Best Places to Stay Near Zion National Park: Springdale, Kanab & Beyond
One of the most common questions I get about Zion is where to stay — and the good news is there’s genuinely something for everyone. Whether you want to splurge on a luxury resort steps from the park entrance or find a budget-friendly base a little further out, the Zion area delivers. I’ve stayed on both sides and here’s my honest take: Springdale is hard to beat for proximity and convenience — you’re walking distance from the park entrance, the shuttles, and the best restaurants in town. Kanab on the other hand is a perfect base if you’re coming from Arizona or Colorado, combining Zion with Bryce Canyon, or simply looking for a more affordable and laid-back home base. Neither is the wrong choice — it just depends on your trip. Here’s a full breakdown of the best places to stay near Zion National Park to help you decide.
Quick Guide: Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Choosing where to stay near Zion comes down to two things — your budget and how you’re approaching the trip. Whether you want to be steps from the park entrance or prefer a more affordable base with a slower pace, there’s a perfect option for every type of traveler. Here’s a quick overview before we dive in:
- 📍 Main bases: Springdale (west entrance) and Kanab (east entrance)
- 💰 Springdale price range: ~$200–$600+/night depending on season and property
- 💰 Kanab price range: Significantly more affordable — great for budget travelers
- 🚗 Closest airports: St. George, UT (1 hr) or Las Vegas, NV (2.5 hrs)
- 🗓️ How far in advance to book: At least a few weeks ahead — months in advance for glamping resorts and peak summer weekends
- 🎟️ Park entry: $35/vehicle — free with the America the Beautiful Pass (covers entry AND parking)
- 🐾 Traveling with pets: Kanab and some Springdale properties are more pet friendly — always check before booking
- 💡 My pick: Springdale for convenience and proximity, Kanab if you’re coming from Arizona or combining with Bryce Canyon
Stays in Springdale- West Entrance
Springdale is my top pick for first time Zion visitors and anyone who wants to be fully immersed in the experience. It’s walkable, charming, and the free town shuttle connects directly to the Zion park shuttle so you can be on the trail in minutes. Most hotels are either walking distance from the park entrance or a quick shuttle ride away — which makes a big difference when you want to catch sunrise on Canyon Overlook Trail without driving anywhere. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to stay in Springdale by style:
Unique & Nature-Focused Stays
If you want to fall asleep with canyon walls outside your tent and wake up already feeling like you’re part of the landscape, Springdale’s glamping and nature stay options deliver in a big way. These are the properties that show up all over Instagram and Pinterest for a reason — they’re genuinely stunning and offer a completely different experience from a standard hotel. If you’re going to splurge anywhere on your Zion trip, this is where I’d do it.
Under Canvas Zion
I haven’t stayed here yet but it is absolutely on my list — and if you’ve spent any time on travel Instagram or Pinterest you’ve almost certainly seen it too. Under Canvas Zion is luxury glamping at its finest — safari style tents with real beds, private bathrooms, and unobstructed views of Zion’s iconic red rock landscape right outside your door. No roughing it here — this is the kind of glamping where you wake up feeling like you’re in the middle of a nature documentary but with actual comfortable bedding and a hot shower. The property has communal fire pits, stargazing opportunities, and that rare feeling of being completely surrounded by nature without sacrificing comfort. Tent categories range from cozy standard tents all the way up to suite tents with private decks, so there’s an option for different budgets within the glamping experience. This is the most talked about stay in the entire Zion area for a reason — just book well in advance because it fills up months ahead especially in summer.
Under Canvas has other locations near iconic parks, like the Grand Canyon. Read my post: Where to Stay Near the Grand Canyon HERE.
