In an era of soaring travel costs, finding budget-friendly basecamp towns and affordable lodging near America’s national parks can make the difference between a dream vacation and a financial nightmare. Costs keep rising at in-park lodges, pricing out many visitors—kind of ironic, considering the parks are supposed to be “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
But national park vacations on a budget can still be done—with a bit of research and timing. These seven gateway communities offer budget-conscious travelers comfortable accommodations, local dining, and authentic charm without breaking the bank—all while providing access to some of the country’s most breathtaking, wildest natural landscapes. If you’re looking to book that national parks road trip this summer, here’s where to stay.
1. Pinedale, Wyoming – Grand Teton National Park
Smack dab in Wyoming’s scenic Wind River Range, about 75 miles from Grand Teton National Park, Pinedale offers visitors a genuine Western experience at a fraction of the cost of staying in Jackson Hole. This charming mountain town provides budget-friendly accommodations (check out the Log Cabin Motel and the Jackalope Motor Lodge), family-owned restaurants, and outdoor recreation opportunities galore.
Visitors can explore the Museum of the Mountain Man to learn about the area’s rich frontier history, fish in the pristine lakes, or hike the surrounding wilderness. The scenic drive to Grand Teton National Park takes just over an hour, making Pinedale a good basecamp for early morning excursions to experience the park’s majestic mountain views, abundant wildlife, and stunning alpine lakes.
Tip: For those who want to add in a little crowd-free scenery to their national park vacation, the trails through the Wind River Range are spectacular, offering scenery as good as the Tetons without the hordes of tourists. (Try these suggestions.)
2. Livingston, Montana – Yellowstone National Park
50 miles north of Yellowstone’s North Entrance, Livingston offers visitors an authentic Montana experience without the premium prices found in towns closer to the park. This historic railroad town along the Yellowstone River blends Western heritage with a vibrant arts scene, surprisingly sophisticated dining options at reasonable prices, and tons of affordable lodging options (see: Econolodge, Travelodge by Wyndham, and the Livingston Inn, just to name a few).
Downtown Livingston features well-preserved historic buildings, locally owned shops, and galleries showcasing the area’s superb regional artists—which might explain its literary write-up in The New York Times. Visitors can enjoy fly-fishing on the Yellowstone River, soak in nearby hot springs, or explore the Yellowstone Gateway Museum. The drive to Yellowstone National Park takes under an hour, providing reasonable access to the park’s iconic geysers, wildlife viewing, and dramatic supervolcano landscapes.
3. Townsend, Tennessee – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Known as “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend offers visitors a quiet, affordable alternative to the touristy, kitschy, neon-lit hubs of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Located just minutes from an entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (just minutes!), this small town maintains a relaxed atmosphere with budget-friendly accommodations, family restaurants, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Visitors can explore the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, tube down the Little River, or cycle along the scenic 11-mile Townsend trail. With the national park entrance just a short drive away, guests have easy access to the park’s ancient forests, diverse wildlife, and historic structures without the crowds and high prices (and general brouhaha) found in the park’s other gateway communities.
4. Moab, Utah – Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Okay, it’s true: Moab has skyrocketed in popularity and can be quite expensive, but it still offers budget options that make visiting two spectacular national parks affordable. This desert town provides access to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, with numerous reasonably priced motels (like Field Station Moab), campgrounds, and vacation rentals available, especially during shoulder seasons.
Out of Moab, visitors can mountain bike on world-famous trails, raft the Colorado River, or explore dinosaur tracks at nearby sites. The town’s numerous affordable eateries serve everything from hearty breakfasts to authentic Mexican cuisine. With both national parks within a 30-minute drive, Moab will really never not be a great basecamp for experiencing the superb red-rock landscapes, natural arches, and canyons that define this epic region.
Tip: If I’m being totally honest, shoulder season is really the only time to go. Arches only has one entrance, so try to avoid summer—unless you want to wait 2 hours in line just to get through the park entrance.
5. Tusayan, Arizona – Grand Canyon National Park
Located just one mile from the South Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, Tusayan offers visitors a more budget-friendly alternative to staying inside the park without sacrificing convenience. This gateway community provides a small range of affordable accommodations, family restaurants, and essential services for travelers looking to experience one of America’s most iconic natural wonders. You can also take the park shuttle right from here, or take the Tusayan Greenway bike trail right into the park, saving money, time, and parking woes.
Admittedly, there’s not too much to do in town, but you’re here for the park. With the South Rim of the Grand Canyon just minutes away, you’ll have easy access to epic viewpoints, hiking trails, and ranger programs, without paying premium prices for lodging within the park boundaries. That being said, you can find some cheap-and-great dining options inside Grand Canyon National Park, like the $4 pizza slices at the Maswik Lodge cafeteria.
6. Port Angeles, Washington – Olympic National Park
Situated on Washington’s gorgeous Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles provides affordable access to the mind-bogglingly diverse ecosystems of Olympic National Park. This working seaport town offers budget-conscious travelers reasonably priced lodging options (Wander Camp Olympic, Olympic View Inn, many more), fresh seafood restaurants, and a walkable downtown with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
From here, visitors can explore the Olympic Coast Discovery Center, hike along the waterfront Olympic Discovery Trail, or take a ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, for a day trip. With the park’s main visitor center just 3 miles away, guests have easy access to Olympic’s temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and alpine meadows without paying premium prices for accommodations closer to the park’s main attractions.
7. Torrey, Utah – Capitol Reef National Park
This tiny town (population under 300!) sits just 8 miles from the western entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, offering visitors a quiet, affordable alternative to more developed tourist areas in southern Utah. Torrey provides budget-friendly motels, cabins, and campgrounds (Rim Rock Inn, Moore’s Old Pine Inn, etc.), along with a handful of local restaurants and cafes serving hearty meals at reasonable prices. A surprising amount, really, for the town’s population!
Visitors can explore the nearby Fremont River for fishing and swimming opportunities, hike to dramatic viewpoints outside the park, or stargaze in some of the darkest skies in America. The short drive to Capitol Reef National Park provides easy access to striking red-rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and historic orchards where visitors can pick fruit in season, all with significantly smaller crowds than Utah’s more famous national parks, like Arches, especially come spring and fall.
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