Camping in national parks offers an immersive way to experience America’s most spectacular landscapes. Falling asleep to the sounds of nature and waking to sunrise over mountains or canyons creates memories that last a lifetime. However, camping in national parks requires planning, preparation, and respect for both the environment and fellow visitors. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to make your camping adventure safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible.
Types of Camping in National Parks
National parks offer various camping options to suit different preferences and experience levels.
Frontcountry Camping: These developed campgrounds offer amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and sometimes showers. Sites are accessible by vehicle, making them ideal for families and those new to camping. Popular parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon have multiple frontcountry campgrounds.
Backcountry Camping: For those seeking solitude and wilderness immersion, backcountry camping involves hiking to remote sites away from roads. This requires permits, proper gear, and wilderness skills. Backcountry camping offers unparalleled access to pristine landscapes and wildlife.
RV Camping: Many parks accommodate RVs and trailers, though hookups are limited. Check size restrictions and availability before arrival. Some parks have separate RV campgrounds with dump stations and electrical hookups.
Group Camping: Designated sites for larger parties are available in many parks, perfect for scout troops, family reunions, or organized groups. These require advance reservations and often have minimum party sizes.
Reservation Strategies
Securing campsites in popular national parks can be challenging, especially during peak season.
Book Early: Reservations open six months in advance for most parks through Recreation.gov. Popular sites like Yosemite’s Upper Pines or Glacier’s Many Glacier fill within minutes of becoming available. Set reminders and be ready exactly when reservations open.
Be Flexible: If your preferred dates are full, consider weekdays instead of weekends, or shoulder seasons instead of peak summer. Some parks have first-come, first-served sites that don’t require reservations—arrive early in the day for best chances.
Check Cancellations: People cancel reservations regularly. Check Recreation.gov frequently, especially a few days before your desired dates when cancellation penalties decrease. Some dedicated campers check multiple times daily.
Consider Alternatives: If park campgrounds are full, look for nearby National Forest or BLM land that allows dispersed camping, or private campgrounds outside park boundaries.
Essential Camping Gear
Proper equipment ensures comfort and safety during your camping trip.
Shelter: A quality tent appropriate for the season and number of people. Ensure it’s waterproof and has adequate ventilation. Bring a ground cloth or footprint to protect the tent floor.
Sleeping System: Sleeping bag rated for expected temperatures, sleeping pad for insulation and comfort, and pillow. Temperature ratings are crucial—a bag rated for 40°F won’t keep you warm on a 30°F night.
Cooking Equipment: Camp stove and fuel (check park regulations—some areas prohibit certain stove types), cookware, utensils, cooler with ice, food storage containers, and dishwashing supplies. Bear-resistant food storage is required in many parks.
Lighting: Headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp lighting, and flashlight backup.
Clothing: Layers for changing weather, rain gear, warm jacket for cool evenings, sturdy hiking boots, and camp shoes. Cotton kills in cold, wet conditions—choose synthetic or wool materials.
Other Essentials: First aid kit, map and compass, multi-tool, rope, duct tape, trash bags, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water bottles or hydration system.
Campsite Selection and Setup
Choosing and setting up your campsite properly enhances your experience and protects the environment.
Choosing a Site: In developed campgrounds, consider proximity to restrooms, water sources, and neighbors. Some prefer sites away from high-traffic areas for more privacy. In backcountry, camp at least 200 feet from water sources to protect riparian areas and wildlife access.
Setting Up Camp: Pitch your tent on level ground, clear of rocks and sticks. Position the door away from prevailing winds. Set up kitchen area downwind and away from sleeping area, especially in bear country. Organize gear to keep camp tidy and prevent attracting wildlife.
Fire Safety: Use established fire rings only. Never leave fires unattended. Keep fires small and manageable. Completely extinguish fires before sleeping or leaving—drown with water, stir, and repeat until ashes are cool to touch. Some parks prohibit fires during dry conditions.
Food Storage and Wildlife Safety
Proper food storage is critical for your safety and wildlife protection.
Bear Country Protocols: Use bear-resistant food lockers provided at campsites, or hang food in bear bags at least 12 feet high and 6 feet from tree trunks. Never store food, toiletries, or scented items in tents. Cook and eat away from sleeping areas.
General Food Storage: Even in areas without bears, secure all food from raccoons, squirrels, and other animals. Store food in vehicles with windows closed, or in provided lockers. Clean up immediately after meals—food scraps attract wildlife.
Trash Management: Pack out all trash. Never bury food scraps or leave them for wildlife. Use provided trash receptacles properly, ensuring lids are secured.
Leave No Trace Principles
Camping responsibly ensures parks remain pristine for future generations.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know regulations, prepare for weather, and schedule trips to avoid peak use.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Use established sites and trails. Don’t create new campsites.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash. Use restrooms or bury human waste 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water.
- Leave What You Find: Don’t take rocks, plants, or artifacts. Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use stoves instead of fires when possible. Keep fires small and use established rings.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from distance, never feed animals, and store food properly.
- Be Considerate of Others: Keep noise down, especially at night. Yield to others on trails.
Weather Preparedness
Mountain and wilderness weather can change rapidly.
Check Forecasts: Monitor weather before and during your trip. Be prepared for conditions worse than predicted.
Lightning Safety: If thunderstorms threaten, avoid exposed ridges and isolated trees. Seek shelter in your vehicle if possible, or crouch low in a depression if caught in the open.
Cold Weather: Even summer nights can be cold at elevation. Bring adequate warm layers and sleeping bag. Watch for signs of hypothermia.
Heat Management: In desert parks, camp in shade when possible, stay hydrated, and plan activities for cooler morning and evening hours.
Campground Etiquette
Respecting fellow campers ensures everyone enjoys their experience.
Quiet Hours: Observe posted quiet hours, typically 10 PM to 6 AM. Keep voices and music low even during the day.
Site Boundaries: Respect neighboring sites. Don’t cut through others’ campsites or let children run through them.
Pets: Follow leash requirements. Clean up after pets and don’t leave them unattended or barking.
Generators: If allowed, use only during designated hours and keep noise to minimum.
Conclusion
Camping in national parks connects you with nature in profound ways, offering adventure, beauty, and peace under star-filled skies. By planning ahead, bringing proper gear, following regulations, and practicing Leave No Trace principles, you ensure your camping experience is safe, comfortable, and environmentally responsible. Whether you’re a first-time camper in a developed campground or an experienced backpacker heading into the wilderness, national parks offer camping experiences that inspire wonder and create lasting memories. The key is preparation, respect for nature, and a spirit of adventure. Happy camping!