Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the Tennessee and North Carolina line, is one of the few big national parks with no entrance fee. That alone makes it a top pick for a budget trip. The park does require a parking tag for vehicles that park for more than a short stop, so check the official National Park Service site for current rules before you go.
Where the money goes
The park itself is cheap. The gateway towns are where spending adds up: attractions, dinner shows and souvenir shops. Decide ahead of time which, if any, paid attractions are worth it to you.
Save on lodging
- Park campgrounds are a low-cost option. Reserve ahead in busy months.
- Cabins split among a group or two families can cost less per person than hotel rooms, and come with a kitchen.
- Stay in a smaller town a little farther from the park entrance.
Eat like a hiker
Pack a cooler and use the park's picnic areas. Buy groceries in a larger town on the way in, where prices are usually lower than in tourist strips.
Timing
Summer weekends and fall color season are the busiest. Spring and weekdays bring smaller crowds and often better lodging rates. Mountain roads are slow and winding, so plan more drive time and fill your tank before heading up.
Free favorites
Scenic drives, waterfall hikes, historic cabins and mills, and ranger programs. Pick up a park map at a visitor center.
Prices, fees and rules change. Check official sites before you travel.