Zion National Park is one of my favourite parks in the USA. It is 299 square miles of jaw-dropping hiking, red canyon walls higher than your neck can crane, and viewpoints thousands of feet above the desert-like landscape.
When choosing where to stay in Zion National Park, you’ll want to consider staying outside the park vs. nearby. You’ll also have choices varying from camping, hotels, glamping, and unique ranch experiences.
In this guide to the best places to stay in Zion National Park, you’ll learn the pros of staying inside the park, just outside, or further into the remote wilderness. I’ll include all the best options for each accommodation category and help you find the place for you!
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Where to Stay in Zion – Inside vs. Outside the Park?
Unlike some national parks, you don’t have to stay inside Zion to be close to its best attractions. There are accommodation options inside the park, but there is also a town called Springdale only 8 minutes away. Staying near Kolob Canyons, another section of Zion, is also an option if you want to get off the beaten path. Here’s the breakdown of each:
Inside Zion National Park
Zion National Park’s main canyon has three places to stay – one hotel and two campgrounds (more about them below). The advantage to staying in the park is that you are right in the action, with the canyon walls towering above you. Zion is also a designated dark sky reserve, so the stargazing is amazing.
With only three places to stay in Zion’s main canyon, it is really competitive to reserve. Campground reservations open up to 6 months in advance, and the Zion Lodge reservations open 12 months in advance. That is the main con to staying in the park.
Staying in Springdale
As I mentioned, Springdale is only 8 minutes outside of Zion’s south entrance. A shuttle runs through town to bring visitors to Zion’s Visitor’s Center, where you can use the park shuttle to get around the canyon. Springdale has a lot more accommodation options available, so if you are booking closer to your trip, this is where you’ll need to look.
A huge pro to staying in Springdale is that the town is bustling with tourism. There is a large variety of restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and even a spa. It is also convenient to be so close to outfitter stores and markets.
Staying Near Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons is a separate area of Zion National Park, 45 minutes from the main canyon. It has its own entrance gate and visitor’s center. Kolob Canyons is quieter than the main portion of the park but has incredible scenery and hiking as well.
The only accommodation in Kolob Canyons is backcountry camping, but you can find other places to stay nearby. I’d recommend staying here if you want to escape the crowds of the main canyon and explore the backcountry.
The Best Places to Stay in Zion National Park – Camping, Hotels, and Unique Accommodation
The Best Camping in Zion National Park
1. Watchman Campground
Location: UT-9, Springdale, UT – Inside Zion National Park, near the south entrance.
Type: Developed campground with tent and RV sites.
Number of Campsites: 176, with 95 containing electrical hookups.
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with flush toilets, potable water, dump station.
Budget: Cheap
Booking Link: Watchman Campground Reservations
Watchman Campground gets its name from its view of the prominent standstone cliff that juts straight into the sky near the south entrance. The campground is one of two located inside Zion National Park’s main canyon. Watchman Campground is open year-round.
The campground is very scenic and conveniently close to the shuttle service that runs through the park. It has an amphitheatre that hosts daily ranger programs during the summer, where you can learn about Zion’s geology, wildlife, human history, and the park ranger’s favourite stories.
You May Also Like: The 21 Best Hikes in Zion National Park (Full Guide)
2. South Campground
Update: South Campground is currently closed for the 2025 season for rehabilitation.
Location: 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT – Near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Type: Developed campground with tent and RV sites.
Number of Campsites: 117 and none with electrical hookups (generators are allowed).
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with flush toilets, potable water. There are no showers or electrical outlets.
Budget: Cheap
Booking Link: South Campground Reservations
South Campground is close to Zion’s Visitor’s Center and is slightly smaller than Watchman. It has stunning views of the red canyon walls, and the sites are relatively private. There are lots of shaded areas, but some sites are exposed to direct sunlight. South Campground is open between March and October.
South Campground is unique because it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations open only two weeks before your arrival date, so you have a much better chance at landing a campsite if you missed the 6-month mark for Watchman.
