The best tips for checking out national parks on the cheap

Research and planning go a long way toward cost savings for your national parks vacation. For example, if you are going to multiple parks in one year, say Glacier National Park for summer break and Arches in the winter, buying an America the Beautiful Annual Pass could result in significant savings. So could planning your trip around free entrance days and taking into account free shuttle services.

National parks tend to be less crowded and more budget-friendly during low seasons. Consider visiting parks in the spring or fall to take advantage of lower prices and a quieter scene. In many parks you will also catch the brilliant displays of color as flowers bloom or leaves fade. Many national parks also offer a full slate of winter recreation activities, like snowshoeing and ice fishing.

While tent camping is the cheapest option for accommodations at a national park, it is not always a possibility for every family or season. For those needing a few more amenities, we recommend renting a vacation home, which gives you the flexibility to cook your own meals and save on food costs. Consider staying outside of the park in a nearby town to save further.

Top destinations like Yellowstone and the Everglades are iconic, but also generally more expensive because of their popularity. Look for lesser-known national parks and other alternatives, such as national monuments and conservation areas, national scenic and historic trails, and state parks.

Every Kid Outdoors provides fourth-grade students and their families with free entry to federal lands and waters for an entire year. While it doesn’t cover parking or activity fees, this park pass for fourth-graders will save the entire family by admitting all children under 16 and up to three adults in one vehicle for free.

Seniors age 62 and older can purchase an annual pass to access most federal recreation sites for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. The Senior Pass provides entrance for the pass owner and accompanying passengers in one vehicle. In addition, at many parks, the Senior Pass comes with discounts on fees for camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

Volunteers are the backbone of the National Park Service. Hundreds of thousands of NPS volunteers give back to national parks by sharing their time and skills. Volunteering opportunities span a broad range of skill levels, interests and time commitments. Spend a few hours picking up trash or removing invasive plant species, become a historical reenactor, man a visitor center, or give interpretive talks—all while gaining more intimate knowledge of our nation’s natural wonders. As a bonus, volunteers with 250 service hours are eligible for a free annual park pass.

Our national parks protect and preserve what’s best about the United States—and they should be accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. With a little planning, flexibility and creativity, your next national parks vacation can be memorable without costing more than you can afford.