The 5 Most Affordable National Parks For Budget-Friendly Outdoor Adventures

The U.S. national parks system is known as America's best idea. Across 400+ designated sites, it draws millions of visitors each year (per National Park Service data). These preserved public lands rank among the country's greatest treasures and are havens for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From the vast deserts of Death Valley to the alpine peaks of the Rocky Mountains, each national park offers an atmosphere all its own.

While some of these amazing places can be expensive to visit, not all of them cost an arm and a leg to explore. Several parks have no or low-cost entrance fees, and many offer modestly priced camping facilities. Plus, the America the Beautiful National Park Pass gives you a full year of access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas for just one fee.

All these factors mean that, whether you're ready to embark on a scenic wildflower drive through Zion or see the most stunning waterfall views at Cuyahoga Valley, you can experience the country's best landscapes without overspending. If you're ready for an affordable getaway, get some inspiration from these five U.S. national parks that are perfect for budget-friendly outdoor adventures.

A stunning desert oasis located in southern Utah , Zion National Park earns its place on the list primarily thanks to the cheap and frequent flights available into the area. Per a 2025 Dollar Flight Club analysis, travelers can expect to pay as little as $29 for summertime economy flights into Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport, which is a less-than three-hour drive from Zion's south entrance.

Once you've reached your destination, experiencing the beauty of Zion National Park typically costs nothing but the entrance fee ($20-35). As one of the best national parks you can visit without a car, the site makes transportation easy with its free Zion Canyon Shuttle System. Hop aboard for a scenic drive that stops at viewpoints, visitor centers, and trailheads. For a more intense (but still free!) activity, hike a portion of the Narrows, where you'll wade through water in a slot canyon carved by the Virgin River.

If you're looking for inexpensive accommodations near Zion, Tripadvisor recommends visiting in the winter. Avoid autumn months, though. From September through November, hotel prices in the area skyrocket.

Known for towering peaks, alpine lakes, and expansive views, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most iconic destinations in the U.S. Located in northern Colorado, this well-known spot offers dramatic scenery that gives pricey mountain destinations like Vail and Aspen a run for their money with a much lower price tag. A visit here remains affordable despite its popularity, thanks to its collection of self-guided activities and its proximity to cities like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. Plus, flights to Denver International Airport (under two hours from the park) are often well-priced. Budget-friendly lodging can also be found in nearby towns or at campgrounds within the park.

After paying the entrance fee ($15-30, per the National Park Service), travelers can keep costs low by enjoying free activities like scenic drives, day hikes, and picnics. One of the most epic adventures here is a trip along Trail Ridge Road, aka America's highest continuous paved road. This route takes visitors above the tree line for sweeping panoramic views of the Rockies. For a closer look at alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and rugged mountain overlooks, the park also offers plenty of hiking trails. Expect to see wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, and moose throughout the region.

While this area offers something special in every season, the best time for penny-pinchers to visit depends on a few factors. If you're flying in, Skyscanner recommends a January visit for the cheapest tickets. Meanwhile, Tripadvisor notes that lodging prices dip the lowest from June through August. Need help sorting through all the facts? Check out these essential tips for making a Rocky Mountain National Park visit affordable.

Tucked between the cities of Cleveland and Akron in northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a peaceful and incredibly accessible escape from urban life. Unlike many remote parks, Cuyahoga Valley is a reasonable road trip's-length from much of the Midwest and East Coast, meaning many visitors can save a ton on airfare. This National Park Service site also charges no entrance fee, and most activities there are free or affordable. All these factors contributed to Budget Travel naming Cuyahoga Valley one of the most budget-friendly national parks in the U.S.

Scenic stretches of forest, winding rivers, and picturesque waterfalls characterize this destination. While you can shell out the money to see all those sights during a Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad trip (one of the Midwest's top train rides), activities such as hiking to spots like Brandywine Falls and biking along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail don't cost a thing.

Curious about the most affordable times to visit this Ohio gem? Consider planning your vacation for some time between spring and summer.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in southern Colorado, is home to the tallest dunes in North America. Set among the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this natural wonder is great for a budget-friendly getaway. According to Outside Magazine, a four-day trip here (that includes a car rental, park fees, and simple lodging or camping) can cost as little as $244. Airfare isn't included in this price, but flights to and from Denver International Airport are frequent and affordable from lots of major U.S. cities. The park is about a four-hour drive south of Denver, so renting a car is the best way to get there and for exploring.

Adventures in the Great Sand Dunes can be found in all terrains. Sand sled down the massive dunes, hike along forest trails, or splash at the unique seasonal beach that forms near Medano Creek. Just keep in mind that while these activities are free to enjoy (park entrance fees notwithstanding), the equipment needed to do so may not be. To cut costs, you can bring your own gear, but be sure to review Great Sand Dunes' sandboarding equipment guidelines if you plan on packing your own sled. After all, not all materials are suited to navigating sandy conditions.

For affordable prices, you'll also want to know when to visit this destination. While some say winter and early spring are the most affordable seasons here, Outside suggests planning your trip between May and October.

Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest place in North America. Spread across California and Nevada, this stunning destination is easy to access from major cities in both states. Visitors are drawn to its wild and rugged landscapes that make you feel like you're stepping onto another planet. Salt flats, sand dunes, badlands, and slot canyons make up the park's terrain, along with towering mountain peaks thousands of feet high.

Full of free things to do and sights to see, Death Valley is an outstanding spot for desert lovers on a budget. Start by seeing the highest and lowest points in the continental U.S. from the spectacular trail to Telescope Peak. Other popular outdoor adventures here include hiking through Mosaic Canyon, catching sunrise at Zabriskie Point, sandboarding at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country.

To get to Death Valley, most travelers fly into Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport and make the two-hour drive to the park. According to Outside, a four-day, three-night trip here (with a rental car and accommodations) can cost as little as $235 (after airfare), especially if you're camping. The best time to visit for affordable hotels is March through May (per Tripadvisor), and May typically offers the cheapest flights (per Skyscanner).

In order to provide you with the lowdown on affordable U.S. national parks, this list referenced information from numerous travel resources across the web. Articles such as Outside's "The 10 Most Budget-Friendly National Parks" provided valuable overall cost estimates, Dollar Flight Club contributed helpful airfare data, and Tripadvisor delivered insight into each destination's most inexpensive seasons for travel. This guide also drew on sources such as Budget Travel, the National Park Service, and AllTrails for specifics regarding low-cost lodging, outdoor recreation, and transportation in these regions.

For more budget sightseeing advice, check out these 10 thrifty tips for making travel more affordable. If you like solo adventuring, read up on how to avoid paying extra for traveling alone, too.