editor Almost 90 million Americans go camping each year, and about 10% camp in one of the country’s 63 national parks. Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Yosemite National Park are among the most popular choices.
Would you like to plan a camping trip to a national park? Decide which park to visit, when to go, and what to pack first. Review the top options to consider, broken down by season, below.
Spring
The Top Option
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, also known as “Wildflower National Park”, is the perfect national park to travel to for tent camping during the spring. It’s home to more than 1,500 types of flowering plants. Situated on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears and numerous bird species.
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When to Go
To ensure you don’t miss the wildflowers in full bloom, plan your visit for between mid-April and late May. This will allow you to see them in all their glory while also providing comfortable temperatures. We would, however, suggest steering clear of visiting during the busy spring break weeks.
What to Pack
Here are key items to bring for a springtime camping trip to the Smokies:
- Three-season tent (preferably with a full rainfly!)
- Sleeping bag rated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heavy-duty rain jacket, fast-drying pants, and waterproof boots
- Hat, gloves, and other cold-weather gear
- Bear-proof containers
Summer
The Top Option
Glacier National Park in Montana is the ideal national park to head to during the summer for tent camping. Although it continues to snow well into the start of summer, temperatures eventually rise into the 60s and 70s. This will let you explore spectacular hiking trails, including the Highline Trail, and drive down the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
When to Go
To avoid the early summer snowfalls, schedule your tent camping trip for between mid-July and late August. In addition to allowing you to soak up more sun, you will find that more hiking trails will be open during these times. You will also have greater odds of seeing wildlife, ranging from grizzly bears to mountain goats.
What to Pack
Here are essential items to run out and buy for a summertime camping trip to “The Crown of the Continent”:
- Three-season tent, complete with a rainfly
- Sleeping bag rated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit
- Waterproof rain jacket, pants, and boots
- Hat and gloves (especially if you intend to hike at higher elevations!)
- Bear and bug spray
Fall
The Top Option
Shenandoah National Park, nestled up next to the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the leading national park for tent camping in the fall. You truly can’t beat all the fall foliage these mountains provide. You will also fall in love with the park’s 500 miles of hiking trails, including the legendary Appalachian Trail, and its wide range of black bears, white-tailed deer, and other wildlife.
When to Go
Mid-October is prime time for the fall foliage, but you don’t necessarily need to camp during this time to appreciate it. You can visit the park anytime from late September through mid-October to get a taste of it.
What to Pack
Here are critical items to load up in your vehicle for a fall camping trip to Shenandoah National Park:
- Three-season tent with a full rainfly
- Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit
- Waterproof jacket and layered clothing
- Warm hat and gloves (sub-40-degree Fahrenheit mornings are common!)
- Bear-proof storage (required)
Winter
The Top Option
Joshua Tree National Park, or “J-Tree” as Southern California locals call it, is the best national park to be in the wintertime. Unlike other options that become unbearably cold, the daytime temperatures hover between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, providing wonderful hiking weather. The park has also been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, as its clearer-than-normal winter skies offer breathtaking stargazing opportunities.
When to Go
To escape the desert heat, consider booking a tent camping trip between mid-December and February. If possible, avoid planning a weekend trip, as the park tends to fill up quickly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
What to Pack
Here are the most important items to toss into your bag for a tent camping trip in the park nicknamed “Where Two Deserts Meet”:
- Three-season tent built to withstand heavy winds
- Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit
- A layered clothing system that includes a moisture-wicking base layer
- Warm hat, gloves, and wool socks
- Star chart
Start Planning Your National Park Trip
Before planning a tent camping trip to a national park, carefully consider which park you would like to visit and when to head there. Then, determine what to bring to make the most of your trip, prioritizing items like durable canvas tents. Browse through our other blog articles for more helpful travel tips!
