where to stay zion national park
If your itinerary’s highlight is hiking the iconic slots of Zion, you’ll want to pick a base that balances convenience, price, and a little local charm. No matter whether you’re looking to camp under the stars, splurge on a spa, or snag a walk‑in motel in Springdale, the area offers a wide array of lodging options. Below is a rundown of the best places to stay for each type of budgets, travel style, and reservation window.
1. Inside the Park – Campgrounds & Cabins
Why stay inside? You’ll be literally two minutes from the shuttle to Zion’s Grand Canyon, and the park’s many campgrounds provide the most immersive experience.
| Campground | Capacity | Amenities | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glen Canyon Campground (west of the park) | 170 sites | 24‑hr water, flush toilets, fire pits | 1‑day pass only, early Saturday reservations go fast |
| South Campground (Abiquiu) | 160 sites | Water, flush toilets | Ideal for those who want morning hikes |
| West Campground | 110 sites | Water, showers | Best for the first‑time visitor plan ahead |
| Cabins at Snow Canyon State Park | 7 cabins | 24‑hr hot water, laundry | Remote; excellent if you want a quiet retreat |
Tip: Book the Shuttle Pass in advance; it covers entrance and transport within the park.
2. Springdale – The Gateway Town
Springdale lies just north of the park entrance and is the hub for most travelers. It offers a diverse mix of hotels, motels, and inns — all within arm’s reach of the shuttle stop.
Budget
| Property | Average nightly | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite View Inn | $120 | Rustic décor, walk‑in bath |
| Lone Pine Motel | $100 | Family‑friendly, free parking |
| Oasis Motel | $90 | Offers a free hot tub in winter |
Mid‑Range
| Property | Average nightly | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Canyon View Lodge of Zion | $170 | Modern design, 2‑story overlook |
| The Ranger Oak Bed & Breakfast | $180 | Breakfastto‑order |
| The Wildflower Inn | $155 | Open air courtyard, nature photos |
Luxury
| Property | Average nightly | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Zion Lodge (in‑park) | $350 + | Rustic lodge with custom furnishings |
| The National Park Inn | $260 | Spa, panoramic views, resort vibe |
| Staff Longevity Lodge | $210 | Private cottages, equestrian center |
Tip: For the best rates, book in late October to early April. If you’re a spring or fall hiker, aim for early May or Sept‑Oct.
3. Outside Springdale – Alternative Towns
Sometimes you can find cheaper or larger rooms a few miles outside Springdale, especially if you are traveling in a larger group or require RV hookups.
| Town | Distance to Zion | Accommodation Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Canyon | 4 miles | Hand‑crafted cabins, campgrounds with RV hookups |
| Ayla | 6 miles | Western-themed boutique hotels |
| Virgin | 13 miles | Affordable motels, some free Wi‑Fi |
| Two Truck Farms | 8 miles | Farm‑to‑table inns, pet‑friendly beds |
Pro‑plus: Each of these towns provides a quieter environment and can be convenient if you’re planning to explore other nearby sites, like Kolob Canyons or Bryce Canyon.
4. Campground & RV Options: A List at a Glance
| Area | Type | Feature | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Water Campground | Standard camps | Fire pits, waterspouts | $45–$60 |
| Zion Canyon Campground | Glamping style | Pendulum beds, clean bathrooms | $90–$130 |
| The Gandhi Restoration Initiative | RV & DC‑Biv | Expandable hookups, Wi‑Fi | $75–$110 |
| Ruby’s Campfire RV Park | Standard RV | Equipage, laundry, pools | $65–$90 |
Construction season matters – if you need a ditch to a safe spot, go early.
5. Which Type of Stay Matches Your Travel Style?
| Traveler Type | Ideal Stay | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Backpacker | South Campground | Easy to pack light, close to activities |
| Family with Kids | Canyon View Lodge | Spacious rooms, optional pool and playground |
| Couple on a Romantic Getaway | Anna’s Inn in Spring Canyon | Secluded, candlelight dinners |
| Digital Nomad | Western Motel (free Wi‑Fi) | Short commutes, high-speed internet |
| Equestrian Enthusiast & Hot‑dog Lover | Staff Longevity Lodge | Horse stables & Huerto Farm – dining to die for! |
6. Booking Tips & Hacks
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Reserve Early | The two most popular periods are May through June and September – even a week ahead is a good start. |
| Bundle | Most booking sites allow you to book the Zion Shuttle Pass and your room in one transaction. |
| Use the Park’s Official Website | Check Zion National Park Campground Reservation; you may find lower rates than third‑party sites. |
| Flexible Dates | If you can shift your arrival by one or two days, you’ll often snag lower rates. |
| Ask for a Free Breakfast | Mid‑range hotels like The Pioneer Inn often provide a complimentary continental breakfast when you book over a weekend. |
| Go Cottage‑Style | Many small B&B’s in Springdale let you house‑share and have the best Wi‑Fi and private seed. |
7. What to Pack by Region
| Activity | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Slot Canyon Hike | Trekking poles, quick‑dry socks, wide‑brim hat, water bottle, sunscreen |
| Night Camping | Solar lanterns, reusable flashlights, pillow fort (for kids) |
| RV Stay | Power adapter (230 V), extra umbrellas, portable grill for camping days |
| In‑Park Cabin | Board games, Mugshots print for group photos! |
8. Look‑Ahead: The Future of Lodging in Zion
Zion’s lodging landscape evolves constantly. In 2024 the Zion Glamping Initiative plans to add two luxury tents that aim to combine privacy with the great outdoors. Keep an eye on the Zion National Park official newsletter for any updates on developing lodging projects or campground expansions.
Final Verdict
- Dream high‑spender: Zion Lodge or The National Park Inn for the ultimate park‑centric luxury.
- Budget‑savvy among friends: South Campground or Yosemite View Inn plus an early‑morning breakfast.
- Couples & families: Canyon View Lodge or the privately owned Staff Longevity Lodge for the best view–based handshake.
- Outside‑the‑box step: Spring Canyon Garden Farm or Ayla Denied, for a slightly different scenery.
Zion’s landscape is evergreen; the experience of it is in the trails, weather, and mechanics of the park but the base camp will help you preserve some energy for the climb. Pick a place you feel comfortable with and you’ll have leg‑tired satisfaction, ready to tackle those sandstone walls next! Happy travels, and enjoy the crisp canyon wind.
