Looking for memorable, unique places to stay near Zion National Park? Check out these special, one-of-a-kind lodging options near the park!
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Are you planning to visit Zion National Park? There are countless lodging options around the park, but if you are looking for unique places to stay near Zion National Park, you have come to the right place. I have found some of the most unique and unforgettable lodging options in Utah, and they are all within 40 minutes of Zion National Park.
Zion National Park is truly an awe-inspiring place to visit. Stunning views, incredible adventures, and a plethora of wildlife are a few of the amazing features the park has to offer. It’s no surprise that it is the third most visited National Park in the U.S. There is truly something for everyone to love.
You can get a little bit more out of your vacation by booking a special place to stay. Each of these distinctive lodging options is an experience in itself and will definitely make your stay memorable. Whether you want to take it easy or have a more adventurous experience, we’ve got you covered with this round-up of 8 unique places to stay near Zion National Park.
When To Visit
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and is open year-round. There are pros and cons to visiting during each season.
Spring: Early spring may have fewer crowds. Spring typically has mild weather. You may be able to see wildflowers. One downside to visiting in the spring is that winter snowmelt can cause water levels to be high/too strong, causing some of the popular trails to be closed.
Summer: Crowded and can be very hot. The water hikes in the park would likely be more enjoyable/comfortable in the summer. Summer monsoon season is July-September and brings the potential for dangerous flash flooding. You will pay peak prices for lodging during the summer.
Fall: Ideal temperatures, less crowded, more likelihood of all trails being open.
Winter: If you don’t mind dealing with colder temperatures, winter can be a wonderful time to visit the park because it will be far less crowded, and you can get cheaper lodging. However, some of the lodging options are not available in the winter. Another downside is the potential for some trails and roads to be closed due to icy conditions.
Getting to the Area
You will need a car to get to the park, whether you drive your own or rent one after flying into an area airport. Once you are close to the park, there are shuttle options available.
Closest International Airports:
- Las Vegas, Nevada Airport (LAS) – 170 miles
- Salt Lake City, Utah Airport (SLC) – 300 miles
Closest Regional Airports:
- St. George, Utah Airport (SGU) – 49 miles
- Cedar City, Utah Airport (CDC) – 60 miles
Click here to check out the National Park Website for a map, directions by car, and current closure information.
8 Unique Places to Stay Near Zion National Park
1. Under Canvas Zion
The first of our round-up of unique places to stay near Zion! Under Canvas is a company that offers a premium glamping experience outside of multiple National Parks. Under Canvas Zion is located 25 minutes from the main entrance of the park.
Availability
- March 10th – November 7th (2022)
- March 9th – November 6th (2023)
Lodging Options & Amenities
There are multiple accommodation options ranging in size. The smallest/cheapest option has a king bed and a maximum of 2 adult guests. The largest option accommodates up to 4 adults and 3 children. A pack-and-play can be requested for any tent at no additional charge. One cot with bedding can be added for ages 18 and under for an additional $25/night.
Each option offers a balcony, excellent views, a wood-burning stove, free parking, and a private bathroom. Some of the accommodation options have an attached bath, and others are a 1-2 minute walk to a communal bathroom with private locking bathrooms (private shower, sink, toilet).
You will not have electricity or outlets in your tent, however, there are battery-powered fans and lanterns with USB ports capable of charging up to 2 phones. You can also request additional batteries if you need them for a medical device. There is no WiFi and no air conditioning, but towels, toiletries, and bedding are complimentary.
Pets
Dogs are welcome at Under Canvas Zion. However, you will have to pay $25 per pet, per night (service animals are free) and ensure that they are kept on a leash and not left unattended in the tent.
Food & Entertainment
Under Canvas Zion offers communal fire pits with complimentary s’mores & roasting equipment each night. There are also on-site yoga sessions and daily meals available for an additional cost.
Learn More About Under Canvas Zion & Book Here
2. Copper Creek Farm
This privately hosted short-term rental property gives you the unique opportunity to experience life on a farm! You will have your own personal petting zoo and garden just outside your door. The property is about 30 minutes from the main entrance of Zion National Park.
Lodging & Amenities
You will have the top floor of the home, which includes 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, dining and living areas, and a balcony with views of the Copper Mountains. The first bedroom has a queen bed, and the second has a bunk bed. The home accommodates up to 5 guests.
There is a renter in the bottom half of the property. The spaces are separate and have different entrances, however, just be aware that you will only be separated by a locked door and stairway.
Amenities include heating and air conditioning, a fully stocked kitchen, linens, toiletries, Wifi, and TV.
