Where you stay when visiting Zion National Park can make or break your trip. It sets the tone for your mornings, shapes how much time you spend on the road, and affects how rested you feel after a full day of exploring. The right base can help you catch sunrise hikes, grab a hot meal nearby, or kick back with red-rock views outside your window. Whether you’re RVing, glamping, or checking into a cozy hotel, your lodging is part of the experience and can make your whole visit feel easier, smoother, and more fun.
What Town Should I Stay in When Visiting Zion National Park?
When choosing what town to stay in near Zion National Park, think about how early you want to start your hikes, how often you want to go in and out of the park, and whether saving money or saving time matters more to you.
Close Convenience
Springdale sits right outside the main entrance to Zion, and it’s the most popular place to stay. You can wake up and beat the crowds by walking or shuttling straight into the park. This convenience is great for families with kids, if you like taking a midday break, or just to get the most out of your visit. Springdale also has lots of restaurants, cafes, gear shops, and hotel options, but because it’s so close, it’s also the most expensive.
Budget-Friendly Vacation Hubs
If you’re looking to save money or don’t mind a short drive, towns like Hurricane and La Verkin are good picks. They’re about 25 to 35 minutes from the park, and you’ll find more budget-friendly hotels, grocery stores, and easy parking. These towns give you more room to spread out, and they’re good if you plan to visit multiple spots in southern Utah.
Kanab is another option, especially if you’re also visiting Bryce Canyon or the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. It’s about an hour from Zion, so it’s better for broader road trips.
Is It Better To Stay Inside or Outside Zion National Park?
Many lodging options give you easy access to Zion. Deciding if it’s better to stay inside or outside the park comes down to how much you value being on location versus having more comfort and flexibility.
Zion Lodge
Staying inside Zion National Park gives you the chance to be fully surrounded by nature. Zion Lodge is the only place to sleep inside the park, and it puts you right in the middle of the canyon. You can walk to trailheads like Emerald Pools and the Grotto without driving or waiting for a shuttle. You also get to enjoy quiet mornings and evenings after most visitors leave.
One downside is that Zion Lodge fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. Also, there are only a few types of rooms and cabins, no amenities like restaurants or pools, and you’ll pay more for the location.
Outside-the-Park Options
Staying outside the park opens up more options. Springdale has a variety of hotels, inns, vacation rentals, and places to eat. Many spots offer shuttle stops that take you straight into Zion without needing to drive. If you stay in towns like Hurricane or La Verkin, you’ll get even more space and lower rates, though it means a longer drive to get to the park each day.
The tradeoff for staying outside the park when visiting Zion is that you have to deal with parking or catch a shuttle to get into the park. But if you want more food choices, evening activities, or a place with a kitchen and laundry, staying outside the park works better for most travelers.
What Are the Best Places To Stay Near Zion National Park?
Choosing the right place to stay near Zion National Park can make your trip even more enjoyable with comfort and convenience after a day of hiking and sightseeing. Fortunately, you have many diverse options near Zion, and each allows you to experience this majestic area in special ways.
1. RV Parks
If you’re visiting Zion in an RV, van, or semi, staying at an RV park versus boondocking is a no-brainer. Parks such as WillowWind and Zion Ponderosa Ranch provide electrical hookups and water and sewer connections, and many also have restrooms, showers, and laundry rooms.
Some RV parks, like Settler’s Junction, can also serve as an excellent seasonal home base for digital nomads with their on-site business center and reliable Wi-Fi. Located in Toquerville, Settler’s Junction is a short 25-minute drive to the Zion National Park Visitor Center, and they offer a full suite of amenities, including:
- Clubhouse with convenience center
- Fitness center
- Basketball and pickleball courts
- Putting green
- Children’s playground
- Dog park
With oversized, pull-through RV spaces and 50-amp hookups, Settler’s Junction is ideal for new haulers and large RVs alike, and its proximity to St. George makes it a convenient base for exploring the area.
