When I first thought of creating a national parks packing list, I immediately realized that, while there are some things that you need no matter which park you go to, there are also lots of things that change depending on which park you go to, how you get there, where you stay and when you go.Ā Ā Ā
This is why, rather than attempting to create one universal list, which would ultimately be totally useless, I have listed those things youāll need no matter what, but have also created separate packing lists for different activities and types of parks/ vacations.Ā Ā Ā
No time to read about what to pack for national parks now?Ā Pin It and save it for later:Ā
Read and download the packing lists you need for the parks you visit.Ā Ā Each packing list has a detailed list, with opportunities to buy any items you donāt have, but also a free downloadable checklist if you just want to make sure you have everything you need quickly and easily.Ā
Jump to a specific packing listĀ
š§³ Winter Trips
š§³ Tent CampingĀ
š§³ Cabin Trips
š§³ Day Hikes
š§³ Hiking Gear for Beginners
š§³ Winter Hikes
š§³ Road Trips
š§³ Beach Camping
š§³ Packing List for Yellowstone National Park
š§³ Packing List for Olympic National Park
National Parks Packing List (all parks)Ā
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National Parks Packing List Checklist
For Planning Your National Parks TripĀ Ā
There are several books you can choose from when deciding which parks to visit and then when you start planning your trip.Ā You wonāt necessarily need all of them, but these are my top picks.Ā
1. National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United StatesĀ Ā
This is a really great book with an overview of the national parks.Ā It includes filled with photos, maps, historical, practical information and activities for each park.Ā Ā
2. National Geographic Atlas of the National ParksĀ
A close up look at each of the US national parks with photos, information and maps.Ā
3. Lonely Planet USAās National ParksĀ
This is a great guide book with essential practical information about each national park including how ot get there, what to do, where to stay and where to eat.Ā Ā
4. US National Park Scratch-Off MapĀ Ā
This is a great way to help plan your trip and to keep memories of your trip afterwards.Ā Scratch off each of the parks you go to.Ā
5. Guide booksĀ
Once youāve chosen which parks youāll go to, in addition to using this website, you can pick up guide books for each park for even more information.Ā
National Parks BasicsĀ
6. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass 2024 ā 2025Ā
If you plan to visit more than a couple of national parks in the coming year, then you should get the America The Beautiful Annual Pass.Ā Ā Ā
Itās good for a whole year, and gives you entry to over 2,000 sites, including all National Parks. You can also visit sites run by the Fish and Wildlife or Forest Services or the Bureaus of Land Management and Reclamation or Army Corps of Engineers. One vehicle or up to four people are included.Ā Ā Ā
7. National Park Passport Stamp Book and JournalĀ
This is the perfect souvenir of your national parksā trips.Ā When you visit each national park, you can get a stamp unique to that park in this book.Ā There is also space to journal about each park.Ā It is the perfect way to keep your memories together. Ā
Essentials youāll need on every national park tripĀ
While I have created packing lists by trip type/ need, there are some things you will need for every national parkās vacation, no matter which park it is.Ā
For getting out and aboutĀ Ā
8. BinocularsĀ
I consider a good pair of binoculars essential in the national parks.Ā You will want to see wildlife, birds and natural formations up close, so it is worth investing in a pair of binoculars.Ā Ā Ā
I think try are so important that I created several detailed guides to buying binoculars, with what to look for as reviews and recommendations.Ā
- Best Binoculars for the MoneyĀ
- Best Binoculars under $300Ā
- Best Binoculars under $200Ā
- Best Binoculars under $100Ā
Do just want the best binoculars for the money?Ā >> GET THE VORTEX OPTICS DIAMONDBACK 10X42 ROOF PRISM BINOCULARS HEREĀ
9. A hiking daypackĀ
You need a comfortable pack with adjustable hip and shoulder straps, storage for a water bottle and trekking poles, and a rain cover.Ā My top pick is the Osprey 24-liter packs for men and women.Ā
10. Refillable Water BottleĀ
This is essential for every trip to the outdoors.Ā I like the Hydroflask because it is durable, has a loop to carry it easily, and it comes in multiple sizes and colors.Ā
11. Healthy snacksĀ
Snacks are essential ā for the road and for hiking trails.Ā See a selection of trail mix and other healthy snacks here.Ā
12. HeadlampĀ
Whether you are returning from a late hike, walking around a campsite, or looking for something in a hidden corner of your, a headlamp is an essential item.Ā Ā Ā
13. Reef-friendly sunscreenĀ
If you are snorkeling or diving, you should definitely make sure your sunscreen is reef-friendly, but I think itās a good idea to wear it anyway.Ā You never know when youāll put an arm with sunscreen on it in a lake or river and this way you can be sure your sunscreen wonāt cause any harm.Ā
14. Lip protection with sunscreenĀ
Protect your lips from sunburn and the environment from your sun protection with eco-friendly gloss-less lip balm with sunscreen.Ā
15. Polarized sunglassesĀ
Protect your eyes with polarized sunglasses.Ā Check out a range on Amazon here.Ā
16. Insect repellentĀ
Iām a fan of organic insect repellent without DEET and other chemicals that are bad for the environment and bad for your skin.Ā
17. Bags to pack out trashĀ
Packing out trash is one of the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.Ā Simple Ziplock bags and regular kitchen bags are all you need.Ā
18. First aid kitĀ
Keep a small first aid kit in your car, RV or hiking backpack.Ā
19. Trail MapsĀ
