I don't spend that much on trips(last year - about $600), but I NEVER fly and NEVER stay in hotels.
Flying probably can't be avoided for some of you, but I'm a student and thus take my trips during breaks(giving me time to drive).
Hotels, however, are a rip-off unless you can get at least double the normal capacity in a room :). IMO, camping is a much better option.
We also never buy food or drinks at the park, and rarely do we buy stuff outside the park. We buy our grub at a grocery store, pack a backpack for the park, and keep a cooler in our car.
Anyway, if you forfeit some of the luxuries(hotels, flights, decent food :), etc.), then you would probably be surprised what you can do on a tight budget(and ours is definitely rather tight).
*** This post was edited by Lothar on 2/7/2001. ***