Where to Stay in Zion: Best Hotels, Lodges & Glamping Resorts

If you are deciding on where to stay in Zion, and it is your first time visiting this park, chances are you may have a lot of questions. Can I stay in the national park? What are my cheapest options? What are the best properties for families?

We are frequent visitors to Zion, having visited this park three times in recent years. On our most recent visit, we scoped out hotels, B&B’s, and campgrounds in Springdale, Virgin, and east Zion, so we could write this article. In this guide, we’ll share with you our favorite properties, plus our top picks for where to stay in and around Zion National Park.

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Where to Stay in Zion: Our Top Picks

If you want to skip the geography lesson and the overview of locations in and around the park, here is a list of our top picks:

BEST IN THE PARK: Zion Lodge: Best option inside of the park. The Lodge is located in Zion Canyon, making it quick and easy to get to many of the top hiking trails in Zion.

BEST CAMPSITES: Watchman or South Campground: If you prefer to camp, these campgrounds are on national park property and located very close to the visitor center. South Campground is currently undergoing a massive renovation project.

BEST OVERALL: Cable Mountain Lodge: We stayed here on our most recent visit to Zion. It is located less than a 5-minute walk from the visitor center and shuttle and within walking distance of several restaurants. The location is unbeatable and the property in gorgeous.

BEST BUDGET OPTION: The Bungalows at Zion: This new property in Springdale features stand-alone villas, complete with a kitchenette, at an affordable price.

BEST UNIQUE STAY: Zion Wildflower Resort: For those who prefer to go glamping, this unique property offers luxury tents, wagons, and standard hotel rooms. It’s a great pick for families, budget travelers, and those making last minute reservations. This resort is located in Virgin.

Geography 101: A Quick Overview of Zion

Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah.

Zion Canyon forms the heart of the park, with Zion Canyon Scenic Drive running along the canyon floor. Many of the top hikes start in the canyon, including Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, and the Narrows.

View of Zion National Park from Hidden Canyon Trail

Zion Canyon

For most of the year, the only way to visit Zion Canyon is by taking the park shuttle or biking along the road. The shuttle starts at the visitor center, which is located at the southern end of the park, next to Springdale. The parking lot for the shuttle can easily fill by mid-morning, so choosing a hotel near the visitor center is one of the most convenient locations for visiting Zion National Park (the only place more convenient is Zion Lodge, which is located along the shuttle route).

Springdale, with its long list of hotels and restaurants, is the best place to stay overall. This small town is located next to the south entrance into Zion National Park. From here, it is a very short drive to the visitor center, or you can simply hop on the Springdale shuttle, ride this to the visitor center, avoiding any hassles with parking or waiting in the queues to drive into the park.

When we visit Zion, which is quite frequently, we always stay in Springdale.

In addition to Springdale, there are several small towns near Zion, with Virgin being the best option. If you choose to stay in Virgin, you will have about a 20-minute drive to get into the park plus it’s also a great option for those traveling on a budget.

Staying east of Zion is also an option, but it is not ideal. Driving times to the Zion Visitor Center and the shuttle station can be 45 minutes or longer (versus 20 minutes from Virgin).

Best Properties in Springdale

Springdale is the gateway into Zion National Park. It is a large town that sits south of Zion National Park’s south entrance and visitor center. This is where a majority of those who visit the park will find a place to call home for a few nights. You’ll also find a good number of shops and restaurants within town.

DRIVING TIME TO THE ZION VISITOR CENTER: 0 to 5 minutes, plus time at the entrance gate

ADVANTAGES: Very convenient location for visiting Zion; some hotels are within walking distance of the visitor center and Zion shuttle station; long list of hotels and restaurants in town; easy to take the Springdale shuttle to the Zion entrance or to restaurants and shops in town

DISADVANTAGES: Can be expensive; since this is the prime location, hotels can be sold out if you are making your reservations last minute

Springdale

UPSCALE: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton

This 4-star hotel boasts a prime location in north Springdale, within walking distance of the Visitor Center. Take your pick from a wide variety of room types, from standard queen rooms to two-bedroom suites. Onsite is a fitness center, a spa, outdoor pool, and bar. Pets are not allowed.

MID-RANGE: Cable Mountain Lodge

We stayed here in May 2025 and it is now our go-to hotel.