Open Sky Zion
If budget is no object and you want the most luxurious glamping experience near Zion, Open Sky is it. Perched at the edge of Zion National Park in Southern Utah, the resort unfolds within a sandstone canyon with towering red cliffs, ancient junipers, and desert terrain that feels completely cinematic. Each luxury camp includes an ensuite bathroom with heated floors, king size beds, air conditioning and heat, spacious porches, outdoor showers, and complete privacy from other camps — this is not your average tent. The signature Star Seeker camps take it even further with clear ceiling bedrooms, Celestron telescopes, copper soaking tubs, and sky hammocks on suspended decks perfect for stargazing. The on-site Black Sage restaurant serves seasonal farm-to-table dinners, and the entire resort runs on off-grid technology. Open Sky was named AGA Member of the Year by the American Glamping Association in 2024 — which tells you everything you need to know. A true splurge that delivers on every level.
Zion Wildflower
Red Cliffs Lodge is my personal top pick in Springdale and one I’d stay at again without hesitation. It strikes that perfect balance of modern and rustic — the lobby decor alone gives you that cozy “I’m really here” feeling the moment you walk in. Every room has a view, and most have a bench right outside your door where you can sit with your morning coffee and just take in the canyon walls around you. The pool is really cute and a perfect end to a long hiking day. It’s also dog friendly which is a huge bonus if you’re traveling with pets — not every Springdale property is. Location wise it’s easy to access the town shuttle from here, putting the park entrance just minutes away. Honestly one of the best value stays in Springdale for what you get.
Autocamp Zion
AutoCamp Zion might be the most unique stay in the entire Zion area — and once you see it you’ll understand why it’s all over social media. Located about 20 minutes from the Zion park entrance in the small town of Virgin, Utah, the property sits right along the Virgin River with views of Zion’s red rock cliffs in every direction.
The signature accommodation is the iconic Airstream Suite — a fully air-conditioned 31-foot Airstream with a spa shower, comfortable bed, kitchenette, and its own private fire pit and outdoor dining area outside. If Airstreams aren’t your thing, modern cabins are also available with private bedrooms, full kitchens, and living areas. The communal Clubhouse is the heart of the property — a gorgeous indoor-outdoor space with floor-to-ceiling windows framing desert views, live music on weekends, and a swimming pool. Complimentary yoga, morning coffee, and stargazing are all part of the experience too. It’s open year-round and honestly one of those stays that makes the whole trip feel special. Book well in advance — this one fills up fast.
Cute Hotels & Lodges in Springdale
Red Cliffs Lodge Zion by Marriott
Red Cliffs Lodge is my personal top pick in Springdale and one I’d stay at again without hesitation. It strikes that perfect balance of modern and rustic — the lobby decor alone gives you that cozy “I’m really here” feeling the moment you walk in. Every room has a view, and most have a bench right outside your door where you can sit with your morning coffee and just take in the canyon walls around you. The pool is really cute and a perfect end to a long hiking day. It’s also dog friendly which is a huge bonus if you’re traveling with pets — not every Springdale property is. Location wise it’s easy to access the town shuttle from here, putting the park entrance just minutes away. Honestly one of the best value stays in Springdale for what you get.
Cable Mountain Lodge
Cable Mountain Lodge is one of the best located hotels in all of Springdale — it sits right next to the walk-in entrance to Zion National Park, which means you can literally roll out of bed and be inside the park in minutes without touching a shuttle or a car. It’s also right next to Zion Brew Pub, so post-hike cold drinks are dangerously convenient. The property has a great pool and hot tub for unwinding after a long day on the trails, and the rooms are spacious and well equipped. If being as close to the park entrance as physically possible is your priority, Cable Mountain Lodge is your spot.
photo credit: greater zion
Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
Cliffrose is one of the most beautiful hotel settings in all of Springdale. Sitting right on the Virgin River with five acres of gardens and canyon walls rising up around you, it’s the kind of property that looks even better in person than it does on Instagram — which is saying something. The rooms are modern and well appointed, the pool area is stunning, and the location puts you steps from the park entrance and Springdale’s best restaurants. It’s a Curio Collection by Hilton property so you can use Hilton points here too, which is a nice bonus if you’re a points traveler.
