Planning a Yellowstone vacation to have a great time exploring the park’s natural wonders? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure, but it’s also essential to find the best ways to save money while making the most of your visit. Yellowstone was the world’s first national park and one of the best places to visit in the United States. Finding ways to maximize your Yellowstone vacation without breaking your budget is a smart strategy. In this guide, we’ll share a plethora of tips and tricks to help you enjoy your Yellowstone vacation without overspending and make the most of your visit while saving money. From budget accommodations to savvy spending and exploring the park’s wonders without draining your wallet, these travel tips will ensure you have a remarkable Yellowstone adventure while keeping your finances in check. Also are some recommendations on the best way to visit Yellowstone without spending extra money.
1. Plan Ahead
Start planning your trip well in advance. This allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts on accommodations, tours, and activities. Many hotel rooms fill up at least a year in advance so plan early to get the lodging that you want and fits your budget. Watch the Yellowstone National Park hotels main website to see when they open for booking.
2. Visit in the Shoulder Season
The best time to visit Yellowstone while avoiding the tourist crowds and higher prices is during the shoulder seasons, such as spring and fall. The peak season is in the summer, which means higher prices.
3. Research Both Flight and Rental Car Combinations
When planning a visit to Yellowstone Park, it’s crucial to research flight and rental car combinations to various airports in the region. Yellowstone is nestled in a relatively remote area, and there are several airports you can consider as your gateway. Each airport may offer different flight options and rental car availability, which can significantly impact your travel expenses and convenience. Plus flying into a further away airport may mean less in flight costs but more in rental car fees and fuel.
For instance, airports like Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming, and Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho serve as primary access points to the park. Researching flight and rental car combinations to these airports allows you to compare prices, availability, and proximity to Yellowstone’s entrances. This research empowers you to make an informed decision, potentially saving both time and money while ensuring a smoother start to your Yellowstone adventure.
4. Road Trip
During our recent trip planning for Yellowstone, we made a significant discovery: driving to the park could potentially save us over $3,000 in flights and car rental fees, and likely even more, considering we were able to use our compact SUV instead of opting for a pricier car rental option.
5. National Park Pass
If you plan to visit multiple national parks in a year, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass from the federal government. This annual pass covers entrance fees at all national parks and can save you a lot of money. Additionally, be mindful of your planned duration of stay within each of the parks. If your visit extends beyond 7 days and you exit the park, upon reentry, you may incur an additional entry fee.
6. Camping
Camping within the park is a budget-friendly option. Campground fees are generally lower than hotel prices, and you’ll be closer to nature. Campgrounds also fill up fast ask well so book as far in advance as you can.
7. Cook Your Meals
One of the easiest ways to save money on food by cooking your meals at campgrounds or picnic areas. Bring a portable stove or grill and stock up on groceries before entering the park. By using your own food you can save money on pricey restaurant bills. There are limited places to eat at the different concession areas in the park which could leave you stuck paying high prices due to lack of anything else. Also if you are camping make sure you store your food securely that way grizzly bears don’t eat it all instead! Also check the hotel rules because they may not allow any cooking inside the hotel rooms.
8. Pack Snacks
Carry snacks and refillable water bottles to avoid expensive park concession prices. Staying hydrated and having snacks on hand will also help you save time and energy. There are general stores available in the major areas of the park that carries snacks and sandwiches for last minute needs. They each usually have a place to refill your water bottles with filtered water. Visitor centers are run by the National Park Service are also a good place to fill up with filtered water. Don’t forget the cooler!
9. Stay Outside the Park in a Gateway Town
Accommodations within the park can be pricey. Consider staying in a nearby town that is still part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cody, or Cooke City where lodging options may be more affordable. These gateway towns are great places to stock up on food and snacks at the local grocery stores.
10. Join a Tour Group
While not always the cheapest option, joining a group tour can help you access expert guides and save money compared to booking individual activities.
11. Download a Travel Guide
There are several travel guides available that you can download on your phone to help you learn and navigate the park. The best one is by GuideAlong which can be used offline (Yellowstone cell service and signal are very limited in the park so make sure you download before you go) and connects with your phone’s GPS. It will automatically come on and tell you about the features and history of the areas you are driving past. Check out their bundle for western United States that includes Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, and many more to save money if you are road tripping to other parks as well.
12. Check for Discounts
Look for discounts and special offers on park entrance fees, tours, and activities. Many tour companies and visitor centers offer promotions throughout the year.
