Affordable summer vacations at national and state parks

More than 285 million people visited America’s national parks last year and with the weather warming up and school winding down, everyone is itching to get outdoors. To kick off the summer travel season, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, a leading concessionaire of national and state parks, is offering new travel deals at each of its unique destinations.

Lake Powell Resort in Arizona’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, 888-486-4665


Starting as low as $360, the Perfect 3 Days package offers two-night accommodations in a traditional room and a $100 resort credit to be used for boat rentals, scenic cruises, food and beverage or shopping. Package is valid now through October 31, 2010 with the promo code: PERFECT3.

Available now through October 31, 2010, the Great Lake Powell Water Adventure package includes two nights in a traditional room, full day use of a 19’ power boat, and breakfast for two each morning. Starting at $539, this package allows guests to explore red rock canyons and experience the vast expanses of crystal clear blue water in a power boat. Guests can upgrade to a lake view room for $20. Promo code: LPADVENT10.

Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado, 866-292-8295

The Complete Camper Package, starting at $89 for dry campsite and $115 for base campsite, includes a night stay, pancake breakfast for two, two seats on the Far View Explorer Tour and s’mores fix’ns. The Far View Explorer Tour lasts five hours and includes lunch. Valid for stays between May 11 and October 13, 2010.

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, 800-778-2782

With the Sensational Package, guests will receive a third night free when reserving a two-night stay at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge, plus a $50 food voucher. Perfect for the summer travel season, Shenandoah offers an array of family-friendly activities, like guided hikes, rock climbing, horseback riding and culinary events.
Zephyr Cove Resort in South Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, 866-761-6240


Available June 14 through September 30, 2010, the Summer Stay and Cruise package starts at $199 and includes one night accommodations in a studio or lodge room and two tickets for the Emerald Bay Sightseeing Cruise on the M.S. Dixie II. Guests can stay a second night for $139 and a third night for $119. Promo code: ZCSTAY2010

Asilomar Conference Center and Resort in California, 888-635-5310

Asilomar’s State Parks package, starting at $144 per couple, includes overnight accommodations for two, a day ticket for one car to Point Lobos State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Andrew Molera, plus two box lunches. Taxes and fees not included, all packages based on availability. The package is available through Dec. 31, 2010.

Olympic National Park in Washington, 866-297-7367

The Lake Quinault Twilight Package includes a one-night stay at Lake Quinault Lodge, two seats on the Rainforest Van Tour and Twilight water bottles. Starting at $173 May 1 through June 14 and $263 June 15 through Sept. 15, the package provides Twilight fans with an exciting getaway where imagination meets reality, as guests can walk through the towering moss covered trees and try to catch a glimpse of Edward, Bella or other vampires.

Togwotee Mountain Lodge near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, 866-292-6720

May and June are the best months in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park to experience nature without the crowds. Between May 21 and June 21, 2010, the Spring Solitude package offers a 25 percent discount on stays of at least four nights.