7 Best Budget-Friendly National Parks For Road Trips

Looking for an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank? Scenic road trips through national parks are the perfect choice. You'll find wide-open spaces, breathtaking views, and endless travel memories—all at a price that won’t drain your wallet.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee/North Carolina

Why It Stands Out

This park doesn’t charge an entrance fee, which already makes it one of the most budget-friendly choices. Nestled between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their rolling fog, dense forests, and wildlife encounters.

What You Can Do

Take a slow drive along Newfound Gap Road, one of the most scenic routes in the eastern U.S. It crosses the park from north to south, with stops like Clingmans Dome—where you can walk up to the highest point in the Smokies for stunning views. If you're into waterfalls, don't miss Laurel Falls or Grotto Falls.

Budget Tip

Campgrounds like Elkmont and Smokemont offer stays under $30 per night, and you’ll wake up surrounded by pure mountain air.

Zion National Park – Utah

Why It Stands Out

Zion feels like a scene straight out of a movie. Red cliffs, narrow canyons, and dramatic landscapes make it a top pick for adventure travel. Even better, the park offers a free shuttle system that connects all major stops, helping you save on fuel.

What You Can Do

Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway for jaw-dropping tunnel views and towering rock formations. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail for a short but rewarding experience, or, if you're up for a challenge, try the Narrows—a walk through a riverbed squeezed between steep canyon walls.

Budget Tip

Stay in nearby Springdale or set up camp inside the park. Skip fancy hotels. Some campgrounds start around $20–$25, and off-season visits can lower your costs even more.

Joshua Tree National Park – California

Why It Stands Out

This park offers a surreal mix of desert landscapes, massive boulders, and its namesake Joshua Trees. It's perfect for travellers looking to combine stargazing, rock climbing, and scenic drives on a budget.

What You Can Do

Cruise through the park on the 67-mile loop starting at the West Entrance Station. It includes highlights like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Keys View, where you can look out over the Coachella Valley.

Budget Tip

Basic campsites are available for as low as $20. The park offers limited services, so be sure to pack food and water to save money while exploring.

Badlands National Park – South Dakota

Why It Stands Out

Less crowded but just as impressive, Badlands is filled with rugged cliffs, fossil beds, and layered rock formations. It’s a road tripper’s dream and one of the most underrated national parks in the U.S.

What You Can Do

Drive the Badlands Loop Road. It’s a 39-mile scenic route filled with overlooks and easy pull-off spots. Keep your eyes open for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.

Budget Tip

Campgrounds here are affordable and straightforward. You can even find free camping just outside the park boundaries on public land. Bring supplies with you to reduce food costs, as dining options are limited.

Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado

Why It Stands Out

If you want classic alpine views, winding roads, and cool mountain air, Rocky Mountain National Park delivers all that—and more. It's an excellent spot for summer road trips when the Trail Ridge Road is open.

What You Can Do

Trail Ridge Road stretches over 48 miles and climbs to an elevation of over 12,000 feet. There are dozens of spots to stop for pictures or short hikes. Visit Bear Lake early in the day and try the easy hike to Alberta Falls.

Budget Tip

Purchase a 7-day entrance pass ($30 per vehicle) and utilise the park's shuttle services. Stay in nearby Estes Park or camp inside the park—just make sure to book in advance for the best rates.

Canyonlands National Park – Utah

Why It Stands Out

Often overshadowed by its neighbour, Arches, Canyonlands is a peaceful escape with towering mesas, endless canyons, and dramatic desert scenery. It's divided into districts, but the Island in the Sky section is the easiest to reach and best for short visits.

What You Can Do

Drive the paved road through Island in the Sky for overlooks like Mesa Arch, Green River Viewpoint, and Grand View Point. The views stretch for miles, making you feel like you're on another planet.

Budget Tip

Entrance is just $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, and nearby campgrounds or BLM land offer affordable or even free camping options. Bring plenty of snacks and water—the park is remote and services are minimal.

Shenandoah National Park – Virginia

Why It Stands Out

Just a few hours from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah is ideal for East Coast travellers seeking mountain views and peaceful trails. It follows the Blue Ridge Mountains and has one of the best scenic roads in the country: Skyline Drive.

What You Can Do

Skyline Drive spans 105 miles through the park, featuring more than 70 overlooks. Stop at Big Meadows or take the short Dark Hollow Falls trail. The park is lovely in fall when the leaves turn bright shades of orange, red, and gold.

Budget Tip

Camping fees are reasonable, and park passes are valid for the entire week. Bring your food and gear, and enjoy meals with a view from any of the picnic areas.

Ready For Your Scenic Road Trip Adventure?

National parks offer some of the most stunning road trip routes in the country, without the high costs associated with other travel options. Whether you're gazing out over the canyons of Utah, winding through the Great Smoky Mountains, or hiking trails in Colorado, there's no shortage of beauty or things to do.

With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a road trip full of adventure, nature, and unforgettable memories—all while staying on budget. So load up the car, grab a map, and hit the road to discover just how affordable great travel can be.