Where to Stay in Zion
Staying inside the national park is the best way to make the most of everything Zion National Park has to offer, since you can completely forget about your car while enjoying a stunning setting and avoid the lines at the entrance.
✅ Benefits of staying overnight in Zion National Park
- Located in an unbeatable setting and close to tourist attractions
- More time exploring the park and less time looking for parking, waiting in line at the entrance, and waiting for the bus
- You can visit the famous sights early without having to get up too early
❌ Disadvantages of staying overnight in Zion National Park
- Very high prices, especially during peak season
- Fewer and more expensive services (restaurants, supermarkets, etc.)
- The only hotel fills up very quickly, especially during peak season, so you should book well in advance
We recommend spending 2 to 3 days visiting the park so you can go on some of the best hikes in Zion National Park. In our post on what to see in Zion, we’ve put together 1 to 3 day itineraries so you can easily plan your trip 😉.
Zion Lodge
A 3⭐ hotel located in the heart of the park and along the Zion Canyon Scenic Road. It features 2 restaurants, a cafe, a bar, and a gift shop.
Accommodations consist of historic cabins from the 1920s with one double bed, an electric fireplace, and a microwave; modern suite-style cabins with a king-size bed, living room, porch, TV, and microwave; and family rooms for up to 4 people with 2 double beds, a balcony, and TV. All are equipped with a private bathroom, refrigerator and air conditioning.
Campgrounds in Zion
Camping in Zion National Park is a fantastic and more affordable way to spend the night inside the park. There are three campgrounds, which must be reserved in advance—one up to six months in advance and the other two starting 14 days in advance—through the recreation.gov website or app.
If you're interested in booking a campsite during peak season, we recommend that you create your profile on recreation.gov in advance and practice using the app to get familiar with it. Spots fill up fast!
In this table, we've listed all the campgrounds in Zion, their locations, prices, opening dates, and a brief description. You'll find them all marked on the map at the end of the article.
| Campgrounds in Zion National Park | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area | Opening | Price | Things to Keep in Mind | |
| Watchman Campground | Zion Canyon | All year round | 35$ - 45$ | Located next to the South Entrance, it's the perfect spot for visiting the park; book 6 months in advance. Water and waste disposal are available. |
| South Campground | Zion Canyon | March through September | 35$ | Located next to the South Entrance, it's the perfect spot for visiting the park; make reservations two weeks in advance. It has water and waste disposal facilities. |
| Lava Point Campground | Kolob Terrace | June through September | 25$ | A rustic campground with just 6 exclusive tent sites, located at an elevation of 7,874 feet (2,400 m); it operates by reservation only and offers no amenities. |
Where to Stay Near Zion
If the accommodations inside the park don't quite appeal to you or you want to compare other options, there are several towns with hotels near Zion National Park. Your choice will depend on whether you’d rather spend more on lodging and not have to worry about a car, or save a little money but drive 1 hour and 30 minutes each day (round trip) and get up earlier.
✅ Benefits of staying outside Zion National Park:
- A wider variety of accommodations
- Best Prices
- More services (restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies, laundromats…)
- Open year-round
❌ Disadvantages of staying outside Zion National Park:
- More driving time
- Lines at the entrances during peak season
- You'll need to get up very early if you want to find parking inside the park
- Parking fee if the park's parking lot is full
Springdale
Located literally at the park’s entrance, the town of Springdale has its own bus line, the Springdale Line, which connects the town to the visitor center, allowing you to leave your car behind. Although the town doesn’t have any special attractions and seemed rather artificial to us, there are countless hotels, restaurants, and practically every service you could need. This makes it the most convenient accommodation option during your visit to Zion National Park.
In addition, this is where you'll find rental for electric bikes and gear to explore the park and hike The Narrows. The only downside we found to the town is the high cost of accommodations.
In any case, here’s a selection of the hotels we liked best in Springdale. All of them have a parking lot, so you won’t have to worry about parking in the town’s metered paid parking lots (you can find all the information on this topic in our post on how to visit Zion).
Zion Park Motel
Strategically located in the center of town, this motel offers double and family rooms that sleep up to 6 people, with 1, 2, or 3 double beds or 2 double beds and 1 sofa bed. All rooms feature air conditioning, a refrigerator, a TV, a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and breakfast included. It features free parking, a swimming pool, and a children’s play area, and is located practically across the street from a Springdale Line stop.
Montclair at Zion
Located just a few meters from a bus stop, this modern hotel offers double rooms, family rooms for up to 4 people, and villas, all equipped with air conditioning, a TV, a coffee maker, a private bathroom, and Wi-Fi.
In addition, the hotel offers free parking, a swimming pool, and an outdoor hot tub, where you can relax after a day of hiking in the park. Please note that the hotel operates fully autonomous and without staff.
