Top Zion National Park Lodging Options - Zion Retreats

Zion is the most popular among Utah’s Mighty Five national parks. Home to mystical slot canyons, spectacular rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and some of the best hikes in the US, it’s easy to see why it attracts over five million visitors annually.                       

As the most visited park in Utah (and among the top five in the US), choosing where to stay in Zion National Park can be overwhelming. But worry not. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and compiled a list of Zion National Park lodging options you should consider.

Actually, the best places to stay near Zion National Park also serve Bryce Canyon National Park, as the two are often combined on the same itinerary. 

Key Takeaways

• Zion National Park Lodge is the only lodge inside the park. It accepts reservations up to 13 months in advance. 
• There are three campgrounds inside Zion National Park: Watchman and South campgrounds are near the South Entrance, while Lava Point Campground is an hour's drive away. 
• Springdale is the most convenient town to stay for Zion National Park as it’s right by the park’s entrance. Most of its hotels and resorts are located along its main boulevard that leads to the South Entrance.

Zion National Park Lodges, Resorts, and Hotels

Zion National Park Lodge

If you want to stay inside the park without roughing it, then Zion National Park Lodge is for you. This is the only in-park lodging in the national park, about a 10-minute drive from the South Entrance near Springdale, Utah. Its location, on the canyon floor surrounded by massive red-rock canyon walls and diverse plant and animal life, makes it the perfect place for serenity and relaxation. Plus, it is a short distance from the best Zion National Park trails (Emerald Pool and Angel’s Landing Trails are a must). Also, across the road from the lodge is a corral that arranges horseback riding from March to October. 

Zion National Park Lodge has 76 hotel rooms, 40 historic cabins, and six suites. Each hotel room has a private bathroom, private porch or balcony, a telephone, a 37-inch flat, satellite TV, a hair dryer, and a coffee maker.

The lodge has a restaurant, a seasonal cafe, and a souvenir shop. There’s limited Wi-Fi, but there’s also an internet kiosk in the lobby. 

Rates: Zion National Park Lodge is open year-round, and prices range from $169 to $288 for hotel rooms, $159-$297 for the western cabins, and $229-$373 for the suites. 

Flanigan’s Inn

Flanigan’s Resort and Spa is among the top-rated resorts near Zion National Park. Located 0.6 miles from the park’s South Entrance, most visitors cite its peaceful setting, inviting atmosphere, moderately priced food, and wellness activities. You may also like that it’s within walking distance of other amazing restaurants and coffee shops in Springdale. 

Flanigan’s Inn offers multiple accommodation options for comfortable lodging. Choose from standard rooms with a King-size bed or two Queen-size beds, or go with a Deluxe Room with a terrace or balcony. Other options include a multi-room suite or a complete villa. 

Amenities at Flanigan’s Resort and Spa include an outdoor pool, hot tub, free self-parking, and free Wi-Fi. 

Rates: Flanigan’s Inn’s prices start at $129 per night for two guests. You can reserve a room without making a deposit until 48 hours before arrival.

Driftwood Lodge

When Driftwood Lodge visitors are not in the park, they either calm their nerves in a hot tub or relax by the seasonal pool. This is one of the best hotels near Zion National Park if you want a facility that combines natural beauty with convenience. 

Driftwood Lodge is located at the banks of the Virgin River, a 5-minute drive from the South Entrance.

Most families and couples will appreciate the hotel's amenities, including luxury rooms with private balconies and patios, acres of lawns and gardens, pool and riverfront beach access, and a picnic area along the river. Driftwood Lodge offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and tea/coffee makers in all rooms. 

Rates: Prices start from $181, including taxes. 

Cliffrose Springdale

Comfort hotel rooms with premium river and canyon views await you in this hotel, which is a walking distance from the park’s main entrance. Perched on the banks of the Virgin River, Cliffrose Springdale combines good taste with comfort and convenience to make your staycation a memorable experience. 

This 53-room property features 40 traditional deluxe rooms, seven two-bedroom suites, and six one-bedroom suites. All the rooms have a private bathroom, private patio/balcony, air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. 

Two heated outdoor pools, a waterfall jacuzzi, a fitness center, and free parking with four EV charging stations add to this hotel’s cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Rates: Cliffrose Springdale prices vary widely. The rates start at $180 during off-peak seasons but can get as high as $700 during peak seasons.

Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn

After a day of hiking, biking, and exploring Zion’s slot canyons, nothing beats the feel of sitting on your private balcony gazing at the mountains that tower above this hotel. Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn’s rooms are tucked away from the boulevard, allowing for a more relaxing and quiet environment. Plus, the free shuttles stop at the gate for a two-minute ride to the park. 

Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn has 68 air-conditioned guest rooms. All units have views of the beautiful mountains and feature luxury bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, hair dryers, a microwave, and a coffee maker. 

Other property features include free self-parking, a complimentary buffet breakfast, a gift shop, a computer station, an outdoor swimming pool, and a jacuzzi. 

Rates: Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn prices range from $154 to around $586 per night, depending on season. 

Cable Mountain Lodge

Cable Mountain Lodge is one of the best Zion National Park hotels if you wish to stay as close to the park as possible. The lodge is adjacent to the Zion National Park visitor center with gorgeous river and canyon views all around. 