photo credit: cliffrose springdale by hilton
Flanigan’s Inn & Spa
Flanigan’s is one of those Springdale properties that has a personality all its own. The rooftop labyrinth alone makes it worth mentioning — it’s a meditative walking path on the roof with panoramic views of the canyon that perfectly captures Zion’s spiritual energy. Add a full spa, lush gardens, and a great location near the town shuttle and you have one of the most unique stays in Springdale. If you’re coming to Zion for a wellness focused trip or a romantic getaway, Flanigan’s should be at the top of your list.
Stays in Kanab- East Entrance
Springdale is the most popular place to stay and for good reason — it’s literally steps from the park entrance, walkable to all the restaurants and coffee shops we talked about, and puts you first in line for the shuttles every morning. The tradeoff is price. Springdale is one of the more expensive gateway towns in the national park system, so expect to pay a premium especially in peak season. Book as early as possible — this town fills up fast.
Unique & Nature Focused Stays Near Kanab
Basecamp 37
If you want to feel truly immersed in the Southern Utah landscape without sacrificing a comfortable night’s sleep, Base Camp 37° is your spot. This small, women-owned glamping retreat sits 8 miles east of Kanab in the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase, with only five safari-style tents on the entire property — so it never feels crowded and always feels special. Each tent has a Cal King memory foam bed with luxury linens, hot showers, and its own fire pit, and the dark sky situation out here is absolutely unreal. With the Milky Way overhead, s’mores stocked at the communal fire pit, and some of the most expansive desert views in Southern Utah surrounding you, it’s the kind of night that makes you want to stay another day. It’s also perfectly positioned as a base for exploring Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, and Grand Staircase-Escalante — basically the entire Southwest in one trip. Pet friendly too. Book early — with only five tents it sells out fast.
Zion Ponderosa Ranch
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is the ultimate pick if you’re traveling with a big group or a family that wants more than just a place to sleep. Perched at 6,500 feet on Zion’s scenic east side near Orderville, Utah, it’s the closest full-service resort to Zion’s East Entrance and the elevation means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than Springdale. The accommodation options are genuinely impressive — from glamping tents and Conestoga Wagons to cabin suites and luxury vacation homes that sleep entire extended families under one roof. The Conestoga Wagons are a personal favorite — a nod to the Old West with real beds, electricity, and a picnic table and grill outside. On-site activities included in your stay range from swimming pools and hot tubs to volleyball, tennis, basketball, and horseshoes, plus guided activities like horseback riding, zip lining, canyoneering, and a climbing wall available for an extra cost. It’s less of a hotel and more of a full vacation experience — and if you’re coming with kids or a larger crew, it honestly might be the best value near Zion. Note: no pets allowed in lodging units.
Caves Lake Canyon Ranch
Cave Lakes Canyon might be the most unique stay in the entire Zion area — and that’s saying something given the competition. This secluded resort spans 2.5 miles of private canyon just outside Kanab, with three pristine natural spring-fed lakes, hidden cave lakes, and lush canyon terrain that feels completely removed from the rest of the world. Accommodation options include glamping tents with private balconies or patios overlooking the natural ponds, and the crown jewel — a historic 1920s stone house built from rocks found in the canyon itself, with a one-of-a-kind outdoor shower with cascading water from a natural hoodoo and a private fire pit made from a natural boulder. On-site adventures include horseback rides, Via Ferrata climbing, UTV tours to nearby slot canyons, and day trips to White Pocket and the Wave. It’s been featured in Forbes and consistently rates as one of the most memorable stays in Southern Utah — the kind of place people come back from and can’t stop talking about. Perfect for couples or small groups looking for something truly one of a kind. They don’t seem to have an Instagram, which is a bummer!
