6 National Parks Where Camping Costs Under $30 a Night — Book Before They Fill
Hotel prices near national parks can easily run into the hundreds per night during peak season.
But travelers willing to pitch a tent can still find campsites inside some of America's most popular national parks for less than $30 per night.
From desert landscapes and mountain views to forests and canyons, these six parks offer a budget-friendly way to experience the outdoors without stretching vacation savings.
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1. Badlands National Park in South Dakota
Price: Free
Free camping is hard to find. Free camping inside a national park is even rarer.
Sage Creek Campground charges nothing for overnight stays, giving travelers a chance to experience the Badlands' dramatic landscapes and wildlife without paying for a campsite.
The campground offers covered picnic tables and pit toilets, but budget-conscious campers will need to bring their own water or fill up at the park's visitor center before arriving. Sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early can improve the odds of finding an open spot.
2. Big Bend National Park in Texas
Price: $16
Camping doesn’t have to mean roughing it.
Rio Grande Village Campground offers a more comfortable experience, with running water, flush toilets and nearby access to showers and a camp store.
Set among cottonwood and acacia trees near the Rio Grande, the campground is also a popular base for birdwatching, hiking and exploring the park. Campsites cost $16 per night, making it an affordable option for travelers who want a few extra conveniences.
3. Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota
Price: $20
Cottonwood Campground gives campers a close look at the rugged landscape that helped forge Theodore Roosevelt's conservation legacy.
Set near the Little Missouri River, the campground offers access to hiking, birdwatching, bison sightings and wide-open badlands scenery.
Expect plenty of sunshine at many campsites. The river is a welcome place to cool off when summer temperatures climb.
Tent sites cost $20 per night during peak season. Drinking water, picnic tables and restrooms are available, but RV travelers should know there are no hookups or dump stations.
4. Great Basin National Park in Nevada
Price: $20
For travelers looking to get away from it all, Grey Cliffs Campground offers a quieter national park experience.
The tent-only campground sits near some of Great Basin's most popular attractions, including Lehman Caves, while also providing easy access to hiking, stargazing and desert scenery.
Campsites cost a budget-friendly $20 per night during peak season. Amenities are basic, so campers should plan to bring the supplies they need before settling in for a night under some of the darkest skies in the country.
5. Lassen Volcanic National Park in California
Price: $26
Manzanita Lake is the main attraction at this campground. Visitors can spend the day swimming, fishing, kayaking or hiking before returning to camp for the night.
Standard campsites cost $26 per night, while sites without water service cost $15.
Located near the park's northwest entrance, the campground is a convenient option for travelers who want easy, affordable access to both the lake and Lassen Volcanic's hiking trails.
6. Congaree National Park in South Carolina
Price: $15
Longleaf Campground is designed for tent campers.
After parking, visitors carry their gear a short distance to campsites tucked among tall pines and hardwood trees, where shade is available for much of the day.
Sites cost $15 per night and provide easy access to hiking trails, the park's famous boardwalk and nearby paddling routes.
Campers should plan ahead, however, as running water is not available at the campground and must be collected elsewhere in the park.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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