Under the Eaves Inn
Located in the center of town and very close to a bus stop, this hotel offers double rooms or studios for 2 or 4 people, each with a kitchen. All rooms feature air conditioning, a private bathroom, a coffee maker, and Wi-Fi. In addition, the hotel includes a delicious breakfast, free parking, and a hot tub.
De Novo Springdale Hotel
Located at the edge of town and right next to the bus stop where the bus to the national park departs, unlike the previous hotels, this is a large hotel with more amenities, such as a restaurant, lounge, and gym. It also features a swimming pool, a hot tub, and free parking.
The rooms are double or family rooms with 1 or 2 double beds, and all are equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a TV, and Wi-Fi.
Road between Springdale and Hurricane
If you'd rather save some money, stay in a quieter area, or get better accommodations for the same price as in Springdale, there are three other towns along the road between Springdale and Hurricane where you can stay: Rockville, Virgin, and La Verkin.
Both are small towns with few lodging options and amenities, and you'll need to drive to get to the park, but they have more charm than Springdale.
2 Cranes Inn
This charming house, located in the town of Rockville, offers double or family rooms that sleep up to 4 people, with 1 or 2 double beds; all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and Wi-Fi. In addition, the property features a fully equipped shared kitchen, a barbecue, a garden, parking, and free bicycles available for guests.
Zion Vacation Cabins
If you're traveling with your family and looking for a slightly larger place to stay, these wooden cabins with kitchens will be perfect for you. Equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a porch, they're ideal for enjoying the national park at your own pace. In addition, the property features a pool, a hot tub, a children’s play area, and private parking. It’s located in Virgin, a 20-minute drive from the Zion Visitor Center.
Zion Wildflower Resort
If you're looking for an experience different from that of a conventional hotel and want to relax closer to nature, this luxurious glamping site will win you over. Located in the town of Virgin and a 20-minute drive from the Zion Visitor Center, it offers fully equipped tents and cabins with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. The property also features parking, a swimming pool, a hot tub, a children’s play area, and a lounge.
Hurricane
Hurricane is the largest town in the area and the one with the most amenities, such as supermarkets, gas stations, etc., as well as the one with the most hotels. Staying here means a drive of up to 45 minutes to reach the park, although hotel prices are lower and there is more variety.
My Place Hotel
This convenient 2-star hotel offers small double or family studios equipped with 1 or 2 double beds, air conditioning, a private bathroom, a kitchen, and Wi-Fi. In addition, the property features a swimming pool, a hot tub, a barbecue area, a laundry facility, and common areas.
Hurricane Hill Home
Ideal for both families and couples, this spacious apartment with two double bedrooms features a private bathroom, air conditioning, a TV, Wi-Fi, a microwave, and a refrigerator. It is located in a large house with a garden, which guests are welcome to use.
Hotel Zion Inn
A basic hotel in town, ideal for spending a night before or after visiting the national park and saving some money. It offers double or family rooms for up to 4 people with 1 or 2 double beds. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a refrigerator, a TV, a coffee maker, Wi-Fi, and parking.
Map of Accommodations in Zion
On this map of accommodations in Zion National Park, you'll find the various entrances, visitor centers, bus stops, and lodging options marked. We hope you find it helpful!
Frequently Asked Questions About Accommodation in Zion
What's the best area to stay near Zion National Park?
The best option is to stay in Springdale, located next to the park's south entrance. From there, you can easily reach the Visitor Center, take the free shuttle, and find a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Is it better to stay inside or outside Zion National Park?
It depends on your budget and the kind of experience you're looking for. Staying overnight in the park lets you enjoy a stunning setting and save time on travel, although there’s only one place to stay—the Zion Lodge —and it’s hard to find available rooms. If you’re traveling in a camper or RV, your best option is to reserve a site at one of the park’s campgrounds.
Staying outside the park—whether in Springdale or other nearby towns—offers a wider variety of accommodations and services.
How far in advance should I book lodging in Zion?
If you’re traveling between March and October—especially in the summer or during holidays—it’s a good idea to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, and the best accommodations tend to fill up quickly. If you prefer to camp, keep in mind that all campgrounds require advance reservations, and the reservation period varies by campground.
What's the most affordable place to stay near Zion National Park?
The towns of Hurricane and La Verkin, which are right next to each other, usually offer more affordable hotels and apartments than Springdale.
Is camping allowed inside Zion National Park?
Yes. The park has three campgrounds; the two most convenient ones are South Campground and Watchman Campground. You'll find all the information about them in the Campgrounds in Zion section.
How many nights is it recommended to spend in Zion National Park?
If you're taking a 10-day road trip along the Southwest of the United States, you'll typically spend just one night in the area, but it's best to spend two to three nights there to fully enjoy this national park and explore the main trails at a leisurely pace.
We hope this post about accommodation in Zion National Park helps you enjoy this wonderful place!