3. Lava Point Campground
Location: Zion National Park, UT 84767 – On Lava Point Road close to Kolob Canyons section of Zion.
Type: Primitive campground.
Number of Campsites: 6 sites, tent only.
Amenities: No potable water or electrical outlets. Campsites each have a trash receptacle, picnic table, fire ring, and pit toilets.
Budget: Cheap
Booking Link: Lava Point Campground Reservations
Lava Point Campground is a primitive campground in a remote setting with peaceful surroundings and cooler temperatures. The campground has an elevation of 2405 metres above sea level, making it cooler than elsewhere in Zion. It is close to the Lava Point overlook, which is one of the best viewpoints in Zion National Park.
A trail leads from the campground to connect with the Lava Point Outlook trail and the West Rim trail. It is the perfect place to stay to get more immersed in nature and away from the crowds. You can make a reservation up to two weeks in advance on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Kolob Canyons Backcountry Campsites
Location: Spread throughout the backcountry in Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park.
Type: Backcountry camping (permit required).
Number of Campsites: There are 42 sites spread throughout the canyon’s backcountry, varying by location.
Budget: Cheap
Booking Link: Apply for Permits.
Kolob Canyons section of Zion is about 45 minutes from the main canyon. It is popular amongst travellers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the rugged backcountry of Zion. There are several stunning hiking trails with designated backcountry sites on them, such as the La Verkin Creek trail, Hop Valley trail, the West Rim trail, and the Virgin River Narrows.
All backcountry campsites require permits, and most of them are first-come, first-served, walk-in. Some have to be reserved online, which you can find on the same page that provides permit information linked above.
5. Zion Canyon Campground & RV Resort
Location: 479 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT – Only 1/2 mile from Zion’s South Entrance.
Type: Private developed campground and RV park.
Amenities: Showers, laundry, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, picnic tables, fire pits, and cabins.
Budget: Cheap
Booking Link: Zion Canyon Campground Reservations
Zion Canyon Campground is the closest private campground to the park. It has fantastic views of the canyon walls and extra amenities if you want to spruce up your camping adventure. The shuttle into Zion stops right outside the campground entrance. They also have beautiful camping cabins and one-bedroom cottages.
6. Zion River Resort Campground & RV Park
Location: 551 UT-9, Virgin, UT – 20 minutes from Zion Visitor Center in the town of Virgin.
Type: Private developed campground and RV park.
Amenities: Showers, swimming pool, clubhouse, playgrounds, convenience store.
Budget: Cheap
Booking Link: Zion River Resort Reservations
Zion River Resort is worth checking out if there are no spots available at the closer campgrounds. It is mostly filled with RVs, with some tent sites along the river. The park has a swimming pool and other resort-like amenities, which is a plus. They also have a shuttle service that runs to the park to make up for being slightly farther away.
Hotels in and Near Zion National Park
1. Zion National Park Lodge
Location: Inside Zion National Park’s main canyon.
Amenities: Restaurant, gift shop, outdoor pool, shuttle access, park ranger programs, and hiking trails nearby.
Room Types: Rooms, suites, and cabins with kitchenettes.
Budget: Mid-Range
Booking Link: Zion National Park Lodge
Zion Lodge is the only hotel accommodation inside Zion National Park. It is located in the main canyon and has its own shuttle stop. The lodge is comfortable and scenic but is especially worth staying at for its park ranger programs that run daily throughout peak season (late spring and summer months). The ranger programs include daily talks, star-gazing tours, and narrated tram rides. If you want to be right in the action of the park, Zion Lodge is the place to stay.
Naturally, this is the hardest accommodation to come by, and you need to book as far in advance as possible. Reservations open 12 months in advance, so I recommend booking at least 6+ months in advance to secure a room.
2. Cliffrose Hotel
Location: 1 mile from the park entrance in Springdale.
Amenities: Pool, hot tub, restaurant, fitness center, shuttle service to Zion.
Room Types: Rooms and suites with private balconies.