Pets
Up to 5 pets of any size are allowed at the property. The hosts ask that you clean up after your pet, keep them off the furniture, and keep them away from the cows and chickens.
Food & Entertainment
Seed is provided to feed the chickens on the property. They will also have soon have cows that you will be able to interact with as well. Season permitting, you can help yourself to the produce in the garden and on the fruit trees.
Learn More About Copper Creek Farm & Book Here
3. Ark Tiny House
Photo Credit: The Ark Tiny House
The cutest little tiny house with unbelievable views! The Ark Tiny House is located about 25 minutes from the main entrance of Zion National Park. This tiny home is part of Zion Tiny Oasis – a secluded tiny home village on 75 acres of property with 4 different unique tiny homes.
Lodging & Amenities
Although it’s a tiny house, the functional layout includes a full bathroom and kitchen and accommodates up to 4 guests. Amenities include reverse osmosis drinking water, an office desk, washer and dryer, towels and linens, Wifi, TV with Netflix, a fireplace, and a BBQ grill.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at this property.
Food & Entertainment
This property includes access to a hot tub, fire pit (wood is provided), and outdoor seating areas with incredible views. Guests have access to the entire 75-acre property for walking or having a picnic down by the stream.
Learn More About The Ark Tiny House & Book Here
4. Yurt Overlook at East Zion Resort
Photo Credit: East Zion Resort
Stay in a yurt overlooking stunning views in every direction. This Yurt is within Zion East Resort, which is 20 minutes from Zion National Park. Zion East Resort has many lodging options available, from tiny houses to yurts, glamping tents, a treehouse, and a lodge.
Lodging & Amenities
You will be staying in a yurt, which is a circular, tent-like structure. The yurt has many modern amenities, including air conditioning, heating, a small kitchen, a bathroom with hot water. Linens and towels are provided, and there is also a BBQ grill available for guest use. This particular yurt accommodates up to 5 guests and has 2 king beds and a sofa bed. There are other yurt layouts available that have just one king bed and a sofa bed.
Pets
No pets allowed.
Food & Entertainment
There is a patio outside of the yurt with outdoor seating and a fire pit overlooking incredible views. Zion East Resort has a heated pool (open Feb 28-Dec 1) and hot tubs (open year-round) available for guest use. Rock climbing, horseback riding, and UTV tours are available at Zion East Resort for an additional cost.
Learn More About Yurt Overlook at East Zion Resort & Book Here
5. Butch Cassidy Wagon or Buffalo Bill Wagon
Sleeping in a covered wagon definitely qualifies as one of the most unique places to stay near Zion!
The Butch Cassidy Wagon is part of Zion’s View Camping in Hildale, which is about 1 hour from the main entrance of Zion National Park.
Buffalo Bill Wagon is part of Zion Weeping Buffalo Resort in Virgin and is about 20 minutes from the main entrance of the park.
Lodging & Amenities
The Butch Cassidy wagon sleeps 2 guests and has a king-size bed and sofa, as well as a private outdoor table and grilling area. The wagon is on top of a big hill overlooking Zion and Canaan Mountain – pretty epic views! The wagon does not have its own bathroom, however, there is a shared bathhouse on-site. Amenities include a power supply, linens, solar-powered lights, and heating and air conditioning.
You will pay significantly more for the Buffalo Bill Wagon, but it is much closer to Zion National Park and is a more luxury wagon experience. Buffalo Bill Wagon sleeps 4 guests and has 2 queen beds and an indoor bathroom that is actually within the wagon. Amenities include Wifi, linens, Smart TV, games, and heating and air conditioning. Outside amenities include a grill, fire pit, and picnic table.
Pets
Butch Cassidy wagon is pet-friendly. Buffalo Bill Wagon does not allow pets.
Food & Entertainment
At Zion’s View Camping (Butch Cassidy Wagon), common areas include a pavilion with a grill, fire pit, and lounge area, a volleyball court, horseshoe area, and a tetherball pole. There is coffee and hot chocolate available in the campground office. Zion’s View Camping offers UTV tours, horseback riding, guided hikes, paddleboarding, and kayak rentals for an additional cost.
Zion Weeping Buffalo Resort (Buffalo Bill Wagon) has a pretty pond with a fountain but does not have all of the entertainment options that Zion’s View Camping offers.
Learn More About Butch Cassidy Wagon & Book Here
Learn More Buffalo Bill Wagon & Book Here
6. Zion Wildflower Glamping Tent
You get the full camping experience in one of these large canvas tents, but with modern luxuries that make your stay more comfortable and glamorous. These glamping tents are part of Zion Wildflower Resort, which is about 20 minutes from the main entrance of the National Park. In addition to glamping tents, Zion Wildfire Resort also offers covered wagons and bungalows for guests to stay in.