13. Use Your Own Gear
Bring your own hiking and outdoor gear. Rentals can be expensive, especially for items like binoculars, bear spray, or fishing equipment. Or see if you can borrow from a friend. We’ve borrowed my parents binoculars and spotting scope for our most recent trip.
14. Learn About Park Regulations
Familiarize yourself with park regulations to avoid fines or extra expenses, such as backcountry camping fees or parking violations.
15. Limit Souvenir Spending
While it’s tempting to buy souvenirs, set a budget for such purchases and stick to it. You can also look for more affordable options outside the park. Look into getting a Passport to Your National Parks – it’s a one time purchase that will allow you to stamp your visit in the book for all the national parks in the United States. We had alot of fun as kids going to each of the visitor centers in Yellowstone (each one has a different stamp) so we could stamp our books for free. I still keep up this tradition as an adult when I visit different parks and whenever I go back to Yellowstone.
16. Purchase Essentials Beforehand
Stock up on essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and camping supplies before entering the park. Prices can be higher inside the park’s stores. Don’t forget the bear spray if you plan on doing any hiking.
17. Travel with a Group
If you’re comfortable with it, consider traveling with a group of friends or family. You can split the costs of accommodations, transportation, and food. We vacationed alot with another family growing up and we would carpool out to the different activities in the park for the day.
18. Hiking and Wildlife Viewing
Take advantage of the many free activities in the park, such as hiking and wildlife viewing. These experiences offer some of the best opportunities to connect with nature without additional costs.
19. Discount Passes for Seniors and Military Members
If you qualify, check for discounts available to seniors and military personnel on park fees and tours.
20. Use a Gas Rewards Program
If you’re driving to Yellowstone, use a gas rewards program to save money on fuel during your trip.
19. Avoid Peak Times
Try to visit popular attractions and landmarks during non-peak hours to avoid crowds and get better photo opportunities without the need for expensive tours. You’ll be able to spend less time maneuvering past crowds on the boardwalks and trails and more time enjoying the sites. And there will be less traffic on the roads and in the parking lots of famous sites such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
20. Stay Longer
While it may sound counterintuitive, staying longer in the park can help you save money. Many attractions are spread out, so the more time you have, the less you’ll need to rush between sites.
21. Travel Light
If you’re flying to Yellowstone, pack light to avoid baggage fees and the hassle of lugging heavy luggage around.
22. Book Online
When booking tours or activities, check if there are online discounts available. Many companies offer reduced rates for online reservations. Plus it’s common for popular tours to sell out in advance.
23. Check for Local Discounts
Look for discounts in the towns near the park. Some restaurants, shops, and hotels may offer special deals for Yellowstone visitors.
24. Plan Your Route
Optimize your route within the park to minimize driving time and gas expenses. Yellowstone is vast, so efficient planning can save both time and money.
25. Re-Use and Recycle
Follow Leave No Trace principles and recycle where possible to contribute to the park’s sustainability and conservation efforts and potentially earn discounts on certain activities.
26. Free Ranger Programs
Take advantage of the free ranger-led programs and guided hikes offered by the National Park Service. They provide valuable insights into the park’s natural and cultural history. You can find out about these programs at the various visitor centers in the park.
27. Pack Your Own Entertainment
Yellowstone’s landscapes are stunning, but there can be downtime during travel. Bring your own books, games, or entertainment to avoid spending on distractions. Cell service is almost nonexistent so don’t plan on being able to watch videos on tablets if they aren’t downloaded first.
28. Avoid International Roaming
If you’re an international traveler, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international data plan to avoid expensive roaming charges for your mobile phone.
29. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike)
If you’re a cyclist, bring your own bike. It can save you on bike rental fees if you plan to explore the park’s bike-friendly trails.
30. Stay In-Group Campgrounds
Yellowstone offers both group and individual campgrounds. Staying in a group campground with friends or family can be more cost-effective per person.
31. Share Tours and Equipment
If you’re traveling with others, consider sharing tours, gear rentals, and other expenses. Splitting the cost can be a significant saving.
32. Gas Up Outside the Park
Fuel prices tend to be higher inside the park. Fill up your gas tank before entering Yellowstone to save on fuel costs.
33. Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations or interruptions. It can save you money in case unexpected circumstances force you to alter your plans.
34. Visit Nearby Attractions
While in the region, explore other nearby attractions that may offer lower prices on accommodations, dining, and activities compared to the park itself.
35. Purchase a Senior Pass
If you’re 62 or older, consider buying a Senior Pass. It grants lifetime access to all national parks and federal recreational lands for a one-time fee.
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