Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [463]
NEAR THE PARK
Just outside the park entrances, on both the east and south sides, are commercial campgrounds with all the usual
amenities. Keep in mind that the park's visitor center, campgrounds, and most of its developed attractions are closer to the south entrance than the east.
Mukuntuweep RV Park & Campground, about a quarter mile east of the east entrance on Utah 9 (P.O. Box 193), Orderville, UT 84758 (☎ 435/648-3011; www.xpressweb.com/zionpark), has some shade trees, grassy tent sites, a fishing pond, a playground, and a game room, plus great views of the surrounding rocks.
Zion Canyon Campground, 429 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale, UT 84767, (P.O. Box 99), Springdale, UT 84767 (☎ 435/772-3237; www.zioncamp.com), is a half-mile south of the park's south entrance. Although quite crowded in summer, the campground is well maintained, with tree-shaded sites and grassy tent areas. Some sites are along the Virgin River. The campground has free cable TV hookups, a swimming pool, a game room, a playground, and a store. Dogs are permitted at RV sites but not tent sites. On the grounds is a 42-unit Quality Inn (☎ 435/772-3237; fax 435/772-3844); rates start at $85 double from mid-March through December and $75 double from January through mid-March.
In addition to the campgrounds discussed here, there is also camping at Cedar Breaks National Monument. See "A Nearby National Monument," later in this chapter.
Where to Stay
INSIDE THE PARK
Zion Lodge
In Zion National Park. ☎ 435/772-7700. Information and reservations: Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Central Reservations, 6312 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 600N, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. ☎ 888/297-2757 or 303/ 297-2757. Fax 303/297-3175. www.zionlodge.com. 121 units. A/C TEL. Mid-Mar to Nov Sun–Thurs motel $132 double, cabin $142 double, suite $148 double; Fri–Sat motel $142 double, cabin $152 double, suite $158 double. Winter discounts and packages available. AE, DISC, MC, V.
This handsome facility is a wonderful place to stay, but its main appeal is the splendid location. Built in 1925 by the Union Pacific Railroad, the original Zion Lodge was destroyed by fire in 1966, rebuilt the following year, and restored to its historic appearance in 1991. The only lodging in the park, Zion Lodge offers several types of accommodations. Situated in a valley with spectacular views of the park's rock cliffs, the charming and genuinely historic cabins are our first choice because they perfectly fit the national park ambience. Each cabin has a private porch, stone (gas-burning) fireplace, two double beds, and pine board walls. The comfortable motel units are good for those who prefer more modern accommodations, with two queen-size beds, a
private porch or balcony, and all the usual amenities except televisions. The motel suites, very plush and spacious, have one king-size bed, a separate sitting room with a queen-size hide-a-bed, and a refrigerator. Ranger programs take place in the lodge auditorium during the summer. The lodge's restaurant (see "Where to Dine," below) offers wonderful views as well as three daily meals, and there's a well-stocked gift and souvenir shop.
NEAR THE PARK
Most of the lodgings listed below are in Springdale, a village of some 350 people at the park's south entrance, or between Springdale and the nearby community of Virgin, to the west. Several other options are just outside the park's east entrance.
Best Western Zion Park Inn
1215 Zion Park Blvd. (P.O. Box 800), Springdale, UT 84767. ☎ 800/934-7275 or 435/ 772-3200. Fax 435/772-2449. www.zionpark inn.com. 120 units. A/C TV TEL. Apr–Oct $100–$113 double, $120–$160 suite or family unit; Nov–Mar $70–$75 double, $90–$125 suite or family unit. Children under 18 stay free in parent's