Budget: Luxury
Booking Link: Cliffrose Springdale
Cliffrose is an upscale hotel with fantastic views. The rooms are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows to highlight the incredible canyon walls and Virgin River. They have multiple pools, the restaurant food is delicious, and the hotel is a short walk to the shuttle. Many of the rooms have fully stocked kitchens if you want to cook for yourself, and the staff are known for being excellent at making suggestions and being at your service.
3. Flanigan’s Resort and Spa
Location: 450 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT – 1 mile from Zion Visitor’s Center.
Amenities: Spa, pool, farm-to-table dining, fitness center, shuttle service to Zion.
Room Types: Rooms, suites, rooms with kitchenettes.
Budget: Mid-range
Booking Link: Flanigan’s Resort and Spa
Flanigan’s Resort and Spa is a boutique hotel that focuses on wellness. The hotel has a special charm with perfectly kept gardens, a meditation labyrinth with views of Zion’s cliffs, and the popular farm-to-table restaurant called the Spotted Dog. They often host wellness-related activities like meditation workshops and yoga classes. The rooms are comfortable and have views of canyon walls. It is a short walk to the centre of Springdale, so in addition to Zion National Park, there are a lot of activities nearby.
4. The Desert Pearl Inn
Location: 707 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT – 1 mile from Zion Visitors Center.
Amenities: Large outdoor pool, laundry, spa, restaurant nearby.
Room Types: Rooms, suites, rooms with kitchenettes.
Budget: Luxury
Booking Link: Desert Pearl Inn
The Desert Pearl Inn is one of the best hotels near Zion, known for its stunning location along the river and its upscale feel. They have a large pool deck with loungers and views of the red rocky cliffs rising above the hotel. The river view rooms are the most popular, facing out to the desert-like landscape with the rushing river below. The Camp Outpost restaurant is next door, and many of the rooms have stunning balconies. This is a great place to stay if you want to avoid a chain-like hotel room, as they are unique and decorated with a rustic design.
5. Lazalu Zion Retreat
Location: 11 Kolob Terrace Rd, Virgin, UT – 40 minutes from Zion Visitor Center, 45 minutes from Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.
Amenities: Yoga, private chef, community fire pit, remote location.
Room Types: Suites
Budget: Luxury
Booking Link: Lazalu
Lazalu Zion Retreat is one of the most luxurious places to stay near Zion. It is a remote off-grid retreat close to Kolob Canyons area of the park with upscale amenities. The suites are stunning with a southwest design. Lazalu advertises an experience of solitude and peace, with numerous hiking trails nearby.
6. The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion
Location: 792 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT – 1.3 miles from Zion Visitors Center
Amenities: Swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant, bar, and breakfast
Room Types: Rooms and suites.
Budget: Mid-range
Booking Link: The Red Cliffs Lodge
The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion is one of the most picturesque hotels near Zion National Park. The location is a highlight, with red cliffs right in its backyard. The hotel’s design is upscale, and they have a large outdoor deck to sit outside and enjoy the views. Some rooms have balconies, and the staff stand out for going above and beyond. The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion is also pet-friendly!
7. Zion Park Motel
Location: 865 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT
Amenities: Outdoor pool, BBQ, playground, breakfast.
Room Types: Motel rooms
Budget: Affordable side of mid-range
Booking Link: Zion Park Motel
Zion Park Motel is one of the best options if you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel option near Zion National Park. They have a large pool with views of the canyon walls, barbeques available, and clean and simple rooms. Zion Park Motel is also a short 300 metre walk to the nearest shuttle stop.
Unique Accommodation and Glamping Near Zion National Park
1. Under Canvas Zion
Location: 3955 Kolob Terrace Rd, Virgin, UT – 30 minutes drive to Zion Visitor Center and 40 minutes to Kolob Canyons Visitors Center.
Type: Luxury glamping tents.
Amenities: Safari-style tents with luxury bedding, wood stoves, private bathrooms with flush toilets (in select tents), on-site dining, and fire pits.
