How to Reserve a Campsite in the US
The vast majority of popular national park campgrounds in the US are reserved through
Recreation.gov. Reservations open exactly 6 months before the desired date at midnight Eastern
Time. For the most popular parks (Yosemite, Zion, Arches, Olympic), sites sell out in literal seconds. Tips for
success:
- Create a Recreation.gov account before opening day
- Save your preferred campground and dates in your cart
- Have your payment information saved in advance
- Try to book on a weekday rather than weekend date — more site turnover
- Check for cancellations daily at 10am EST — many reservations are cancelled and immediately re-listed
What to Pack for National Park Camping
Shelter & Sleep
- 3-season tent appropriate for your destination's climate
- Sleeping bag rated 10-15°F below expected overnight low
- Sleeping pad (inflatable pads are warmer and more comfortable than foam)
- Camp pillow
Cooking & Food
- Camp stove and fuel canisters (or wood fire setup where permitted)
- Cookset: pot, pan, utensils, and camp mug
- Bear canister or plan to use provided bear boxes
- Biodegradable soap for washing up 200+ feet from water sources
Navigation & Safety
- Downloaded offline maps (Maps.me or Gaia GPS)
- Paper map backup for your specific park
- First aid kit including blister treatment and any personal medications
- Emergency whistle, signal mirror, and emergency mylar blanket
Bear Safety in US Campgrounds
Bears are present in many national parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Great Smoky Mountains, and
others. Following proper food storage practices is both a legal requirement and essential for safety:
- Never store food in your tent — always use the provided bear box or your car trunk
- Scented items (sunscreen, toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant) must also be stored — not just food
- Clean cooking utensils and dispose of wash water at least 200 feet from camp
- In grizzly bear country (Yellowstone, Glacier, Alaska), carry bear spray and know how to use it
Leave No Trace Principles
The seven Leave No Trace principles are the foundation of responsible camping in the US:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research your destination, know the rules, prepare for weather
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on designated trails and established campsites
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash; bury human waste 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet
from water
- Leave What You Find: Don't collect rocks, plants, feathers, or cultural artifacts
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use fire rings; collect only fallen wood; burn fires completely
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance; never feed animals
- Be Considerate of Others: Keep noise low; yield on trails; camp away from other groups
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Many of America's best campgrounds are at high elevation. Rocky Mountain NP (8,000+ ft), Bryce Canyon (8,000
ft), and Yosemite Valley (4,000 ft) can cause altitude sickness in unacclimatized visitors:
- Ascend gradually — avoid jumping from sea level to 10,000 feet overnight
- Stay well hydrated — double your normal water intake
- Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours at altitude
- Sleep at lower elevations than you hike
- Descend immediately if you experience severe headache, confusion, or difficulty breathing
Top 5 Mistakes First-Time Campers Make
- Underestimating how cold nights get: Even in summer, mountain campgrounds can drop to
near-freezing overnight
- Not testing gear before the trip: Practice setting up your tent at home before you're in
the dark in the rain
- Packing too much or too little food: Plan meals specifically; bring 20% extra for
emergencies
- Ignoring the weather forecast: Check forecasts for your specific location, not just the
nearest city
- Leaving food in the car: Bears can and do break into cars — always use bear boxes