Hey Mike,

That's true, national parks can be expensive. I tend not to go to those places. If it's an important part of your agenda, $80 for a year doesn't seem too unreasonable (although usually if you want to stay in a campground at a NP it will be expensive).

I actually qualified for a free disability pass because of my heart condition. But I still don't visit National Parks very often just because they're often crowded and have a "curated" kind of feel that I don't like.

There are lots of beautiful and free places to visit and camp on BLM land. Or, more remote areas that are still affiliated with the parks system like Mojave National Preserve.

As for your 2nd question, that's a tough one. You'd either have to find a trusted person with space in their driveway where you can leave it, or make an arrangement with an RV park or a storage facility somewhere. Or, leave it at the trailhead and just hope you don't get broken into.

I haven't actually done this. And it is a downside of traveling in a van (especially a larger one like mine) for sure.