“I just don’t think at this age I’m meant to live an uncomfortable life. I don’t have the will.” These wise words from Victoria Ratliff in Season 3 of The White Lotus hit home. At 54, I couldn’t agree more. I’m not cut out for camping—and that’s okay. But glamping? That’s a different story.
When my college-aged daughter made the Dean’s List twice in one year, she suggested a celebratory trip to Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks. I immediately kicked into planning mode and mapped out a glamping adventure with Under Canvas, focusing on Bryce Canyon and Zion.
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A New Kind of Camping
Years ago, I was introduced to the magic of glamping at Paws Up in Montana. With a camp butler to build our fire and prep s’mores, I was instantly spoiled. Glamping, which originated with African safari tourism, brings comfort to the outdoors—think private showers, plush beds, and chef-prepared meals. The trend crossed over to the U.S. in the early 2000s and has since flourished.
Under Canvas is one of the standout names in the space. I’d recently spoken with the marketing team at Powdr Corp (which owns Under Canvas along with Woodward and several ski resorts), and they assured me their camps offered prime locations and thoughtful amenities. We were sold.
We planned for four days of hiking and glamping, starting with one night at Zion Under Canvas, followed by two nights at Bryce Canyon Under Canvas. Booking online was seamless, and late May offered good availability. You can see our hiking itinerary here.
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Zion Under Canvas
After a long travel day from NYC to Salt Lake City to Zion, we arrived dusty, exhilarated—and ready to unwind. The Zion camp is about 25 minutes from the park entrance, tucked far from the main road, which makes for serene stargazing. (Note: There’s another tented site called Wildflower closer to the highway, but it likely comes with traffic noise.)
Check-in was efficient and upbeat. Most of the staff appeared to be outdoorsy, twenty-something women who walked us through the essentials of our tent—everything from operating the wood stove to the timing of the showers.
Video Tour Under Canvas Zion
Come take a tent tour
Inside the Tent
Our tent had a spacious front deck with two chairs and stacked firewood. Inside: a king-size bed with crisp linens, private bathroom, and a solar-powered fan system. The pull-chain shower conserved water but still delivered ample hot pressure. While off-grid, the tents include limited solar power—enough for lighting, fans, and charging one device at a time. For anything else, there are outlets at reception.
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Dinner & a Show
After cleaning up, we headed to the main reception area for dinner (served 5–10 p.m.). While the website undersells it, the food was unexpectedly fantastic. We shared salads and lamb sausages, paired with a local beer for me and a mocktail for my daughter.
With the sun setting behind us, we played a round of cornhole, then UNO, and eventually joined fellow campers by the firepit with s’mores kits in hand. No WiFi meant zero temptation to scroll, and the evening felt like a scene from a nostalgic summer camp movie.
Our Stargazer Tent featured a clear panel above the bed—perfect for watching constellations drift by. While I’m unsure I’d always splurge for the upgrade, it was a memorable touch.
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A Note on the Night Sky
As a Vermonter, I’m lucky to see plenty of stars. But for city dwellers, the brilliance of a Dark Sky-certified location is transformative. Under Canvas takes care to preserve these night views—read more here.
We rose early to hike Angels Landing but had to skip the on-site breakfast, which starts at 7 a.m. Instead, we grabbed coffee and snacks from the reception’s grab-and-go station and hit the trail.
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Bryce Canyon Under Canvas
After Zion, we drove the stunning scenic route over to Bryce Canyon. Cattle crossings (and the occasional cow traffic jam) added rustic charm to the journey. Like Zion, this Under Canvas location is remote—set more than a mile from the main road.
Check-in followed a similar pattern. We loaded our gear into a wagon and trekked to our tent—this time a standard model, which still felt entirely sufficient. Across from us, we spotted a Kids Tent—a smaller adjacent tent available for families with young children.
After showers, we brought our books to the Hammock Meadow—a tranquil zone perfect for unplugging. Later, we headed to dinner, this time opting for tacos and mocktails. (Tip: The mocktails are surprisingly good.)
Snack board at Zion
Camp Life
Bryce was cooler than Zion, which meant we finally tested the wood stove. While I proved skilled at creating smoke (and setting off the alarm), the stove heated the tent quickly. Temps dipped into the 40s, so we bundled up in beanies and socks for our sunrise hike.
Breakfast wasn’t available again that morning, but we returned from our early adventure in time for sunny afternoon relaxation. We painted with our watercolor kits, read our books (yes—finished them), and reveled in the analog pace.
More games followed—SORRY!, postcard writing, and of course, perfecting our marshmallow technique.
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📌 Know Before You Go: Mom-to-Mom Tips
- Book early: For peak months like May and June, reserve 3–6 months in advance. We had good luck with late May availability, but weekends fill fast.
- Footwear matters: Gravel paths and loose rock mean hiking shoes or trail runners are a must—even for walking around camp.
- Pack layers: Bryce gets chilly at night (we saw 40s in May). Bring warm socks, hats, and lightweight thermals for early mornings.
- Device strategy: Bring a power bank or plan to recharge essentials at the reception area. Camps are solar-powered, so energy is limited in tents.
- Ages & stages: Under Canvas works beautifully for families with kids 8+. Little ones might find the hike-heavy days and lack of screens challenging.
- Leave space for downtime: Some of our best moments happened when we weren’t on a trail—reading in the hammocks, playing cards, or watching the stars.
💬 Mother-Daughter Moments
One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was the uninterrupted time together. Somewhere between watercolor painting and UNO tournaments, we talked about her upcoming internship, the books we were reading, and how quickly time moves. Without the distractions of daily life—or even WiFi—we had conversations we hadn’t had in months. It reminded me how precious and fleeting these shared adventures are, especially in this in-between stage of parenting.
💸 Cost & Value
Under Canvas isn’t cheap, but it’s comparable to a boutique resort stay. Standard tents generally range from $300–$450 per night, with Stargazer tents running higher. The multi-camp 25% discount made a meaningful difference, and meals felt like solid value—on par with casual farm-to-table dining. If you’re strategic with dates and flexible with tent types, you can enjoy the luxe experience without overspending. You can also use Expedia to book your Under Canvas stay so you get your rewards points.
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Activities & Excursions
Each Under Canvas location offers complimentary activities like yoga, painting, and tie-dye sessions from 5–7 p.m. Daily excursions—such as guided hikes, rafting, and horseback riding—can be booked in advance for an additional fee.
Trip Planning Tips
Each camp operates on a unique seasonal calendar, generally from spring through fall. We booked in late May—just before the summer crowds—but after most schools had wrapped up their semesters. The timing felt ideal: trails weren’t overcrowded, temps were manageable, and the camps had good availability. If you can, avoid holiday weekends and aim for shoulder season (late May or early September) for a more peaceful experience.
Final Impressions
The Under Canvas experience is about slowing down, savoring nature, and reconnecting with family. We met well-behaved kids, mindful adults, and everyone seemed genuinely present. These camps reminded us what a family vacation can be: restful, restorative, and full of quality time.
If you’re eager to explore the National Parks—but without lumpy mattresses and freeze-dried meals—Under Canvas may be your perfect middle ground. With 13 locations in the U.S., we’re already planning our next glamping getaway.
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More Summer Fun in Utah
Planning a longer stay? Discover the family-friendly side of Salt Lake City with our guide to the Winter Olympic venues, or check into the evo Hotel—an affordable adventure hub perfect for outdoor-loving families. And if you’re looking to extend the active fun for your kids, don’t miss our feature on Woodward’s summer camps, where sports, creativity, and community come together in an unforgettable experience.
