National Park Camping Checklist: Prepare for Your Adventure

Jeremy T
5 days ago
7 min read

Camping in a national park is one of the best ways to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re planning a solo trek, a family holiday with children, a trip with your dog or a back-to-basics getaway with minimal equipment, preparation is everything. In this guide we’ll explore a comprehensive national-park camping checklist, covering essential gear, safety tips, Leave No Trace principles and a few fun extras – all backed by credible outdoor advice.

We’ll also look at how technology like Tack GPS can add peace of mind by keeping tabs on children, pets and important gear during your adventure.

Campsite essentials

A comfortable base sets the tone for your trip. Standard campsites in national and state parks usually include a picnic table, parking space and a spot to pitch your tent, so focus on the gear you need to bring:

Shelter and sleeping

Tent with footprint and stakes – choose a size appropriate for your group.
Sleeping bags suited to the season and sleeping pads for insulation and comfort.
Camping pillows (or stuff sacks filled with clothes).
Emergency shelter (lightweight tarp or space blanket) – one of the Ten Essentials recommended by the National Park Service.

Lighting and furniture

Headlamps or torches with extra batteries.
Lantern for ambient light.
Camp chairs and camp table if your campsite doesn’t supply one.

Tools and repair

Multi-tool, duct tape, extra cord, a tent-pole repair sleeve and mallet – vital for quick fixes.
Saw or axe for preparing firewood where allowed.

Kitchen kit

Stove with fuel and matches/firestarter.
Cook pot and frying pan, plates/bowls, cutlery and a sharp knife.
Water bottles, cooler and ice or ice substitutes.
Biodegradable soap, sponge and trash bags for washing up and packing out waste.

Clothing and footwear

Moisture-wicking base layers (underwear and T-shirts).
Quick-drying trousers/shorts and long-sleeve shirts for sun and bug protection.
Lightweight fleece or jacket plus rainwear for varying conditions.
Sturdy boots or shoes suited to the terrain and extra pairs of synthetic or wool socks.

Health, hygiene and personal items

Toilet paper, hand sanitiser, toiletry kit, quick-dry towel and menstrual products.
First-aid kit – adapt it to your trip and check expiry dates.
Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Insect repellent and bug-repellent clothing.
Credit card/cash, ID, fully charged phone and reservation confirmation.

The Ten Essentials and safety basics

The National Park Service recommends always carrying the Ten Essentials when venturing into the backcountry or remote areas. These categories ensure you can handle minor injuries, sudden weather changes or unplanned delays:

Navigation – map, compass and GPS; learn how to use them.
Sun protection – sunglasses, sunscreen and hat.
Insulation – extra clothing layers for unpredictable weather.
Illumination – headlamp or torch with spare batteries.
First-aid supplies – customise your kit and include an emergency guide.
Fire – waterproof matches/lighter and fire starters.
Repair kit and tools – duct tape, knife and multi-tool.
Nutrition – extra day’s supply of no-cook, high-energy food.
Hydration – water and a method to treat or filter water.
Emergency shelter – lightweight tarp, bivvy or space blanket.

When hiking, the Hike Smart guidelines advise choosing trails suited to your group’s abilities, leaving a trip plan with a trusted person, packing a personal locator beacon or emergency communication device, and not relying on mobile phones as there may be no coverage. Carry enough water and high-energy food, wear proper footwear, pack bug spray and spare socks, and check the weather and park alerts before you set off.

Food, water and hydration

Always carry more water than you think you’ll need. Drink frequently, particularly in hot or high-altitude environments. If the park has limited water sources, bring enough or pack a filter/purifier. High-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruit and granola bars keep energy levels up. For overnight trips, bring extra meals and a way to store them safely.

Camping with kids

Camping is a wonderful way to introduce children to nature, but a little extra planning goes a long way. According to REI experts, the following strategies help make the experience memorable:

Practise at home – pitch a tent in the back garden or living room so kids become comfortable sleeping in one.
Let kids pack – give children responsibility for their own gear using a list, then double-check their duffel bags.
Plan kid-friendly meals – involve children in menu planning and pack foods they enjoy.
Pick the right campsite – start with developed campgrounds that have amenities like toilets, showers, playgrounds and flat trails.
Research activities – know which nature trails, swimming holes or ranger-led programmes are available so you’re ready when kids need entertainment.
Dress in layers – children cool down quickly, so pack extra layers and rain jackets.
Anticipate challenges – consider portable toilets for potty-training toddlers, early-morning toys for early risers, earplugs for light-sleeping teens and favourite toys or games for comfort.

Camping with pets

Bringing your furry friend adds joy to a camping trip, but national parks have specific rules. The National Park Service advises pet owners to:

Know your pet’s temperament and leave them at home if camping may pose risks to them or others.
Check park regulations – many parks restrict pets from certain trails, lakes and backcountry areas.
Ensure vaccinations and health – keep vaccinations up-to-date and consult your vet about ticks and heartworm.
Use collars, ID tags and microchips – always leash your dog and ensure identification is secure.
Bring pet supplies – food, water and bowls; a tether/stake to allow some roaming; a pet first-aid kit; poop bags; and towels.
Keep pets under control – always supervise them, pick up after them, check for ticks and never leave them in a vehicle.

