Planning an unforgettable Utah Mighty 5 road trip? Finding the right place to stay can enhance your adventure and ensure a comfortable, budget-friendly, and convenient experience near each national park.
From rustic cabins to cozy hotels and scenic campgrounds, this guide covers the best places to stay near Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks.
Arches & Canyonlands: Where to Stay in Moab, UT
Moab is the ideal basecamp for visiting both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. This small desert town offers local charm, restaurants, shops, and easy access to the parks.
🏕️ Best Place to Stay: Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway
📍 Location: Right off Hwy 191, just 7.7 miles from Arches and 22 miles from Canyonlands
🏡 Why We Loved It:
✔ Multiple lodging options (cabins, RV sites, tent camping)
✔ On-site camp store with snacks, souvenirs, and supplies
✔ Easy check-in and a prime location for exploring the parks
🏡 Our Cabin Experience:
- Cozy cabin with a full bed & bunk bed
- Small countertop with sink
- Private shower & toilet (small but convenient!)
- Clean and comfortable stay
🌟 Pro Tip: If you want a budget-friendly, well-located stay, this is a great option!
Capitol Reef: Where to Stay in Torrey, UT
For Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT is the closest town with accommodations. Nestled along Scenic Byway 24, it offers a peaceful stay near the park.
🏕️ Best Place to Stay: Wonderland RV Park
📍 Location: 9.9 miles from Capitol Reef Visitor Center
🏡 Why We Loved It:
✔ Offers cabins, RV sites, and tent camping
✔ Convenient bathhouse & laundry facilities
✔ Located near restaurants & gas stations
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Dinner: Rim Rock Patio (local favorite!)
- Breakfast: Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse 🍳 ($9.95 breakfast buffet)
🏡 Our Cabin Experience:
- Newly remodeled cabin (the cleanest of our trip!)
- Two queen beds, mini fridge, microwave, & TV
- Perfect for a great night’s rest before hiking
🌟 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for clean, comfortable, and budget-friendly lodging, this is the place!
Grand Staircase-Escalante: Where to Stay in Escalante, UT
Between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon, we made a stop in Escalante to explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
🏕️ Best Place to Stay: Canyons of Escalante RV Park
📍 Location: On Main Street, walkable to stores, restaurants, and the visitor center
🏡 Why We Loved It:
✔ Tent sites, cabins, and RV sites
✔ Shower house, laundry facilities, and a great community feel
✔ Outdoor courtyard with fire pits & picnic shelter
🌮 Where to Eat:
Georgie’s Outdoor Mexican Café 🌮 (right at the RV park entrance—so good!)
🏡 Our Cabin Experience:
- Deluxe cabin with queen bed & sleeper sofa
- Mini fridge, microwave, and half-bath
- Perfect spot to relax and recharge
🌟 Pro Tip: If you want a laid-back, walkable stay in Escalante, this is a fantastic choice!
Bryce Canyon: Where to Stay in Tropic, UT
For Bryce Canyon National Park, we stayed in Tropic, UT, just 12 miles from the park entrance.
🏨 Best Place to Stay: Bryce Pioneer Village
📍 Location: 12 miles from Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
🏡 Why We Loved It:
✔ Motel rooms, cabins, family suites, and RV/tent sites
✔ Outdoor pool & on-site restaurants
✔ Budget-friendly & a short drive to Bryce Canyon
🏡 Our Room Experience:
- Motel room with two double beds
- TV, mini fridge, microwave, and full bathroom
- Clean and comfortable stay
🌟 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an affordable & convenient stay near Bryce Canyon, this is a great pick!
Zion: Where to Stay in Springdale or La Verkin, UT
For Zion National Park, Springdale, UT is the best place to stay—it’s walkable to the park entrance and shuttle system.
However, since we couldn’t find a place in Springdale, we booked a hotel in La Verkin, UT, about 21 miles from Zion.
🏨 Best Place to Stay: Best Western Plus Zion West
📍 Location: La Verkin, UT (21 miles from Zion’s entrance)
🏡 Why We Loved It:
✔ Affordable hotel near restaurants & grocery stores
✔ Clean rooms & great complimentary breakfast
✔ Easy 30-minute drive to Zion
🌟 Pro Tip: If you can’t find lodging in Springdale, La Verkin is a great backup option!
📌 Final Recap: Best Places to Stay on Your Utah Mighty 5 Trip
Arches & Canyonlands → Moab, UT (Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway)
Capitol Reef → Torrey, UT (Wonderland RV Park)
Grand Staircase-Escalante → Escalante, UT (Canyons of Escalante RV Park)
Bryce Canyon → Tropic, UT (Bryce Pioneer Village)
Zion → Springdale or La Verkin, UT (Best Western Plus Zion West)
🔗 Helpful Links: Book Your Stay
📌 Have you stayed at any of these places? Drop your recommendations in the comments below!