Redwood National Park Packing List: What I’d Actually Bring

Preparing a packing list for Redwood National Park sounds simple until you actually think through the trip. Even in summer, it can feel warm in the afternoon, chilly in the morning and at night, and damp enough around camp that everything starts to feel a little wet.

After a weekend trip up from San Francisco with two nights of camping, I realized Redwood National Park wasn’t hard to pack for. Between Fern Canyon, foggy camp mornings, and long days outside, a little planning goes a long way here.

This is the Redwood packing list I actually used for a trip with hiking, scenic stops, Fern Canyon, and camping.

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Quick Redwood National Park packing list

If you just want the short version, this is the Redwood packing list I’d start with for a typical trip with scenic stops, hiking, Fern Canyon, and a couple nights of camping. Redwood is not the kind of park where you need a bunch of specialized gear, but the right layers and a few practical extras help a lot.

The main things I’d plan around are cool mornings, damp camp conditions, long days outside, and the chance that Fern Canyon or another stop leaves your shoes wet. Even when the forecast looks dry, Redwood can still feel damp enough that your layers, camp setup, and shoe choices matter more than you’d expect.

Fern Canyon logistics to plan for

If Fern Canyon is on your itinerary, I’d treat the logistics like part of the packing list because many people overlook this part.

The easiest access is via Gold Bluffs Beach, but day-use permits are required from May 15 through September 15, so I’d book that ahead and keep the confirmation easy to access. Cell service in the redwoods can be unreliable, so this is also one of those stops where you’ll need downloaded maps.

It’s also worth knowing that the road in can be rough and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. And if you do not get a permit, you can still hike into Fern Canyon from Prairie Creek Visitor Center via the James Irvine Trail, but that turns it into a much longer outing and changes what I’d want to carry.

I go into the Fern Canyon permit details and timing more in my one-day Redwood itinerary, but it’s one of those stops that I’d pack specifically for.

Clothing layers I’d actually bring

I found myself re-wearing many of the layers during my Redwood National Park trip, so I don’t think you need to bring a lot of stuff. On my June visit, afternoons were warm, mornings and nights were cooler so I was glad to have a few layers I actually wanted to wear.

1. Sun hoodie

A sun hoodie was probably my most useful clothing item. It was especially useful under the afternoon sun, and if I were trying to pack light, this is one of the few things I’d absolutely still bring.

2. Fleece or warm mid-layer

I was really glad I brought a fleece. That was the layer that made early mornings and evenings more comfortable once the temperature dropped. You probably wouldn’t need more than that in June.

3. Rain jacket

Even if the forecast looks dry, I’d still pack a rain jacket. It didn’t rain on my trip, but camp still felt wet from fog and moisture dripping off the trees. Wearing my rain jacket around camp made me feel a bit more comfortable.

4. Bottoms

For bottoms, I’d keep it simple and wear whatever hiking clothes you already know are comfortable. I would choose long pants just because there might be mosquitoes or ticks. You should be fine with shorts as well, especially if you’re going to be playing in the river.

Best shoes for Redwood National Park

Shoes are probably the part of this packing list where people tend to have varying opinions. Personally, for most of Redwood National Park, I’d keep it simple and wear trail runners because those are the most comfortable for me.

5. Trail runners for most of the trip

I wore trail runners for most of the trip, and they worked well for regular hikes, scenic stops, and moving around camp. We didn’t run into especially muddy conditions, so I never wished I had packed heavy waterproof boots.

Fern Canyon is the one place where shoe choice matters a little more because of creek crossings, slippery rocks, and uneven footing.

When we visited in early June, parts of the creek in Fern Canyon had water levels that came up to my shin. After trying to balance on logs to avoid getting my feet wet, I decided to just embrace the wet shoes instead of risking injury or falling.

If that’s your first stop of the day, quick-drying shoes or sturdy sandals can make sense. But if you already have trail runners that dry reasonably fast, I think it’s completely fine to wear those. Let them get wet, and bring a dry pair to change into later.

Hiking essentials

You do not need a huge pack for Redwood National Park, but you do want enough room for all your hiking essentials. For me, a small and lightweight daypack was the right setup.

6. Small daypack

A small daypack is what I’ll recommend for hiking. Mine worked well for carrying the basics without feeling bulky. Unless you’re doing a longer trail, I wouldn’t overpack this part.

7. Plenty of snacks

Snacks were one of the most useful things we brought because once we were out for the day, there were not always convenient food stops nearby. It’s always nice to have a snack to eat by the river or under some trees.

8. Water

For a normal day, bringing enough water in your pack is the easiest setup. If you’re doing a bigger hike and didn’t stock up beforehand, a water filter can be helpful as there are lots of water sources all around Redwood National Park.

9. Towel or change of clothes

This is especially useful if your plans include Fern Canyon, the Smith River, or anything else where you might end up wet. Even just having a towel in the car makes the day easier afterward.

10. Phone, camera, and small extras

A phone is obvious, but Redwood is also the kind of place where you may want a camera or tripod if you like taking photos. Who doesn’t like selfies with big trees? Make sure to bring your portable batteries as well.

11. Sun protection

Redwood can feel cool enough that sun protection is easy to forget, but I’d still pack it. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are easy to overlook here, especially when the weather feels mild, but I’d still want all three once I was out for the day.

12. Small first aid basics

I’d still throw a few basic first aid items in my bag or car, especially if I was planning to hike a few different trails over the trip. This is probably the responsible thing to do, especially if you are travelling in a group.

13. Downloaded maps

Cell service can be spotty in Redwood, so I’d download maps before the trip instead of assuming I’ll have service when I need it. This is one of those tiny planning steps that helps to reduce overwhelm when you’re out on your trip.

