From geodomes in the red rocks to Oregon Trail-ready wagons, check out these unique places to spend a few nights this season

If you truly want to enjoy the outdoor playground that is the state of Utah, try glamping. An abbreviated term for “glamorous camping”, glamping is also called “boutique camping” or “luxury camping,” all referring to an elevated way of enjoying the outdoors in resort-style accommodations, but without the catchy nickname.

While it may have just recently become a popular trend in adventure travel, the glamping model has been around for centuries. From the lavish, palatial tents used as luxury housing by globe-trotting royalty to the wealthy British and American travelers who stayed in a classic canvas tent while on African safari in the 1920s, it’s certainly not new, just new to us. With that in mind, modern day glamping can be a great way to bridge the gap for new outdoorists or those who want to immerse themselves in nature and also enjoy a hot shower and a bed with fresh sheets. You do you.

Despite its air of luxury, glamping is a highly inclusive activity that’s open to all, and there isn’t one specific way to do it. Typical glamping campsites include the aforementioned safari-inspired canvas tent, bell tents, yurts, and even a tiny house. Pushing the boundaries are more eccentric accommodations like converted Airstreams and tricked out treehouses. The development of established glamp-grounds (you know, like campgrounds but fancier) that offer plenty of amenities onsite make glamping truly accessible.

Because glamping is centered around the outdoors, the location is key. Thanks to its seemingly unlimited amount of outdoor recreational opportunities, Utah has quickly become one of the top places for glamping. This adventure hub is 80% national parks and public lands—the so-called Big 5 include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion national parks—which create endless ways to get out and explore. To avoid the desert heat and massive crowds, consider visiting Utah sometime between April and May or September and October, when you can catch the foliage.

Whether it’s skiing, whitewater rafting, hiking or mountain biking, there are infinite possibilities, and luckily, some pretty amazing glampsites to call home for a few nights. Here are our top picks for the best glamping in Utah.

Way down in Southern Utah, this pleasing and simple space with a convertible wall opens up to panoramic views of the desert-it's A-Frame living at its best. Outdoor adventure in Zion National Park is only a short drive away or take a road trip to Arizona's Grand Canyon. But if you'd rather not move, this cabin has everything you need for a relaxing glampout: hammock chairs, a wooden deck with an outdoor kitchen and dining area, plus a secluded hot tub down below.

Dead Horse State Park Moenkopi Yurts

A sparse and simple interior ensures that all the focus will be on what’s outside of the Moenkopi Yurts rather than the inside. Explore Moab’s famed desert landscape, jaw-dropping canyons, and endless trails before retreating to the comfort of your yurt for the night—that is, unless you can resist an impossibly starry night sky.

Luxuriate in these deluxe glamping tents on the upper East side of Zion National Park, which feature inviting interiors, a private deck, grill, and picnic table and access to resort amenities like their two-tiered swimming pool (?!). The resort itself offers a whole host of outdoor activities like horseback riding, Jeep Tours, and canyoneering, but if that's not enough, Bryce Canyon National Park is a 1.5 hour drive away for more sightseeing.

A canvas safari tent pitched in the middle of Utah’s otherworldly red rock desert landscape sounds like the perfect way to enjoy Moab and nearby Arches National Park — especially when said tent has a plush king-size bed, a hot shower, and a wood burning stove for those chilly desert nights.

From its solar-paneled rooftop to the composting toilet, this geodesic dome is designed to be an eco-friendly retreat. Situated right on the riverbank, glampers can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Virgin River from inside the clean and modern living space. As a major bonus, it’s only 15 minutes from the entrance of Zion National Park.

Built atop a rust-colored outcropping in Utah’s Zion Mountains near Zion National Park, this convertible A-Frame has a tiny indoor footprint but some big outdoor living space. A large window opens up the interior to a furnished deck and outdoor fire pit with mountain views as far as the eye can see. More rustic than luxe, this glampsite gets points for a creative design.

Zion National Park Wildflower Resort

The clean and simple interior of these single-pole canvas tents stand in perfect contrast to the natural beauty of Zion National Park’s towering mesas, wild sage, and cacti. However, things don’t get too rugged at this glampsite, a fully-stocked bathhouse, water refill station, BBQ area, and laundry rooms ensure just enough luxe to keep it glampy.

Way up in Northern Utah, get the pioneer treatment when you stay in these covered wagons inspired by authentic 19th-century designs. Decorated with western-style furnishings and luxuriously soft king-sized beds (or bunks, if you’re squeezing in more glampers) this is way nicer than anything they had on the Oregon Trail. There’s resort-wide Wi-Fi, plus an open-air restaurant and fully-stocked general store just a short walk from your wagon.

What looks like a geodesic dome on the outside is one seriously cozy cabin on the inside. Loaded up with a comfy queen-sized bed, kitchenette with dining area, and private bathhouse, it’s an ideal spot to call basecamp after exploring the adventure hubs of Canyonlands National Park and Moab.

If easy, outdoor living and covered wagons are your thing, then you’ll love staying at this glamping resort featuring bougie Conestoga wagons. Originally used for transportation during the country’s time of westward expansion, in today’s world they’re cozy shelters with heating, cooling, and a ranch-themed interior set against the backdrop of Utah’s breathtaking Capitol Reef National Park. Quite the upgrade, eh?

Canyonlands National Park Stargazer Bell Tent

Go dark, real dark in this off-grid bell tent. It’s strategically positioned to avoid light pollution so glampers get the best view of the night sky possible — including through the clear panels at the top of the tent. There’s a well-stocked communal kitchen and hammock hang-out space nearby for catching zzz’s or glimpse of shooting stars.

Yuba State Park Beach Tent

Beach glamping in Utah? Why, yes. Set on the white, sandy shores of Lake Yuba about two hours drive from Salt Lake City, this bell tent is a surprisingly delightful find in an otherwise landlocked state known for its mountainous topography. Enjoy the interior’s inviting, coastal vibe and all the swimming, fishing, and paddling your heart desires in the warm lake waters.

Located at the western-most base of the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Basecamp 37 offers up 5 glamping tents centered around a communal bar and kitchen. Spaced just enough apart to have some privacy, but close enough to socialize with other campers, this glampsite is the perfect place for turning down (or up) after a day of exploring Utah's insane terrain.

For more glamping spots, check out our Cabins section.

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