Where to stay near Canyonlands National Park
Table Of Contents
Finding the perfect lodging is essential when planning a trip to Canyonlands National Park. As Utah’s largest national park, Canyonlands offers visitors breathtaking views and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer the ruggedness of a campground, the convenience of an RV site, or the comfort of a hotel, there are plenty of options near the park. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best accommodations for your stay so you can make the most of your time in this beautiful area. Discover the best accommodations near Canyonlands National Park, including campgrounds, lodges, and hotels that offer easy access to this natural wonder.
Understanding the Location
Overview of Canyonlands National Park and its Location
Canyonlands National Park is divided into three land districts by the Green and Colorado rivers. Island in the Sky, north of the park, is about 40 minutes from Moab, UT, via UT 313. Canyonlands National Park is an American national park in southeastern Utah near Moab. Canyonlands National Park offers hiking, stargazing, camping, and technical rock climbing.
The park preserves 527 square miles of colorful landscape that has eroded into canyons, mesas, arches, and buttes. It combines the dunes from the Triassic-age Navajo and Jurassic-age Entrada Sandstones with unique rock formations such as expansive walls of cross-bedded sandstones, angles, and windows (Geolsoc.org.uk). It has two entrances: the North and the South. This article will explore where you can stay close to the park.
Types of Accommodations near Canyonlands National Park
Campsites and RV parks
Canyonlands has two campgrounds. Island in the Sky Campground is first-come, first served, while the Needles Outpost Campground is reservable. Also, try backcountry camping by foot, boat, or 4WD vehicle. At Squaw Flat Campground, you wake up nestled within a beautiful rock formation, spending the day bouldering and exploring adventurous hiking grounds and falling asleep under the most transparent sky you’ve seen in a while.
Some of the best options for campgrounds in this part of Utah are Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, recreation sites, campgrounds operated by the Bureau of Land Management, and private parks in Moab. For sunset pictures, try Willow Flat Campground. It is a short walk from the finest sunset viewpoint in the park, Green River Overlook.
Hotels and motels
There are vast, affordable lodging options and a cool, desert-town vibe. The most-booked hotels in Canyonlands National Park are La Quinta by Wyndham Moab, the Gonzo Inn, Aarchway Inn, and Super 8 by Wyndham Green River. Choose from high-end, mid-range, to low-budget hotels. Blue Mountain Horsehead Inn is the best-rated lowest budget lodging in the area. All you get is a simple, clean place to spend a night. Before you head into the rugged hills, canyons, and mesas of Canyonlands, spend a night in Moab.
Vacation rentals
Sites like Vrbo offer a large selection of ten vacation rentals around Canyonlands National Park. These vacation rentals include houses, bungalows, cabins, lodges, and apartments. Amongst the vacation rentals near Canyonlands National Park are the Slickrock Retreat, Beautiful Townhome, Sage Creek at Moab Two Unit Group Rental, and Sage Creek at Moab Mt. Peale Hideaway.
Best Accommodations near Canyonlands National Park
Best campgrounds and RV parks
The best campgrounds and RV parks are Murphy Hogback Campground A, Devil’s Kitchen Campground, Doll House – Campsite 1, and many more. Windgate Campground is the gateway to Arches National Park, with Canyonlands just a short drive away. Camping near Moab means giving you access to rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, ATVing, horseback riding, rafting, and more (Nps.gov). Tent and RV camping near Moab provide easy access to one of Utah’s most iconic landmarks: Delicate Arch.
The Devils Garden Campground is the only campground in Arches National Park, and the setting is beautiful. Campsites are excellent, well-spaced, and with a high degree of privacy.
Willow Flats Campground can accommodate tents or RVs up to 28 feet, with paved parking pads and plenty of space for tents. The campground usually fills up daily from March until June and from early September to mid-October.
Sand Flats Recreation Area is for jeeps, ATVs, dirt bikes, and mountain biking. This is where the famous Slickrock Mountain Bike Trail is located, but the road extends into a world of slick rock dunes and rolling rock hills. There are 140 campsites. Only 30 sites are suitable for RVs up to 40 feet. No RVs over 40 feet are allowed.
Best hotels and motels
The best hotels near Canyonlands National Park tend to make the most of the stunning scenery. They range from luxury camping beneath the stars to rustic-chic guesthouses or romantic mountain retreats and eco-lodges. Under Canvas is one of the best hotels near Canyonlands National Park, featuring luxury, airy white tents that are chic and decorated with colonial-era artisan furnishings. There’s something for everyone.
Sunflower Hill Inn is less than 15 km from Canyonlands National Park. The guesthouse blends contemporary comfort with a warm and traditional vibe. The 12 unique rooms are cozy, floral, and homely, with cast iron beds and antiques. Guests have access to a swimming pool and hot tub.