The 52-room lodge offers a variety of accommodation options:

• Hillside Classic Suite features a king-size bed and a queen sofa bed. It sleeps four. 
• King Studio offers a king bed and accommodates three. 
• Luxury Suite has a king bed and a queen sofa bed and sleeps four.
• Classic Suite boasts a king bed, queen bed, and a queen Murphy bed and can sleep up to six guests. 

All rooms have air conditioning, a deep soaking bathtub, a coffee/tea maker, a microwave, and free Wi-Fi. 

In addition to being steps away from the South Entrance, Cable Mountain Lodge puts you closer to other conveniences, including stores, fitness centers, and bars. Key highlights of the property include river beach access, restaurants, a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, a coffee shop, and meeting rooms.

Rates: Cable Mountain Lodge prices start at $304, including taxes. 

Zion National Park Glamping

Glamping combines a traditional camping vibe with a dose of luxurious sleeping arrangements. In other words, you enjoy all the benefits of weekend tent camping without the manual labor of pitching up a tent and removing sand from your sleeping bag. 

These glamping spots offer additional solutions for where to stay near Zion National Park. 

Under Canvas Zion

A Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award winner, Under Canvas Zion is one of the most popular glamping locations near Zion. Under Canvas, Zion shares a border with the park, although the entrance to the park is a 30-minute away. 

Under Canvas Zion offers 49 luxury tents in four different types: Suite, Angel’s Landing Suite, Stargazer, and Deluxe. Families can also get a Stargazer or Deluxe tent with a kids' tent. 

All tents come with a private bathroom, USB battery packs to charge your devices, and a shower with organic bath products. Other amenities at the location include on-site dining, a gift shop, and housekeeping services that really emphasize the glamping aspect. 

There’s no Wi-Fi at Under Canvas Zion. But they make up for that inconvenience with several on-site activities, from rock climbing to jeep tours, rock climbing, and guided tours. They also offer ATVs and mountain bike rentals. 

Rates: Under Canvas Zion, prices start at $419 per couple per night. 

Zion White Bison

Zion White Bison is one of the unique places to stay near Zion National Park. Instead of the obvious dome-shaped tents that most glamping sites use, this resort features several distinctive accommodations. Their most popular offerings are covered wagons completely equipped with all the amenities you need for a memorable getaway. 

The resort also has luxury teepees and cliff dwelling units that let you enjoy Zion’s dramatic views from a private rooftop deck. And if you decide to bring your RV, Zion White Bison has a campground for that. 

Rates: Zion White Bison prices start from $252. 

Top Zion National Park Campgrounds

There are three campgrounds inside Zion National Park and many more in the neighboring towns. They allow for some more quality time with nature while offering a budget-friendly lodging option for an extended stay at the park. 

Watchman Campground

Watchman Campground is the most popular of the three Zion National Park campgrounds- and for a reason. It’s located by the South Entrance, a mere five-minute walk from the visitor center. Second, it’s close to a shuttle stop and adjacent to the town, where you can grab a cold beer. 

Watchman Campground has 203 sites comprising 190 regular sites, seven wheelchair-accessible sites, and 6 group sites accommodating up to 40 people. Whichever site you choose, you’re guaranteed beautiful views of Zion’s landscape, including the soothing water sounds of the Virgin River (if you’re lucky). 

All Watchman Campground sites have a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Reservations are required year-round and may be made up to six months in advance. Note that generators are not allowed at Watchman Campground. 

Rates: Tent-only campsites ($20-$30), Electric campsites ($30-$45), and Group campsites ($50-$120 per night).

South Campground

South Campground is within walking distance (0.3 miles) from the south entrance and the visitor center. The campground is perched on the banks of the Virgin River, with the surrounding giant red rocks making for breathtaking views. 

South Campground has 127 fully reservable campsites. The sites accommodate both tents and RVs and have a picnic table and a fire ring. There’s potable water and flush toilets within the campground. 

There’s no electricity at South Campground in Zion National Park. But generators are allowed from 8 AM to 10 AM and 6 PM to 8 PM. 

Rates: Camping fees at South Campground are $20 per night for individual sites and $50 per night for group sites. Sites can be reserved up to 14 days before arrival. 

Lava Point Campground

Lava Point is a car camping campground about an hour from the South Entrance. At 7890 feet above sea level, this campground provides much-needed cooler temperatures during hot summer days. Its location makes it an ideal jump-off point for the lesser visited areas of Zion, including Kolob Terrace, Zion Canyon, and Lava Point. 

This campground has six first-come, first-served sites, each of which can accommodate vehicles up to 19 feet. But keep in mind that this is a dry and primitive campground. There’s no potable water or electricity on site.

The sites have picnic tables and fire rings. There are pit toilets and trash cans. Generators are allowed from 8 AM to 10 AM and from 6 PM to 8 PM. 

Rates: Lava Point Campground camping fees are $20 per night. 

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of places to stay at Zion National Park. We hope this guide helped you find a match. Zion National Park Lodge is a great choice if you want to enjoy early morning starts without the crowds. But the cute little town of Springdale offers more accommodation options with more amenities and activities right at the entrance. The choice is yours, though. Have fun!

Featured image by: Micah.