I love the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps.Ā They have them for all of the national parks.Ā Ā Ā
>> FIND THE NAT GEO TRAIL MAP FOR YOUR PARKS HEREĀ
20. Waterproof hiking boots or shoesĀ Ā
Hiking shoes or boots are essential. For details on what to look for when buying hiking boots/ shoes and reviews of the top hiking shoes and boots, read my Guide to the Best Hiking Shoes and Boots.Ā
For hiking boots, the best you can find are Salomon Menās X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots and the Salomon Womenās X Ultra 3 MID GTX W Hiking Boots.Ā
For hiking shoes, my top picks are the Salomon X Ultra 3 Gore-Tex Menās Hiking Shoes and the Salomon Womenās X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking ShoesĀ
21. Light wool or synthetic socks (spring, summer, fall)Ā
The right socks will definitely make you more comfortable.Ā I like these cushioned merino wool unisex ones.Ā
22. Trekking poles (optional)Ā
Not everyone loves trekking poles, but they can really help steady you and take some pressure of your knees on uneven terrain.Ā Look for hiking poles that are light, foldable, durable and have shock absorbers built in.Ā I like the Foxelli ones with cork handles.Ā
23. Sun hatĀ
Protect yourself from the sun with a sunhat.Ā Ā Ā
24. Rain JacketĀ
Be prepared for rainy weather by packing a rain jacket.Ā They roll up small to fit in your day pack and can be used as a wind breaker too.Ā Ā
25. FleeceĀ Ā
Youāll want a fleece to keep you warm and comfy on chilly mornings or evenings even in summer, or during the day in the cooler months.Ā
>> FIND A FLEECE ON AMAZON HEREĀ
26. Wicking and quick-drying base layersĀ Ā
Wicking clothing removes the worst of the moisture from the fabric near your skin, so that you donāt feel so cold and get so wet.Ā This type of clothing is essential when hiking, as it will make you much more comfortable.Ā Ā
>> FIND THE BEST UNDERWEAR FOR YOU ON AMAZON HERE
27. Wicking, quick-drying and sun protective shirts, pants and shortsĀ
Get:
- menās long-sleeved sun shirt
- womenās long-sleeved sun shirt
- menās hiking pants
- womenās hiking pants
- menās hiking shorts
- womenās hiking shorts
For staying charged and connectedĀ
28. Cell phoneĀ
29. Power BankĀ
If you plan to use your cell phone ā for calls, emails, navigation or just as a phone ā you will need to make sure it is charged.Ā Which is easy if youāre staying in a lodge or inn, but is more challenging if youāre camping.Ā One solution is to take a power bank, which you can use to recharge several times.Ā
30. Car chargerĀ
Another option is to use a charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter in your car.Ā You can use it when youāre driving or have your car in accessory mode when parked at your campsite.Ā
31. Car Power InverterĀ
A step up is a power inverter.Ā This changes the 12V power from your car cigarette lighter to 110V power.Ā it comes with outlets, so that you then plug in your laptop or other regular devices and charge them.Ā This is great if you are on a longer trip and have your laptop with you.Ā
Personal ItemsĀ
32. Hand lotionĀ
33. Toilet paperĀ
Carry it out in a bag if you are somewhere without proper facilities; do not bury it).Ā
34. Hand sanitizerĀ
35. Eco-friendly soapĀ
36. Eco-friendly shampoo and conditionerĀ
37. MedicationsĀ
38. Toothbrush and toothpasteĀ
National Park Photography Gear ListĀ
39. CameraĀ
40. Camera equipmentĀ Ā
41. Memory Cards
42. Memory Card Case
43. Tripod
For winter tripsĀ
The vast majority of people travel to US national parks in the summer, but most of the parks are incredible in winter too.Ā It just requires a bit of extra prep and, of course, some extra clothing.Ā If you taking a winter national parks trip, include these items too:Ā
44. Insulated bootsĀ Ā
Keep your feet warm with insulated boots.Ā I have written guides with what to look for as well as reviews and recommendations for:Ā
45. Heavy wool socksĀ Ā
>> GET UNISEX SOCKS FOR EXTREME COLD WEATHER HEREĀ
46. Warm jacketĀ Ā
A warm jacket is so essential that I have written a whole guide to the best jackets for cold weather.Ā
47. Warm hatĀ Ā
48. Warm gloves
49. Fleece neck gaiter or scarf
50. Crampons/ microspikesĀ
These are a total game changer if you plan to hike in ice or snow.Ā They fit over your hiking boots and provide sharp spikes to grab into ice and provide the winter hiking traction you need to walk safely on ice and snow.Ā
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the freeāÆPDFāÆof this
National Parks Packing List Checklist
Packing Lists for Different Types of Activities and Trips
Packing List for Winter Trips
Packing List for Tent Camping Trips
Packing List for Cabin Trips
Packing List for Day Hikes
Hiking Gear for Beginners
Packing List for Winter Hikes
Packing List for Road Trips
Beach Camping Packing List
Packing List for Yellowstone National Park
Packing List for Olympic National Park
Do you have any other essential items not on this list?āÆ Comment below.āÆāÆāÆĀ
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Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to a national park? Read my National Parks Guides
Do you want an itinerary to help plan your trip? Check out my Detailed Itineraries
Do you need tips and additional information? Read a selection of tips for visiting US national parks
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
About the AuthorĀ
James Ian is aĀ national park, campingĀ andĀ hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of theĀ national parksĀ in the United States. WithĀ over 35 years experienceĀ in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as aĀ travel plannerĀ whoās helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James hasĀ published detailed itinerariesĀ for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well asĀ in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to manyĀ publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
Iām a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.