where to stay in zion national park
Where to Stay in Zion National Park: A Practical Guide to Every Traveler’s Needs
Zion National Park sits at the intersection of stark red cliffs, winding streams, and a vibrant desert sky. Whether you’re planning a weekend hike, a once‑in‑a‑lifetime backpacking trip, or simply a quiet escape from the city, the right place to stay can make or break your experience. This article provides a clear, up‑to‑date overview of the best lodging options—inside the park, within a short drive, and a few budget‑friendly alternatives—so you can pick the spot that best suits your itinerary, budget, and adventure style.
1. Staying Inside the Park
Staying on park property is the most immersive experience. You’ll wake up to the sound of the Virgin River, have first‑access to trailheads, and save time by walking instead of driving.
| Lodge | Quick Facts | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Lodge (Historic) | 773 acres, 165 rooms, split into Citadel and Riverside campsites. | • Classic park architecture. • Short walks to many popular trails (Hidden Canyon, Lower and Upper Emerald Pools). | • Limited rooms; fully booked in peak season. • Dining options are few and often reservations are required. |
| Zion Canyon Lodge | 122 rooms, 12 cabins, located at the Mormon Lodge—about 2 mi from park entrance. | • Free shuttle to the park entrance. • Quiet hotel‑style rooms. | • Typical hotel fare; not the most budget‑friendly. • Not a true “cabin” experience. |
| The Lodge at Dragon Back | 125 rooms, approx. 15 mi inside park (near the Hike to Delicate Arch). | • Close to South Side hikes like Kolob Terrace. • Private cabins and well‑cared rooms. | • Farther from main canyon; not ideal for quick canyon tours. |
| Mormon Campground (Reservation Bay) | Hillside rooms, cabins, and RV sites; 107 slots (zoning limit). | • Cabins with real hookups; very scenic. • Walk to Lower Emerald Pool. | • Requires book in advance (res 6 months for summer, 9 for winter). |
Tips for In‑Park Lodging
- Book Early – The park’s lodging fills up 4–12 months ahead. Use the official RMN grant or the Amtrak‑owned Zion Lodge’s reservation system.
- Plan for a Walk – Even if you book 15 mi from the entrance, the park’s shuttle makes a 60–minute round trip. Preferably choose the hostel that’s within or just beyond the park boundary.
- Check Availability – Some sites flip to “vacancy” on day‑of‑check‑in if you arrive at the right time. Try contacting the park post‑booking to confirm.
2. Hotels and Lodging in Springdale, UT
Springdale is the closest town to Zion and the “gateway” for most park visitors. It offers an excellent mix of hotels, inns, and vacation rentals.
| Property | Quick Facts | Why It’s Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| The Inn at Zion | 125 rooms, 3–4‑star rating, about 10 min walk to shuttle. | • Great suite options, includes free breakfast. |
| Courtyard by Marriott Springdale | 120 rooms, free Wi‑Fi, pool. | • Modern amenities; reasonably priced for peak season. |
| Abyss Resort & Casino | 225 rooms, includes a casino, 24‑hr bar. | • All‑inclusive sunset view to the canyon; great for gamblers. |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites | 100 rooms, budget‑friendly, car‑pool shuttle to Zion. | • Value‑oriented; a solid option for families. |
| Kirkwood Bed & Breakfast | 52 rooms, historic, 3‑block walk to shuttle. | • Charming, small scale; personalized service. |
| Vacation Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) | 50+ whole‑home options near the park. | • Ideal for groups or those who want a “home‑style” stay. |
Choosing the Best Springdale Spot
- Families & Groups – Vacancy at La Quinta or Airbnb rentals that can accommodate more than 6 people.
- Sustainability Seekers – The Inn at Zion or the nearby Radisson Garden Plaza Waterhouse have green ratings.
- Night Owls – Kirkwood B&B or Abyss Resort, where nightlife is nearby, and the sunset over Zion is a guaranteed show.
