Camping in a national park is one of those experiences that reminds you how vast and alive nature really is. Whether you’re sleeping beneath the stars in Yellowstone or waking up to the sound of waves at Olympic National Park, few things compare. But if you’ve ever tried to pack a car full of camping equipment — or worse, checked it through an airport — you know it’s not exactly simple. That’s where renting camp gear for national park trips comes in.
Renting instead of buying makes camping accessible, affordable, and stress-free. You can try top-quality gear without the hefty investment, skip the storage struggle, and even have everything shipped straight to your destination. Let’s explore how to make the most of this modern, traveler-friendly way to camp.
Why Rent Camping Gear Instead of Buying?
The idea of renting camping equipment might sound unusual at first — after all, most people imagine buying a tent and keeping it for life. But today’s outdoor adventurers are realizing that renting often makes far more sense. Here’s why.
1. Try Before You Buy
Quality camping gear isn’t cheap. A reliable tent alone can cost several hundred dollars, and that’s before you add sleeping bags, cookware, lanterns, and packs. Renting allows you to test the gear in real conditions before you commit to purchasing. Think of it as a trial run — you can decide whether you love backpacking enough to invest, or whether car camping suits you better.
2. Save Storage Space
For city dwellers and apartment renters, storage space is prime real estate. Camping gear is bulky — even the compact stuff. Renting camp gear for national park trips eliminates that clutter. You pick up or have your gear shipped, use it, then send it back. No gear bins under your bed, no garage full of tarps and poles.
3. Travel Lighter
Flying to your camping destination? Renting locally means you don’t have to check extra bags full of gear. Many companies deliver straight to hotels, cabins, or even FedEx locations near the park. You just arrive, pick up your kit, and hit the trail.
4. Environmentally Friendly
This one’s big. Renting reduces waste by keeping high-quality gear in circulation. Instead of buying low-cost items that end up in landfills, you’re reusing durable products maintained by professionals. You save money and help protect the same natural spaces you came to enjoy.
Where to Rent Camping Gear
Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a quick weekend getaway, you’ll find gear rental options for just about every type of camper. Here are some of the best companies offering convenient and affordable rentals nationwide.
REI Rentals
REI’s rental program is perfect for beginners or frequent campers who prefer top-tier gear. With over 150 locations across the U.S., you can rent a single item or an entire camping kit — tents, sleeping bags, pads, chairs, and tables. Prices vary by location, but the quality and reliability are consistent. Many stores even offer one-stop packages you can pick up on your way to the park.
Arrive Outdoors
Based in California, Arrive Outdoors has redefined convenience. You can select your camping kit online, and they’ll ship it directly to your home, hotel, or even a FedEx pickup near your national park. Their gear lineup includes top brands like Marmot, Nemo, and Black Diamond. Whether you want a cozy glamping setup or an ultralight backpacking kit, Arrive Outdoors delivers — literally.
RightOnTrek
This Montana-based company is especially handy if you’re exploring Glacier National Park or nearby destinations. RightOnTrek offers automated gear lockers open 24/7, so you can pick up and drop off equipment anytime — no reservations needed. It’s perfect for spontaneous road trips or last-minute planners.
LowerGear Outdoors
From Arizona to Maine, LowerGear Outdoors ships camping kits across the U.S. They offer everything from ultralight backpacks to family-size tents, plus add-ons like GPS devices, cookware, and even bear canisters. Their website lets you select your park and see delivery times and prices upfront.
Outdoors Geek
Operating out of Denver, Outdoors Geek specializes in glamping and full-service rental packages. If you want a luxury tent, cozy bedding, or even a family-friendly yurt setup, this is your pick. They ship nationwide and include clear instructions for setup and returns.
Regional Rental Options
If you’d rather rent gear close to your destination, there are great regional options too. Here’s a quick breakdown by region.
West Coast (California, Washington, Oregon)
- Arrive Outdoors – Statewide delivery in California.
- Xscape Pod – Based in Portland, Oregon, offering complete “camping pods” shipped nationwide.
Mountain States (Colorado, Montana, Utah)
- RightOnTrek – Near Glacier National Park.
