Bryce Canyon and Zion are breathtaking national parks located less than a few hours away from each other in Southern Utah. Because of their close proximity to each other, many travelers decide to visit both in one trip.

Read Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park: An Epic 2 Day Roadtrip to learn more about how to make the most out of your time in the parks.

Whether you are looking to stay in Bryce Canyon, Zion, or somewhere in between, I’ve got you covered! This post will explore the best and lodging options both in the parks and around the parks.

Where To Stay When Visiting Bryce Canyon

Since Bryce Canyon is a relatively small national park, finding an accommodation in the park is not an absolute must. Unlike some national parks, you won’t have to worry about some long drive to get into the park from your hotel.

Lodging Inside Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds in the park and a hotel.

North Campground

North Campground is a beautiful campground conveniently located right across from the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. This is a great option if you are looking to stay somewhere easily accessible to the top attractions in the park.

The campground is equipped with flush toilets and drinking water. Picnic tables, fire rings and grills are also provided at each campsite. Additionally, there are laundry and shower facilities available at the general store nearby.

While RV camping is welcome, there are no electrical hook-ups available at this campground.

Sites are typically reservable one a 6-month rolling basis, mid-May through mid-October on recreation.gov, and first-come, first-served, the rest of the year.

Sunset Campground

Sunset Campground is located just a little further down the Bryce Canyon Scenic Dr, closer to the Bryce Canyon Lodge.

The campground is equipped with flush toilets and drinking water. Picnic tables, fire rings and grills are also provided at each campsite. Additionally, there are laundry and shower facilities available at the general store nearby.

While RV camping is welcome, there are no electrical hook-ups available at this campground.

Sites are typically reservable on a 14-day rolling basis, mid-May through mid-October on recreation.gov, first-come, first-served in April, May, and October, and closed the rest of the year.

Both campgrounds are fairly close together with similar amenities and features. So, either are great options if you are looking to camp in the park!

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the only hotel in the park. They offer a variety of luxurious rooms in the lodge as well as some beautiful, rustic cabin options.

If you stay at the lodge, not only will you have gorgeous views of the canyon right outside your door, but you will also have easy access to dining options and the general store.

Keep in mind that any hotel located in a national park, comes with a price. So if you are looking for a more affordable option, consider staying outside of the park.

Lodging Outside Bryce Canyon

There are several towns and cities located relatively close to Bryce Canyon National Park with many lodging options. Here are some of the closest and most popular choices:

Bryce Canyon City

Bryce Canyon City is located right outside of the park and offers a wide range of lodging options. Visitors can choose from hotels, motels, and cabins. Many places offer easy access to the park and essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Whether you’re looking for simplicity or a bit more comfort, there’s something for everyone in Bryce Canyon City. Keep in mind that due to its proximity to close Bryce Canyon national park, most options do lean on the pricey side.

Tropic

Tropic, Utah, is a charming town located just 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park. Visitors can find cozy bed and breakfasts, quaint inns, and rental cabins that provide a welcoming atmosphere. With its close proximity to the park, Tropic is a convenient base for exploring the stunning landscapes and hiking trails. Since Tropic is also located very close to Bryce Canyon, most options are still pretty pricey.

Where To Stay When Visiting Zion

Similar to Bryce Canyon, Zion is not a huge park, so it is not the end of the world if you don’t stay in the park. However, Zion can get really crowded, so it can be nice to wake up in the park and not have to worry about waiting in a line to get in or dealing with parking.

Lodging Inside Zion

Zion has three campgrounds in the park and a hotel.

Watchman Campground

Watchman Campground is conveniently located right across from the visitor center. It is also a short walk from some popular hiking trails, making it an optimal base camp for your stay in the park.

The campground is equipped with flush toilets and drinking water. Picnic tables, fire rings and grills are also provided at each campsite.

RV camping is welcome, but make sure to check recreation.gov to see what the current regulations are.

The campground is open year-round with reservations from early March to late November and first-come, first-serve during the rest of the year. 

South Campground

South Campground is also located in a very prominent location in the park; very close to the visitor center and several hiking trails.

The campground is equipped with flush toilets and drinking water. Picnic tables, fire rings and grills are also provided at each campsite.

RV camping is welcome, but make sure to check recreation.gov to see what the current regulations are.

The campground is closed for the 2024 camping season, but sites are typically available to reserve on a 14-day rolling basis.

Lava Point Campground

Lava Point Campground is very small with only 6 sites, located in a remote area of the park, about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the south entrance.

Lava Point is a primitive and dry campground with no potable water and no electrical hookups.

The campground is equipped with pit toilets and each campsite has a trash receptacle, picnic table, and fire ring.

The campground is typically open from June to September and takes reservations on a 14-day rolling basis.

Zion Lodge

Zion Lodge is the only hotel in the park. Located on Zion Canyon Road, it is just a short 10-minute drive from the visitor center, making it a convenient base for exploring the park’s many attractions.

The lodge offers a variety of rooms and cabins with stunning canyon views. You would also have convenient access to a gift shop, a restaurant, and a cafe.

Lodging Outside Zion

The following options are located right outside the park entrances. But, keep in mind, there are several towns and cities a little further from Zion that have great options as well.

Springdale

Located right outside the south entrance of the park, Springdale offers a wide range of lodging options from boutique hotels to cozy inns and vacation rentals. This charming town provides stunning views, easy access to park shuttles, and a variety of dining and shopping experiences. With its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Springdale is an ideal base for exploring Zion. Therefore, it is a very popular option for visitors, so book in advance!

Mt. Carmel Junction

Closest to the east entrance of the park, Mt. Carmel Junction is a small community offering a selection of accommodations, from motels to quaint inns. It’s a great spot for travelers looking for a peaceful stay with easy access to outdoor adventures and scenic drives in the region. I recommend staying here if you are planning on visiting Zion for more than a day as it is a little further from the main area of the park.

Where To Stay In Between Bryce Canyon and Zion

Since Bryce Canyon and Zion are less than 2 hours apart, many people decide to stay somewhere in between the parks. While taking this route will likely allow you to find more affordable options, it also requires you to drive further to get to and from the parks at the beginning and end of the day. Here are the best options:

Directly Between Bryce Canyon and Zion: Alton

Alton is a small town located about 40 minutes from Zion and 50 minutes from Bryce Canyon. With hotel, cabin, and airbnb options, this is a great base to explore the parks. While there are several more affordable options in Alton, keep in mind that there are very few dining options nearby. Alton is the place to go if you are looking for something directly in between Bryce Canyon and Zion, and not interested in doing much besides sleeping.

Indirectly Between Bryce Canyon and Zion: Kanab

Kanab is a city located about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Bryce Canyon and 1 hour from Zion. While Kanab is a little further out of the way, it has a wider range of lodging options. There are also several restaurants, shops, and attractions in the area that add to its appeal. Kanab is a destination on its own so keep in mind that lodging can get pricey during the busy season.

Kanab is also only 1 hour and 20 minutes from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!