Glamping near Zion National Park is a fantastic way to experience Utah's stunning state and national parks. Read on to learn more about planning your own Zion glamping adventures.
If you're looking for an adventure as well as a vacation, then glamping in Utah and the American West is the perfect combo. It's also a chance to get back to a time when things were simpler, but with the comforts of home thrown in too.
For me, the main draw of glamping is feeling connected to nature. Not to mention the life-affirming feeling you get sipping your morning coffee on your private deck with beautiful views or enjoying a local craft beer around your private fire pit with family and friends.
If you like the idea of waking up to stunning views in comfortable surroundings, you'll have no shortage of options in Utah. Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks all have glamping close by. Lake Powell, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and neighboring Grand Canyon are also covered.
If you're looking for an adventure as well as a vacation, then glamping in Utah and the American West is the perfect combo. It's also a chance to get back to a time when things were simpler, but with the comforts of home thrown in too.
For me, the main draw of glamping is feeling connected to nature. Not to mention the life-affirming feeling you get sipping your morning coffee on your private deck with beautiful views or enjoying a local craft beer around your private fire pit with family and friends.
If you like the idea of waking up to stunning views in comfortable surroundings, you'll have no shortage of options in Utah. Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks all have glamping close by. Lake Powell, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and neighboring Grand Canyon are also covered.
Under Canvas Zion
|
Under Canvas Zion
|
Safari tents, the type that originated in Africa, are most commonly associated with glamping, but the options in Utah also extend to classic Airstreams, teepees, Conestoga wagons, yurts, and cabins. It's a far cry from traditional camping and a great experience for the whole family or with a group of friends.
At Zion alone, you can wake up to Utah's iconic red-rock landscape in a classic Airstream or a safari-inspired tent with all your home comforts and the finishing touches of a boutique hotel.
Glamping isn’t just about fire pits and s'mores. A king-size bed, luxury linens, private bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets, and modern amenities like coffee makers are all common features at the best glamping sites.
If you're looking for luxury as well as glamour from your glamping experience, Open Sky Zion luxury glamping resort even has heated bathroom floors, an outdoor shower, and a personal hot tub. It really is the ultimate luxury glamping experience.
From a practical standpoint, most glamping sites are fully equipped with everything you need. This means you can forget about that camping checklist and just hit the open road.
This is perfect for those seeking a quick getaway, and it's also a huge benefit for international travelers.
A couple of standout glamping operators in the Western USA are Under Canvas and AutoCamp.
Autocamp Zion
|
Under Canvas Zion
|
Under Canvas is leading the way in traditional safari-inspired glamping tents. At the time of writing, Under Canvas has multiple glamping sites in Utah, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, and Moab, which serves both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Depending on your choice, you can enjoy amenities like private bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, and a communal fire pit complete with complimentary s'mores. The experience is enhanced by the availability of breakfast, picnic lunches, and dinner on-site, making it a perfect blend of adventure and comfort.
What kind of tents does Under Canvas use?
Under Canvas Zion offers safari-style tents. Each deluxe tent is equipped with West Elm furnishings, a plush king-sized bed with high-quality linens, a wood-burning stove, a private deck, a lantern, a coffee maker, and USB battery packs for a truly comfortable stay.
Tents with en-suite bathrooms include a shower with hot water, a sink, a toilet, towels, and organic bath products. For tents without private bathrooms, a nearby communal bathhouse with private shower facilities, sinks, and toilets is available.
Tents with en-suite bathrooms include a shower with hot water, a sink, a toilet, towels, and organic bath products. For tents without private bathrooms, a nearby communal bathhouse with private shower facilities, sinks, and toilets is available.
Under Canvas Zion
Under Canvas Zion
|
Under Canvas Zion
Under Canvas Zion
|
Hot on the heels of Under Canvas with their modern Airstream suites and luxury tents is AutoCamp. At the time of writing, AutoCamp's Western USA portfolio includes sites at Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park, Russian River, Joshua Tree, and Sequoia National Parks.
AutoCamp takes glamping to a new level with its modern Airstream suites, cabins, and luxury tents. These accommodations boast modern amenities like air conditioning, heating, bathrooms with walk-in showers, luxury linens fit for a king-size bed, and a kitchen area featuring a mini-refrigerator and microwave. Step outside to your private patio, equipped with a picnic table, grill, fire pit, and dining area – ideal for a romantic getaway or a serene evening under the stars.
Autocamp Zion
Cabin at Autocamp Zion
|
Autocamp Zion
Autocamp Zion
|
With the AutoCamp Clubhouse, Kitchen, and General Store, you have everything you need for preparing meals in your Airstream or cabin. The on-site restaurant is also the perfect place for dining after a long day exploring the park.
Both Under Canvas Zion and AutoCamp Zion glamping sites are situated about a 25-minute drive from the entrance of Zion National Park. This proximity gives you easy access to the park's quieter areas while still being within striking distance of the park entrance.