Cute Hotels & Lodges Near Kanab
Best Friends Roadhouse is my personal pick in Kanab and one I’d stay at again in a heartbeat. It has that perfect modern desert vibe — clean lines, warm tones, and a look that feels completely at home in the Utah landscape. It’s dog friendly which is always a win, and the location in the heart of Kanab puts you walking distance from the town’s best restaurants and shops. But here’s what makes it truly special — staying here supports the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, one of the largest no-kill animal sanctuaries in the country, located just down the road. You can tour the sanctuary during your stay and meet the animals they’re caring for, from dogs and cats to horses and wildlife. It’s one of those experiences that turns a regular hotel stay into something genuinely meaningful. If you’re an animal lover — and based on who reads this blog, I’m guessing many of you are — Best Friends Roadhouse should be at the top of your Kanab list.
Canyons Boutique Hotel
Kanab’s only true boutique hotel, Canyons delivers the amenities of a larger hotel in a much more intimate and personal setting — and the rooms are genuinely special. Many feature fireplaces and jetted spa tubs, making it the perfect romantic getaway after a long day exploring the Utah desert. The attached Sego restaurant has outdoor seating with gorgeous views and is consistently praised for its unique dishes and excellent service — worth a dinner reservation even if you’re not staying here. Guests rave about the cozy, well-appointed rooms, the welcoming staff, and the complimentary breakfast. It’s dog friendly by request which is always a plus, and the location in the heart of Kanab puts you walking distance from everything in town. If you want a step up from a standard hotel without paying glamping prices, Canyons Boutique is the sweet spot in Kanab.
Quail Park Lodge
Quail Park Lodge is one of those places that looks incredible on Instagram and somehow exceeds expectations in person. This iconic retro hotel has been revived with a modern take on mid-century design, inspired by the natural elements surrounding Kanab — bold, colorful, and completely charming. Guests consistently call it the cutest place they stayed on entire Southwest road trips, which is high praise given the competition in this part of Utah. Every room is individually decorated with premium bedding, a mini fridge, microwave, and free WiFi, plus there’s a pool, free parking, and a complimentary to-go breakfast to fuel your morning adventures. Pet friendly too. It’s one of the best value stays in Kanab — boutique aesthetics without the boutique price tag — and the kind of place that makes your road trip photos look really, really good.
Staying Inside Zion National Park — Zion Lodge
Most people don’t realize you can actually stay inside Zion National Park itself — and if you can swing it, it’s worth every penny. Zion Lodge and its cabins are the only lodging actually located inside the park, and the experience of waking up inside the canyon before the crowds arrive is something no Springdale hotel can replicate. Accommodation options include rustic 1920s cabins with gas fireplaces and private porches, spacious hotel rooms with balconies, and suites with sitting areas and terraces — all with that classic national park lodge charm. Guests consistently say staying here completely changes the Zion experience — the canyon is peacefully quiet in the early mornings and evenings once the shuttles stop running, and you can walk straight from your room onto the trail. The tradeoff is price and availability — book well in advance as this is one of the most sought-after stays in the entire national park system. If you can get a reservation, don’t hesitate.
photo credit: zionlodge.com
Camping Near Zion National Park
If you want to fall asleep under Utah’s dark skies without paying glamping prices, camping near Zion is a beautiful option. Here are the best spots:
Watchman Campground — the most popular campground and the closest to the park, sitting right at the south entrance near Springdale. It’s well maintained, has both electric and non-electric sites, and puts you steps from the park shuttle. Reservations are essential and book up months in advance especially in summer — don’t leave this to chance.
South Campground — also inside the park near the visitor center, with a more rustic feel than Watchman. First-come, first-served so arrive early, especially in peak season.
Lava Point Campground — a small, remote campground high on the Kolob Terrace Road with only six sites and zero amenities — but the solitude and stargazing up here are extraordinary. Free to stay but extremely limited.
Camping near St. George — if everything closer to Zion is booked, St. George is about 45 minutes away and has good camping options with easy park access the next morning. I’ve camped in this area before and the desert landscape at night is something else entirely.
