Ah, the great outdoors! There’s nothing quite like packing up the car, pitching a tent under the stars, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire. But let’s be real, camping can sometimes get a bit pricey, especially when you’re bringing the whole family along.
No worries—the best affordable camping trips for families will let you unwind while keeping your bank account intact. So, grab your sleeping bags, don’t forget the bug spray, and let’s hit the road!
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is renowned for its stunning red rock formations and dramatic landscapes. With camping fees starting at $20 per night, it’s an affordable and unforgettable family camping destination.
There’s tons to do around Zion if you’re looking to extend your camping adventure. Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reefs National Park, and Canyonlands National Park are all also in Southern Utah, belonging to the Southwest’s Grand Circle.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia offers a perfect blend of coastal and woodland beauty. Camping sites are reasonably priced, starting at $22 per night, in a park that offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including biking, hiking, and beachcombing.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
Explore the stunning beauty of the Smoky Mountains without breaking the bank. Campsites in the park start at around $17 per night, and you’ll find endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
National Parks in the US are massive, so picking a city to stay near is helpful for guiding your trip. Townsend is a sleepy but trendy town with tons of things to do.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is a dream destination for any nature lover. With its breathtaking waterfalls, towering granite cliffs, and lush forests, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, camping fees start at just $26 per night, making it an affordable option for families.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Experience the majestic beauty of the Tetons without the hefty price tag. Jackson, Wyoming, has quickly become expensive as one of the best places to visit in the Pacific Northwest.
Campsites in Grand Teton National Park start at $15 per night, and the park offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah offers beautiful mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Camping fees start at just $15 per night, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
After your visit, stop by Washington, D.C., which is only a few hours’ drive away, to see historic landmarks, free Smithsonian museums, and National Monuments.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a true wilderness gem with its pristine lakes, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife. Campsites start at $10 per night, making it one of the most affordable camping destinations in the U.S.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Camp beside the stunning blue waters of Lake Tahoe and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. Campsites start at $25 per night, and the area offers numerous affordable camping options.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend offers a unique desert landscape, stunning canyons, and the winding Rio Grande. Camping fees start at $16 per night, and the park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park offers beautiful landscapes, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife, including free-roaming bison. Campsites start at $26 per night, and the park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia
Camp on the beach and watch wild ponies roam free at Assateague Island National Seashore. Camping fees start at $30 per night, and the park offers a unique coastal camping experience that the whole family will love.
Redwood National and State Parks, California
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of towering redwoods at Redwood National and State Parks. Camping fees start at $35 per night, and the park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park offers diverse ecosystems, including rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and towering mountains. Camping fees start at $22 per night, making it an affordable and diverse camping destination.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Camp at the base of towering sand dunes and explore the unique landscapes of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Camping fees start at $20 per night, and the park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including sand sledding, hiking, and stargazing.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Experience the unique desert landscapes and iconic Joshua trees of Joshua Tree National Park. Camping fees start at $15 per night, and the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.
Arches National Park, Utah
Explore the stunning red rock arches and landscapes of Arches National Park, one of the best national parks in Utah.
Camping fees start at $20 per night, making it an affordable and breathtaking camping destination for families.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina
Camp on the beautiful beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. Camping fees start at $20 per night, and the area offers numerous affordable camping options.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Experience the unique ecosystems and abundant wildlife of the Everglades. Camping fees start at $20 per night, and the park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and airboat tours.
The United States boasts 63 national parks
So many parks and such little time! With over 60 parks to choose from, selecting the national park for your next getaway might feel overwhelming.
These are the national parks in the United States that you should know about.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
