Firearms
Unless you are hunting during your camping trip, firearms should be left at home, especially if camping with children or in campgrounds. If you do take forearms on your trip, they should be handled with care and respect. The wilderness and national forests are not the best place for target practice. While it IS allowed in the national forest, the US Forest Service has very specific regulations about where and how you can shoot. Refer to this link for more information before you go. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/trails/welcome.shtml and always check local laws and regulations.
If you are planning a trip where large predators, such as bears are known to be active, taking a can or 2 of bear spray will probably be all you need if you happen to encounter one of these guys. A firearm in the wrong or inexperienced hands would be dangerous and likely ineffective and a missed shot will only serve to make a large predator even more dangerous!