A new study has ranked America’s most-visited national parks by camping costs, highlighting how expensive outdoor vacations have become for families already struggling with rising living costs across the U.S.
The findings come as Americans continue to feel financial pressure from higher fuel and consumer goods prices, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict involving Iran and broader economic pressures. As a result, many families are feeling the financial strain as they try to plan and enjoy their vacations.
The report based its rankings on a range of average daily expenses, including tent camping fees, park entry and permit costs, meals and drinks, as well as essentials such as firewood, ice and fuel—alongside popular outdoor activities.
Grand Teton Ranked America’s Most Expensive for Campers
It found that Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is ranked as the priciest destination for campers, with a total weekend cost estimated at $439.
On the other hand, it said that Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas ranks as the most affordable option, with a total weekend cost of $218.
Outdoor Activities Also Driving Up Vacation Costs
The study found that some parks have become especially expensive because of the cost of outdoor recreation activities.
Joshua Tree National Park in California stands out in the findings for having the most expensive activities, with costs reaching $150 for either a full-day bike rental or a one-hour horseback riding session.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans Tennessee and North Carolina, offered the cheapest full-day bike rentals at $40, while Acadia National Park in Maine had the lowest horseback riding costs at $48 per hour.
Most Expensive National Parks for Campers
- Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming): $439
- Olympic National Park (Washington): $369
- Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming): $368
- Zion National Park (Utah): $363
- Joshua Tree National Park (California): $362
- Glacier National Park (Montana): $352
- Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona): $352
- Yosemite National Park (California): $349
- Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah): $346
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado): $342
- Acadia National Park (Maine): $337
- Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana): $289
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio): $241
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina): $240
- Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas): $218
Families Facing Higher Summer Travel Costs
The findings underscore how even camping vacations—which have traditionally been viewed as one of the most affordable ways for families to travel—are becoming more costly amid broader economic pressures.
Rising fuel prices, food costs and activity fees have all contributed to higher overall vacation expenses this summer, particularly for families traveling long distances to major national parks.
Data was gathered from each national park’s official website, along with information from surrounding areas, to calculate overall costs. The initial list was drawn from the 15 most visited national parks, based on National Park Service data, according to Casino.org.
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