Yellowstone packing list
- Yellowstone nights stay cold even in summer — pack a warm mid-layer and rain shell, not just T-shirts.
- Buy bear spray near the park if you fly — you cannot take it through airport security.
- Hard-sided food storage matters — soft coolers in cars attract bears.
What you’ll likely need
A quick peek at must-bring and strongly suggested items for this trip. Your full checklist with checkboxes appears in a moment.
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad / mat
- Tent
- Trash bags (pack it out)
- Broken-in hiking boots
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Extra warm mid-layer
- Hiking boots
- Light jacket / layer
- Packable rain jacket
- Pants / shorts
- Socks
- T-shirts / tops
- Underwear
- Warm beanie for nights
- Warm mid-layer (nights stay cold)
- Waterproof rain shell
- Wool hiking socks
- Camping permit
- Credit / debit cards
- Driver's license / ID
- Flight / booking confirmations
- Health insurance card
- Offline park map / downloaded maps
- Park entry pass / reservation confirmation
- Passport
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Hard-sided cooler / food storage plan
- Bear spray (buy locally if flying)
- Reusable water bottles (1L+ each)
- Basic first aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Day backpack
- Packing cubes
- Sunglasses
- Biodegradable camp soap
- Camp cookware set
- Camp knife / multitool
- Camp mug / cup
- Camp stove
- Emergency whistle
- Fire starter / matches (waterproof)
- Fuel canister
- Ground tarp / footprint
- Spork / utensils
- Water filter / purification
- Sleepwear
- Sun hat / cap
- Sun hat with brim
- Warm jacket / coat
Tips for this trip
- Download offline maps before you enter — cell service is unreliable.
- Stay 25 yards from bison and elk, 100 yards from bears and wolves.
- Confirm park entry reservations and lodging before you leave home.
More camping packing lists guides on our camping packing lists hub , or use the full packing tool
Common questions
What should I pack for Yellowstone? +
Hiking boots, rain shell, warm layers, water bottles, binoculars, park pass, and a hard-sided food plan. Add tent camping gear if you are staying in campgrounds.
Can I bring bear spray on a plane? +
No — buy bear spray near the park after you land, and learn how to use it before trailheads.
Is this a tent camping list? +
It builds on tent and car camping essentials, then adds Yellowstone-specific layers, wildlife rules, and food storage. Open our tent camping list for a general shelter checklist.