The Perfect Packing List for a National Parks Roadtrip

Written By Elyse Goldfarb

Every time we get back from a trip, we say the same thing:

“We packed way too much.”

Before heading out on our big Wild West road trip, we did a “practice run” nearby on Florida’s Treasure Coast. That’s where we started learning what was essential and what was just taking up space. But it wasn’t until we were deep into the real trip; living out of our van, racing daylight to reach campsites—that it truly clicked.

Storage space is tight. Time is limited. Organization matters.
And guess what? You can grab things along the way if you really need them.

Smart Packing Tips

  • Keep essentials handy – Daily-use items should be within reach.

  • Stash the “sometimes” stuff – Occasional-use things go in the trunk or back.

  • Be realistic – You’ll wear the same stuff over and over.

  • Everything you unpack must be packed again – That alone will make you rethink what you bring.

What to Pack (and How to Organize It)

🚶‍♀️ Clothing

We packed in nylon drawer organizers and took a medium size canvas overnight bag for quick hotel stops. Here's what actually got used:

Everyday Clothing:

  • 3 pairs of jeans

  • 1–2 hiking pants

  • 1–2 shorts

  • 1 skort

  • 1 yoga pant or legging (with phone pocket)

  • 1 surf short or swimsuit (for showers, waterfalls, hot springs)

  • 3–4 long-sleeve stretch shirts

  • 1–2 moisture-wicking hiking shirts

  • 1 flannel shirt (great overlayer)

  • 1–2 t-shirts (you’ll probably buy more at Park Visitor Centers)

Outerwear & Layers:

  • Lightweight rain jacket

  • Zip-up Hoodie

  • Foldable poncho (for hiking backpack)

  • Windbreaker (Vuori style, black, doubles as jacket for restaurant)

  • Puffy down jacket

  • Thin silk long underwear (top + bottom)

Accessories:

  • Sleepwear (stored in pillowcase)

  • 2–3 bras

  • 6–8 underwear

  • 8 pairs of socks (you’ll lose some)

  • Hiking boots, trail runners, sneakers

  • Birkenstocks or slides (showers/campsites)

  • Flats for campsite (Vans, Toms)

  • Fleece lined booties or moccasins for cold mornings

  • Bucket hat, visor, beanie

  • Scarf, gloves, warmer gloves if climbing

  • Sunglasses (2–3 pairs: different lenses/weights)

  • Belt (trust me, you’ll need it)

Layering tip for cold days:
Silk base + stretch shirt + tee + hoodie + windbreaker + puffy = warmth. Peel off layers as it warms up.

🧼 Toiletries & Hygiene

Keep your toiletry bag organized and portable. Hotels often have blow dryers, shampoo, conditioner, body wash - no need to lug those around.

  • Hanging toiletry bag

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, Waterpik

  • Deodorant, lip balm, body lotion

  • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash for campsite

  • Razor, nail clippers

  • Mini magnifying mirror (optional)

  • Hairbrush, scrunchies, clips

  • Contacts & solution, glasses

  • Hand sanitizer, bathroom wipes

  • Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels (viva signature)

  • Spray cleaner, waste bin, toilet brush

First Aid Musts:

  • Dramamine, Imodium, Pepto

  • Tylenol Extra, Advil

  • Band-aids, gauze, ace bandage

  • Neosporin, hydrocortisone spray

  • Allergy meds, inhaler if needed

  • Z-pack (just in case)

  • Personal prescriptions in a weekly organizer

🧰 Miscellaneous Gear

Small things that make a huge difference:

  • Cloth drawstring laundry bag

  • Laundry sheets, bleach pods, dryer sheets

  • Quarters (Ziploc 4 rolls)

  • Tool bag: include zip ties, scissors, pocket knife

  • Safety gear: foghorn, bear spray, pepper spray

  • Clip-on garbage bag - clip to pantry door out of the way

  • Backseat organizer over passenger chair

  • Bug spray, mosquito wristbands, sunscreen

  • Spare keys, jumper cables

  • Important docs: passport, insurance, cash ($100–300)

  • National Parks pass

  • Printed itinerary, excursion tickets, printed park reservation, paper maps

  • Chargers, extension cords, AirPods

  • WIFI extender, phone mount

  • Tire gauge, hose, power adaptors (30/50 amp)

  • Adhesive hooks & eyeglass holders

  • Shoe organizer (great for hanging inside bathroom)

🛏 Camping & Sleep Setup

You don’t need to bring the whole outdoors store. Just what keeps you comfy and warm.

  • Sleeping bag or roll (we love Disco Duvaley)

  • Pillow + warm throw blanket

  • Headlamp / flashlight

  • Folding camp chairs/table (optional)

  • Mini grill + ¼ lb charcoal (optional)

  • Backpack stocked with:

    • Water bladder + filter straw

    • Compass, fire starter, whistle

    • Trail snacks, first aid, wipes in ziplock, survival blanket

    • Rope, binoculars, pepper spray

    • Phone power bank or solar charger

🍳 Van Kitchen Essentials

We had an induction stove and a small pot/pan. That plus a few basics goes a long way.

Cooking Tools:

  • Small cutting board

  • Sharp paring knife, longer filet knife if fishing

  • Heat-proof spatula, spoon, tongs

  • Can opener, bottle opener

  • Collapsible wash bin

  • Dish soap, scrub brush, quick-dry towels

  • Coffee press and to-go mugs

  • Chamois towels

  • Mini blender (for shakes/margs) optional

Dishes:

  • 1 melamine plate/bowl per person

  • 1 metal fork, steak knife per person

  • Paper plates, disposable bowls, plastic fork spoon

  • Jelly jars for cocktails

  • Small vacuum, broom/dustpan

Food Storage & Pantry Staples:

  • Non-skid shelf liners

  • Plastic bin dividers or cubes

  • Glass containers for coldcuts or leftovers

  • Peanut butter, jam, bread

  • Coffee, sugar, sweetener

  • Oatmeal, pasta, rice, tuna

  • Snacks: cookies, pretzels, crackers

  • Boxed wine, canned beer

  • Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, hot sauce

  • Parmesan, black beans, soy sauce

Final Thoughts

Travel light. Stay flexible. Keep things accessible.
When in doubt, leave it out. You can buy almost anything along the way.

And yes—next time, we’re packing less. For real.

Elyse Goldfarb
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