Camping cabins near Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of those places that makes you stop and breathe. The kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way possible.
With its giant red cliffs, deep canyons, and narrow trails, it feels like you’ve entered a different world. We visited Zion in early spring, and honestly, it was magical.
The cool breeze, the sunshine bouncing off the rocks, and the sound of the Virgin River made everything feel alive.
But one thing I learned early during our trip planning where you stay can really shape your experience. Zion has plenty of options for staying overnight, but if you want something close to nature and still comfortable, camping cabins are perfect.
You get the feeling of being in the wild, but you still have a bed, roof, and maybe even air conditioning!
In this post, I’m sharing the best places to stay in camping cabins near Zion National Park from budget cabins to luxurious glamping experiences. I’ll also share a few personal tips from our trip.
Camping Cabins Near Zion National Park
1. Zion Canyon Cabins
Located in Springdale, just 5 minutes from Zion’s South Entrance.
This was the place we chose for our first night, and it was everything we hoped for after a long road trip. The Zion Canyon Cabins are part of a beautiful campground, but don’t let the word “campground” fool you—these are cozy and well-designed cabins.
What we liked:
- Separate Bedroom: The cabin had a queen bed in a private bedroom. It was nice to have our own space while the kids used the futon and bunk beds in the main room.
- Family-Friendly: The layout was perfect for families. Our little ones loved the bunk beds, and we all could fit comfortably.
- Private Bathroom: It was great not to walk outside to use the restroom like in typical campgrounds. Everything was clean and well-maintained.
- Climate-Controlled: This really mattered during chilly nights and warm afternoons. The air conditioner and heater worked perfectly.
- River Access: In the evening, we took a short walk behind the cabin and found a peaceful spot by the river. It was calm and scenic. We even spotted some deer near the water!
Additional Perks:
There’s a pool (which opens in warmer months), a convenience store for snacks and camping needs, and a laundry area. We didn’t use the laundry, but it’s handy for longer stays.
Tip:
Book early. These cabins are super close to Zion, and they get booked out fast, especially in spring and fall.
2. Zion Wildflower Resort
Located about 15 minutes from Zion National Park in Virgin, Utah.
If you’ve ever wanted to try glamping this is the place! The Zion Wildflower Resort is what you get when nature meets style. We stayed here for one night as a treat, and it felt like a mini luxury retreat.
They offer several unique options:
- Canvas Glamping Tents: Large tents with comfy beds and lighting.
- Covered Wagons: Yes, real pioneer-style wagons, but with modern comfort inside.
- Private Bungalows: Small, stylish cabins with bathrooms and decks.
Experience:
We chose a canvas glamping tent, and oh wow it was dreamy. The bed was one of the softest I’ve ever slept on. We had a small porch with two chairs where we sat in the evening, watching the sky turn pink and gold.
They had a fire pit in the common area. At night, we joined other travelers and made s’mores. The kids made friends, and we got to hear stories from hikers and photographers.
What We Loved:
- Stylish Interiors: It felt like a boutique hotel room in a tent.
- Peaceful Location: Far from noise, yet close enough to the park.
- Clean Bathrooms: Even though it’s a glamping spot, the restrooms were super clean and smelled fresh.
Tip:
Bring a flashlight or headlamp. It gets dark at night, and you’ll appreciate having a light when walking to the bathrooms or parking.
3. Elevation 40 Zion
About 30 minutes south of Zion. Only accessible by 4WD vehicle.
If you’re looking for something totally off the grid, this is the spot. Elevation 40 Zion sits high on a hill, and it offers some of the most breathtaking views we’ve seen in Utah. You’ll need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the cabin, but the adventure is so worth it.
This cabin is perfect for couples or solo travelers who want peace, privacy, and beauty. We stayed here for one night after several days of hiking. It gave us time to rest, write in our travel journal, and enjoy a slow morning with coffee on the deck.
What Makes It Special:
- Incredible Views: You can see miles of desert landscape, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot bighorn sheep.
- Stargazing: At night, the sky felt so close. There were millions of stars. No city lights. Just silence and beauty.
- Interior Comfort: It’s a rustic cabin, but it’s clean, organized, and has everything you need—kitchen, bathroom, and a cozy bed.
Tip:
If you’re staying in winter or early spring, bring extra layers. The higher elevation can be chilly in the evenings. Also, make sure your vehicle is ready for dirt roads.
4. Under Canvas Zion
Price Range: Luxury.
Location: About 20 minutes from Zion’s main entrance.
Type: Luxury Glamping Tents (almost like fancy cabins)
Why Stay Here:
For a more luxurious, nature-immersed stay, Under Canvas offers safari-style tents with real beds, private bathrooms, and stunning canyon views. It’s a bit of a splurge but so worth it for a romantic or special trip.
Good For: Couples, luxury campers.
Tips for Picking the Best Cabin for You
After staying in multiple cabins, here are a few things we recommend keeping in mind:
1. Budget
If you’re traveling with a family or group, places like Zion Canyon Cabins are affordable and spacious. For romantic getaways or solo trips, splurging on Elevation 40 or Zion Wildflower can be worth it.
2. Location
Staying closer to the park helps save time, especially if you plan to hike popular trails like Angels Landing or The Narrows early in the morning.
3. Amenities
Ask yourself what’s important:
- Do you need a private bathroom?
- Is a kitchenette helpful?
- Do you want access to a pool or laundry?
- Would you rather cook meals or eat out?
Conclusion
There’s something special about waking up in a cabin near Zion. You can hear the birds, smell the fresh desert air, and sip coffee outside while looking at red rocks in the distance. Cabins give you that balance of comfort and nature.
We personally enjoyed mixing it up one night in a family-friendly cabin, one night in a glamping tent, and one night in a remote hilltop lodge. Each stay brought its own charm.
If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park, I highly recommend considering a camping cabin. It will bring you closer to the park, both physically and emotionally.
Plus, after a long hike or scenic drive, there’s nothing better than having your own quiet space to relax, recharge, and dream about tomorrow’s adventure.
FAQs
Q1: Are camping cabins near Zion National Park pet-friendly?
Many camping cabins near Zion are pet-friendly, but it depends on the specific place. Always check the cabin’s pet policy before booking. Some may charge a small pet fee.
Q2: Do camping cabins have bathrooms and kitchens?
It varies.
- Basic cabins (like at Zion Canyon Campground) usually have beds but shared bathrooms nearby.
- Luxury cabins (like at Zion Ponderosa or Under Canvas) often have private bathrooms and kitchenettes.
Q3: How far are the cabins from Zion National Park?
Most camping cabins are between 5 to 30 minutes from the park entrance.
- Springdale cabins are the closest (even walking distance to Zion shuttle stops).
- East side cabins like Zion Ponderosa are about 10–20 minutes’ drive.
Q4: What should I pack for staying in a camping cabin near Zion?
Pack like you’re going camping, but lighter!
Bring:
- Warm layers (even summer nights can be cool)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Hiking shoes
- Reusable water bottles
- Food/snacks if the cabin doesn’t have a restaurant nearby
Q5: Is it better to stay inside or outside Zion National Park?
Zion has limited lodging inside the park, and it books fast.
Staying just outside in a camping cabin gives you more options, lower prices, and still very easy access with the shuttle or a short drive.