Here is a great staycation idea, find a National park in your area and stay for a weekend. And now, thanks to the National Park Service, this great staycation idea is also FREE.

In an effort to encourage summer vacations at at national parks, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced yesterday (Tuesday) that entrance fees at 147 national parks and monuments – including the Grand Canyon and Yosemite – will be waived on 3 weekends this summer.  There are 391 national parks located across the country in 49 states.

“During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families, I encourage everyone to visit one of our nation’s crown jewels this summer and especially to take advantage of the three free-admission weekends.”

The weekends are June 20-21, July 18-19 and August 15-16.

If you’re looking for a National Park in your area. The U.S. National Park service has this really neat feature on their website called “Find a Park” You can search for a park by name, location, activity or topic.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your camping gear, call some friends and make plans to stay during one of these free weekends at a National Park.

And if you’re looking for some camping gear, StaycationIdea.com has teamed up with CampingWorld.com who is offering some wonderful limited time coupons on camps, tents, sleeping bags and the other gear you’ll need to enjoy your free weekend at a National Park.

Related Staycations:

1. Some free staycation ideas
2. Staycation Ideas for Kids
3. Cheap Camping Ideas
4. Cincinnati Staycation Ideas