An off-grid safari camp on a canyon rim plateau, complete with its own on-site slot canyon and DarkSky-certified stargazing.
Under Canvas Lake Powell Grand Staircase sits on a high canyon rim plateau in Big Water, Utah, spanning 220 acres of high desert just north of the Arizona border. The property, recognized as the world's first DarkSky-certified resort, positions its safari-style tents along the edge of the plateau to look out over the sweeping, rust-colored mesas of Grand Staircase-Escalante. Rather than relying on permanent concrete foundations, the camp utilizes elevated wooden decks that elevate the canvas structures above the fragile desert soil. A remarkable geographical feature of this specific property is its own private, on-site slot canyon, allowing guests to scramble through sculpted red rock walls without leaving the resort grounds.
The camp features 50 safari-inspired tents, including 11 spacious suites, all styled with mid-century modern West Elm furnishings. Inside, king-size beds are layered with high-thread-count linens, while wood-burning stoves provide warmth during the chilly desert nights. Private, en-suite bathrooms are standard in the Deluxe and Stargazer configurations, equipped with flushing toilets, hot-water showers, and organic bath products. USB charging packs power small devices, and battery-operated fans and lanterns replace traditional electrical outlets to maintain an off-grid, low-impact footprint. The Stargazer tents feature a viewing window directly above the bed, allowing guests to watch the constellations of the certified dark sky from the comfort of their pillows.
Dining at the camp centers around Embers, an on-site cafe-style restaurant that serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes. Breakfast options range from vanilla French toast to s'mores-inspired granola bowls, while the dinner menu features hearty burgers, fresh salads, and vegan pasta dishes alongside craft cocktails and local Utah ales. Because of the surrounding wilderness, the resort maintains a strict policy prohibiting food inside the tents, directing all dining to the communal spaces. Evenings culminate around the central fire pits, where guests gather for nightly live music, stargazing sessions, and complimentary s'mores under a dense canopy of stars. For excursions beyond the camp, Lone Rock Beach is a ten-minute drive away, and the boat launches of Lake Powell are within a fourteen-mile drive.
Bring a headlamp for navigating the camp pathways at night, and remember that the resort has a strict no-food-in-tents policy to keep local wildlife at bay (keep your trail mix and snacks locked in your vehicle).
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