First of all, we love the location. It is located on the north end of Springdale, just a short walk from the Zion National Park Visitor Center and the shuttle station. This is a huge advantage, as we could walk into the park, skipping the entrance lines and battles for a parking space.

This is a beautiful, very well-run hotel. Rooms are spacious, with air-conditioning and speedy Wifi, plus there is an onsite pool. Our room even had a small kitchenette, great for a multi-day stay. On a return visit to Zion, you will see us here again.

MIDRANGE: Red Rock Inn Cottages

The Red Rock Inn Cottages have a quaint cottage feel that is guaranteed to make you feel at home in Springdale. They offer spacey, well-kept cottages that are clean, quiet, and come with a more personal feel than a traditional hotel. Some suites have a kitchen and common area, along with a terrace and a spa tub. They’re also located in central Springdale, close to nearby restaurants and shops.

MIDRANGE: The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion

This 3-star hotel has a great location within central Springdale, offering clean rooms with a classy aesthetic. Having recently undergone a full property renovation in late 2024, guests will find brand-new amenities along with spacious, high-quality rooms. The property also features an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and coin-operated laundry machines.

MIDRANGE: SpringHill Suites

This 3-star hotel features great amenities, modern rooms, and a stellar view. Guests will be greeted inside a spacious lobby with a massive multi-story window looking out at the surrounding mountains. You’ll also find a fitness center and a large outdoor pool. People who’ve stayed there rave about how comfortable the rooms are.

BUDGET: The Bungalows at Zion

This is our top budget pick in Zion. Stay in a one-story or two-story villa, complete with a kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom. This property is centrally located in Springdale, about 1 mile from the park entrance. It’s also one of the newer properties in town.

The Bungalows at Zion

BUDGET: Zion Canyon Cabins

Looking for a cheap and unique alternative to staying in a hotel? How about a few nights in a log cabin?

This property offers cabins that fit up to 6 people, perfect for families and large groups of friends. Book the “Camping Cabin” for a 2-room lodge, or the “Deluxe Queen Suite”, which offers slightly more space, a tiny living room and a kitchenette. All rooms come with AC and free Wi-Fi.

This property also has a great location on the north end of Springdale. It’s a 0.7 mile walk to the Visitor Center, so it’s a little bit of a walk, but it gives you the option to skip the drive into the park.

BUDGET: Zion Park Motel

This 2-star motel has a prime location within central Springdale. People rave about the location, as you’re within walking distance of shops and restaurants, with a shuttle stop to the Zion National Park Visitor Center just outside. They offer small rooms with that classic motel feel, to a family suite complete with a living room, full kitchen, and a balcony.

Best Places to Stay in Zion National Park

You can’t get any closer to the action than by staying within Zion National Park. Whether it’s at a campground or a lodge, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a more secluded experience.

ADVANTAGES: Zero driving time to ride the Zion Shuttle. Zion Lodge has an amazing location and ambience, in Zion Canyon, and it is located on one of the shuttle stops. The Watchman and South Campgrounds are conveniently located near the visitor center and the first shuttle stop in the park.

DISADVANTAGES: Reservations must be made 6+ months in advance.

BUDGET: Zion National Parks Campground

The cheapest way to stay in Zion is at one of the three campgrounds located within the National Park.

Two of these campgrounds, Watchman and South Campground, are located within walking distance of the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, while Lava Point Campground is about an hour drive away and much more remote.

You must make reservations if you are to stay at any of the campgrounds. All sites are for a max of 6 people and 2 tents, with 2 vehicles per site, one of which can be an RV or trailer. Guests will find bathrooms, picnic areas, and cold drinking water.

MIDRANGE: Zion Lodge

The Zion Lodge is the only lodging located within the national park, apart from the campgrounds.

Take your pick from either a standard room or suite within the main lodge or book a private cabin. Guests will also find a restaurant, cafe, and beer garden located on the property, making for a great place to unwind in the evening after a long day of adventure.

Although more expensive than staying in Springdale, you’re paying for the stunning location within Zion Valley and easy access to some of the best sites within the national park.

Zion Lodge | shutterstock.com

Where to Stay in Virgin

Virgin is a small town located just a 20-minute drive west of Springdale. For a slightly longer drive, you’ll find places to stay at a discounted price than in Springdale. The town also sits along the Virgin River, which makes a great spot for tubing.