3. Other Vicinity Options
| Distance | Town | Lodging Highlights | Visit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Creek (10‑mi) | 1‑star, low‑cost lodging & campsites | Campgrounds and cabin rentals; low‑cost. | Quiet, but far from shuttle. |
| Watchman (8‑mi) | 3‑star hotels & campgrounds | Close to the Watchman Campground (zoning reservation). | Ideal for backpacking and off‑the‑beaten‑path hikes. |
| Cedar City (38‑mi) | 3‑4‑star hotels, inns | Extensive accommodations for longer stays. | Good for extended research trips or multi‑day hikes. |
| Hurricane (42‑mi) | Boutique hotels | Includes a restored historic inn and film‑crew field set. | Perfect for scenic drives & additional hikes. |
| St. George (90‑mi) | 4‑star resorts | Broad selection, including 5‑star "Sahara Suites". | Worth it if you add the Valley of the Gods or Snow Canyon to the itinerary. |
4. Campgrounds Inside Zion
If “going back to nature” feels more appealing than a hotel room, Zion provides a handful of campgrounds—check that you’re ready for limited services and reservations that often fly by.
| Campground | Type | Capacity | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Canyon Campground | Traditional, no hookups | 153 sites | 2‑mile stretch, day‑use only; requires a day pass. | ||||
| Watchman Campground (Reservation Bay) | Tent, RV (no hookups) | 107 sites | Fully zoned, requires 6‑month booking for summer. | ||||
| Swift Current Campground (Reservation Bay) | RV with hookups | 10 sites | Bottleneck for long‑haul hikers | East Entrance Campground (Zip‑to‑Zion) | Tent, 2‑pm check‑in | 5 sites | Only for the newest rail‑hikers. |
Campground Tips
- Carry Cash – Many sites have a “pay‑and‑stay” or an onsite kiosk where cards aren’t accepted.
- Pack Light – The Virgin River spots can get cold in winter; reduce your gear to what’s needed.
- Get a Permit – Backcountry permits for hiking or camping outside of designated campsites are required for a limited number of spots each year; apply early.
5. Budget‑Friendly Alternatives
| Option | Typical Rate | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostels (e.g., Zion Backpacker) | $30–$60/night per bed | Close to trails, social environment | Basic comfort; may be noisy. |
| Motels/Extended‑Stay (e.g., La Quinta) | $80–$120/night | Car‑pool shuttles, free breakfast | Spread out, not “park‑style.” |
| Vacation Rentals | $80–$200/night | Home comforts, private kitchen | Fees for cleanup; sometimes unclear policy. |
| RV Parks & Rotational Sites | $20–$50/night + $40‑$80/Day for hotspot | Free cooking/spare; you bring your own lodging | Must bring all gear & comforts. |
6. How to Choose Based on Your Trip Type
| Trip Type | Recommended Stay | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Backpacker | Zion Lodge or Watchman Campground | Quick access to trails, protective weather. |
| Family with Kids | The Inn at Zion / La Quinta / A cottage in Springdale | Ammo for entertainment and stability. |
| Luxury Seekers | Zion Lodge (Historic) / The Lodge at Dragon Back | Museum‑style views, fine dining. |
| Budget Travelers | Airbnb in Springdale or campsite in Watchman | Keeps costs under $70/night. |
| Event‑Driven (Conferences) | Springdale hotels, luxury or mid‑scale furnishings | Proximity to event venues and main road. |
7. Booking & Access Tips
- Use Official Sites – For in‑park lodgings, use the National Park Service’s lodging portal or RMN. For Springdale, Park Reservations uses a major aggregator (Hotels.com, Booking.com) or direct property sites.
- Shuttle Timing – The park’s shuttle runs the entire day but becomes limited at peak hours. Check the schedule for the best departure time that syncs with your restaurant reservations or early hikes.
- Pack Properly – Residual snow on canyon cliffs can bring sudden dips; bring layers to help you stay comfortable whatever the weather.
- State of the Park – Check the live “Park Service App” for any road closures or restrictions that might affect your lodging choice (e.g., if a certain entrance is a toll, or a certain shuttle departure is canceled).
8. Concluding Thoughts
Zion National Park’s dramatic beauty offers countless ways to experience the landscape. Whether you want to sleep under the stars by the Virgin River, eat local cuisine in Springdale, or camp on an unmarked rest spot, there’s a stay that matches your wanderlust and wallet.
Plan ahead, consider your daily push for hikes, and pick a lodging that reflects both your adventure goals and your comfort preferences. With early booking and a clear itinerary, you’ll be ready to hike the famed “Angels Landing,” wander through narrow slot canyons, or simply watch the sun paint the red cliffs in gold tones—all while knowing you’re programmatically taken care of where you land.
Ready to book? Start by checking the National Park Service “Reservations” page for dates, then hunt for campus housing options in Springdale if you’d like extra amenities. The adventure is ready; your home base is next. Happy travels!
