Visiting a national park is one of the best ways to unplug, explore, and reconnect with the outdoors – but only if you’re prepared. Whether you’re planning a scenic drive, a few short walks to overlooks, or full-day hikes, having the right gear can make your national park trip safer, more comfortable, and way more enjoyable.
This national park packing list covers the essentials for any visit, plus extra gear for hiking and outdoor protection, so you can focus on the views instead of what you forgot at home.
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National Park Essentials for Any Visit
These are the must-have items for every national park trip, regardless of how active your plans are.
America the Beautiful National Parks Pass
If you plan to visit more than three National Park Service sites in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass pays for itself fast. It covers entrance fees at national parks, monuments, seashores, and other federal lands.
Pro Tip: Some parks require you to show photo ID along with your pass, so keep it handy.
Learn more: Ultimate Guide to the America the Beautiful Pass
National Park Passport Book
The National Park Passport Book is one of the best (and cheapest) souvenirs you can buy. It lets you collect official National Park cancellation stamps, complete with the date of your visit, perfect for tracking your park adventures and planning future trips. Get it here.
Refillable Water Bottles
Single-use plastic bottles add up quickly in national parks. Bring a refillable water bottle to save money, reduce waste, and stay hydrated. We like the metal one vs. plastic ones.
Popular options include:
National Park Map Bottle– This 32 oz. water bottle is not only practical with the straw and handle but it’s just fun!
Hydro Flask wide-mouth bottle – This is also 32 oz. with a leakproof lid and handle.
Snacks & Easy Food
Services are limited in many national parks, especially in remote areas. Stock up before you arrive.
Good options include trail mix, granola bars, jerky, fruit snacks, and anything that won’t melt or spoil easily.
Compact First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, even on short walks. A small first aid kit with bandages, wipes, blister care, and pain relievers can quickly turn a minor issue into a non-issue. You can easily make one at home before you leave.
Fanny Pack or Small Day Pack
If you’re not hiking long distances, you don’t need a big backpack, but you do need something hands-free. A fanny pack or small day pack is perfect for water, snacks, sunscreen, and your phone without killing your shoulders. We like this crossbody/fanny pack from MAXTOP. It has plenty of room and can be worn however it is comfortable to you.
Multi-Tool
A lightweight multi-tool with scissors or a knife barely takes up space and comes in handy more often than you’d expect.
Camera or Smartphone
National parks are full of once-in-a-lifetime views. Bring a camera, or at least make sure your phone is charged, so you don’t miss capturing the memories. I love my PIXPRO from Kodak. It’s a great size and takes great photos and videos.
Binoculars
Binoculars are underrated park gear. They’re great for wildlife viewing, distant landmarks, and scenic overlooks where getting closer isn’t an option. Many now have built in cameras so you can get those great shots!
Sun & Weather Protection for National Parks
Exposure adds up fast outdoors, especially at elevation or in desert parks.
Sunscreen
Bring sunscreen with adequate SPF (at least 50) and reapply often – even on cloudy days. I usually go with a SPF 100 when in the desert because the sun can be so intense.
Lip Balm with SPF
Lips burn just as easily as skin. SPF lip balm is a small item that makes a big difference.
Sunglasses
A good pair of polarized sunglasses protects your eyes and reduces glare, especially around water, snow, or desert landscapes. Greg likes these because they wrap around best for him. I like these from MEETSUN because they are lightweight.
Hat
A wide-brim or baseball-style hat helps protect your face and neck and reduces how much sunscreen you need throughout the day. I’m not a hat person, but I did find that a baseball hat really did help my head stay cooler and I didn’t burn my skull.
Hiking Essentials for National Parks
Whether you’re hiking a mile or ten, these items should always be part of your national park packing list.
Proper Hiking Shoes
Your feet are your transportation. Invest in quality hiking shoes or boots with good support and traction. This is not the place to break in brand-new footwear. Walking in them before you leave will also give you a good gauge of how they feel after walking awhile in them.
Headlamp or Flashlight
Always carry a headlamp, even on day hikes. They’re useful for early starts, late finishes, tunnels, restrooms, and unexpected delays.
Trail Navigation: Map & Compass
Cell service is unreliable in many national parks, and batteries die. A paper map and compass never fail and are essential for safe navigation.
Hiking Backpack
A well-designed hiking backpack makes carrying gear more comfortable and organized. Look for outdoor-specific packs with padded straps and multiple compartments. It helps to try them on in the store to get a feel for how they rest on your shoulders and back.
Hydration Bladder or Extra Water
For longer hikes, a hydration bladder makes it easier to drink consistently without stopping. Dehydration sneaks up fast in national parks.
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Explore More
A little preparation goes a long way when visiting a national park. By packing the right essentials, you’ll spend less time dealing with problems and more time enjoying the scenery, wildlife, and unforgettable experiences.
Before you leave, make a checklist, check the weather, and tailor your gear to the park and season. Your future self, standing at a scenic overlook instead of a gift shop buying overpriced sunscreen, will thank you.
We love sharing tips and information we learn along the way to help you prepare for your next adventure. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun, and make many memories.