Sleep under pristine dark skies at this solar-powered, safari-style glamping resort perched on a canyon-rim plateau near Lake Powell.
Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase occupies a dramatic, 220-acre expanse of canyon-rim plateau in Big Water, Utah, just north of the Arizona border. Opened in April 2021, this seasonal glamping resort consists of 50 safari-style canvas tents elevated on wooden decks, carefully positioned to blend into the high-desert landscape of sagebrush and red rock. The camp serves as a low-impact basecamp for exploring the surrounding geological wonders, featuring its very own private on-site slot canyon, known as Elephant Slot Canyon, which guests can explore on foot directly from their tents. Designed with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, the property operates with a minimal footprint, relying on solar energy, water-saving pull-chain showers, and a strict policy against keeping food in the tents to protect local wildlife.
The accommodations range from intimate Deluxe and Stargazer tents to expansive suites, all furnished with West Elm designs that feature a mix of weathered raw wood, top-grain leather, and sleek metal accents. Inside, guests find king-size beds, plush linens, and private en suite bathrooms equipped with flushing toilets, sinks, and organic bath products. To maintain an authentic connection to the desert, the tents do not have standard electrical outlets: instead, the camp provides rechargeable battery packs, lanterns, and portable fans. During cooler spring and autumn nights, a central wood-burning stove provides warmth, with staff members on hand to assist with lighting. The Stargazer tents are particularly coveted for the clear viewing window positioned directly above the bed, allowing guests to trace constellations without leaving the comfort of their covers.
At the heart of the property is the expansive main lobby tent, a communal hub equipped with cooling misters, indoor and outdoor games, and a boutique. Here, the on-site restaurant, Embers, serves Western-inspired breakfast and dinner, alongside grab-and-go options for daytime excursions. Outside, the patio features a stage for live acoustic music and communal fire pits where guests gather for nightly, unlimited s'mores. A defining feature of the resort is its status as the world's first DarkSky-certified lodging, a distinction awarded by DarkSky International in August 2023. The camp utilizes specialized, low-emission outdoor lighting to eliminate light pollution, preserving the ink-black night skies and making the property a premier destination for celestial observation. Guests can participate in organized star parties, morning yoga sessions, and guided hikes, all designed to foster a direct connection with the raw beauty of the Utah desert.
To fully experience the resort's DarkSky certification, plan your trip around a new moon or major meteor shower to take advantage of their complimentary astrotourism programming. The staff hosts guided star parties, astronomy talks, and stargazing meditations on the yoga deck, complete with galaxy-inspired food and drinks. If you book a Stargazer tent, pack a red-light headlamp to navigate your tent without disrupting your night-vision adjustment before looking through the viewing panel above the bed.
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