10 Ways To Outsmart High Prices at U.S. National Parks in 2025

With National Park Week kicking off on April 19 and summer on the horizon, now is the best time to plan your next outdoor adventure.

April 19, the first day of National Park Week, is one of the few fee-free days at U.S. national parks, where standard entrance fees are waived. With some strategic moves, you can also save money on food and lodging. We recently dug into this topic on NerdWallet’s weekly travel podcast, Smart Travel, which I co-host with Meghan Coyle. Here are our best tips from that show on how to explore America’s national treasures without overspending.

On select dates each year, the National Park Service waives entrance fees at sites that typically charge admission, which can cost up to $35 per vehicle at the most popular parks. This fee is typically good for seven days.

In addition to the next fee-free day at national parks on April, other fee-free days still to come in 2025 are:

• June 14 – National Get Outdoors Day.

• June 19 – Juneteenth.

• August 4  –  Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act.

• September 27 – National Public Lands Day.

• November 11 – Veterans Day.

Beyond the official free days, there are plenty of ways to avoid paying for national park entry at all, including:

• Fourth graders and their families can get a free annual pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program.

• U.S. military members, veterans and Gold Star families are eligible for free annual or lifetime passes.

• Visitors with permanent disabilities can qualify for a free Access Pass.

• Senior citizens (defined as U.S. citizens and permanent residents ages 62 and older) can purchase deeply discounted passes at just $20 for an annual pass or $80 for a lifetime version.

• Volunteers who clock 250 service hours across federal lands can earn a free annual pass too.

You can purchase passes on the NPS website.

There are also occasional package deals that include free park entrance or even a full America the Beautiful Pass, which is an annual pass that costs $80.

For example, The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa in Jackson, Wyoming, is offering a free annual pass when you book a minimum four-night stay this summer. That hotel is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which is bookable through Hilton (though calling that a “deal” might be a stretch, as room rates can easily top $1,000 per night on certain summer nights).

If you’re driving in, national parks charge by car — not per person. The $35 entry fee is much easier to swallow when split among five people packed into a sedan versus you driving in solo. Consider it a good incentive to carpool.

If time is money, then staying inside the park is generally your best bet. Many national parks offer lodging run by concessionaires — everything from rustic cabins to grand, historic lodges. Some of the most famous hotels inside national parks include Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Inn, Glacier National Park’s Many Glacier Hotel and The Inn at Death Valley.

Stay in these types of hotels for a quick access to trailheads for sunrise hikes, and the ability to bask in the quiet that settles in after the day-trippers leave.

Prices at these hotels vary widely by season and often book up quickly. For example, at Old Faithful Inn, nightly room rates for the most basic rooms tend to sit below $300 in May, but can run higher than $500 in June and July. Many nights in June 2025 are already sold out.

One big drawback to note: Dining options can be limited inside the park.

Gateway towns just outside park boundaries tend to have big-name hotels that you can book on points earned through credit cards or hotel loyalty programs. For visiting eastern Utah national parks on points, Hyatt Place Moab is a good home base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. During peak season, rooms start at 23,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Hyatt is one of the best Chase Ultimate Rewards® transfer partners.

For exploring Zion National Park, hotels for points and miles enthusiasts in Springdale, Utah, include the Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton. It sits on the edge of the Virgin River just five minutes from Zion Canyon — and there’s a free local shuttle.

And Marriott loyalists have a new option, the Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which opened in 2024. The property is located less than a mile from the park’s entrance. Many rooms have canyon views, and you can even take in the scenery by way of one of the outdoor firepits or poolside cabanas.

Both Hilton Honors and Marriott are American Express transfer partners, and holding certain AmEx cards can give you more perks at these properties. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers both complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status as a cardmember benefit. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

The biggest drawback of going this route is that many require a much longer drive. For example, the Old Faithful Inn puts you steps away from the iconic geyser. Meanwhile, the closest IHG property is the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone, which is still a roughly 45-minute drive to Old Faithful.

For fresh air, scenic views and the luxury of a real mattress, glamping is becoming an increasingly popular vacation option. These Instagram-worthy, upscale camping setups — think safari-style tents with wood floors and en-suite bathrooms — have popped up near parks like Zion, Grand Canyon and Glacier.

Situated in scenic areas typically near park entrances, these properties tend to provide a greater connection to nature than a typical hotel. For example, Under Canvas has five camps across Utah and Arizona that are DarkSky-certified resorts, which means they contribute less to light pollution. That’s better for both the environment and for your ability to stargaze.

They also tend to be expensive, but it's possible to book them without cash. You can earn and redeem World of Hyatt points for stays at Under Canvas.

AutoCamp, another outdoor lodging brand that houses guests in decked out cabins, luxury tents and Airstreams — those iconic aluminum-plated RVs — also partners with Hilton, making AutoCamp stays bookable on Hilton. Hilton Honors members with elite status can also flex their benefits at AutoCamp locations, which offer perks like a free s’mores kit with Hilton Diamond status.

For nature lovers or budget travelers, there’s always good, old-fashioned camping. Whether you’re in a tent, trailer or fully-kitted RV, staying at a park campground puts you in the heart of nature. Most campgrounds are run by the National Park Service and can be reserved through Recreation.gov.

Just like the prices of pretty much everything else, campground fees are rising. For example, standard tent and RV fees at Mather, Desert View and North Rim Campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park had been just $18 per night. But starting May 1, 2025, they’ll increase to $30 per night.

Still, this tends to be the cheapest way to stay in or near the park. Plus, you’ll have the closest proximity to trails and wildlife.

Just note that sites book up fast, so plan ahead. Also keep in mind that there are minimal amenities. Some campgrounds have showers, but not all. And of course, you’ll need to do your own prep and bring your own gear.

National park gift shops and cafes frequently come with theme park-style markups. For example, you might pay $7.50 for a bowl of cut fruit at the Grand Canyon’s Maswik Lodge.

Trim your food costs by booking a hotel with a kitchenette and prepping your own fruit bowls — and other snacks — for the road. You can also load up on deli meat at the market to put together sandwiches for your day in the parks. It’s cheaper than buying sandwiches at the official concession stands.

There’s no shortage of guided tours through national parks. But unless you need specialized equipment for something like a rafting tour or a mule trail ride, you can often fill your day with free activities.

Check to see if the park you're visiting offers free ranger talks, guided walks or junior ranger programs for kids. Visitor center exhibits and scenic drives cost nothing beyond your entry fee.

Hotels near national parks charge the highest rates during peak season when crowds are largest. If you visit during a less-crowded time, it could be much easier to lock in a lower rate.

Crowds vary by specific park, but June and July are typically the two busiest months. High crowds tend to result in higher prices for lodging, rental cars and tours. There are only a few exceptions to that rule, such as Death Valley National Park, which has its smallest crowds in June given the intense heat.

Generally speaking, aim for shoulder seasons like early spring or late fall to enjoy both good weather (many parks close in part or in full during snow) and lower prices.