Generally, camping season runs from April to September and, depending on which camp you choose, it’s possible to prioritize luxury or budget, and couple or family travel. Visitors have caught on as options exploded over the last decade and campsites tend to book months in advance. Just decide what matters: Are en suite toilets and prepared-food options necessary, or are you comfortable sharing facilities and making your own meals? In Utah, there’s something for everyone.
ULUM Moab by Under Canvas
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In addition to its 11 camping locations around the United States, the decade-old travel company Under Canvas launched an upscale brand in March with the opening of ULUM Moab. The venture brings 50 spacious tents to Looking Glass Arch, a 25-minute drive south of Moab and Arches National Park. The not-tented, temperature-controlled lobby lounge and restaurant function as the heart of the resort and are abuzz with daily activities, including yoga, stargazing, and a sweet s’mores setup at the terraced firepits. The 200-acre site is protected on three sides by 100-foot cliffs and guests can venture beyond the property with the help of an adventure concierge, available to arrange white-water rafting, rock climbing, national park touring, and local hiking. Meals are served from seasonal menus featuring sustainable ingredients. From $550
Open Sky Zion
On 80 acres, these 10 safari-style tents reopened for the season in March with three new tents and an expanded restaurant. Or you can opt to cook outdoors on the gas grill at your tent. Drive 15 miles and you’re at the entrance to Zion. From $600
Zion Wildflower
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This social, outdoorsy camp opened in 2020 and continues to grow in popularity. Families sleep in canvas-covered wagons, outfitted with a king-size bed and one or two sets of bunk beds. The low-slung, single-pole Watchman tents works well for groups of two or three sleeping on low, feather-top beds. The more luxurious Grand Mesa tent setup adds air conditioning and a living room to the creature comforts. Without on-site dining, the property provides grills and allows you to bring in your own food, and a list of local restaurant recommendations is available. It’s also a 15-minute drive to Zion. From $150
Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch
A 30-minute drive to Zion and a 90-minute drive to Bryce Canyon, here you can stay among 1,400 private acres in a spring-fed canyon. Tranquil water features run throughout the property, which offers two-, four-, and six-person tents. Bring your own food to grill on provided BBQ pits. From $250
Autocamp Zion
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Now with nine locations, Autocamp isn’t all about canvas, but rather the shiny aluminum alloy of its Airstream accommodations. However, for families and groups up to six, Basecamp Suites include a canvas tent attached to an Airstream for the option of sleeping outside. Guests can eat at the on-site restaurant or make their own meals. Shop the general store for essentials, including beer and wine. Drive to Zion in 22 minutes. From $300
Base Camp 37
For those seeking simplicity, this five-tent enclave outside Kanab provides lots of space but no services, so plan to cook for yourself. Tents accommodate two or three people. Enjoy the natural beauty right outside or locally in Kanab, or drive about 90 minutes to either Bryce or Zion. From $175
Glamping Canyonlands
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A 40-minute drive to Canyonlands National Park, these five tents on 22 acres are family owned and operated off the grid. New for this season is a complimentary sauna. $150
Capitol Reef Resort
Located in Torrey, this resort sits on 58 acres near Capital Reef National Park. In addition to more traditional hotel rooms, the resort offers nine teepees with double beds as well as 18 Conestoga wagons outfitted with a king bed plus two sets of bunk beds to accommodate six people. Each wagon and teepee accesses a private bathroom. Dine at the Pioneer Kitchen restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner. From $120
Camp Sarika at Amangiri
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Utah’s premier resort—the iconic, sleek Amangiri compound in Canyon Point—counts 10 tented pavilions among its premier accommodations. There’s no national park next door (though you can helicopter to three all in the same day), but this 600-acre property is like having one all to yourself, complete with slot canyons and wind-sculpted sandstone. An enclave called Camp Sarika has opened within the resort to bring guests even closer to their natural surroundings. The 55-acre area has a pool, lounge, and restaurant separate from the larger resort and all bedrooms are under canvas. The two-bedroom setup works well for families; couples can book the 1,100-square-foot, one-bedroom layout with a private plunge pool and indoor and outdoor showers. From $3,000
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