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Deer Canyon Campground permit

Deer Canyon Gear Checklist

What to carry on Deer Canyon, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 4 more are worth the pack space.

5Total Items
1Required
4To bring

What to bring on Deer Canyon

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. One item is written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    A backpacking stove

    because fires are restricted to backpack stoves and no wood or charcoal is permitted anywhere in the park

    Permit rule: “Fires are restricted to backpack stoves; wood and charcoal fires are not permitted anywhere in the park”

  • Bring

    All your water. The park states there is no drinking water available at the primitive sites

  • Bring

    Bags to carry out all your rubbish

    there are no trash cans

  • Bring

    Sun protection for an exposed, mostly uphill approach

  • Bring

    A headlamp

    since trails close at sunset and the walk back is three miles

4 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Plan a trip here

General backcountry gear

General backcountry kit. Crystal Cove State Park's own rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Deer Canyon

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Some items are required seasonally. Check current regulations.

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