It is simply a fact of traveling that any trip, any time, anywhere will eventually be limited by a budget some way or another. Regardless of how much or how little you plan to spend, there is always a need for money-saving measures. Here are seven easy tips for lowering your expenses when visiting a national park:

1. Visit during off-times

This is perhaps the single most impactful variable when it comes to budgeting a park trip. From airfare, to lodging, to activities, prices can either double or cut in half depending on when you visit. Summer is usually the busiest travel season so to avoid higher rates, consider visiting during shoulder seasons (usually spring or fall). Vendors, concessionaires, and hosts tend to drop their rates in order to fill quotas during these times. This also means crowds will be smaller creating more flexible options for dates, flights, campsites, etc.

When we visited Yosemite in January, prices were cut in half. Airfare, lodging, even meals, were suddenly affordable compared to a trip in late July. Of course, we had to brave the winter weather in order to cash in on these discounts, but with some upfront preparation it was worth every penny. We even discovered a wintry side to Yosemite that rarely gets seen.

2. Visit smaller parks

With larger crowds often comes larger pricing. Parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite attract a higher resort-style atmosphere causing prices to soar. This can be reflected in lodging fares, transportation fees, food prices and more. Finding smaller parks might just be your best bet to sticking to your budget.

Plus it is good to remember every park has its own beauty and wonder worth celebrating. Just because Badlands National Park doesn’t have the notoriety of Yosemite National Park doesn’t mean it is worthless. Sometimes hidden gems in your hand are worth more than the museum jewels behind glass.

Here are a couple park swaps to get your wheels turning:

• Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park instead of Yellowstone National Park for active wildlife
• Visit Biscayne National Park instead of Virgin Islands National Park for relaxing beach vibes
• Visit Great Basin National Park instead of Rocky Mountain National Park for alpine mountain trails
• Visit Bryce Canyon National Park instead of Grand Canyon National Park for stunning canyon views

3. Visit local parks

It goes without saying, but much of your budget will largely depend on where you intend to visit in conjunction with where you are located. For instance visiting a park close to home can be significantly cheaper than traveling across country. And while more enticing parks may be several states away, it may just be worth the money to stay local.

We tend to average $500 per park trip. That means while a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park can cost $900, a trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park can simply cost a single tank of gas. It all hinges on proximity. Don’t be afraid to hang close to home to save some bucks.

4. Stay at campgrounds

Visiting parks for multiple days demands lodging accommodations. But this line item can quickly blow your budget if you’re not careful. Hotels and lodges are easily the most expensive option, especially when located in the park. But so are vacation rental houses in nearby towns. That’s why park campgrounds are a wonderful alternative. Also located in the park, campgrounds can offer a similar escape but at a fraction of the cost. Most campgrounds are priced around $20–$30/night, while most hotels or rentals can easily soar above $200/night.

When I was planning my trip to Haleakala National Park on Maui, hotels and vacation rentals were all above $250/night, but a campsite on the Kipahulu coast was $10/night, a no-brainer! The extra cost of checking bags with camping equipment was easily worth the money saved in lodging.

If your budget is still tight, a free alternative is to camp on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the park. Utah’s parks are notorious for being conveniently placed next to BLM land.

5. Pack your own meals

Food is another expense that can be curtailed if preemptively prepared. Instead of eating out every meal, consider purchasing non-perishable groceries at a nearby grocery store. Buying in bulk like this will bring down your cost per meal and allow you to craft your own menus.

This is also a chance to be creatively efficient. For instance, peanut butter is great for sandwiches or breakfast items as well as desserts. You get more bang for your buck. Apples and oranges are another time-tested option for quick energy and hydration on the go.

6. Share expenses with a friend

Perhaps you want to visit an exotic park during its peak season and you can’t avoid exorbitant travel costs. Instead invite someone along who can help share the cost of those expenses. Split the rental car, share a hotel room, or combine groceries. At the end of the day, it’s a win-win for both of you.

7. Invest in a National Park Pass

Depending on your travel goals, an annual National Park Pass may be worth the investment. For instance, if you are vacationing in Utah and have time to visit five parks within driving distance, consider purchasing an “America the Beautiful” park pass. They usually pay for themselves after three separate park visits. It’s also a great option to have in your back pocket if you happen to be in the area and want to spontaneously drop in on a park.

These tips are not exhaustive. There are always more ways to cut travel costs and stay under budget. For instance you, could stay with friends or relatives who live near a particular park or use gift cards for meals or airline miles to cover airfare. It all depends on priorities and what cuts you are willing to make. Don’t be discouraged by exorbitant prices. Just be creative and flexible and you can easily stay under budget.