- Outdoors Geek – Ships anywhere, ideal for Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone trips.
Midwest (Illinois, Michigan)
- Rocktown Adventures – Illinois-based, offering flexible daily and weekly rates.
South (Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama)
- Mountain High Outfitters – Convenient for Great Smoky Mountains trips and nearby state parks.
East Coast (New York, Maine, Virginia)
- Basecamp Outdoor Gear – Perfect for travelers flying into Las Vegas or heading to East Coast parks.
Nearly all these companies ship nationally — meaning your next camping adventure can start anywhere, without hauling a trunk full of gear.
How to Choose the Right Rental Package
Not all camping trips are created equal. Before renting, think about how you plan to camp and what kind of experience you want.
1. Solo or Couple Trips
If you’re hiking into backcountry sites, look for lightweight, compact gear. Many companies offer “backpacking kits” that include a two-person tent, sleeping pads, a small stove, and a headlamp.
2. Family or Group Camping
Go for comfort. Car camping packages often include larger tents (four- to six-person), camp chairs, tables, and full kitchen kits with cookware and coolers.
3. Glamping
If your idea of roughing it includes a plush mattress and twinkle lights, some companies offer “luxury” add-ons — thick air mattresses, soft bedding, and even solar-powered lanterns.
4. Seasonal or Specialty Trips
For colder months or high-altitude parks, rent 3- or 4-season tents and cold-rated sleeping bags. Many services let you upgrade your tent or add gear like heaters, safety kits, or bear-proof storage.
Here’s a quick look at what a typical camping rental package might include:
| Item | Included in Most Packages |
|---|---|
| Tent (2–6 person) | ✅ |
| Sleeping bags & pads | ✅ |
| Camp stove & fuel | ✅ |
| Cooler | ✅ |
| Cookware & utensils | ✅ |
| Headlamp or lantern | ✅ |
| Camp chairs & table | Optional |
| First-aid kit | Optional |
Best National Parks for Renting Gear
Some national parks are simply made for gear rentals — especially those with nearby delivery hubs or rental lockers.
Yellowstone National Park
LowerGear Outdoors and Outdoors Geek both ship rental packages directly to the Yellowstone area. These kits include four-person tents (to fit park tent pad restrictions), chairs, cooking gear, and even bear-proof containers.
Yosemite National Park
Arrive Outdoors and REI make camping in Yosemite seamless. Have your tent and sleeping bags shipped to your hotel in Mariposa or pick them up at a nearby REI in Fresno or Modesto.
Glacier National Park
RightOnTrek shines here, with self-service lockers just outside the park. No waiting, no paperwork — just pure adventure.
Grand Canyon National Park
Basecamp Outdoor Gear offers curated kits perfect for desert climates. Their packages are compact, lightweight, and include hydration-friendly features for those long canyon hikes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Mountain High Outfitters rents everything you need for Appalachian-style camping, from hammocks to family tents.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Gear Rental Experience
Renting camping gear is easy — but with a few insider tricks, it can be even smoother.
Book Early
Popular parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite see gear rentals sell out fast, especially in summer. Reserve your gear a few weeks in advance to secure your dates.
Inspect Your Gear
When you receive your kit, check that everything works — zippers, poles, stove igniters. A quick check avoids frustration later.
Understand the Return Process
Most companies include prepaid return labels. Make sure to clean your gear lightly (no mud, please!) and pack it as received. Late returns can mean fees.
Bring Your Personal Essentials
Rental kits cover the basics, but always pack your own small items — toiletries, a headlamp, snacks, and a reusable water bottle.
Pack Sustainably
Avoid single-use plastics, and rent or reuse where possible. The whole point of camping — and renting — is to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, renting camp gear for national park trips is about freedom. Freedom from hauling heavy equipment, freedom from expensive purchases, and freedom to explore anywhere — from the forests of Yosemite to the cliffs of Zion — without the baggage, literally.
So next time you plan a trip, skip the stress of packing bins and storage closets. Rent what you need, enjoy the journey, and return it when you’re done. The wilderness will thank you — and so will your wallet.