Guests can enjoy activities like renting electric bikes, horseback riding, or exploring the breathtaking surrounding landscape by taking scenic drives, walking through slot canyons, or spending time in the charming gateway town of Springdale.
During peak season, a shuttle service operates from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, stopping at various points of interest along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Notable stops include Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, West Rim Trail, and the Narrows.
Advance reservations are essential, as these glamping resorts book up quickly and may have a minimum night stay requirement, especially during the high season. It's worth mentioning that some glamping sites are seasonal and close during the colder months, opening in early spring, so check before making travel plans.
Embark on a Utah Mighty 5 glamping road trip
Start at AutoCamp Zion
On your first day in Zion National Park, visit the Temple of Sinawava and take the Riverside Walk to Zion Canyon Narrows. Also, explore the Emerald Pools Trail, which leads to picturesque pools and waterfalls.
For more adventure, hike The Narrows along the Virgin River or tackle the Angels Landing Trail for breathtaking views.
Next, Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
During your Bryce Canyon National Park visit, take the 18-mile Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive to see various viewpoints of the colorful hoodoos.
Walk along the Rim Trail for more views and visit key spots like Inspiration Point for panoramic views, and Rainbow and Yovimpa Points for different perspectives of the canyon and beyond.
Then Capitol Reef Resort’ teepee's, and conestoga wagons
Drive the scenic route, visit the Gifford Homestead, walk through historical orchards, and hike the Hickman Bridge Trail.
Explore the Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge roads, and if you're adventurous, consider a guided canyoneering tour through the park's rugged terrain.
End at Under Canvas Moab or for a more luxurious glamping option, consider ULUM Moab, Under Canvas's new high-end outdoor resort
Focus on the Island in the Sky district in Canyonlands National Park, the most accessible and popular area. A day is enough to see the overlooks and shorter trails here. Island in the Sky sits on a high mesa with dramatic drop-offs, offering the best view of the landscape below.
The key highlight is Grand View Point, providing spectacular views of canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.
In Arches National Park, enjoy a scenic drive showcasing famous natural arches and rock formations. Key attractions include the iconic Delicate Arch, viewed easily from two different spots, and Balanced Rock, with a short trail around its base.
For a more in-depth experience, explore the Park Avenue trail or the Devils Garden Loop, which includes the Landscape Arch and other unique formations.
On your first day in Zion National Park, visit the Temple of Sinawava and take the Riverside Walk to Zion Canyon Narrows. Also, explore the Emerald Pools Trail, which leads to picturesque pools and waterfalls.
For more adventure, hike The Narrows along the Virgin River or tackle the Angels Landing Trail for breathtaking views.
Next, Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
During your Bryce Canyon National Park visit, take the 18-mile Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive to see various viewpoints of the colorful hoodoos.
Walk along the Rim Trail for more views and visit key spots like Inspiration Point for panoramic views, and Rainbow and Yovimpa Points for different perspectives of the canyon and beyond.
Then Capitol Reef Resort’ teepee's, and conestoga wagons
Drive the scenic route, visit the Gifford Homestead, walk through historical orchards, and hike the Hickman Bridge Trail.
Explore the Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge roads, and if you're adventurous, consider a guided canyoneering tour through the park's rugged terrain.
End at Under Canvas Moab or for a more luxurious glamping option, consider ULUM Moab, Under Canvas's new high-end outdoor resort
Focus on the Island in the Sky district in Canyonlands National Park, the most accessible and popular area. A day is enough to see the overlooks and shorter trails here. Island in the Sky sits on a high mesa with dramatic drop-offs, offering the best view of the landscape below.
The key highlight is Grand View Point, providing spectacular views of canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.
In Arches National Park, enjoy a scenic drive showcasing famous natural arches and rock formations. Key attractions include the iconic Delicate Arch, viewed easily from two different spots, and Balanced Rock, with a short trail around its base.
For a more in-depth experience, explore the Park Avenue trail or the Devils Garden Loop, which includes the Landscape Arch and other unique formations.
Field Notes & Mooseful Information
Autocamp Zion
|
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
|
Why visit Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is a great place to include on your Utah road trip itinerary, offering some of the best things to see and do in the American Southwest.
As one of the most visited parks in the United States, Zion is renowned for its impressive sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and beautiful vistas. Some of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park include Kolob Canyons, the Narrows, where hikers trek through a slot canyon with walls towering a thousand feet above, and Angels Landing, known for its stunning views and sheer drop-offs.
The park is open year-round, allowing visitors to experience its beauty in every season, though the best time to visit is during the spring and fall to avoid the peak season crowds.
For those wondering about the best way to explore the park, starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is highly recommended. Here, you can speak with a park ranger, who can provide valuable insights, suggest trails, and help you plan your visit effectively.
As one of the most visited parks in the United States, Zion is renowned for its impressive sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and beautiful vistas. Some of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park include Kolob Canyons, the Narrows, where hikers trek through a slot canyon with walls towering a thousand feet above, and Angels Landing, known for its stunning views and sheer drop-offs.
