National Park Month - Geared Up for Your Whole July!
July is all about soaking in the wonderful weather and the beautiful nature around us. This month is also the time to celebrate National Park Month. So for this month, take time to visit a national or local park, participate in local sponsored events, volunteer, and visit a local park you’ve never been to. While making plans, be sure to pack the right gear for safety and comfort.
Keep reading to find out what National Park Month is about, the must-have gear to pack, and simple ways to respect nature while admiring it.
What Is National Park Month and Why Celebrate It?
Every July, National Park and Recreation Month highlights the local and national parks in the United States. But it's not just about the trails and views. Many park rangers, groundskeepers, and other professionals help keep these spaces clean, safe, and open for everyone to enjoy.
It’s important to celebrate the hard work, thoughtfulness, and time that goes into conserving our ecosystem and creating spaces for everyone to enjoy nature safely.
Essential Gear to Power Your July Adventures
Sun and Heat Protection
Sunscreen: At least SPF 30 is absolutely necessary. Reapply it regularly, even on cloudy days. Pay attention to the UV index before heading out.
Portable AC Unit: The EcoFlow Wave 3 can provide a much-needed cooling relief, especially for little kids, making the outdoor adventure more comfortable and
Lightweight cover-up: Remember a long-sleeve cover-up for long days in direct sunlight. Keep harmful UVs at bay without overheating.
Hydration Must-Haves
Hydration vest: They have built-in water reserves for hands-free water while on long hikes.
Reusable water bottle: Bring your reusable water bottle wherever you go, and take advantage of water refill stations.
Electrolytes: Bring some electrolyte packets to replenish those lost to sweat. Add the packet to your reusable water for a boost during the day.
Smart cooler: While out for several hours, use an EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Refrigerator Freezer. This cooler will keep snacks and drinks cold or frozen even when temperatures skyrocket.
Comfort
Camping chair: Lightweight and foldable camping chairs make sitting outside more comfortable. Don’t tough it out in the heat, bring a seat and use it.
Hammock: Throw it up between trees for a cozy place to rock or nap at the end of a long hike and enjoy the breeze.
Bugspray: Ward away mosquitoes and other insects before they can bite you.
Trail Snacks
Fresh fruit is full of hydration and electrolytes and easy to digest. Bring apples, grapes, oranges, strawberries, or kiwi for a sustaining treat.
Granola: Change up the texture of your snacks with a crunchy granola full of carbohydrates and fiber.
Salty chips: Salt is needed to replace electrolytes, and salty pretzels can satisfy that craving while rebalancing your ions.
Storage and Transportation
Outdoor tote: Use a big outdoor tote to carry picnic essentials, sunscreen, and snacks. Plus, it’s easy to gather everything back up, including trash.
All-Terrain Wagon: Wheeling your gear over uneven surfaces is a breeze with a wagon.You’ll love this if you have a lot of gear to transport.
Hiking Backpack: Sometimes, all you need is a lightweight backpack to carry your food, water, and other small gear while on the trail.
How to Stay Charged Off-Grid
Going off-grid means leaving behind traditional power sources. You need a solar generator if you want to have power while away from a wall outlet. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel solar generator combines a compact solar panel with a robust battery pack. Set up the solar panels to recharge the power station as you use it for unlimited electricity.
With both components designed for portability, packaging this solar generator for an afternoon picnic at the park or a weekend camping getaway is easy. While there, use it to power small fans, string lights, or lanterns at night, and small appliances.
How to Respect National Parks While You Explore
Stay on designated trails to protect the ecosystems.
Dispose of waste properly. Practice leave no trace and pack out all trash, including biodegradable items.
Don’t feed wildlife. Giving them human food does more harm long-term.
Keep noise levels down to respect wildlife and other explorers. It helps preserve the peaceful atmosphere at the park you’re in.
Follow fire safety guidelines to prevent accidental wildfires. Pay attention to burn bans in the area, especially on windy days.
Obey park signs and regulations. The rules are there for a reason: to promote safety and conservation.
Use reusable water bottles and containers to reduce plastic waste.
Be courteous to rangers and other visitors. This month is about celebrating park professionals, not making their job harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Portable Power Station in National Parks?
Absolutely! If it's quiet, you can use a portable power station in national parks. Quiet ones, like Ecoflows, don’t disturb others or wildlife. Battery-powered electricity is preferred over traditional, noisy gas generators. Always read park regulations regarding energy use just in case.
Can I Camp Inside National Parks Without a Reservation?
You usually need a reservation before camping. During peak season, like July, reservations are used to limit the number of campers for the sake of park conservation. However, some parks have first-come, first-served campsites. Check the park’s specific website before your trip.
Final Thoughts
National Park Month is the best time to embrace the outdoors by hiking scenic trails, camping for a weekend getaway, participating in local community events, or just relaxing under a shady tree. Your July adventure will be much more comfortable and enjoyable with the right gear, such as sun protection, hydration tools, and comfort items.
As you explore, remember to respect nature, follow local regulations, and leave every site better than you found it. One simple way to honor the environment? Use renewable energy. Use an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel to stay charged while off-grid all day long.