Budget: Luxury
Booking Link: Under Canvas Zion
Under Canvas Zion is one of the most luxurious glamping experiences, with stunning white canvas tents and incredible views. The campground has communal fire pits, lounges under white canvas shelters lined with sparkling fairy lights, and a restaurant on-site. They also have hiking trails that leave directly from the campsite.
2. Zion Glamping Adventures
Location: 1545 Water Canyon Rd, Hildale, UT – 1 hour outside of Zion
Type: Upscale safari-style tents.
Amenities: King-sized beds, heating for winter stays, A/C in summer, private bathrooms, fire pits, outdoor seating, and free breakfast.
Budget: Affordable side of mid-range
Booking Link: Zion Glamping Adventures
Zion Glamping Adventures offers luxury glamping with canvas tents, sun terraces, and guided tours available. Tour options include sunset wagon tours, paint and sips, guided hikes, horseback riding, and exploring the surrounding landscape with knowledgable guides. They are on remote property with fantastic views of the mountains and desert-like landscape.
Zion Glamping is a great option if you are happy to be an hour from the park in exchange for some peaceful, quiet, and unique excursions.
3. Zion Wildflower Resort
Location: 100 Kolob Ter Rd, Virgin, UT – 20 minutes from Zion Visitors Center
Type: Eco-friendly luxury glamping resort.
Amenities: Luxury tents with queen-sized beds, private bathrooms, outdoor seating, yoga and wellness activities.
Budget: Mid-range
Booking Link: Zion Wildflower Resort
Zion Wildflower Resort is one of the newest glamping accommodations near Zion. The glamping is truly luxurious with feather-top beds, stunning design, and their own front deck to enjoy the views of canyon walls. You can choose to stay in their glamping tents, rustic wagons, or tiny homes. The resort has a large pool and hot tub with sun loungers. Zion Wildflower thinks of everything with their stellar customer service, even offering prepared s’more kits to guests and coffee in the lobby.
4. Zion Wright Family Ranch
Location: Smith Mesa, Virgin, UT – 40 minutes from Zion Visitor Center
Type: Camping spots and glamping
Amenities: Off-grid glamping, outdoor decks, fire pits, and horseback riding tours.
Budget: Cheap – mid-range (depending on if you choose to camp or stay in their glamping yurts).
Booking Link: Zion Wright Family Ranch
The Zion Wright Ranch is one of the most unique places you can stay near Zion. It is a real working ranch that has been in the Wright family for six generations. They have opened up their beautiful 1,240 acres to guests, offering off-grid camping and glamping.
The Wright Ranch has spectacular views of the Smith Mesa and the canyons of Zion National Park. You can watch real cowboys hard at work and try out some horseback riding yourself.
5. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Location: Twin Knolls Rd, Orderville, UT – 40 minutes from Zion Visitor’s Center, on the east side of the park.
Type: Camping, glamping, cabins, and cottages.
Budget: Mid-range
Amenities: Hot showers, laundry, pool, restaurant, tennis courts, guided tours.
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is between Zion and Bryce Canyon, 30 minutes from Zion’s East gate. They offer a wide range of accommodation options and a resorts-worth of activities like mini golf, playgrounds, a pool with a slide, and guided tours. Some of the tour options include horseback riding, jeep tours, UTV riding, canyoning, and more!
Plan Your Trip to Utah – Logistical Tips:
📱 Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply download the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola. You can also get plans that cover multiple countries in Europe if you are travelling beyond the US.
🏠 Book Your Accommodation
I always use Booking.com to find and book the best hotels at the cheapest rate. If you are interested in staying in a hostel to meet people and take advantage of their activities, you can book private rooms and dorms through Hostelworld.
🏄♀️ Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in Utah and the rest of the world is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is an incredible park with incredible places to stay nearby. Camping under the stars inside the park is extraordinary, but so is pre-made smore kits at a glamping experience. Hotels in Springdale range from budget to luxury with fantastic amenities like pools and spa treatments. Wherever you choose to stay on your Zion trip, you are sure to have an amazing time!
Happy travelling!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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