The park is open year-round, allowing visitors to experience its beauty in every season, though the best time to visit is during the spring and fall to avoid the peak season crowds.
For those wondering about the best way to explore the park, starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is highly recommended. Here, you can speak with a park ranger, who can provide valuable insights, suggest trails, and help you plan your visit effectively.
When is the best time to visit Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is open all year, with most visitors coming between April and September, and the busiest times during holidays and weekends. Buying a park pass online in advance is advised.
June and July are very busy, and parking fills up fast. From spring to fall, you can only visit Zion Canyon by shuttle bus. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon offers cooler temperatures and better light for photos, and the park is also open for nighttime stargazing.
The weather in Zion varies, with different temperatures at various elevations. Spring and fall have mild weather ideal for hiking, while summer can get very hot with afternoon thunderstorms. September is generally warm but may have monsoons and flash floods.
Winter, especially around Christmas, is popular for its snowy scenery and lower hotel rates, even though it's when the park receives most of its rain and snow. Always check the current weather conditions on the National Parks Service website or at the park's visitor center before visiting.
June and July are very busy, and parking fills up fast. From spring to fall, you can only visit Zion Canyon by shuttle bus. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon offers cooler temperatures and better light for photos, and the park is also open for nighttime stargazing.
The weather in Zion varies, with different temperatures at various elevations. Spring and fall have mild weather ideal for hiking, while summer can get very hot with afternoon thunderstorms. September is generally warm but may have monsoons and flash floods.
Winter, especially around Christmas, is popular for its snowy scenery and lower hotel rates, even though it's when the park receives most of its rain and snow. Always check the current weather conditions on the National Parks Service website or at the park's visitor center before visiting.
How many days do you need in Zion National Park?
To fully enjoy Zion National Park, allocating two to three days is ideal. This timeframe lets you tackle longer hikes such as Angels Landing or the Narrows, while also visiting the main scenic spots.
If your schedule only permits a two-day visit, you can still experience several significant attractions along Zion Canyon. This includes doing shorter hikes like the Lower Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk.
If your schedule only permits a two-day visit, you can still experience several significant attractions along Zion Canyon. This includes doing shorter hikes like the Lower Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk.
What airports do you fly into to go to Zion National Park?
The closest airport to Zion National Park is St. George Regional Airport (SGU). St. George, Utah, is a mere 50-minute short drive from Springdale. Although it is a small airport, St. George Airport has a selection of flights to US cities, including Dallas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Los Angeles and can be a great option for travelers connecting from international flights in these cities.
Other regional airports include Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC).
Las Vegas, the closest major airport, is roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes by car from Springdale, the entrance to Zion National Park. The city's international airport provides numerous flights with major US and international airlines to destinations across the US, Canada, and Europe.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is approximately 307 miles (about 494 kilometers) from Zion National Park. The drive typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, via Interstate 15 South.
Rental car outlets are available at the airports in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and St. George, providing the flexibility to pick up a vehicle at one location and return it at another.
Other regional airports include Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC).
Las Vegas, the closest major airport, is roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes by car from Springdale, the entrance to Zion National Park. The city's international airport provides numerous flights with major US and international airlines to destinations across the US, Canada, and Europe.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is approximately 307 miles (about 494 kilometers) from Zion National Park. The drive typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, via Interstate 15 South.
Rental car outlets are available at the airports in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and St. George, providing the flexibility to pick up a vehicle at one location and return it at another.
What is the closest major city to Zion National Park?
Las Vegas, Nevada, is relatively close to Zion National Park, making it a popular starting point for visitors looking to explore the park and the scenic landscapes of southern Utah.
The distance from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is approximately 160 miles (about 257 kilometers), with the drive typically taking around 2.5 to 3 hours via Interstate 15 North. This makes Zion National Park an accessible destination for a day trip or a longer stay for those visiting or residing in Las Vegas.
The route from Las Vegas to Zion offers a scenic drive through the desert landscapes of Nevada and into the stunning rock formations and canyons of southern Utah. The park's accessibility from Las Vegas adds to its appeal for tourists who are looking to experience one of America's most iconic national parks.
The distance from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is approximately 160 miles (about 257 kilometers), with the drive typically taking around 2.5 to 3 hours via Interstate 15 North. This makes Zion National Park an accessible destination for a day trip or a longer stay for those visiting or residing in Las Vegas.
The route from Las Vegas to Zion offers a scenic drive through the desert landscapes of Nevada and into the stunning rock formations and canyons of southern Utah. The park's accessibility from Las Vegas adds to its appeal for tourists who are looking to experience one of America's most iconic national parks.
You may also be interested in...
|
Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for travel started as a child, playing travel agent with his grandparents using holiday brochures from the local travel agency. Fast forward over 40 years, and Rob has turned this passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream vacations. He says his happy place is in a cozy cabin by a lake in Oregon, sitting at the bar of a honky-tonk on Broadway in Nashville, or closer to home walking and cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