Red Cliffs Lodge is on the edge of Arches National Park, a few km from Moab. This big desert lodge looks out over a creek and has a Cowboy Grill restaurant and horse corral. Hyatt Place Moab is sleek and modern. The smart, modern rooms are minimalist, with private balconies with spectacular views. Guests can relax in the swimming pool, hang out in the bar, or head into Moab.
Springhill Suites sits for both Canyonlands and Arches. The location in northern Moab minimizes driving time to the parks. The mountain view, hot tub, and pool make your stay incredible.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Accommodation
Budget
The relevance of the travel budget lies in meeting your traveling expenses. Find the suitable accommodation that fits your needs at your travel budget that you can afford. As a traveler, you would want to explore all activities if time permits, but your budget leaves some as luxuries. Focus on basics if you have a tight budget.
Location
Pick a location convenient enough to be central to most of your activities. That minimizes traveling time.
Amenities
Amenities differ according to your accommodation. As you pick your rental option, concentrate on what you cannot do without.
Reviews and ratings
Read as many reviews as you can to get first-hand experience. Ratings are based on reviews.
Exploring the Area around Canyonlands National Park
Nearby attractions and activities are as follows:
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Island in the Sky Visitor Center
- Green River Overlook
- Mesa arch
Conclusion
In conclusion, take your time to weigh your accommodation options depending on where you want to visit, the days of the visit, and your budget. Staying in a vacation home tends to be more affordable, but a hotel room can be ideal if you have a day or so to spend. Find suitable accommodation for a comfortable stay.
FAQs
What are the best hotels near Canyonlands National Park?
There are several excellent hotels near Canyonlands National Park. Here are some of the top options:
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab: This hotel is located in downtown Moab and offers comfortable and spacious suites with modern amenities. It’s an excellent option for families or groups, as some suites can accommodate up to six people. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
- Hyatt Place Moab: Another downtown Moab hotel, Hyatt Place, offers contemporary rooms with mountain views. The hotel has an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a bar and restaurant on site. It’s also a pet-friendly hotel so that you can bring your furry friends along.
- Red Cliffs Lodge: This rustic lodge is about 14 miles from Canyonlands National Park and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and red rock cliffs. The lodge has a Western-style restaurant, a winery, and a museum on site. Rooms are spacious and decorated with Western-themed furnishings.
- Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn: This hotel in downtown Moab offers clean and comfortable rooms with mountain views. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a hot tub. It’s also within walking distance of several restaurants and shops.
Are there any vacation rentals available near Canyonlands National Park?
Yes, there are several vacation rental options available near Canyonlands National Park. Some popular choices include:
- Home rentals: Several vacation homes are available near the park, ranging from cozy cabins to large, luxurious houses. Many of these rentals offer hot tubs, fireplaces, and outdoor grills.
- Cabins: A cabin rental may be a perfect choice if you’re looking for a rustic, secluded getaway. Several cabin rentals are available near the park, some with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Condos and apartments: If you prefer a more urban setting, there are also vacation rental options in nearby towns such as Moab, Utah. You can find condos and apartments for rent that offer easy access to the park and other local attractions.
What is the average cost of accommodation near Canyonlands National Park?
The average cost of accommodations near Canyonlands National Park varies depending on several factors, such as the season, location, and type of lodging. Generally, prices range from $50 to $300 per night, with an average cost of around $150 to $200 per night.
Several accommodation options near the park include hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Some factors that can affect the price include the level of luxury or amenities offered, the proximity to the park, and the time of year.
During peak season (spring and fall), prices tend to be higher, and reservations may be required well in advance. If you want to save money, consider visiting during the off-season or staying in a more budget-friendly option such as camping or a hostel.
Is it possible to camp inside Canyonlands National Park?
Yes, camping is allowed inside Canyonlands National Park, and there are several campgrounds to choose from. However, it’s important to note that some campgrounds may require reservations and permits, especially during peak seasons.
The park has three main campgrounds:
- Island in the Sky Campground: Located in the Island in the Sky district, this campground has 12 campsites open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended from March to June and from September to October.
- The Needles Campground: Located in the Needles district, 26 campsites are open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended from March to June and from September to October.
- Willow Flat Campground: Located on the Island in the Sky district, this primitive campground has 12 open year-round campsites. No reservations are taken, and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are the best campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park?
There are several excellent campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park. Three of the best options are:
- White Crack Campground: This campground is located on the Island in the Sky District and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a remote location, so you’ll need to bring all your supplies, but the quiet and solitude are worth it.
- Murphy Hogback Campground: This campground is located in the Needles District and is known for its picturesque setting among towering sandstone formations. It’s a great spot for hikers, as several trails start nearby.
- Devil’s Kitchen Campground: This campground is located in the heart of Canyonlands National Park and offers easy access to many of the park’s top attractions. It’s also a great spot for stargazing, as the remote location means minimal light pollution.
Remember that some campgrounds may have limited availability, so booking your spot in advance is a good idea. Additionally, check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can be unpredictable in this area.