Planning a national park adventure with your family? There are SO many ways to save money on family national park trips. Between entrance fees, lodging, meals, and activities, costs can add up quickly. But the great news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience America’s most breathtaking landscapes! With the right strategies, you can save money on family national park trips without sacrificing the fun.
From free park entry days and discounted passes to budget-friendly lodging, meal hacks, and smart packing tips, this guide will show you how to cut costs and still have an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re hiking through Yellowstone, exploring waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains, or camping under the stars in Yosemite, these 50 expert tips will help your family travel smart, explore more, and spend less.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- How to visit national parks for free or at a discount
- Budget-friendly lodging & camping hacks
- How to save on food, gear & activities
- The best ways to plan an affordable trip, without missing out!
Your next budget-friendly adventure starts now! Let’s dive into 50 ways to save money on family national park trips and start planning your perfect getaway.
Planning and Preparation
1. Buy an America the Beautiful Pass – This annual pass gives unlimited access to all U.S. national parks for $80/year, saving money if you visit multiple parks. One year, I saved over $250 dollars! (Admittedly, we went to a LOT of national parks that year in order to save that much.)
2. Plan visits during free entrance days – National parks offer a few fee-free days each year; plan trips around those dates. We have all of those days listed HERE
3. Visit lesser-known parks – Smaller parks often have lower fees and fewer crowds, providing a similar experience without the premium cost.
4. Travel in the off-season – Lodging and tour costs often drop during shoulder seasons (spring or fall).
5. Download maps offline – Avoid buying maps or guidebooks by downloading park maps and trail apps like AllTrails in advance. Tip: Always download your hiking maps before you enter the park or you might not have the service to download them while you’re at the trailhead.
6. Carpool or rent a van – Split transportation costs with family or friends for group trips.
7. Research free ranger programs – Many parks offer free guided tours, educational talks, or junior ranger programs for kids.
8. Stay updated on park closures – Avoid wasting money on detours or missed opportunities by checking park alerts on the National Park Service website.
Lodging
9. Camp instead of staying in hotels – Lodging is one of the most expensive parts of traveling. But, there are so many ways to save money on family national trips! Campsites are significantly cheaper than nearby hotels or lodges.
10. Book campsites early – Popular campgrounds fill quickly; reserve in advance to avoid overpriced alternatives.
11. Choose dispersed camping – Many parks allow free or low-cost camping on nearby public lands (check local regulations).
12. Bring your own tent or RV – Renting gear or staying in park lodges can cost much more.
13. Share a group campsite – Split the cost of group sites with friends or other families.
14. Consider nearby towns – Lodging outside the park boundary is often more affordable. The difference between driving 15-20 minutes into the park is sometimes hundreds of dollars!
Food and Dining
15. Pack your own meals – Avoid overpriced park restaurants by bringing sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.
16. Use refillable water bottles – National parks often have refill stations; skip buying bottled water.
17. Invest in a portable cooler – Keep food fresh and avoid buying expensive ice packs daily.
18. Meal prep before the trip – Prepare and freeze meals to reheat at camp or in a rental kitchen.
19. Cook at the campsite or picnic areas – Bring a portable stove or grill to make inexpensive meals in order to save money on family national park trips.
20. Use reusable utensils and plates – Save money and reduce waste by avoiding disposable items.
21. Take advantage of grocery stores nearby – Stock up before entering the park, where food prices are often higher. Be mindful though, that sometimes grocery stores in national park towns are smaller and higher priced. You might need to visit a grocery store a town or two away for better prices.
Transportation
22. Carpool to the park – Save on gas and entrance fees by traveling with a group in one car.
23. Park outside and walk in – If allowed, park near the entrance to avoid parking fees.
24. Use park shuttles – Many parks offer free or low-cost shuttle services, saving gas and wear on your car.
25. Optimize your route – Plan your itinerary to minimize backtracking and extra driving within the park.
26. Use national park apps – Many apps provide free route and trail suggestions to help you avoid unnecessary detours.
Activities & Adventures
27. DIY guided tours – Research trails and landmarks online instead of paying for professional tours.
28. Borrow or rent gear locally – Instead of buying gear for hikes or water activities, rent from local shops.
29. Plan free activities – Stick to hiking, swimming, stargazing, and picnicking, which cost nothing.
30. Skip expensive guided hikes – Most trails are clearly marked, making self-guided hikes an affordable option.
31. Use free park resources – Check visitor centers for free maps, exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Most parks with manned entry gates will give you a free map as you drive in, providing you’re entering during normal hours.
32. Avoid park souvenirs or buy post cards – Take photos and collect memories instead of buying expensive keepsakes.
33. Use your smartphone for photos – Skip hiring photographers or buying expensive photo packages. Buy a compact tripod and set a timer!
Gear and Supplies
34. Borrow camping gear – Ask friends or family to lend tents, sleeping bags, or cooking gear instead of buying new.
35. Shop secondhand for outdoor gear – Look for backpacks, hiking boots, and clothing at thrift stores or online marketplaces. REI has excellent options that are still in great shape, too!
36. Invest in reusable gear – A quality water filter, cookware, and hiking gear save money in the long run.
37. Buy multipurpose items – Choose items like convertible pants (I know, not as fashionable, but sensible!) or multi-tools to reduce costs.
38. DIY firewood – Collect firewood in designated areas (where allowed) instead of buying bundles.
Children & Family Activities
39. Participate in the Junior Ranger Program – Free badges and activities keep kids entertained without spending extra.
40. Plan scavenger hunts – Create DIY challenges to make exploring trails more exciting for kids. Or, check out our free Fall Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids HERE!
41. Bring activity books or crafts – Keep kids busy during downtime without buying pricey souvenirs.
42. Pack bikes or scooters – Use them for inexpensive family fun and easy transport around campgrounds. So many activities are outdoors and free– an excellent way to save money on family national park trips!
Deals & Discounts
43. Ask about discounts – Many parks offer discounts for military, seniors, or large groups.
44. Split costs with friends – Share expenses like campsite fees, gas, or large meals with other families.
45. Use discount passes for nearby attractions – Some parks partner with local attractions for combo discounts.
46. Check for free park days for kids – Some parks allow kids under a certain age to enter for free.
Miscellaneous Tips
47. Pack layers for all weather – Avoid spending on overpriced clothing if the weather changes unexpectedly.
48. Avoid unnecessary fees – Be aware of rules to avoid fines for things like off-road parking or entering restricted areas.
49. Limit paid Wi-Fi use – Go offline to avoid extra costs for connectivity within parks. Service in many national parks is practically nonexistent anyway!
50. Extend your trip strategically – Stay an extra day to explore nearby free attractions rather than making multiple shorter trips.
Final Thoughts: Explore National Parks Without Overspending
A family national park trip doesn’t have to cost a fortune- with a little planning and smart choices, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery, exciting outdoor adventure, and unforgettable memories on a budget.
By taking advantage of discounted passes, budget-friendly lodging, meal prep hacks, and free activities, you’ll be able to experience the best of America’s National Parks without draining your wallet. Whether you’re hiking through the Grand Canyon, spotting bison in Yellowstone, or stargazing in Acadia, these tips will help you travel smarter and stretch your dollars further.
Now it’s time to pack your bags, hit the road, and start your next adventure! Which national park is on your bucket list? Drop a comment and share your favorite budget-friendly park tips below!