💡 Tip: If you’re camping, the America the Beautiful Pass covers your park entry fee & gives you 50% off camping
pa’rus trail near watchman campground
Tips to Booking Your Zion Trip
Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the country and the accommodation situation reflects that. Here’s what you need to know before you book:
Book earlier than you think you need to. Springdale hotels fill up fast — especially on weekends and holidays between March and October. A few weeks in advance works for shoulder season but summer weekends need months of lead time. Glamping resorts like Under Canvas, AutoCamp, and Base Camp 37 fill up even faster — if you have specific dates in mind, book those immediately.
Springdale is walkable. Most hotels in Springdale are either walking distance from the park entrance or a quick ride on the free town shuttle. You genuinely don’t need a car once you’re in Springdale which makes the premium price a little easier to justify.
Don’t underestimate the heat. This is probably the biggest mistake visitors make — especially if you’re coming in summer. Canyon temperatures can climb well into the 90s and feel even hotter in direct sun on exposed trails. Book accommodation with a pool, plan to be back at your hotel by midday, and start every hike before 7am. Your choice of where to stay can make or break a summer trip — Zion Ponderosa at 6,500 feet runs noticeably cooler than Springdale on the canyon floor.
Kanab is a great budget alternative. If Springdale prices are out of reach, Kanab is significantly more affordable and only an hour away. It’s especially worth considering if you’re combining Zion with Bryce Canyon or coming from Arizona.
Get the America the Beautiful Pass. At $80 for the year it covers your park entry and parking at Zion and pays for itself fast if you visit more than one national park. Buy it before your trip at any national park entrance or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zion worth visiting as a day trip? Technically yes — Las Vegas is only 2.5 hours away and Phoenix is about 6 hours. But my honest advice is to spend at least one night. The canyon is completely different in the early morning and evening when the crowds thin out, and you’ll feel rushed trying to fit everything into a single day. Even one night makes a huge difference.
Is Springdale walkable? Yes — for the most part. Most hotels are either walking distance from the park entrance or a short ride on the free Springdale town shuttle which connects directly to the Zion park shuttle. It’s one of the most convenient national park gateway towns in the country.
Should I stay in Springdale or Kanab? Springdale if it’s your first visit, you want maximum convenience, and budget isn’t a concern. Kanab if you’re combining Zion with Bryce Canyon or the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, coming from Arizona or Colorado, or looking for a more affordable and laid-back base.
How far in advance should I book? For standard hotels in Springdale — a few weeks in shoulder season, 2-3 months for summer. For glamping resorts — as far in advance as possible, especially for summer and holiday weekends. Zion Lodge inside the park books up months in advance and should be booked the moment your dates are confirmed.
Can I bring my dog to Zion? Dogs are allowed in Zion but only on paved surfaces, in campgrounds, and on the Pa’rus Trail. They’re not permitted on most hiking trails. If you’re traveling with a dog, Kanab and several Springdale properties are pet friendly — Best Friends Roadhouse, Red Cliffs Lodge, Quail Park Lodge, and Base Camp 37 all welcome pets.
Do I need a permit for Zion? You need a permit for Angels Landing and for the full top-down Narrows hike. Both are available through a lottery system on Recreation.gov. The bottom-up Narrows route does not require a permit. Most other trails in Zion are permit-free.
Summary of Where to Stay in Zion National Park
Whether you end up falling asleep to the sound of the Virgin River in Springdale or stargazing from a glamping tent outside Kanab, one thing is certain — there is no bad way to experience Zion National Park. I’ve visited three times now and the magic of this place never gets old, no matter where I’ve stayed. The most important thing is just to go — and go back. Use this guide to find the stay that fits your budget, your travel style, and your crew, and then get out there and explore one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you’ve stayed somewhere near Zion that you loved, drop it in the comments — I’m always adding new places to my list for next time.
