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My family spent 3 nights at a national park. Camping was only $20 a night and we saw so many stars.

Katie JollJan 14, 2024, 10:14 IST

Great Basin National Park is a great place to stargaze.Katie Joll

My family spent $500 going to Great Basin National Park's astronomy festival.
We paid $60 for a campsite but the activities we participated in at the festival were free.

The first time I visited Great Basin National Park, I was struck by its isolation and the incredible beauty of the landscape.

So when I learned the park hosts a multiday astronomy festival just after the new moon each September, I knew my family had to take a trip. Due to its minimal light pollution, the park is a spectacular spot for stargazing and partaking in family sky-watching activities.

My family of three and some friends attended the astronomy festival and camped at the park for three nights.

Here's a breakdown of how we spent our money, and why I would do it all again.

We spent $90 to spend a night in a hotel near the park.

My family drove seven hours total to get to Great Basin National Park.Katie Joll

We paid $60 to stay at a campsite for three nights.

My family and our friends enjoyed our campsite.Katie Joll

A visit to Lehman Caves costs $40.

I thought the Lehman Caves were really cool.Katie Joll

The astronomy festival programs were free.

The kids got to partake in fun astronomy activities and gaze at the night sky.Katie Joll

Gas for the trip cost $150.

Great Basin National Park was a long drive from our home.Katie Joll

We spent $140 on food.

We bought a cake to celebrate one child's birthday.Katie Joll

Though some parts of the trip were pricey, we'd do it again.

My family can't wait to go back to Great Basin National Park next year.Katie Joll

I spent 2 nights on a remote Scottish island that's been compared to the Caribbean. It was beautiful but I can't imagine living there.