Top 8 Stunning Lodges Near U.S. National Parks

Because staying outside the park is totally in.

With more than 2,000 rooms, you’d think nabbing a place to stay inside Yellowstone National Park wouldn’t be an issue, and it isn’t — if you plan ahead by booking a year in advance. However, “no vacancy” signs aren’t just a Yellowstone problem: As America’s national parks bust at the seams with visitors, in-park accommodations are becoming increasingly harder to find, and overcrowded facilities feel that much further from Mother Nature.

Moreover, there are incredible hotels opening just beyond park boundaries, offering that in-park feel with the tranquility of smaller crowds. If you’re planning a trip to any of the U.S. national parks mentioned below, consider including these fantastic next-door options on your itinerary.

Terramor Outdoor Resort, Acadia National Park, Maine

Within 10 minutes from the breathtaking nature of Acadia National Park, Terramor Outdoor Resort represents a luxurious transformation by Kampgrounds of America (KOA). The first luxury “glampground” from the well-known brand, Terramor features 64 luxurious tents concealed across 45 forested acres, promising visitors serene luxury amidst nature.

Expect upscale amenities such as Frette linens, Pendleton blankets, screened-in porches, and private fire pits. Furthermore, there are complimentary yoga sessions, stargazing telescopes, craft-beer tastings, and live music to enjoy after a day of adventures in Acadia.

Zapata Ranch, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Zapata Ranch, a quaint 17-room lodge set on 50,000 wild acres overlooking Great Sand Dunes National Park, has found new purpose since its roots as a working ranch in the 1870s. Now managed by Ranchlands and The Nature Conservancy, this neighboring national park destination showcases the value of its land through exceptional outdoor experiences.

Enjoy horseback riding, bison tours, or painting workshops while taking in the ranch’s golden landscapes. Be sure to return for a delightful five-course dinner, featuring dishes like bison pho and house-made banana cream pie served on the lodge’s stunning patio.

Clear Sky Resorts, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Located just 20 minutes from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Clear Sky Resorts offers perhaps the most distinctive lodging in the area: geodesic domes. Featuring 45 temperature-controlled glamping bubbles equipped with private decks, modern bathrooms, and even in-room telescopes, these accommodations illuminate the high desert.

The innovative resort is family-friendly, with each dome boasting unique themes such as Space Galaxy and ’80s Video Game. After an exciting day exploring the Grand Canyon, come back for enjoyable yard games, fire pits, astronomy nights, movie screenings, and a glow-in-the-dark frisbee course.

Château du Sureau, Yosemite National Park, California

Experience a taste of European elegance in the midst of stunning vistas at Château du Sureau, situated on nine acres in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Accommodating only ten guests and boasting the exquisite Villa du Sureau, reservations can be sought after.

Should you secure a spot, await a luxurious experience including wood-burning fireplaces, canopy beds, private balconies, and elegantly mixed Provençal-style decor. Additionally, the on-site Elderberry House restaurant serves local, seasonal, and organic tasting menus alongside a well-curated wine list featuring 800 different selections.

One&Only Moonlight Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Montana

Although One&Only Moonlight Basin can be found an hour from Yellowstone National Park, visitors will also discover splendid nature in Big Sky, Montana. Set to open in 2024, the lodge is nestled between Lone Peak and the Spanish Peaks, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing breathtaking views of the rugged mountains.

The 73-room lodge, along with 11 villas and 62 private residences, will be conveniently linked by gondola to Big Sky’s ski slopes, offering guests access to amazing powder and countless adventures in the world’s first national park.

Under Canvas, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Located just 15 minutes from the iconic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, Under Canvas offers a luxurious camping experience. These solar-powered, safari-style lodgings feature West Elm furnishings, king-size beds, and en suite bathrooms. At 7,600 feet elevation, the wilderness lies just outside (and above) your door, with antelope grazing nearby and the stars illuminating Utah’s impressively dark skies. Stick around for on-site dining options, campfire s’mores, and other captivating activities.

Sanctuary Treehouse Resort, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

As one of the richest biodiversity locations in the nation, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal home for the world’s largest treehouse resort. Sanctuary Treehouse Resort — which opened in summer 2022 — features 130 treehouses nestled among 140 forested acres of East Tennessee, creating a dreamland for guests young and old.

With the country’s most visited national park in sight, staying among the treetops enables guests to partake in fun activities like spiral slides and climbing ropes, alongside serene escape routes only accessible by golf carts or walking trails. There are also lovely Adirondack chairs for easy viewing and beautiful forest lighting for romantic evenings.

Spirit, Zion National Park, Utah

While in-park lodging at Zion is exceptional, Spirit — a “transformative wilderness retreat” — seeks to offer an authentic Zion experience reminiscent of 100 years ago, where visitors could connect deeply with nature. However, this time, it is in the lap of luxury.

Situated just a mile from the park’s entrance, Spirit includes 40 suites and homesteads spread across 1,000 acres of Clear Creek Mountains. Each suite provides over 6,000 square feet of space, exquisite panoramic windows, wraparound terraces, sunken fire pits, and access to 35 miles of scenic, uncrowded trails. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Checkerboard Mesa, the East Temple, and the West Temple without ever leaving their accommodations. Who said staying outside the park isn’t ideal?