These days, everyone is searching for the best budget-friendly family vacation ideas. Families want the most bang for their buck, but aren't sure where to start and what to look for when booking a family getaway. We've compiled everything you should consider before booking your budget-friendly travel plans, as well as what's included in a stay at our Northern California camping resort!

Know When to Book Your Vacation
Understanding both when to book your family vacation, as well as what month your family vacation should take place are HUGE factors in determining the overall cost of your trip.
First, booking your family vacation all depends on what deals are available. Most of the time, businesses offer great Black Friday deals, as well as deals during the off-season of their business. For Jellystone Park™ Tower Park, we offer a wide variety of deals all camping season. Plus, the longer you stay, the longer you save!
Now onto when your family vacation should actually take place! Most of the time, summer months tend to be the most expensive time periods for travel. If you're looking for more affordable ways to vacation with family, we recommend looking during the spring, fall, or winter! Our most affordable time of year to stay is during our non-peak season (1/1/2025 - 5/22/2025 & 8/18/2025 - 11/31/2025). This time period is the prime opportunity for budget-friendly vacation for families!

The Most Affordable Accommodations
Whether you're booking a hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation type, every hospitality company has a few options that are the most affordable. With this being said, we recommend browsing every accommodation type to see what the total cost is - but, also keep in mind what your requirements are. For example, a basic hotel room with a queen bed may be the cheapest option, but if you'd be most comfortable in a suite with a separate bedroom with a pull-out couch, booking this option may be the best route to ensure the whole family is comfortable during your vacation.
Cabin Rentals
Jellystone Park™ Tower Park is one of the best campgrounds with cabins in Northern California. Offering 8 different cabin types, there's something for everyone! We've outlined some of the most affordable Northern California cabin rentals you can choose from:
Boo Boo™ Bungalow
Our pet friendly Boo Boo™ Bungalows feature lights, ceiling fan, AC/Heat and a TV. There is a full bathroom, kitchenette (includes dishes and kitchen utensils) and a table and chairs. Outside, enjoy access to your own private patio where you will find a grill and fire ring. Sleeps up to 6, with a queen bed, 1 set of twin bunk beds and a full sleeper sofa.
Cozy Cottage
One of our amazing budget-friendly Northern California cabins is the Cozy Cottages that feature lights, ceiling fan, AC/Heat and a TV. There is a full bathroom and kitchenette which includes dishes and kitchen utensils. Sleeps up to 5, with a queen bed and a private room with full under a twin bunk bed set. Outside you will find a grill and fire ring.
Lazy Bear Cabin
Our Lazy Bear Cabins feature lights, ceiling fan, AC/Heat and a TV. There is a half bathroom and kitchenette. Sleeps 5, with a queen bed and a full under a twin bunk bed set all in its cozy main space.
RV Sites
Are you bringing your rig to our Northern California RV resort? Great choice! Now, all that you have to do is figure out which RV site type fits your RV as well as your needs. Back-in or pull-thru, gravel or paved, the options are endless!
Premium Back-In RV/Tent Site
Bring your rig or pitch your tent at one of our Premium Back-In RV/Tent Sites for a camping getaway you won't forget! Site amenities include full hook-up, 50 amp electric, sewer and water hook-ups, and a picnic table.
Premium Pull-Thru RV Site
Similar to our Premium Back-In RV Sites, our Premium Pull-Thru RV Sites offer the same amenities but allow you to pull in your rig!
Deluxe Back-In RV Site
Park your rig at one of our Deluxe Back-In RV Sites for a camping getaway you won't forget! Site amenities include full hook-up, 30 amp electric, sewer and water hook-ups, and a picnic table.

Understand What's Included in Your Stay
Are you looking for all meals and activities to be included in your stay? Or maybe you just want the top attractions to be included? Either way, every vacation destination offers different amenities, so be sure to check out which ones are included in your reservation!
Here at Jellystone Park™ Tower Park, we have a variety of attractions, activities, and facilities included with your stay!
Included Attractions
From a huge water park and swimming pools, to a large jumping pillow, mini golf course, and sports courts, we have 15+ attractions that are completely free to use during your stay! View all of our attractions here - attractions with a green checkmark in the top-right corner are included with a reservation.
Included Activities
All season long, our Northern California campground has daily activities for the kiddos, so the parents can enjoy a stress-free family vacation without the hassle of planning things to do! In addition, we also have a full line-up of themes that our activities revolve around. Whether you choose to stay during Wake up Yogi Bear™! Weekend, or one of our iconic Halloween Weekends, you can expect our Camp-Resort to go all out for each theme!
Included Facilities & Amenities
From laundry services and a dog park, to a community fire pit and comfort stations, our campground in Northern California has a variety of facilities and amenities for your family. Although some facilities may cost a few extra bucks, these services are here for you in case you need it.

The Option for Add-Ons
Although you may be searching for budget-friendly family vacation ideas that won't break the bank, it's also key to note that there may be some opportunities to pay a little more for a fun experience. Resorts or cruises may offer additional excursions for you to choose from, whereas our camping resort has a variety of add-ons to give your family vacation a little extra glam. From golf carts and pool cabanas, to fun passes and bear visits, you'll have the option to add these onto your reservation if you wish. But don't worry if you decide not to invest in one of these add-ons, you'll still have an abundance of fun during your family getaway!
Whether you're cabin or RV camping in Northern California, or are booking a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or another type of vacation destination, we hope these tips & tricks will help you in booking the perfect budget-friendly family vacation.