There are a few ways to visit national parks on your travel bucket list in a budget-friendly way. Visit on fee-free days. In 2009, the National Park Service launched several fee-free days at over 100 national parks, including the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Keep track of these days so you can visit a national park for free. Buy a park pass. Visit national parks on a budget by buying an annual park pass, which offers yearlong access to multiple parks. Pass holders are entitled to access for 1 non-commercial vehicle and 4 adults (16 and older). Younger children are admitted for free. There are also other kinds of passes available which offer more savings to travelers like senior passes and military passes. Camp. Other ways to make your park visit more cost-effective include camping at campsites for accommodation, walking as much as possible, traveling in groups, and becoming a park volunteer which allows you to give back to your national park and gain free admission access.