Weekend Getaways Under $200

You don't need a trust fund to take a weekend trip. With smart planning, you can escape, recharge, and come home with money left over.

The Budget Breakdown

$200 total:

• Gas: $60 (300-mile round trip)
• Lodging: $80 (campground or budget hotel)
• Food: $50 (cook your own meals)
• Activities: $10 (state park entrance)

Texas Getaways

Big Bend National Park

• Drive: 4 hours from El Paso
• Camp: $14/night
• Activities: Hiking (free), stargazing (free), hot springs (free)
• Total: ~$100

Why go: Dark skies, otherworldly landscapes, solitude

Guadalupe River

• Drive: 1 hour from San Antonio
• Camp: $20/night
• Activities: Tubing ($20), swimming (free), hiking (free)
• Total: ~$120

Mountain Retreats

Great Smoky Mountains

• Drive: 3 hours from Nashville
• Camp: FREE
• Activities: Hiking (free), waterfalls (free), wildlife (free)
• Total: ~$80 (gas + food)

Fun fact: Great Smoky Mountains has no entrance fee.

Shenandoah National Park

• Drive: 2 hours from D.C.
• Camp: $20/night
• Activities: Skyline Drive ($30), hiking (free)
• Total: ~$150

Money-Saving Hacks

1. Camp instead of hotels (save $60-100/night)
2. Cook your own meals
3. Visit in shoulder season
4. Free entrance days
5. BLM/National Forest land (free dispersed camping)
6. Split costs with friends

Final Thoughts

Adventure isn't about how much you spend—it's about where you go and who you're with.

Ready to escape? Download TownHop and discover budget-friendly weekend getaways.