A fully solar-powered safari camp on 196 acres bordering the western edge of Zion, featuring DarkSky-approved stargazing tents.
Under Canvas Zion occupies 196 acres of high-desert plateau on the western edge of Zion National Park, positioned along Kolob Terrace Road near the town of Virgin, Utah. Operating entirely on solar power harvested from an on-site solar array, the camp is designed with a light footprint that respects the surrounding sandstone cliffs and juniper-dotted landscape. The property features 66 safari-style canvas tents spaced generously across the plateau to preserve a sense of isolation and quiet. A multi-million-dollar refresh introduced a central lobby tent styled with West Elm furnishings, expanded outdoor lounge patios, and a dedicated dining space where guests gather for locally sourced, regionally inspired breakfasts and dinners.
Accommodations range from Deluxe Tents to expansive Suites, each built on raised wooden decks and furnished with king-size beds, plush linens, and private ensuite bathrooms. These private bathrooms are equipped with pull-chain hot showers, flush toilets, and organic bath products, providing comfort without relying on heavy permanent infrastructure. For heating, tents feature wood-burning stoves, while battery-powered fans, lanterns, and USB power packs handle cooling and device charging. Among the most sought-after options are the Stargazer Tents, which feature a clear viewing window directly above the bed, allowing guests to watch the night sky from beneath the covers. To prevent attracting local wildlife and maintain the pristine environment, the camp maintains a strict policy prohibiting food inside the tents.
In 2024, Under Canvas Zion became one of the first resorts in the world to receive official certification as a DarkSky Approved Lodging by DarkSky International. The camp utilizes specialized low-level lighting designed to minimize light pollution, preserving the exceptional clarity of the desert night sky. Evening programming reflects this astronomical focus, offering guided stargazing sessions, astronomy talks, and telescope viewing alongside the traditional nightly campfire with complimentary s'mores. During the day, the camp serves as an active basecamp, offering complimentary morning yoga on an outdoor deck, board games in the communal lounge, and coordinates for booking off-site adventures like canyoneering and horseback riding.
The camp is located along Kolob Terrace Road, roughly a 25-minute drive from the main park entrance in Springdale. Stock up on snacks, drinks, and trail supplies in Hurricane or La Verkin before arriving, as local options near Virgin are sparse, and food is not permitted inside the guest tents.
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