How Much Does It Cost To Go Camping?

Last weekend, we went camping at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is said to be the second largest canyon in the United States next to the Grand Canyon. I had no idea this place even existed when I moved to Texas many years ago, but I'm really glad to have found it. It is amazingly beautiful in it's own right. It is 120 miles long, as much as 20 miles wide, and has a maximum depth of more than 800 feet. Its elevation at the rim is 3,500 feet above sea level.


We had never camped there before, only done day visits for hiking and mountain biking, but we spent 3 days and 2 nights at the campgrounds this time and mainly hiked during the day. It was an amazing adventure. The only thing I didn't like about it was that, as everything does, it costs money to go there. However, I want to give you some tips on how to save money while spending time with your families at your national and state parks.

Tip 1: State Park Passes
Many state parks charge any number of fees, including entrance (resident and non-resident in some cases), parking, camping, hook-up, etc. While some of these fees are necessary and not outrageous (especially when compared to hotel and entertainment prices), some of them can actually be curtailed just a bit if you do them right. The main fee that you can curtail after a minimal initial investment is the entrance fee.

For example, our 3 day 2 night stay at Palo Duro cost us $37 for the campground fee and $16 for the entrance fee. Did you know that with a Texas State Park Pass, we could have saved the $16 entry fee not only at Palo Duro Canyon, but all State Parks in Texas? The pass costs $60 annually for one vehicle regardless of number of passengers and is good for 12 months from the time of purchase. The Texas Pass will pay for itself in 4 outings. Not too bad if you camp or visit parks a lot. And, did you know that Texas is not the only state that offers this kind of pass?

Tip 2: National Park Pass
If you and your family frequently visit state parks you may want to investigate whether or not there is a State Park Pass program you can invest in. I have included a website that lists all of the State Park Pass programs as well as a National Program that costs a bit more ($80) but gets you into any National Park in the United States and Canada.

State Park Pass Info
National Park Pass Info

Camping is a fantastic family adventure. It typically costs less than a weekend outing to a ballgame or other event, and really gives you the opportunity for quality time with our families that we so often overlook these days. Here's to you finding more ways to save money while enjoying your time in the great outdoors.