Labor Day weekend marks the last big summer road trip opportunity. This year, AAA reports that flights, hotels, and car rentals are all cheaper than last year. With gas near 2021 levels, more travelers are choosing to stay close to home—often driving to national parks. Experts note that families are especially drawn to park road trips now that fuel and rental rates are lower. The result? You can hit the open road for Labor Day without breaking the bank. After all, late summer weather is still excellent (and crowds thin out as kids go back to school). Follow these savvy tips and you’ll stretch every dollar.
Budget-Savvy Road-Trip Tips
- Camp or motel? Camping in or near parks is the cheapest lodging by far. Many national park campgrounds charge just $10–$30 per night. If tent camping isn’t your thing, look for budget motels (Motel 6, Super 8, etc.) along the route; basic rooms often start around $50/night. To save even more, join hotel loyalty programs: for example, Booking.com offers members ~10% off their bookings. Carry a cooler and cook simple meals at campsites—buying groceries and grilling saves hundreds versus eating out.
- Maximize Savings: Buy the America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) before your trip. This single pass covers entry to all national parks (and federal recreation areas). Since most park passes cost $20–35 each visit, the pass pays off quickly on a multi-stop trip. Furthermore, use apps and memberships to cut travel costs: install GasBuddy or something similar to find the cheapest fuel. Shopping early for gas and packing your own snacks can add up to big savings.
- Off-Peak Planning: Timing matters. AAA and traffic data agree that leaving early on Saturday (before afternoon traffic) helps you avoid Labor Day. Once you’re on the road, avoid peak lodging prices by booking midweek nights if possible. Note that after Labor Day the peak season winds down; parks like Yellowstone or Grand Teton remain very accessible and scenic, and you may even catch early fall colors in higher elevations.
- Book Smart: Use travel sites for deals. For example, compare car rental rates on DiscoverCars or another aggregator to find budget-friendly rentals. Reserve campsites or cabins via platforms like Hipcamp that list private and public campgrounds. These sites often feature discounts or unique spots not found through the national park websites. Every little bit helps keep your Labor Day trip wallet-friendly.
Top National Park Road Trip Ideas
- Great Smoky Mountains (TN/NC): Entry is free (no park entrance fee), which instantly saves money. The park’s mountains and waterfalls are spectacular, and roadside camping or nearby motels are affordable. Try the scenic Newfound Gap Road or Foothills Parkway for easy drives through fall-like scenery.
- Shenandoah National Park (VA): Skyline Drive offers 100 miles of panoramas for a modest $30 car fee (covered by the annual pass). The drive from Washington, D.C., out to the park is beautiful, and plenty of national park campgrounds are available for ~$20-$30 per night.
- Yellowstone & Grand Teton (WY): These two iconic parks can be looped together for a classic Rocky Mountain trip. Plan to camp or stay in nearby towns. (Without a pass, separate entry fees are ~$35, but the $80 pass covers both parks.) Visiting in early September means milder weather and elk rutting season, a free natural spectacle.
- Zion & Bryce Canyon (UT): In the Southwest, you can hit two parks in one loop. Campgrounds in Zion run ~$25/night (RV or tent), and Bryce’s are similar, keeping lodging costs low. Stunning canyon hikes and drives make these bucket-list parks worth the trip—especially since cooler nights mean you won’t need A/C as much.
- Olympic National Park (WA): A gorgeous West Coast option. Olympic has varied scenery (beaches, rainforests, and mountains). Camping options abound (look into the established sites near Forks or Port Angeles). The annual pass also covers the park’s entry ($30/vehicle).
- Redwood National Park (CA) offers free entry and campsites, as well as low-cost state parks nearby. Redwood National Park (CA) offers free entry and campsites, as well as low-cost state parks nearby. Celebrate Labor Day by towering under ancient redwoods. Off-season road conditions are still excellent, and you’ll miss the summer crowds and heat to the south.
Conclusion
Labor Day weekend marks the last big summer road trip opportunity. This year, AAA reports that flights, hotels, and car rentals are all cheaper than last year. With gas near 2021 levels, more travelers are choosing to stay close to home—often driving to national parks. Experts note that families are especially drawn to park road trips now that fuel and rental rates are lower. The result? You can hit the open road for Labor Day without breaking the bank. After all, late summer weather is still excellent (and crowds thin out as kids go back to school). Follow these savvy tips and you’ll stretch every dollar.
From coast to coast, the U.S. offers scenic national parks for a budget Labor Day road trip. Here are a few ideas (spread across regions):
Once you have selected your route, please be sure to book or verify any necessary permits or campsite reservations in advance. With a bit of planning and the tips above, even a solo traveler can enjoy a spectacular park trip on the cheap.
Looking to book now? Hit the road armed with the right tools—for example, compare outstanding car rental deals on DiscoverCars to find an affordable ride, or browse [Hipcamp] for special campsites. Your wallet (and sense of adventure) will thank you.
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