Lodging & Amenities
This large canvas tent offers sweeping, panoramic views of the valley below. It sleeps up to 4 guests (1 king bed and 2 twin beds).
Towels, linens, and toiletries are provided. There is air conditioning and daily housekeeping available. There are also free infant beds/cribs available.
You will find a short path from your glamping tent to a “luxury bathhouse” – private, lockable bathrooms each with its own shower, vanity, and toilet.
Pets
Dogs under 25 lbs are allowed for $25 per dog per night.
Food & Entertainment
All reservations have a $25 resort fee added per stay that includes a s’more kit, access to bicycles, common area fire pit and BBQ grill use, and other outdoor activities, including cornhole, giant Jenga, spike ball, and ping pong.
Learn More About Zion Wildflower & Book Here
7. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a leading national animal welfare organization located in Kanab, Utah. The Sanctuary property is nestled in beautiful Angel’s Canyon with picturesque views and miles of hiking trails. If you love animals or are traveling with pets, this is the best of the unique places to stay near Zion National Park! Best Friends is about 30 minutes from the East entrance of the park.
Lodging & Amenities
There are multiple lodging options within the Sanctuary, including Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in the town of Kanab, and cottages, cabins, and RV sites located on the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary grounds.
Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile
Best Friends Mercantile has complimentary Wi-Fi, TV, cruelty-free beauty products, and laundry services. It is modern and high-tech. Room options include standard room (king bed or 2 queens), king suite (king bed & kitchenette), or Two-Level Suites (very spacious with lower level living room/kitchen, and a king bed and double bunks upstairs)
Best Friends Cottages
Best Friends Cottages accommodate up to 6 guests and 3 pets. Each cottage has its own deck or patio and a full-size kitchen.
Best Friends Cabins
Best Friends Cabins are a much smaller studio style and accommodate only 1-2 guests. There is a small kitchenette area and a shared patio area for cabin guests.
Best Friends RV Sites
RV sites are on 35-foot concrete platforms and have electric, water, and sewer hook-ups.
Pets
Of course, pets are welcome!! The Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile even offers pet-washing stations, pet beds, pet doors, and a fenced-in dog park and splash area. There are also pet grooming services available on-site.
Food & Entertainment
The Roadhouse and Mercantile has a complimentary vegan continental vegan breakfast. A buffet-style vegan lunch is served every day at the Angel Village Cafe at the Sanctuary for $5 per person.
Of course, while you are staying, you can volunteer or book tours and activities at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary!
Learn More About Best Friends & Book Here
8. Camping in Zion National Park
Camping in Zion National Park is a fun and convenient experience because you are literally IN the park surrounded by iconic views and steps away from hiking and adventures.
Availability
- Watchman Campground – open year-round
- South Campground – closed in the winter
- Lava Point Campground – closed in the winter
Lodging & Amenities
Zion National Park has 3 campgrounds – Watchman Campground, South Campground, Lava Point Campground (1 hour from the main section of the park). You can make reservations in advance (recommended during peak season) or try to get a spot the day you arrive.
You must camp in designated campsites. Camping is prohibited in pullouts or parking lots. All campsites are drive-up and allow a maximum of 2 vehicles (but only one RV or trailer per site). Each campsite allows a maximum of 6 people and 2 tents.
Comfort stations throughout the campground provide flush toilets, drinkable running water, and trash. There are no showers or electrical outlets available. Each campsite includes a picnic table and a firepit with an attached grill.
Pets
Pets are allowed on a leash of 6 feet or shorter. Hiking/walking with pets in the park is only allowed on roads or on the Pa’rus Trail.
Food & Entertainment
Food must be stored in vehicles or hard-sided locked containers. Watchman Campground and South Campground are in close proximity to the town of Springdale, which has restaurants, pay showers, laundromats, and other goods/services available. Anything that you want to do in the park is literally right on your doorstep (or tent step) if you choose to camp in the park!
I hope you enjoyed this round-up of unique places to stay near Zion National Park! Let me know if you try any of the properties on the list!
Bonus: Utah Adventure Retreat in Kanab
I couldn’t leave this one out! Even though this isn’t the most unique of stays, our beautiful, BRAND new 4-bedroom home is a wonderful place to stay if you are visiting Zion National Park or any of the other surrounding attractions!
Red Rock Views in Kanab, Utah