DRIVING TIME TO THE ZION VISITOR CENTER: 20 minutes

ADVANTAGES: Long list of budget options; great if you are planning your trip last minute and the top properties in Springdale are unavailable; great option for those traveling by RV; still a relatively short drive to the Zion Visitor Center and first shuttle stop

DISADVANTAGES: Allow for extra time to get to the park (versus staying in Springdale or in the park); fewer restaurant options than Springdale

MIDRANGE: Zion Wildflower Resort

If you’re looking for a unique glamping experience, we highly recommend the Zion Wildflower Resort. Here, you can stay in a tent that’s been luxuriously outfitted with all the comforts of a hotel room.

Guests can book anything from a wagon, a small hut, and a luxury tent fitted with a private bathroom. Many rooms feature air-conditioning and can accommodate 2 to 6 guests. You’ll find a campground feel here with a shared pool, grills, and fire pits, which are perfect for meeting other guests. Not to mention, you’re surrounded with beautiful mountain views.

MID-RANGE: The Riv at Zion

This brand-new property features stand-alone one-bedroom apartments that come equipped with a small kitchenette, air-conditioning, and balcony. This property looks very cool, kind of a modern twist on a cabin but with all of the modern necessities.

BUDGET: Fairfield Inn & Suites

This 2-star hotel is perfect for those who want a comfy bed to crash on but at a significantly cheaper price than staying within Springdale. You’ll find all the typical amenities of a hotel, along with a giant outdoor pool and a gym. People who’ve stayed here say they love how spacious and comfortable the rooms are.

BUDGET: Zion River Resort Campground

This campground features both RV sites along with single and double room cabins. The campground also has a social hall and store, bathrooms, and a tiny spa area. We recommend booking a few months ahead, as spots tend to sell out quickly. This is one of the cheapest options on our list of places to stay near Zion.

Zion National Park

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Staying East of Zion

We have one last property to mention, the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. This property offers a wide range of room types, from large vacation homes to cabins, deluxe glamping sites, campsites, and RV hookups. They also offer many guided tours, including horseback riding and canyoneering. If you plan to hike to Observation Point, they also offer shuttles, so you can skip the tricky, sometimes muddy dirt road to the parking lot.

This is a more remote location, with a 45 minute drive to the Zion Visitor Center and park shuttle. If you plan to ride the shuttle into Zion Canyon, budget 45+ minutes driving time to park and get on the shuttle.

But for those looking for a quiet, tranquil place to stay near Zion, this one is worth considering.

How Much Does it Cost to Stay Near Zion?

During peak travel season, mid-range hotels can start at roughly $250 to $350 per night and budget hotels can start at $150 to $250 per night, for a standard double room.

How Far in Advance Should You Make Your Reservation?

Plan on making your hotel reservations at least 3 months in advance, although even earlier is better. If you wait to the last minute, particularly during high season, you run the risk of top-rated properties being either sold out or having sky high prices. The Zion Lodge takes reservations up to 12 months in advance.

Planning Your First Trip to Zion?

We have visited this park multiple times, as part of several different road trips through the American Southwest. We’ve hiked Angels Landing and the full length of the Zion Narrows, plus shorter and lesser known hikes such as Many Pools and hikes in Kolob Canyons. We have a wealth of information about Zion on our website.

BEST OF ZION: Get started with our article Best Things to Do in Zion, which lists the must-have experiences, most of them no hiking required.

ITINERARY: To plan your time, whether you have just one day or up to 6 days in the park, don’t miss our Zion Itinerary.

TOP HIKES: If you are looking to fill your time in Zion by hiking its top trails, read our article Best Hikes in Zion.

If you keep scrolling down this page just a little more, we have many more great articles to share with you, for tips on visiting to Zion to detailed hiking guides plus ideas for unforgettable road trips through Utah and Zion.

This concludes our list of places of where to stay in Zion National Park. If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Zion

We have TONS more information about Utah and the Mighty 5 in our Utah Travel Guide.

Best places to stay in Zion: Zion National Park, Springdale, Virgin, and East Zion, organized by budget. Take your pick from luxury hotels to quaint cabins to glamping sites.