Exalted Views, Affordable Lodgings in National Parks

America’s national parks are full of inexpensive accommodations that let almost anyone enjoy a reasonably priced holiday. The parks also are fairly easily reached via another budget facility--the family car--and their lodgings are guaranteed if you simply phone in advance for reservations.

Many of the most popular parks--especially those in the West--are open all year, while others will be available in a few months. Here’s a fast rundown:

California:

* Death Valley: Its winter allures include colorful canyons and a sunny, dry climate perfect for hiking, trail riding or even golf. At Stove Pipe Wells Village, a lodge room begins at $58 for two. Year-round; telephone (760) 786-2387.

* Yosemite: This wonder of the world offers Curry Village, a cluster of more than 400 tent cabins with wood floors. For about $42 a night for two, they offer cots, electric lights, towels for the bathhouse and daily maid service. Year-round; tel. (209) 252-4848.

* Redwood: Rocky Pacific shore and soaring, ancient trees. Between them is the Redwood HI-AYH Hostel in a restored turn-of-the-century house. It provides separate bunk rooms for men, women and families, plus single rooms for couples; $12 a night adults, $6 under 18. Year-round; tel. (707) 482-8265.

Colorado:

* Mesa Verde: A broad mesa high over surrounding desert boasts the amazing Anasazi cliff dwellings. Far View Lodge charges $86 to $94 double. Mid-April to mid-October; tel. (800) 449-2288.

Hawaii:

* Hawaii Volcanoes: The awesome sight of massive craters and steam vents is main draw here. The Volcano House A-frame camping cabins rent for $40 a night for two. A communal bathhouse is nearby. Year-round; tel. (808) 967-7321.

Arizona:

* Grand Canyon: At the South Rim’s Bright Angel Lodge, a room with shared bath is $42 a night for two. North Rim (mid-May to mid-October): The Grand Canyon Lodge has cabins with bath starting at $62. On the canyon floor, a bunk at Phantom Ranch is $23 per person; tel. (303) 297-2757.

South Dakota:

* Custer State Park: Near Mt. Rushmore, pine-clad hills and green valleys here are much less touristy. The historic State Game Lodge offers cabins for up to four starting at $72 a night. Mid-May to October; tel. (800) 658-3530.

Utah:

* Bryce Canyon: Fantastic pinnacles and red-rock pillars. At canyon’s edge, the Bryce Canyon Lodge has doubles for $83. April through October; tel. (303) 297-2757.

Washington:

* Mt. Rainier: With a gleaming white peak towering to 14,410 feet and harboring 25 named glaciers, Mt. Rainier also boasts the Paradise Inn. It has rooms with shared bath starting at $69 per night for two. May through October; tel. (360) 569-2275.

Wyoming:

* Grand Teton: In a land of lakes, sagebrush flats and jagged peaks, Colter Bay Village has cabins in the woods starting at $64 a night. Mid-May through September; tel. (800) 628-9988.

* Yellowstone: Old Faithful Inn has rooms for two with shared bath at $52. But the most economical options (summer only) are Roughrider Cabins at Roosevelt Lodge; they each sleep four for about $40 a night and share a restroom and bathhouse. Tel. (307) 344-7311 or (307) 344-7381.