Gear up for epic wildlife encounters that won’t hurt your wallet at the country’s top national parks.
You don’t have to travel far to discover a world of natural wonders. The United States has over 60 national parks, from the mountains of Maine to the California coast. These protected areas offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to spot animals of all shapes and sizes.
Create priceless memories of watching wildlife at these budget-friendly national parks.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park in southern Florida is an optimal wildlife-watching spot. Located an hour from Miami, the Everglades span over one million acres. This wilderness area primarily consists of wetlands, rivers, and forests. To save money, stay in a Miami Airbnb and drive to the park for a day trip.
The vehicle fee for Everglades National Park is $35, which grants entrance for seven days. Once inside the park, you’ll discover a scenic haven for birds, fish, reptiles, and more. Several threatened and endangered species, including the Florida panther and West Indian manatee, call the park home.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a surprisingly beautiful destination in Ohio. It is conveniently located between Cleveland and Akron and encompasses scenic areas surrounding the Cuyahoga River. The Cuyahoga Valley provides a peaceful escape to connect with nature.
Admire the lush environment during a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Passengers will see rivers, lakes, and forests from the train. Watch for coyotes and deer as you journey through the park. Cuyahoga Valley is free to visit, making it popular among budget travelers.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion, one of the most popular national parks in Utah, is famous for its captivating sandstone cliffs and formations. The park is a scenic oasis with renowned hikes like Angels Landing. There’s no shortage of things to do in Zion, from climbing the park’s sheer rock features to wading through its rushing rivers.
Outdoor enthusiasts will have many opportunities to see wildlife. Zion National Park is an essential refuge for threatened animals like the Mexican spotted owl and Mojave desert tortoise. You’ll create lifelong memories at Zion. Vehicles must pay a $35 fee for one week of access.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Experience the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park while spotting bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. The Badlands are a region of South Dakota with fascinating rock formations and a rich Indigenous history. Tribes like the Lakota have occupied this area for thousands of years.
Whether you want to admire dinosaur fossils, stargaze, or hike, Badlands National Park has something for everyone. Visitors can witness the park’s unique geology and learn how its distinct spires and canyons developed. The park entrance fee is $30 for a seven-day pass.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
You’d never know Shenandoah National Park is only 75 miles from Washington, D.C. This Virginia national park is a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas, flowing rivers, and hundreds of miles of trails.
Shenandoah is an excellent addition to your Washington, D.C. itinerary. The park has large populations of deer, bats, and salamanders that can be seen while hiking, biking, or driving. Entrance to Shenandoah National Park is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Consider visiting Olympic National Park during your next trip to Seattle. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, the park has almost one million acres of rainforests, glaciers, and coastlines to explore. Olympic’s incredible biodiversity is worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime.
Visit Rialto Beach and hike to Hole-in-the-Wall, a distinctive, natural sea arch. Along the way, you can see dolphins, whales, and tidal pools teeming with marine life. The serene Hoh Rain Forest is also a must to spot elk and cougars. Expect to pay $30 for seven-day vehicle access.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is located on Maine’s Atlantic coast and has several diverse landscapes with many native plants and animals. Its roughly 47,000 acres include everything from rocky beaches to rolling forests and jagged peaks. Park visitors can enjoy numerous trails, viewpoints, and scenic drives.
Thanks to its varied terrain, wildlife viewing is exceptional in Acadia. Bring a pair of binoculars to observe the hundreds of bird species that live in the park’s forests. Bears, deer, and foxes can be found on land, while the coast offers the chance to see lobsters and whales. A seven-day private vehicle pass for Acadia National Park is $35.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Escape to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for unmatched scenery. This area bordering Tennessee and North Carolina is the country’s most-visited national park. According to National Geographic, over 13 million people traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains in 2023.
Among the park’s over 500,000 acres, there are countless waterfalls, valleys, and mountains. These natural features form a sanctuary for birds, mammals, and fish. The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for spotting the American black bear. Affordable travelers will appreciate that this national park has no entrance fee.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is an icon of the American West and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. It comprises some of Wyoming’s most beautiful lush meadows, towering mountains, and pristine alpine lakes. Year-round recreation opportunities abound throughout the park, from kayaking to rock climbing.
Grand Teton National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife. Frequent sightings include elk, bison, and moose. Grizzly bears and wolves also live in the park, though they’re more challenging to find. There is a $35 fee for seven days of private vehicle access.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas is an outdoor lovers’ paradise. It comprises mountains and deserts inhabited by diverse wildlife. Big Bend is a fantastic place to escape into nature and tap into your adventurous side.
The park’s harsh landscape is a fascinating example of how plants and animals have adapted to the desert environment. Snakes and lizards that survived with limited water are plentiful throughout Big Bend. Visitors may also glimpse hardy mammals such as coyotes and mountain lions. The park charges $30 for a seven-day vehicle pass.
Pinnacles National Park, California
The mountainous region of Pinnacles National Park is ideal for observing native animals. This central Californian locale features craggy, rocky terrain formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. Pinnacles National Park is highly underrated, allowing visitors to venture off the beaten path.
The Pinnacles area is a hotspot for prairie mammals, reptiles, and winged creatures. Caves and cliffs offer protection for endangered condors, owls, and falcons. Foxes, bobcats, and rabbits also call the park home. Private vehicles must pay a $30 entrance fee, which is valid for seven days.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Montana’s picturesque Glacier National Park has dramatic glaciers, peaks, and valleys. There’s much to discover in this protected wilderness area. While driving through Glacier, tourists can watch for grizzly bears and mountain goats.
Popular outdoor activities in Glacier National Park include hiking and biking. Exploring the over 700 miles of trails is an unforgettable adventure. A seven-day vehicle pass for the park costs $35.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The Rocky Mountains of Colorado are home to a wide array of animals. Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking area of over 265,000 acres. Its alpine lakes and high-altitude peaks boast spectacular views.
Rocky Mountain National Park is 55 miles north of Denver, making it the ideal getaway. Nature lovers will enjoy searching for elk and bighorn sheep among the mountains and valleys. Visitors can purchase a one-day entrance pass for $30 or a seven-day pass for $5 more.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Yellowstone National Park is considered one of the country’s most biodiverse national parks. It covers over two million acres in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and features impressive waterfalls, forests, and natural hot springs. With hundreds of species roaming its land, Yellowstone is a premier location to watch animals.
Yellowstone’s plains and valleys are natural habitats for bison and wolves. In the forested areas, you may encounter bears or elk. Regardless of the time of year, you’ll have numerous wildlife encounters in Yellowstone National Park. A seven-day pass costs $35 per vehicle.
Bring the whole family on your next national park adventure
Family vacation costs can quickly add up between transportation, lodging, food, and activities. Budget-friendly national parks are a fun way for families to reconnect without overspending.
Immerse yourself in nature with an overnight camping trip
An outdoor getaway is the perfect excuse to unplug with loved ones. Family camping trips don’t have to break the bank to create unforgettable memories.
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.
