Spring Packing List for National Parks

When it’s time to start packing for your trip, use our spring packing list for National Parks.

There are many US National Park vacation ideas to do in the spring. Once you pick the destination, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll need to pack.

You’ll definitely want to know what weather and temperatures to expect for the national park you’ll visit, especially in the spring. That way you can still enjoy the outdoors even if the conditions aren’t ideal.

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Spring Packing List for National Parks

The spring packing checklist is fairly comprehensive, and you may not need every item depending on your type of travel, things you will do, or the weather conditions when you visit. Make modifications to the lists as needed.

You’ll want to research the weather, region and elevation of the parks you’ll visit to help when packing for your spring trip. When visiting US National Parks in the spring weather can be unpredictable any time of year, so be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly!

Pack and wear layers for the cool mornings and evenings you’ll find in the spring. It’s usually a rainy, and sometimes snowy, time of year at many locations so be prepared for storms that may quickly roll in unexpectedly.

national park passes — National Park Passes

National Park Spring Packing Checklist

Here are the items we consider packing for a spring vacation to US National Parks based on location and expected weather.

The America the Beautiful Annual Pass

The US National Park Pass is a good deal, especially if you’ll be visiting more than one park during the year. It’s valid for one year from the date of purchase. For the most current information on passes, reference the National Park Service website.

There are many options for US citizens:

Senior Pass if you’re over 62
Military Pass
4th Grade Pass

The pass allows two signatures so it can be shared, and the two people don’t have to be related. You will need to show photo ID each time you use the pass.

You can order passes online or get them at any of these Federal Recreation Areas. We like to buy our pass through REI – they donate 10% of sale proceeds to the National Park Foundation which is cool! Plus that purchase goes toward our REI annual member dividend.

Daypack for Outdoor Activities in the Spring

Refillable water bottle or hydration pack
Healthy snacks
National Park Maps
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Hand lotion
Sunglasses
Toilet paper (carry out in a bag – do not bury)
Disposable urination device & feminine hygiene products
Hand sanitizer
First aid kit
Bags to pack out trash

Hiking Gear for the Spring

Waterproof hiking shoes
Darn Tough socks – the BEST socks ever – really!
Trekking poles
What to Bring on a Day Hike
Hiking Gear and Tips for Kids
Photography Gear for Hiking
Best Cameras for Hiking

Spring Clothing

Wicking is important for any clothing that touches skin. The awesome thing about wicking fabric is it pulls moisture (sweat) away from you and moves it to the fabric’s outer surface, where it can dry quickly.

This type of clothing lets you break a sweat without feeling clammy or chilled. It’s all about the LAYERS when doing outdoor activity.