Traveling and camping can already be a workout for your top travel credit cards, from long plane trips or car rides to expensive gear and more.
Some national parks, though, are pricier than others due to various factors. Keep reading for the most expensive national parks and some wallet-friendly alternatives.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is one of the most popular park destinations, as well as tourist spots in general. However, it costs $35 per vehicle and $20 per person most days, not to mention other travel costs like gas or airfare.
For a cheaper and less busy nature trip, visit Canyonlands in Utah, which provides a similar alternative experience.
Yellowstone National Park
Travelers can visit Yellowstone National Park for $70 per year, $35 per vehicle, or $20 per person, except on free entry days.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of mountains and hot springs/volcanoes without facing steep entry fees and crowds, try Lassen Volcanic National Park in California for only $10-$15 per person.
Everglades National Park
Taking a trip through the Everglades in Florida is a wonderful experience for nature lovers, but it isn’t cheap. Admission fees alone are $35 per vehicle and $20 per person. Guided tours cost additional fees, anywhere from $40 to over $200.
A cheaper but still gorgeous alternative is Big Cypress Swamp, which is a fee-free park with ranger-led tour options.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Sequoia and Kings Canyon in California are home to some of the most beautiful natural sights. Still, their admission fees are on the pricier side — $70 annually, $35 per car, and $20 per person.
A great alternative is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in California, which is free to visit except for Gold Bluffs Beach, which requires a $12 permit during part of the year to visit.
Yosemite
Another gorgeous but pricey California state park is Yosemite. Aside from the entry fees, you also have to reserve your entry time for an additional fee. You have to pay even if you’re just driving through, though it’s only $2 extra.
Instead, visit King Range National Conservation Area, which doesn’t require a permit unless you plan on staying overnight. This coastal conservation area is undeveloped, nicknamed the Lost Coast.
Trending Stories
Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderful place to go hiking, camping, climbing, stargazing, and more, but the entry fee is yet again on the steeper side.
If you want an equally scenic yet more affordable camping or hiking trip, check out Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas. The entry pass is only $10, or $35 for the year.
Glacier National Park
Seeing a glacier in the United States is a truly breathtaking sight — hence the steep entry fees to Glacier National Park in Montana. Not to mention, the park is packed during the busy season.
A great alternative is North Cascades National Park in Washington state, which also has glaciers, mountains, and campgrounds. Plus, it’s a fee-free park unless you plan on camping.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Utah is home to some of the country's most stunning natural landscapes, but many of its most popular parks, like Bryce Canyon, have pricey entry fees.
Instead of paying high fees just to battle dense crowds, take a trip out to Escalante Petrified Forest State Park in Utah, which is only $10 per vehicle or $25 per night if camping.
Zion National Park
Another gorgeous but dense and pricey Utah national park is Zion. While the views are stunning, the fees are steep, and the park is crowded.
Instead, visit Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, which has red rock scenery and a geological wrinkle in the earth to explore, for a cheaper entry fee.
Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)
Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.
No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.
Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.
Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.
Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.
But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a very intense hiking and camping destination, but it is incredibly beautiful and unique nonetheless. Although fees can be steep, it’s a huge tourist draw.
Instead, visit Mojave National Preserve. This national park also features beautiful desert landscapes, unique wildlife, and more, but there’s no entry fee unless you’re camping overnight.
Grand Teton National Park
Hikers and travelers in search of beautiful snow-capped mountains will likely have their sights set on Grand Teton in Wyoming, but the steep entry fees can be a deterrent.
Instead, head to Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. A permit is required for the trails, and there's a small nightly camping fee, but it's not as pricey as Grand Teton.
Denali National Park
Many people flock to Denali National Park in Alaska to see the northern lights, as well as for general camping, mountain climbing, and more. The entry fee is only $15, but it isn't the only spot to see the northern lights.
Instead, visit Gates of the Arctic, which has no entry fee and views of the northern lights.
Bottom line
There's certainly no shortage of options for gorgeous national parks and preserves, but many of the bigger names are crowded with tourists and expensive, from entry fees, camping fees, guided tours, and more.
Take a chance on less popular but no less gorgeous parks. You'll keep more cash in your wallet and get a more unique experience while you're at it.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
- Apply Now
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
on Bank of America’s secure website
Read Card ReviewIntro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.
- Apply Now
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details