Things to Do in Zion National Park
Planning a trip to Zion National Park? You deserve the perfect accommodation to get the most out of your vacation. With our guide, you can be sure that you’ll have the best possible stay at Zion National Park – no matter your budget.
We’ll show you where to find the perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.
Introduction
Zion National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers, offering a wide variety of activities and awe-inspiring views. Choosing where to stay is an essential part of planning a trip to Zion, as it can significantly impact your experience. From camping to luxurious lodges, Zion offers a range of accommodations to suit various tastes and preferences. Camping at one of the park’s five campgrounds is an affordable option for those who want to be immersed in nature. The South and Watchman Campgrounds even offer electricity and hot showers. If camping isn’t your style, the park has two lodges: Zion Lodge and the Desert Pearl Inn. Both provide visitors with easy access to the park’s trails and stunning views of the surrounding nature. When deciding where to stay, consider your priorities, budget, and level of comfort to have the best experience possible at Zion National Park.
Where to Stay at Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers a variety of options for visitors looking for a place to stay within the park’s boundaries.
Lodging options include:
1. Zion Lodge: This historic lodge is located in the heart of the park and features cabins and hotel rooms. Amenities include on-site dining, a gift shop, and shuttle access to the park’s trails.
2. Camping: Zion National Park has three campgrounds, including South, Watchman, and Lava Point. Reservations are recommended, and camping fees vary by location.
3. Backcountry camping: For those seeking a more rugged experience, backcountry camping permits are available for overnight stays in designated wilderness areas.
4. Nearby lodging: Several towns located just outside the park’s boundaries offer other lodging options, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
Choose the option that suits your preference and make sure to book in advance as Zion National Park is a popular destination all year round.
Lodging Options
Zion National Park offers various lodging options to visitors, ranging from luxurious hotels to rustic campgrounds.
Some of the most popular options include:
– The Zion Lodge: located inside the park, offering comfortable rooms and suites, as well as excellent dining options.
– The Watchman Campground: situated near the south entrance of the park, offering tent and RV camping sites with stunning views of the Watchman peak.
– The Cliffrose Springdale Hotel: located nearby the park entrance, offering spacious rooms and suites and a heated outdoor pool.
– The Desert Pearl Inn: situated on the banks of the Virgin River, offering comfortable rooms and suites with private balconies or patios.
– The South Campground: located inside the park, offering tent and RV camping sites, providing easy access to many popular hiking trails.
No matter which option you choose, staying close to the park will give you more time to explore the breathtaking beauty of Zion.
Camping Options
Zion National Park in Utah offers a range of camping options for visitors, from RV and car camping to backpacking and wilderness camping.
Here are some of the camping options available at Zion National Park:
– South Campground: This campground has 127 campsites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet long. It is located near the main entrance of the park and is open year-round.
– Watchman Campground: This campground has 176 campsites for tents and RVs up to 19 feet long. It is located near the visitor center and is open from March to November.
– Lava Point Campground: This campground is located at an elevation of 7,900 feet and has only primitive campsites. It is open from May to October and is accessible only to high-clearance vehicles.
– Backcountry Camping: Zion National Park has more than 90 miles of trails for backpackers to explore. Permits are required for overnight stays in the backcountry.
No matter which option you choose, make sure to plan ahead and book your campsite in advance, especially during peak season.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience, consider staying in the Kolob Canyons area of the park, which is less crowded and has fewer amenities but offers beautiful scenery and great hiking trails.
RV Camping Options
Zion National Park is a spectacular destination for RV camping, offering several options for visitors looking for a unique and memorable experience in nature.
Here are the top RV camping options in Zion National Park:
1. South Campground: This is the largest and most popular campground in the park, located just a short walk from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. It offers more than 100 campsites with electric hookups and a dump station.
2. Watchman Campground: This is the only campground in the park that accepts reservations, making it a great option for visitors who want to plan ahead. It offers more than 170 campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups, water, and a dump station.
3. Lava Point Campground: This is a small and remote campground located at an elevation of 7,890 feet, offering stunning views of the park’s mountains and forests. It offers only 6 primitive campsites on a first-come, first-served basis.
No matter which RV camping option you choose at Zion National Park, you’re guaranteed to enjoy breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and a sense of adventure you won’t soon forget!
Budget Accommodation Options
Zion National Park offers an array of affordable accommodations suitable for all kinds of travelers. Here are the top budget accommodation options at Zion National Park to make your stay both comfortable and cost-effective:
1. Campsites: Zion National Park has multiple campsites available for tents and RVs. These campsites provide access to basic facilities such as water, restrooms, and picnic tables.
2. Lodges: Zion National Park has two lodges that are ideal for budget-conscious travelers. These lodges offer basic amenities such as comfortable beds, shower facilities, and easy access to the park’s trails.
3. Cabins: Several cabin options are available near Zion National Park, which provide a comfortable and private accommodation experience. The cabins come equipped with basic amenities such as heating, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
4. Hostels: Staying at a hostel is a great way to save money on your accommodation while traveling. Zion National Park has various hostel options near the park’s entrance, offering affordable rooms and dorms for travelers.
Pro Tip: Book your accommodation well in advance to find the best deals and secure your preferred choice of accommodation.
Things to Consider Before Booking
Choosing your accommodation at Zion National Park is an important decision for your overall experience. Before booking your stay, here are some things to consider:
Location – Do you want to stay inside the park, or in a nearby town like Springdale? Lodging options inside the park are limited, but offer easy access to hiking trails and stunning scenery. Staying outside the park can often be more affordable but may require more travel time to reach park activities.
Amenities – What amenities are important to you? Do you want a pool or hot tub? A kitchenette or on-site restaurant? Decide what is essential for your stay and narrow down your options accordingly.
Budget – Accommodation rates can vary widely at Zion National Park, from budget camping to luxury resorts. Decide on your budget before you start searching for lodging options to avoid overspending.
Accessibility – Do you have any accessibility needs? Consider factors like stairs, wheelchair accessibility, or proximity to amenities when choosing your accommodation.
In conclusion, Zion National Park offers a range of accommodation options suitable for every budget and preference. From rustic campsites to luxury lodges, visitors can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the heart of the park.
Some of the popular options include:
- Zion Lodge: a historic lodge with comfortable cabins, restaurants, and other amenities.
- Watchman Campground: a family-friendly campground with basic facilities and stunning views of the valley.
- The Zion Glamping Adventures: an upscale camping experience with fully-equipped tents and access to private bathrooms and showers.
- Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort: ideal for families and groups with RVs or tents, offering modern facilities and a swimming pool.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a more extended stay, Zion National Park is a destination that’s sure to leave you amazed and wanting more. So pack your bags and head out to one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world!