2. Hotels and Motels
Staying in a hotel or motel near Zion means you’re close to the park’s entrances, making your adventures hassle-free. These spots often come with perks like air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and on-site dining — perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails.
Take Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale, for example; it’s just a short walk from Zion’s south entrance and offers stunning views along with spacious suites. Another great choice is the Desert Pearl Inn, nestled beside the Virgin River, where you can relax on private balconies and enjoy rooms equipped with kitchenettes.
3. Luxury Resorts
If you’re aiming for a more upscale experience, luxury resorts near Zion National Park offer top-notch amenities amidst breathtaking scenery. Flanigan’s Resort and Spa, located near the park, provides rejuvenating spa treatments and serene yoga sessions to help you unwind in style. The resort’s on-site restaurant, the Spotted Dog, serves delicious meals emphasizing organic and gourmet options.
4. Campgrounds
For those who love being close to nature, camping in or near Zion is a fantastic option. The park’s Watchman Campground is open year-round and offers facilities like restrooms and picnic tables. It’s conveniently located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, making it easy to access hiking trails and other attractions.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys traditional camping, this is the way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty. Just remember, these sites can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so it’s wise to book in advance.
5. Vacation Rentals
If you’re traveling with family or a group and prefer a home-like atmosphere, Airbnb or Vrbo vacation rentals are excellent places to stay when visiting Zion. Options range from cozy cabins to modern homes, often equipped with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms.
You can also find some rather unique stays on vacation rental sites. For instance, the Angels Landing A-Frame is an outdoorsy option with stunning mountain views and amenities like a fire pit and grill.
6. Glamping
Want to experience the great outdoors without giving up comfort? Glamping near Zion combines the best of both worlds. Under Canvas Zion offers luxurious, safari-style tents equipped with king-size beds under the stars and ensuite bathrooms.
Or, try Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane with its backcountry-meets-modern yurts and access to red sand beaches. This option is ideal for those who want to connect with nature but still enjoy the comforts of a hotel. It’s a unique and memorable way to experience the beauty of Zion.
7. Cabins
Renting a cabin near Zion provides a cozy and intimate lodging experience, often nestled in scenic locations. Zion Mountain Ranch offers authentic western-style cabins with modern amenities and the unique feature of a roaming herd of buffalo nearby. These cabins feature a rustic yet comfortable and peaceful retreat after exploring the park’s natural wonders.
8. Unique Stays
If you’re looking for something different than the usual hotel or vacation rental near Zion National Park, these offbeat places to stay let you enjoy the desert in cool and unexpected ways.
Covered Wagon Suites
Want to feel like a pioneer without giving up air conditioning? Try an Old West-style covered wagon suite at Zion Wildflower Resort. Inside, they’re updated with soft beds, electricity, and even outdoor spaces where you can relax by the fire.
Treetop Cabins
East Zion Resort offers treetop cabins that sit high above the ground with awesome views of the red rock cliffs. It’s like staying in a treehouse with privacy, a cool breeze, and a peaceful spot to unwind after a day of hiking.
Mirror Houses
For something totally modern, check out the mirror houses in the area. These sleek cabins have mirrored walls that reflect the desert around them, blending right into the scenery. They’re a great pick if you like bold design and want to experience Zion in a creative new way.
The Perfect Place To Stay When Visiting Zion
No matter how you like to travel, there’s a place near Zion that fits your style. You’ll find options for every kind of visitor: families, solo hikers, road-trippers, and comfort-seekers alike. Want full access to nature? Camp or rent a cabin. Prefer modern comforts? Book a hotel or resort in Springdale. Need space and privacy? Vacation rentals and glamping setups have you covered.
If you’re coming in an RV, Settler’s Junction is the place to stay when visiting Zion National Park. With easy access sites, a pool, a clubhouse, and even a dog wash, it’s perfect for new drivers, full-timers, and remote workers alike. Book your stay with us today!