Autocamp Zion
Glamping in the Desert: Our Family Adventure at AutoCamp Zion
In early June, our family of four set out on an adventure to one of the most beautiful places in the Southwest — Zion National Park! We flew from Philadelphia to Las Vegas, rented a car, and drove about two and a half hours through the desert until we arrived at AutoCamp Zion, a modern glamping retreat just outside the park.
Staying at the BaseCamp Suite
We booked a BaseCamp Suite, which includes:
A sleek Airstream with a comfy bed, sofa (that folds out into a bed), and small kitchen (sink & refrigerator)
A spacious canvas tent perfect for kids (or adults) with a very comfortable bed, another sofa that folds out into a bed & a mini-fridge.
A private fire pit and outdoor seating area with river and mountain views
The sound of the water and the open desert air made it feel like a true escape from everyday life.
Two of us slept in the tent, and two in the Airstream — at least, that was the plan! Two of our three nights brought some pretty intense weather, so we all cozied up inside the Airstream. Luckily, the space was surprisingly roomy, with a comfortable bed, sofa, and small kitchen. Having both the tent and the Airstream gave us plenty of room to spread out and relax.
Morning Magic & Nearby Adventures
One of my favorite memories from our stay was making eggs over the open fire in the morning. There’s something so simple and special about cooking outdoors while the sun rises over the red cliffs. We also stopped by the Moqui Sand Cave, a popular local spot just off the main road. Because of the rain, we decided not to hike up to the cave — the rocks were slick and a little risky — but it’s definitely on our list for next time.
Exploring Zion: The Narrows
One of the highlights of our trip was hiking The Narrows — a breathtaking trail that winds directly through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. We came prepared with water shoes and hiking poles (which we were so grateful for!), and spent the day wading through cool water, surrounded by nature’s grandeur. The hike was both challenging and unforgettable — truly one of Zion’s must-do experiences.
Tips for Hiking The Narrows:
Wear water shoes or hiking sandals with traction
Bring trekking poles for balance
Pack dry bags for phones and snacks
Start early to avoid crowds and afternoon storms
Zion’s park transportation system made exploring super easy. We parked in the nearby town and took the shuttle into the park. Everything was clearly marked, and it took the stress out of navigating on our own.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes & Moqui Cave
The next day, we took a short drive to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Normally, you can rent sand boards from the visitor center for around $25, but since it had just rained, the park rangers advised against it. Instead, we hiked up the dunes — and luck was on our side! We met a wonderful family who brought sleds and kindly let us try them out. Sliding down the soft, rose-colored sand was so much fun!
Things to Know Before You Go:
Sandboard rentals: $25 at the visitor center
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and great light
We also stopped by the Moqui Sand Cave, a popular local spot just off the main road. Because of the rain, we decided not to hike up to the cave — the rocks were slick and a little risky — but it’s definitely on our list for next time.
Final Thoughts on Our Time at Zion National Park & AutoCamp Zion
Our stay at AutoCamp Zion was the perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and connection with nature. Even with a little wild weather, it was one of those trips that reminded us how fun it is to just go with the flow and embrace the experience. Between campfire breakfasts, desert hikes, and sledding on sand dunes, it’s safe to say Zion stole our hearts.
If You Go: AutoCamp Zion (Which you 100% should!)
Location: Virgin, Utah (15 minutes from Zion National Park)
Accommodation: We recommend the BaseCamp Suite with Airstream + Tent
Average Cost: $300 – $500+ per night (depending on time)
Getting There: 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas
Highlights: The Narrows hike, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Moqui Cave
Tip: Be prepared for changing desert weather — bring layers!
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