9 Budget-Friendly National Parks [Save Money and Still Have a Blast] (2024)

Every penny counts, so here are nine budget-friendly national parks where you can enjoy the natural beauty of America without breaking the bank.

These parks offer a variety of ways to save money, including free admission, discounted camping fees, and low-cost activities. Please note that information regarding entry fees can change.

If you're headed out to one of these parks, check their website for the latest info. One thing we can promise you is that they are all wonderful! So, without further ado, here are the nine budget-friendly national parks to check out:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park allows you to explore the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

Entrance to the park is absolutely free! With over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the paved yet steep Clingmans Dome trail, there is no shortage of outdoor activities.

To save on accommodations, many visitors recommended Sevierville. "Stay in Sevierville, there's always affordable hotels there, you can go through the Park and go into North Carolina," a Redditor mentioned.

Read more: 23 Great Smoky Mountains Experiences To Add To Your Itinerary

2. Redwood National Park

Entry to Redwood National Park is free, but there are day-use entry fees for some of its areas that are also designated California State Parks.

Home to some of the tallest trees in the world, this park offers endless hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Read more about it in our guide: Explore Redwood National Park: A Must-See Guide

3. Congaree National Park

In South Carolina, Congaree National Park allows you to explore a unique ecosystem with towering trees and diverse wildlife.

You should enjoy free entry all year round with no fees for admission, camping, or ranger-led programs. With over 25 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Boardwalk Loop Trail, this budget-friendly national park has plenty to see and do.

One Reddit user has this to say about the Congaree National Park that makes it worth visiting: "The forest there has a beautiful eerieness, especially at night. The owls are deafening, and the spiderwebs are bountiful."

4. North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park in Washington, open to visitors without any entrance fee, offers economical camping options such as the Hozomeen Campground, which is free — but you'd need to hire a water taxi to reach it.

Although the park itself is accessible throughout the year, its primary operational season stretches from late May to late September, during which the majority of services are available. Outside of these months, services are limited.

The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem and the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin welcome visitors only from late May through September.

With over 300 glaciers and many trails, the park is an ideal retreat for those seeking hiking, camping, backpacking, and climbing, far from the bustling tourist crowds.

5. Channel Islands National Park

Located off the coast of California, Channel Islands National Park offers visitors a chance to explore pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and diverse wildlife.

Although reaching the islands may require a fee for ferries or flights, entry to Channel Islands National Park is free. This Reddit user advised to contact Island Packers Cruises, the park's exclusive ferry concessionaire, and the park's hiking trail maps.

It hosts unique wildlife, like endemic foxes, skunks, lizards, numerous shorebirds, and sea mammals like humpbacks, gray whales, elephant seals, and sea lions.

To see the best of the West Coast beach life, check out our list: 22 Stunning California Beaches Pictures That Will Make You Fall In Love With the West Coast

6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers free entry to visitors seeking a natural retreat. The park features diverse landscapes, including forests, rolling hills, and the Cuyahoga River.

Cuyahoga NP is home to over 125 miles of hiking trails, like the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which follows a historic canal route. Notable sights include Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall, and opportunities to observe local wildlife.

The park also offers educational programs and a scenic train ride along the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. It's a destination for those interested in nature and history, providing various activities in a tranquil setting.

Learn more about Midwest national parks here: 5 Midwest National Parks That Are True Hidden Gems

7. Voyageurs National Park

Another free-entry park to enjoy is the Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.

With over 500 islands and opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, you can explore the beauty of the Northwoods without breaking the bank.

Not a fan of kayaking or canoeing? One helpful Reddit user suggests alternative adventures that make the most of this beautiful park:

• Rent a houseboat or speedboat to enjoy houseboat camping or see stunning landscapes.
• Enjoy some of the best fishing spots in Minnesota.
• When the lakes freeze over in winter, you can snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile through the park's outer land-connected areas.
• Hike on some of the larger islands, accessible by boat.
• Canoe across the island's lakes while exploring backcountry trails.

Watch for moose, bears, deer, bald eagles, foxes, and beavers, as Voyageurs is a wilderness haven like no other.

8. Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park also offers free entry for all. Explore the mangrove forests, the Bay, the Keys, and coral reefs without any entrance cost, although some activities like camping or boat tours require a fee.

Check for current itineraries if you want to take the ferry and explore further. The tides and weather can also dictate their availability. As long as all goes well with the ferry schedule, you're golden!

But be prepared and plan accordingly to avoid being stuck on the mainland during your visit. Learn more about Biscayne here: Biscayne National Park: A Submerged Paradise Awaits!

9. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Hot Spring National Park's free entry allows you to enjoy the natural hot springs, 26 miles of hiking trails, and the historic Fordyce Bathhouse and Museum. You can also experience bird watching, photography, and biking.

For relaxation, consider soaking in the Buckstaff and Quapaw Bathhouses springs, which offer spa services.

Celebrate "Fee-Free" Holidays in National Parks

America's national parks offer free admission on select holidays. To help you plan your visits, here are some of the holidays when national parks waive their entrance fees:

1. January:Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
2. April:First day ofNational Park Week
3. June:Juneteenth National Independence Day
4. August:Anniversary of theGreat American Outdoors Act
5. September:National Public Lands Day
6. November:Veterans Day

A Quick Look at the Best Times to Visit

For your convenience, here's a table of the best times to visit the national parks and monuments in our list:

Are You Ready to Explore Nature's Wonders on a Dime?

After highlighting nine national parks and monuments that won't break the bank, it's clear that even the thriftiest traveler can experience the beauty of America's natural wonders.

Plan to take advantage of free entry days and minimized fees. Hike stunning trails, see fascinating wildlife, and make lifelong memories.

Create your national parks bucket list and start mapping out your amazing adventures. Just bring your sense of wonder and a few practical savings strategies.

With flexibility and a commitment to fun on a dime, you'll return home with rejuvenated spirits and an expanded perspective — with your wallet intact.