I saw 11 national parks in one 30-day trip. Using a few smart strategies and helpful apps, it only cost me $1,500.

"With my van and some careful budgeting, I was able to travel to Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, Big Bend, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands over the course of 30 days and only spend about $1,500."

"First of all, many reservations and permits within the US national parks open up six months in advance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means you'll want to have a clear picture of where you'll be hiking, camping, or backpacking on every day of your journey at least six months before your trip, so you can take advantage of subsidized park campgrounds."

"Sure, websites like Hipcamp make it easy to book a last-minute campsite near natural wonders, but you'll often pay double or triple the price on bookings. For example, I've seen campsites listed for $50 or $60 a night that national parks and forests initially charge at much lower rates."

A traveler visited all 11 parks across the southwestern United States in 30 days while spending only $1,500 by employing strategic cost-saving methods. Key savings came from preparing personal meals instead of dining out and utilizing apps for discounted gas and lodging options. The journey included Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, Big Bend, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Advance planning proved essential, particularly booking campground reservations six months ahead when they become available on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach provided access to subsidized park campgrounds at significantly lower rates than last-minute private alternatives. The traveler reflected that spending more nights in national forests and parks would have enhanced the experience.

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