The 10 Most Expensive National Parks To Visit
Some national parks are easy on the wallet — drive up, pay a small fee (or none at all), take in the views, and head home. Then there are those that require extensive saving and planning. Between remote locations, limited access, pricey permits, and travel logistics that feel more like an expedition than a vacation, some parks come with a hefty price tag.
Whether you’re chartering a bush plane to Alaska or booking a ferry to an island without hotels, these parks demand both money and planning. Here’s a look at the most expensive national parks to visit.
1. Gates Of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
Average cost to visit: A few hundred to a few thousand dollars
This national park is one of Alaska’s most remote and has no roads, trails, or visitor services. While that does mean there is no entry fee, it also means getting there requires chartered flights deep into the Alaskan backcountry. These flights can run into the thousands, especially if you opt for a charter service package that includes bells and whistles, like guided hikes and river excursions.
Of course, experienced explorers can also trek into the park on foot if they’re looking to go rogue and save money, but this isn’t the type of remote rendezvous you head into on a whim.
2. Kobuk Valley National Park
Average cost to visit: A few hundred to a few thousand dollars
Tucked above the Arctic Circle, Kobuk Valley is one of the least visited and most remote national parks in the U.S. — and also one of the most expensive to reach. Like Gates of the Arctic, there are no roads, visitor centers, or trails; access typically requires a chartered bush plane from nearby towns like Kotzebue.
Once you’re there, it’s all untouched wilderness: massive sand dunes, migrating caribou, and zero crowds. The park itself is free to enter, but logistics and gear make it a serious investment.
3. Channel Islands National Park
Average cost to visit: At least $100 per person
Just off the Southern California coast, Channel Islands feels like another world — and getting there takes effort (and money). There are no bridges or causeways, so visitors have to book a ferry or private boat to access any of the five rugged islands. Once you’re there, amenities are minimal — no restaurants, no hotels — so you’ll need to pack in everything you need, especially for overnight camping. Wildlife, sea caves, and incredible solitude make it worth it, but the costs can add up quickly between the boat ride and gear.
4. National Park of American Samoa
Average cost to visit: A few thousand dollars
As the only U.S. national park south of the equator, this park spans three islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Taʻū. Visitors can explore tropical rainforests and coral reefs and submerge themselves in Samoan culture. Like many other ultra-remote national parks, entry is free, but reaching the park is pretty pricey due to its remote location. Fights from the mainland to Pago Pago can exceed $1,000 per person, with additional inter-island travel expenses.
5. Yellowstone National Park
Average cost to visit: A few hundred to several thousand dollars
Yellowstone’s size means longer drives, higher gas costs, and more nights of lodging than many other national parks. Between wildlife tours, geyser visits, and backcountry adventures, it’s easy to spend well beyond the $20 per person entry fee.
6. Glacier National Park
Average cost to visit: At least a couple hundred dollars per person
With a limited visiting season and high demand for its scenic drives and hikes, Glacier requires early reservations and often pricey accommodations. Entrance and camping fees are standard ($20 per person for entry), but guided tours and gear rentals can boost costs.
7. Isle Royale National Park
Average cost to visit: A couple hundred dollars per person
This secluded island park in Lake Superior is only accessible by ferry or seaplane, both of which are expensive and weather-dependent. Despite its modest entrance fee (only $7 per person), travel costs and the need to bring your own supplies drive up the overall price.
8. Everglades National Park
Average cost to visit: At least $100 per person
To really experience the Everglades, visitors often need to book airboat tours, canoe rentals, or guided excursions — none of which come cheap. Combined with the $20 per person entry fee, exploring this vast wetland ecosystem can quickly exceed a casual travel budget.
9. Acadia National Park
Average cost to visit: At least $100 per person
Acadia’s dramatic coastal beauty draws millions, but its popularity comes with pricey lodging, typically ranging around a couple hundred dollars per night.
10. Yosemite National Park
Average cost to visit: A couple hundred dollars per person
Yosemite draws millions each year with its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and iconic sites like Half Dome and El Capitan — but its popularity comes at a cost. Entrance fees are standard, but timed reservation systems during peak seasons can complicate planning and drive up lodging prices in and around the park. Campsites book up quickly, and hotels or cabins inside the park often command steep rates. Add in gear, food, and shuttle passes, and a trip to Yosemite can turn into a surprisingly pricey adventure.