Campfire safety and Leave No Trace

Sitting around a campfire is a timeless camping pleasure, but safety and environmental stewardship come first. Follow these guidelines from the National Park Service:

Know local rules and fire conditions – check with rangers for burn bans or restrictions.
Use local firewood to avoid transporting pests and never use accelerants like petrol.
Build small fires in established rings, arrange wood in a cross-hatch pattern and keep flammables 15 feet away.
Watch children and pets – supervise them closely near flames.
Never leave a fire unattended; keep water or sand nearby and fully extinguish the fire before bed.

Practising the Leave No Trace principles protects fragile ecosystems. Plan ahead; travel and camp on durable surfaces; pack out all rubbish and leftover food; leave natural objects and cultural artefacts undisturbed; keep campfires small and use lightweight stoves when possible; observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them; and be considerate of other visitors.

Planning and emergency preparedness

Good planning reduces risk. Before your trip, research park regulations, trail difficulty and weather forecasts. Leave a trip plan with a friend that lists your itinerary and expected return. Develop an emergency plan; learn CPR and basic wilderness first aid; and consider carrying a personal locator beacon for remote areas. During your stay, monitor your group’s wellbeing, be aware of environmental hazards like flash floods or wildlife, ensure equipment works, stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing and footgear, and remove tripping hazards around camp. Respect wildlife by storing food in sealed containers and keeping campsites clean.

Cool camping tips and experiences

Beyond the basics, camping offers opportunities for memorable experiences:

Stargazing – Many national parks boast some of the darkest skies in the world. Join ranger-led stargazing programmes, star parties or moonlight hikes at parks like Bryce Canyon or Rocky Mountain. Pack a red-light headlamp, star chart or astronomy app, binoculars and a reclining chair for comfort.
Nature journaling and wildlife watching – Bring a notebook, pens and field guides to record observations of plants, insects and birds. Always maintain safe distances and avoid feeding animals.
Morning hikes and sunrise photography – Set out early to beat crowds and enjoy cool temperatures. Carry a thermos of hot tea or coffee and a camera.
Camp-kitchen treats – Try simple recipes like foil-wrapped vegetables, campfire nachos or French toast. Involve children in meal prep for added fun.
Digital detox with games – Pack cards, a frisbee or a kite to encourage unstructured play. Leave room for imagination and discovery.

Using technology for peace of mind

While camping is about unplugging, smart technology can provide reassurance. A personal GPS tracker keeps tabs on loved ones and gear, especially useful for families with kids or pets and for those travelling with valuable equipment. One example is the Tack GPS Plus. The device offers global tracking of people, pets and assets, combining Wi-Fi and GPS to work indoors and outdoors, and includes features like up to 30-day battery life, location history, multiple tracking modes, fall detection and zone alerts. You can attach it to a backpack, a dog collar or even a camp-kitchen box to monitor whereabouts during your trip.

Conclusion

A well-planned camping trip is safe, comfortable and unforgettable. Pack the essentials – shelter, lighting, kitchen gear, clothing, navigation tools and first-aid supplies – and adapt them for children and pets. Follow the Ten Essentials, practise Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife and adhere to campfire rules. Don’t forget to savour the experience: gaze at star-filled skies, cook over the fire, journal your observations and spend quality time with friends, family and pets.

With thoughtful preparation and the right tools – perhaps even a discrete GPS tracker for added peace of mind – you’ll return from your national park adventure with memories that last a lifetime.

References

REI Co-op – Camping Checklist: detailed list of campsite gear, kitchen supplies, clothing and health items. (www.rei.com)
National Park Service – Ten Essentials: explanation of first-aid and emergency systems for safe hiking. (www.nps.gov)
Visit USA Parks – 7 Packing Essentials for a National Park Trip: guidance on clothing layers, maps, lighting, tents and first-aid kits. (www.visitusaparks.com)
National Park Service – Camping with Pets: rules and preparation for bringing pets to campgrounds. (www.nps.gov)
REI Co-op – Tips for Camping with Kids: advice on practising at home, involving kids in packing and choosing family-friendly campsites. (www.rei.com)
National Park Service – During Your Stay: safety advice on personal wellbeing, pet safety and respecting wildlife. (www.nps.gov)
National Park Service – Leave No Trace Seven Principles: guidelines on minimising environmental impact. (www.nps.gov)
National Park Service – Campfires: how to build, maintain and extinguish a campfire safely. (www.nps.gov)
National Park Service – Hike Smart: planning, emergency preparedness and what to bring for hiking. (www.nps.gov)
National Park Service – Exploring Night Skies: national park stargazing programmes. (www.nps.gov)
Tack GPS – Global Location Tracker with Indoor Elevation Tracking: product page detailing hybrid tracking technology, long battery life and features. (www.tackgps.app)