Planning a national park trip can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it and trying to keep costs low. But with some practical strategies, you can explore stunning parks like Acadia, Joshua Tree, or Yellowstone without breaking the bank. As Unqualified Hikers, we’ve learned a thing or two about stretching a dollar while soaking in nature’s best. Here’s our beginner-friendly guide to planning a budget-conscious national park adventure that’s realistic and fun.
1. Pick the Right Park and Time
National parks vary in cost depending on location and season. Some parks, like Great Smoky Mountains, have no entrance fees, while others, like Yosemite, charge $35 per vehicle. Research parks with lower or no fees to save upfront. Visiting during shoulder seasons—spring or fall— also cuts costs on lodging and avoids peak-season crowds. For example, Joshua Tree in early spring offers mild weather and cheaper nearby accommodations compared to summer.
Tip for Newbies: Check the National Park Service website (nps.gov) for free entrance days, like National Public Lands Day, to skip fees entirely.
2. Budget for Transportation
Getting to the park can eat up your budget, so plan smart. Obviously, the further away from civilization a park is, the more money you’ll spend getting there. Driving is often cheaper than flying, especially if you carpool with friends or family to split gas costs (just have some snacks and a good playlist prepared). If flying is necessary, book tickets at least 2-3 months in advance and use fare comparison sites like Google Flights. You can even set up notifications for when flight prices lower. Choose airports near multiple parks (e.g., Denver for Rocky Mountain or Las Vegas for Zion) to maximize your trip.
Realistic Hack: Use a fuel-efficient car or rent one if yours guzzles gas. Apps like GasBuddy help find the cheapest gas stations along your route.
3. Save on Lodging
Camping is the ultimate budget win in national parks. Most park campgrounds charge $10-$30 per night, way less than hotels or Airbnbs. Sites like Recreation.gov let you book campgrounds in advance—key for popular parks like Glacier. Definitely make sure to do your research before showing up at the park. If camping isn’t your thing, look for budget motels or hostels in nearby towns, ideally booked midweek for lower rates. Most of your time will be spent adventuring in the park, so don’t worry about getting the nicest room in town! (Bonus points if the hotel serves free breakfast)
Beginner Tip: No camping gear? Borrow from friends or rent from outfitters near the park (e.g., REI rentals). It’s cheaper than buying everything new, and prevents you from committing to buying a tent or sleeping bag before you know what type / kind you like.
4. Pack Your Own Food
Dining options in or near national parks are often pricey and limited. Save by packing a cooler with easy meals like pastries, sandwiches (Uncrustables FTW), or pasta salads. In our opinion, there’s no such thing as packing too many snacks for a national park trip. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at visitor centers instead of buying bottled water. If you’re camping, a portable stove or campfire (where allowed) can handle simple cooking.
On one trip in Yosemite, we headed to a bear box to store our snacks and saw a black bear sniffing around the parking lot, likely drawn by leftover wrappers someone else left in their car. When we returned from our hike, we found a nearby car with a smashed window—probably the bear’s handiwork. Always use designated bear boxes in bear country to keep your food (and car) safe!
Pro Move: Shop at a grocery store before entering the park. A $50 grocery run for a few days beats $15 burgers every day at the park lodge. But don’t get us wrong — sometimes there’s nothing better than a national park burger and fries after a hike.
5. Plan Affordable Activities
Most national park activities—hiking, ranger talks, scenic drives—are free or low-cost. Stick to beginner-friendly trails to avoid needing expensive gear like climbing ropes. Download free park maps from nps.gov or use apps like AllTrails (free version) to navigate. If you want guided tours, opt for ranger-led programs, which are often free or under $10. If you’re not sure which hikes to do, the rangers in the visitor center are always happy to help you find a trail.
Keep It Real: Skip pricey extras like helicopter tours. A sunrise hike ( like Cadillac Mountain in Acadia) is just as memorable and costs nothing.
6. Get the Most Out of Passes
If you’re visiting multiple parks, the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) is a steal. It covers entrance fees for over 2,000 federal sites for you and everyone in your car. Some people can qualify for a discounted or even a free America the Beautiful Pass, which you can check here. For a single park, a 7-day pass (around $20-$35) is usually cheaper than daily fees. Carpooling helps to save on passes, plus you and your friends in the car can split the price of the pass.
Newbie Note: These passes don’t cover camping or special permits, so double-check what’s included on nps.gov.
7. Avoid Unexpected Costs
Permits for backcountry camping or activities like fishing can add up, so research the requirements early. Also, check weather forecasts to avoid last-minute gear purchases (e.g., rain ponchos). Lastly, ensure your vehicle is road-trip-ready to prevent costly repairs—think oil changes and tire checks.
Been There Tip: Pack layers and sturdy shoes you already own. You don’t need fancy hiking boots for most beginner trails.
Sample Budget for a 3-Day Trip
Here’s a rough budget for a 3-day trip to a park like Redwoods for two people, assuming you’re driving:
- Entrance Fee: $0 (free entry day or pass)
- Camping: $60 ($20/night)
- Gas: $50 (round trip, fuel-efficient car)
- Food: $75 (groceries, some snacks)
- Misc. (gear rental, small souvenirs): $30
Total: $215 ($107.50/person)
Final Thoughts
A national park trip on a budget is totally doable with a bit of planning. Start small, embrace the basics like camping and hiking, and focus on the free stuff—epic views, starry skies, and trails that don’t cost a dime. As Unqualified Hikers, we promise you don’t need a big wallet to make unforgettable memories in nature. Got a park in mind? Drop it in the comments, and we’ll share more tips!
Happy (budget) hiking! 🌄