Elkmont Campground packing checklist

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Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there’s a product suggestion when we have a good match.

Trip-specific: permits and hazards

1. Food stored in a sealed vehicleRecreation.gov: food, coolers, scented items and water containers must be stored in a closed vehicle. The park averages 339 negative human–bear encounters a year.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: Recreation.gov: Elkmont Campground

2. Certified firewood onlyNPS: firewood must be USDA- or state-certified heat-treated. Buy it locally.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: NPS Great Smoky Mountains: Elkmont Campground

3. Pets stay off trailsPets aren’t allowed on park trails.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: Recreation.gov: Elkmont Campground

The Ten Essentials (NPS)

1. WaterFor hikes from camp, about 1 L per 2 hours.Need itHave it
   

   Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

   $17.99 on Amazon

   For hikes from camp, about 1 L per 2 hours.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

   Source: NPS Yosemite: hiking safety (1 quart every 2 hours)

2. Water treatmentTreat any stream water before you drink it.Need itHave it
   

   LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

   $17.95 on Amazon

   Treat any stream water before you drink it.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
3. Food and extra foodPack trail snacks for hikes from camp.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

4. Navigation: offline map, map and compassDownload an offline map before you lose signal, and carry a paper map and compass as backup.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

5. HeadlampFor the dark walk to the restroom.Need itHave it
   

   Petzl Tikka Headlamp

   $34.95 on Amazon

   For the dark walk to the restroom.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
6. Sun protectionShady forest, but bring it for open balds.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

7. Insulation and rain layerSmokies weather turns wet fast.Need itHave it
   

   FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s)

   $22.74 on Amazon

   Smokies weather turns wet fast.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
8. First aid kitFor blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.Need itHave it
   

   Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5

   $31.95 on Amazon

   For blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
9. Fire starter and emergency shelterYour car and tent are the shelter here. Carry a lighter and a bivvy on longer walks from camp.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

10. Knife or repair kitFor camp chores and gear fixes.Need itHave it

    No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

Nice to have

1. Camp chairFor evenings by the river.Need itHave it
   

   GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair

   $80.00 on Amazon

   For evenings by the river.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
2. LanternPicnic-table light with no fuel.Need itHave it
   

   LuminAID PackLite Nova Solar Lantern

   $32.99 on Amazon

   Picnic-table light with no fuel.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 18, 2026, and may have changed.