What To Pack For A Camping Trip
If you’re looking for the best family camping in Utah, look no further than Zion Crest Campground. Located just 7 miles from Zion National Park’s east entrance and with loads of area attractions, dozens of on-site amenities, and a newly-renovated campground, you won’t be able to get here fast enough to start your Zion tent camping adventure.
But if you’ve never been to a campground near Zion National Park, how do you know what to pack? Lucky for you, we’ve created an easy-to-follow tent camping essentials checklist so you’ll leave home with everything you need. Take a look at our go-to Zion National Park camping trip packing list!
Clothes
Although generally mild, Zion National Park and its nearby campgrounds in Southern Utah can experience all kinds of weather—one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s raining or even snowing at higher elevations in winter. Make sure you’re prepared for any kind of weather by packing the following clothing for a summer in Zion:
- Short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts (consider packing wicking shirts)
- Pants (consider packing wicking pants)
- Sweatshirt
- Water repellent jacket
- Hat or visor
- Bandana
- Hiking shoes
- Crew socks
- Water shoes (great for your walk up The Narrows)
- Swimsuit (for river tubing, pool and hot tub at Zion Crest Campground)
Exploring Essentials
There are so many options when it comes to exploring Zion National Park. From hiking to canyoneering to Jeep tours, here’s what you’ll need:
- Hiking backpack
- Water bottle
- Trekking poles (for walking up The Narrows)
- Compass
- Watch
- Knife
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Map or guidebook
Skin Protectants
From the sun to the bugs, be prepared with the following:
- Sunscreen
- Aloe vera
- Sunglasses
- Chapstick
- Mosquito repellent
- Citronella candles
Bathroom Items
At our tent campground that’s on the east side of Zion National Park, we don’t make you rough it like some of those other nose-memorable camping trips you’ve been on. With showers and bathrooms on site, feel free to bring these items so you can feel fresh and clean while camping:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Washcloths
- Towels
- Personal wipes
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Flip flops
Cookware and Food
Just because you’re camping at Zion in a tent doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. And at this Zion campground, there are grills, picnic tables, and spots for making campfires. Be sure you fuel up on a hearty campfire breakfast before leaving the campground and can make a yummy campfire dessert when you return from hiking by bringing these necessities:
- Cast iron cookware
- Dutch oven
- Aluminum foil
- Roasting sticks
- Wood or coals
- Waterproof matches
- Cooler
- Animal-resistant food storage bags or containers
- Ice
- Food for meals
- Packaged snacks (protein bars, trail mix, jerky, etc.)
If you ever don’t feel like cooking—and who can blame you because you are on vacation—there are nearby restaurants to get your grub on before or after a long day of hiking and exploring the beauty of Zion National Park.
Pets
Worried about leaving your furry friend at home? You don’t have to. Dogs are allowed in the tent camping areas at Zion Crest Campground. So if you plan on bringing them along, don’t forget to pack his bag with:
- Dog bed
- Blanket
- Towels
- Dog food and treats
- Water bowl
- Collar and ID tags
- Leash
- Poop bags
- Toys
- Dog backpack
With the right list of what to pack for a camping trip, you’re guaranteed to have the best family camping trip in Utah. Happy tent camping in Zion!