14. Permits or reservation confirmations

If your trip includes anything that needs advance planning, I’d keep those confirmations easy to access before you go. That can mean campground reservations, Fern Canyon permits, or anything else you do not want to be digging through your email for once you lose service

15. Bug protection

I’d throw in bug spray or picaridin lotion, especially if you’re camping or hiking brushier trails. Ticks are present in Redwood too, so I’d keep to the middle of the trail where possible and do a quick tick check after hikes. I’d also recommend treating your clothes with Permethrin beforehand.

Optional camping add-ons

If you’re camping in Redwood National Park, your packing list still doesn’t need to get complicated, but there are a few extras that make camp more comfortable. We camped for two nights, and even without rain, mornings still felt damp from fog and overnight moisture.

16. Camp chair

This is one of the easiest comfort upgrades if you’re spending a couple nights at camp. When the picnic bench is wet or the whole site feels damp, having your own chair is a lot nicer than pretending the bench is fine. It’s not essential, but it’s worth making room for.

17. Tarp in case of rain

A tarp is not exciting, but it will come in extra handy if there’s any rain. It will give you a cleaner place to hang out, cook, or eat in peace. When it rains, twigs, leaves, and all kinds of stuff can come falling down with the rain, so I’d recommend a tarp.

18. Headlamp or flashlight

This is easy to forget until you actually need it around camp. If you’re staying overnight, I’d absolutely bring a headlamp or flashlight instead of relying on your phone.

What I would leave at home

Since Redwood National Park can feel like a very far away destination, people may end up overpacking. Here’s my take on what you might not need to bring.

Rain boots for Fern Canyon

I would skip rain boots for most trips even if I were going to Fern Canyon. I’d much rather wear trail runners I already know are comfortable, let them get wet if needed, and change shoes afterward. But if you already have rain boots that go up to at least your knee level, then sure – go ahead and bring it.

Bulky “just in case” layers

Unless you’re visiting in colder or wetter conditions, I wouldn’t overdo heavy layers. If you are afraid of the cold, wear merino base layers for warmth without the bulk. Bring a fleece jacket and a rain jacket, maybe even a beanie, and this should keep you warm in Redwood National Park.

Most of the time, bulky layers are hard to travel with because they’re not easy to peel off, and you’ll feel like you’re either too warm or too cold.

Too much gear for a normal day hike

For regular Redwood days, I wouldn’t overpack your daypack with a bunch of random extras. Perhaps if you wanted to bring some hiking poles, you could, such as for Fern Canyon if you need a little bit of stability in the water. Besides that, I don’t think you necessarily any technical gear.

Fancy footwear you don’t normally wear

I also would not buy some hyper-specific pair of shoes just because Redwood feels like it should require them. If you already have trail runners you like, that is probably enough for most of the trip.

The only exception is if you already own quick-drying sandals and know you want them for Fern Canyon. I would say water shoes are not really that important, though I see people recommend them a lot for a trip like this.

FAQ about my packing list for Redwood National Park

A Redwood National Park packing list doesn’t need to be complicated, but a few questions come up every time. Most of them really come down to whether you’re hiking, camping, doing Fern Canyon, or keeping things simple for a weekend trip.

Do I need hiking boots for Redwood National Park?

Probably not. I wore trail runners for most of the trip, and they worked well for regular hikes, scenic stops, and walking around camp. Unless you already know your trip will be especially wet or muddy, I wouldn’t overthink this. Most of the trails are very easy too.

What shoes should I wear to Fern Canyon?

That mostly depends on when Fern Canyon fits into your day. If it’s your first stop of the day, quick-drying shoes or sturdy sandals can make sense. I think it’s completely fine to wear trail runners, let them get wet, and bring a second pair to change into later.

Is Redwood cold in June?

Not exactly, but it can feel cooler than people expect. On my June trip, afternoons were warm, but mornings and nights were chilly enough that I was glad to have a sun hoodie, fleece, and rain jacket.

Do I need a rain jacket if the forecast looks dry?

I still think yes. It didn’t rain on my trip, but camp still felt damp from fog and moisture dripping off the trees. A rain jacket was useful for that even more than for actual rain.

What should I pack if I’m mostly doing scenic stops and short walks?

Keep it simple: comfortable shoes, one light layer, one warmer layer, a rain jacket, water, snacks, and a small daypack. If you’re still deciding which stops are worth prioritizing, here are my favorite things to do in Redwood National Park.

What should I pack if I’m camping in Redwood?

Camping adds a few comfort items that are actually worth it, especially because mornings can feel damp even when it isn’t raining. I’d prioritize a camp chair, warm layer, rain jacket, tarp, extra towel, and a change of clothes.

Where you stay changes this packing list a little, so here’s my guide to where to stay near Redwood National Park if you’re still deciding between camping, cabins, or using a nearby town as a base.

What is the most underrated thing to bring?

Honestly, snacks. A close second is a change of shoes if Fern Canyon is on your itinerary. Both are simple, but both made the day more enjoyable.

Final thoughts for a Redwood National Park packing list

Preparing our Redwood National Park packing list ended up being easier once I stopped treating it like a trip that needed a bunch of specialized gear. For me, the most useful setup was simple: trail runners, a few repeat layers, a small daypack, lots of snacks, and a couple of smart extras for damp camp mornings and Fern Canyon.

If you pack for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and at least one part of the day where your shoes might end up wet, you’ll probably be in good shape.

If you’re still figuring out how to structure the trip, my Redwood National Park 2-day itinerary lays out the stops I’d pair this packing list with.