to ward them off! Personally, I use the “Off” brand, but if you are looking for a bug spray that is better for your skin and the environment, you can purchase an organic spray!
First-Aid Kit
When visiting a national park, you are in an outdoor environment where accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Please be prepared and have a first-aid kit on you at all times when you are exploring. Make sure your kit includes band-aids, gauze pads, and pain relievers, as those items will be needed the most. You can purchase travel-size first-aid kits that would fit perfectly in a backpack or even a pocket!
Headlamp
Always keep a flashlight or headlamp handy. It can be used for sunrise/sunset hikes or even exploring a dark cave. You never know when you might need it. I tend to prefer headlamps because they are hands-free!
Refillable Water Bottle
It is a good idea to carry a refillable water bottle around with you when you are out and about. I like the HydroFlask and Camelbak water bottles. Both water bottles are durable, have loops on the lid so you can carry them easily, and come in so many sizes and pretty colors!
Essential Clothing
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Good hiking boots are probably the most important piece of clothing if you are planning on hiking. Think of hiking boots as an investment. On the trail, your feet are your transportation, and a quality pair of hiking boots can help support your feet and prevent injury! I have a pair of Columbia hiking boots and they work great for me. Try different brands to determine which brand fits your feet the best!
Durable Water Shoes
If you are planning on doing any kind of water activity, a durable pair of water shoes will be necessary. If you are whitewater rafting, you will need a shoe that will stay on your feet. If you are swimming in a river with a lot of rocks, you will need a shoe that has a thick sole so you don’t hurt your feet. Chaco’s are my go-to! I wear them anytime I get in the water!
Hiking Pants
Quick drying hiking pants are wonderful if you happen to get caught in a rainstorm because they dry super fast! Many hiking pants can be changed into shorts by zipping off the bottom, which makes them versatile enough to wear in both warmer and colder months. You can’t go wrong with a pair of Columbia hiking pants. I have this pair, and I love them!
Light Wool Socks
Darn Tough Socks are the best wool socks! They are super durable and will help protect your feet from blisters when you are hiking all day.
Sun Hat
A sun hat protects your head and neck from the sun during those long days of adventuring! Some national parks have very little shade and can be super hot, so you will want to ensure that you wear a hat to keep your head from getting sunburned. A wide-brimmed hat really is the best because it will cover more of your neck and head, but ball caps work too!
Rain Jacket
Be prepared for a random rain shower! Rain jackets can roll up small to fit in your backpack and they can be used as a wind breaker too. Some rain jackets are not as waterproof as others, so make sure you purchase a quality brand, like Columbia or North Face. I have a Columbia rain jacket and it works great!
Clothing Layers
Weather in national parks can change so quickly! I would recommend wearing layers of clothing. Long sleeve tees will keep you warm on those chilly mornings. When it warms up later in the day, you can shed the long sleeve tee and wear your short sleeve tee you have underneath! As you travel to higher elevations in the park there can be 20 degree drops in temperature. Wearing layers will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire day!
Other Essentials
Camera
National parks are some of the most beautiful places in the world! You will want to take hundreds of pictures during your trip. Make sure you bring a great camera to capture all the special moments you experience! If you don’t have a camera, no worries. Cell phones these days take fantastic pictures!
Phone Chargers
There is nothing worse than your phone dying when you are trying to navigate somewhere, or you are in the middle of a phone call! This is where external charges come in handy. You can use them to charge your cell phone when there is not a source of power nearby. I would also bring a wall charger and a car charger as well!
Medications
Make sure you pack any prescription medications you take! Consider packing pain relievers, icy hot, aloe vera, topical antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone cream, and band-aids. These are good basic medical supplies to have on hand!
Final Thoughts
I hope that this packing guide will be the perfect resource for you! I have had a ton of experience packing for national parks over the years, and know that if you follow this guide, you will be in great shape for your next national park adventure!
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