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National Park Packing List: What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

Start with the ten essentials the National Park Service recommends for any outing, then add what your park needs. Each park page has its own list too.

The ten essentials

  • Navigation: a paper map or offline map, plus a charged phone and battery pack
  • Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
  • Layers: a warm layer and a rain shell, even in summer
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Fire starter (matches or a lighter) for emergencies
  • Repair kit and tools (a small knife, tape)
  • Extra food
  • Extra water and a way to treat it
  • Emergency shelter: a space blanket or tarp

Extras by type of park

  • Desert parks (Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Big Bend, Arches, Zion and others): at least one gallon of water per person per day, electrolytes or salty snacks, long sleeves and a wide hat.
  • Mountain and high parks (Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Glacier, Mount Rainier): warm hat and gloves, rain shell, sunscreen for strong high-altitude sun.
  • Grizzly country (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier and the Alaska parks): bear spray you can reach. Buy or rent it near the park; it cannot fly in checked or carry-on bags on most airlines.
  • Coast and island parks: water shoes, a dry bag, seasickness tablets for boat trips.
  • Cave parks (Mammoth Cave, Carlsbad Caverns, Wind Cave): a light jacket and shoes with grip. Do not bring clothes or gear used in other caves.
  • Camping: a sleeping bag rated for the nights, and buy stove fuel and firewood near the park.

What to leave at home

  • Drones. Launching, landing or flying drones is prohibited in almost every park site.
  • Firewood from home. It can spread tree-killing pests. Buy it where you burn it.
  • Plans to take souvenirs from nature. Rocks, plants, antlers and artifacts stay in the park.
  • Pets, unless you have checked the rules. Where pets are allowed they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and many trails do not allow them.

Find your park’s list under Know before you go on any park page.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for a national park trip?

The ten essentials: navigation, sun protection, layers, a light, first aid, fire starter, repair tools, extra food, extra water and emergency shelter, plus what your park needs.

Can I bring a drone to a national park?

No. Drones are prohibited in national parks unless the superintendent approves it in writing.

Should I bring my own firewood?

No. Buy firewood near where you will burn it, ideally within 10 miles.

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