
NPS Photo / David Snyder
NPS Photo / David Snyder
Parks offer a wide variety of fun things to do in different settings and levels of difficulty. When you plan your trip, match the interests and physical fitness of your group with the activities you choose. Some families love to watch birds and take easy hikes around a lake. Other groups may seek adventure whitewater rafting or climbing high mountains. Do what's right for you! You don't want to push yourself or your group members to hike, climb, or explore beyond their physical abilities—that's when injuries are more likely to occur. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have questions about your fitness level, health conditions, or appropriate activities. Then go have some fun!
Once you know the limits of your group and their experience level, pick the park you want to visit, explore your camping options, and select your campsite. You'll want to identify the setting, time of year, and difficulty level so you plan for the right equipment before heading out.
Have a backup plan. Sometimes, even when you have planned every detail and taken every precaution, things happen out of your control to change your trip plans. Be it health issues, weather concerns, environmental hazards, or site conditions, do not push through with your original plans if they are no longer a safe course of action. You can always reschedule or plan an alternative activity at the park if these types of situations come up.
Park Requirements and Regulations
Before setting out on your trip, take a look at the “Plan Your Visit” section on the park’s website. Be sure to research the following important information:
In Case of Emergency
Hope for the best, plan for the worst. This old saying can easily be applied to camping. Take some steps to help emergency responders find you in case of an emergency.
Ask a friend or family member not going on the trip to be an emergency contact and leave your travel itinerary with him/her. Put together a travel itinerary that you can leave with your emergency contact. Your travel itinerary should provide the following information:
It's a good idea to leave your trip plan with your family and friends traveling with you so they know emergency numbers for the park. This way, they can make contact in an emergency situation.
Develop an emergency plan. Things rarely go exactly as planned, so prepare for the unexpected.
Prepare - Gear Up!
Identify your equipment. Every camping trip will have its own equipment needs based on the setting, time of year, difficulty, and duration. Take time to identify the essential tools and supplies you'll need for a successful and safe adventure. Start with this top 10 Essentials list1:
Note: Keep in mind that while these are the 10 essentials, other equipment and supplies will apply to your front or backcountry camping trip. Visit the What to Bring page for more.
1Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 8th Edition (2010). The Mountaineers Books
Test your equipment. Consider testing your equipment prior to your trip for a smooth camping or backcountry adventure. If you’ve never camped before, try backyard camping to give you and your family members a test run.
Remember: Backpacking safety requires more careful planning.
Next: Upon Arrival
Last updated: September 6, 2016