Sleep in the wild at national park lodges

updated 11:15 a.m. ET June 30, 2009

Book by: ASAP
Travel by: September 30

The deal
Get off the grid and into the wild this summer. Thankfully, you don’t have to travel very far for a scenic retreat in the great outdoors. From thunderous waterfalls to picturesque canyons and starry skies, America’s national parks give you a taste of the wilderness, but also offer some great lodges right on the grounds so you don’t necessarily have to rough it. We’ve rounded up five summer specials at rustic cabins and lodges in Shenandoah, Denali, Yosemite, and more from only $128/night. All packages are for summer travel and fill up fast – so book now before you hit the road.

Denali National Park, Alaska: Summer Rates from $128/Night
Denali National Park and Preserve is Alaska’s foremost attraction, home to wondrous alpine scenery and majestic Mount McKinley. Encompassing some 6 million acres, the park is marked by tundra, glaciers, and abundant wildlife like grizzlies, moose, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep, and much more. Consider this summer special from Denali Park Resorts: Book now and save 50 percent off at popular resorts like Grand Denali Lodge, McKinley Chalet Resort, Denali Bluffs Lodge, or McKinley Village Lodge. Rates through mid-September start at just $128/night.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: Midweek Escape from $129/Night
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah is an easy 90-minute drive from Washington, D.C., yet feels remarkably remote. At Big Meadows Lodge, instead of watching TV, guests watch deer and black bears wander through the nearby meadow for which the lodge is named. Close by, the historic Skyland Resort offers traditional wood-furnished guestrooms and a pet-friendly policy.

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Together, these lodges tout some 500 miles of hiking trails and scenic backcountry byways. Book online for the affordable Midweek Escape at either property, with rates as low as $129/night through September 24. This special also includes breakfast for two and a $30 gas voucher.

Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming: Mountain Package from $180 
Situated in Western Wyoming, the Bridger-Teton National forest comprises 3.4 million acres of pristine mountain wilderness. With its picturesque location high above Jackson Hole, the Togwotee Mountain Lodge provides unlimited access to this remote and mountainous backcountry region.

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Plenty of reasonably-priced guided activities are available directly from the lodge, including hot air balloon rides, fishing excursions, and mountain-biking tours. For a great-value summer adventure, we recommend the resort’s Mountain Wanderer’s activity package. Highlights include an 8-mile whitewater rafting trip, 2-hour horseback ride, 2-day fishing pole rental, plus tickets to the Jackson Hole Rodeo from just $180 per person. You’ll have to tack on accommodations, but guests who book the activity package save 20% off lodging. Woodsy-style guestrooms start at $199/night in summer.

Olympic National Park, Washington: Family Package from $199/Night
Just 85 miles northwest of Seattle, this gem of a park includes ocean beaches, forests, valleys, glacier-capped peaks, and a wide variety of animals from elk to grizzlies to playful sea lions. Surrounded by more than 632,000 acres of temperate rainforest and picturesque lowland lakes, the Lake Quinault Lodge is a great place to stay with plenty of opportunities for mountain biking and hiking on 15 well-maintained nature trails. For a memorable summer getaway with your entire clan, consider the resort’s Family Adventure package. Highlights include one nights’ lodging, two 1-hour boat rentals, and enough s’mores for the whole family. Rates start at $199 through September 30, based on a family of four traveling together.

Yosemite National Park, California: Summer Romance from $300/Night
Yosemite is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in the U.S. and it’s easy to see why. This must-see destination for nature lovers has over 800 miles of hiking trails meandering through postcard-perfect sequoia forests, majestic mountain peaks, and surging falls. Situated on the park’s western border, the historic Evergreen Lodge is ideal for a little romance in Yosemite, with secluded mountain cabins surrounded by lush green meadows and snowcapped peaks. Try the resort’s 2-night Summer Romance package, priced at $300/night. It includes a stay in a newly-built traditional cabin with a working fireplace, a welcome basket and bottle of wine, daily breakfast, and a three-course dinner for two, plus packed trail lunches and more. The offer is available through September 10, but be sure to book soon for best availability.

The dollars
Based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Taxes and fees are additional.

The catch
Summer is high-season for U.S. National Parks. Book your lodge stay early for best availability.

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