Let’s face it—travel can get pricey. But for all my fellow adventurers out there, I’ve got some amazing news: You can camp at some of the most incredible national parks in the U.S. for less than $10 a night. That’s right—exploring nature’s beauty without blowing your budget. Over my years of solo travel, I’ve been lucky to stumble upon these gems, and now I’m sharing the goods with you. Get your gear ready and let’s dive into 25 parks that are as kind to your wallet as they are to your soul.
1. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Camping fee: $6
Between starry skies and bristlecone pines, Great Basin is a stargazer’s paradise. Wheeler Peak Campground offers serene sites at the base of Nevada’s tallest peak.
2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Camping fee: $8
East Portal Campground delivers riverside camping with towering cliffs. Bring your fishing rod and enjoy the peaceful vibes.
3. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Camping fee: $10
Key’s Ranch campground offers desert beauty and iconic Joshua trees. Don’t miss the fiery sunsets.
4. Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
Camping fee: $8
Camp in a surreal volcanic landscape filled with lava fields and craters. It’s weird, wonderful, and wildly affordable.
5. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Camping fee: $10
Fruita Campground is a hidden gem surrounded by red rock cliffs and orchards. Campers are even allowed to pick seasonal fruit!
6. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Camping fee: $10
Accessible by boat, the campsites here are an adventurer’s paradise. Enjoy tranquil lakes and stunning Northern Lights.
7. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Camping fee: $8
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mathews Arm Campground is perfect for hiking and stunning Skyline Drive views.
8. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Camping fee: $10
Known for Texas’ highest peaks, this park has desert campsites perfect for sunrise hikes. Just don’t forget your water.
9. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Camping fee: $10
Steam vents, crystal-clear lakes, and wilderness camping at Butte Lake. Lassen feels like stepping onto another planet.
10. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Camping fee: $5
Explore lush forests and swampy trails. Camp at Longleaf Campground for an authentic wilderness experience.
11. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Camping fee: Free at Sage Creek Campground
Camping is free here! Expect bison, golden prairies, and stunning rock formations that feel like another world.
12. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Camping fee: $8
Camp near towering cacti and enjoy trails that take you deep into desert landscapes. Nighttime? Bring a stargazing app.
13. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Camping fee: $4 per night for backcountry sites
Sleep under the stars surrounded by towering sand dunes. This place is pure magic.
14. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Camping fee: $10
Willow Flat Campground gives you easy access to epic red rock canyons and mesas. Bonus: killer sunset views.
15. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Camping fee: $10
Set up at Furnace Creek for an unforgettable experience in one of the hottest places on Earth. Stay hydrated, folks!
16. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Camping fee: $10
Chisos Basin Campground in Big Bend offers panoramic views of rugged desert terrain, mountain ranges, and a sky full of stars. The hiking trails here are unforgettable.
17. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Camping fee: $10
Pitch your tent among ancient giants at Jedediah Smith Campground. The towering redwoods create a magical, almost otherworldly ambiance.
18. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Camping fee: $8-$10
Morefield Campground offers incredible views and proximity to the park’s famous cliff dwellings. It’s a history buff’s dream come true.
19. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Camping fee: Free to $10
Colonial Creek Campground offers lakeside camping surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. The hiking here is nothing short of epic.
20. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Camping fee: Free
Backcountry camping here is free, and the landscapes—featuring ancient petrified wood and painted desert hills—feel like stepping onto another planet.
21. Glacier National Park, Montana
Camping fee: $10
St. Mary Campground is your gateway to the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Wake up to towering peaks and shimmering lakes.
22. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Camping fee: $10
North Campground offers budget-friendly camping right next to Bryce’s stunning hoodoos. The sunrise views here are unbeatable.
23. Olympic National Park, Washington
Camping fee: $10
Mora Campground gives you access to lush rainforests and rugged coastal views. Don’t miss the sea stacks at Rialto Beach.
24. Sequoia National Park, California
Camping fee: $10
Camp among the giants at Potwisha Campground. It’s hard to beat waking up to the world’s largest trees.
25. Everglades National Park, Florida
Camping fee: $8
Flamingo Campground offers views of mangroves, waterways, and some incredible wildlife—think manatees and crocodiles.
There you have it, my fellow adventurers—25 national parks where you can camp for $10 or less. From surreal volcanic landscapes to desert oases, these parks prove that epic travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. So grab your tent, load up the car, and hit the road. Let the wilderness take your breath away without emptying your wallet. And hey, if you end up visiting any of these parks, drop me a line in the comments—I love hearing your stories!