Forget Camping—These High-End Hotels Are Located Right in National Parks

We know the West Coast (mostly) has great weather year-round, but there’s something about spring and summer that makes us want to heed our call to the wild. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors—hiking, spontaneous trips to the beach, and wine tasting al fresco are just a few favorites— but one of the most common options is camping. 

Sure, pitching a tent and whipping up a hearty meal over an open fire will give you an instant connection with Mother Nature, but what if camping just isn’t your thing? What if you like the idea of spending time in a beautiful national park, but aren’t willing to compromise comfort? Well, a new class of outdoorsy hotels are offering sophisticated solutions.

Think of these properties as the next iteration of glamping sites. Located either in or near national parks, these sites offer ample access to the great outdoors and the modern comforts of a well-to-do hotel. In other words, this rising travel trend is the perfect compromise for outdoorsy and indoorsy travelers. 

So, the question everyone’s asking: Where to? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve hand-picked some well-appointed, outdoorsy hotels worth checking out this summer—and beyond.

Ofland Escalante

Kim + Nash Finley

If you’re looking for a step above classic camping, book a stay at Ofland Escalante, which is sandwiched between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Located within Utah’s the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the lodging is 45 minutes away from Bryce Canyon National Park and about an hour drive from the area’s depth-defying slot canyons. 

Post-adventure, retreat to one of the property’s 52 rooms, which range from tiny cabins, to deluxe units with bathrooms, to renovated vintage Airstreams. Not ready to go to bed just yet? Take a dip in the oversized pool and hot tub or enjoy a “drive-in movie” experience in one of the grounds’ restored classic cards. Ofland Escalante has a resident food truck and meal kits you can prepare on one of the property’s communal grills. However, those who are looking for an elevated dining experience 30-mile trek to Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm, a James Beard Award finalist that brings some country hospitality to farm-to-table dining. Prices start at $169 per night.

Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa

Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa

Between the vast vista of Canyonlands National Park to the artful astonishments at Arches National Park, Moab is a go-to for any nature-lover. However, if you’re looking for elevated accommodations, Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa has got you covered. Though this property is only 20 miles away from Arches National Park, its remote grounds will make you feel like you’re spending one-on-one time with Mother Nature yourself. It’s also situated along the banks of the Colorado River, so you’ll have some jaw-dropping views as soon as you leave your room.

Location might be a major draw, but Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa has ample high-end touches. The 59-room property has a host of generous studio units, suites, and houses to bring the “big open spaces” agenda to every part of your stay. Moab has plenty of great national parks to explore, but if you want to give your feet a rest? Book a treatment at the on-site spa, indulge in nightly s’mores, or visit the petting zoo, which is equipped with goats, pot-bellied pigs, and miniature horses. Prices start at $850 per night.

The Ahwahnee Hotel

Aramark Destinations

Avid adventurers will not want to pass up a trip to the Ahwahnee Hotel—and for good reason! Located in Yosemite’s main valley near Half Dome and Glacier Point, the Ahwahnee Hotel offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a five-star experience inside a national park. (That’s right: Since the property is located on park grounds, you can literally hit the ground running.) 

The Ahwahnee Hotel might be surrounded by natural beauty, thanks to the accompanying waterfall and cliff views, but there’s plenty of architectural appeal, too. Between the towering stone fireplace, stained glass windows, and the 34-foot-high beamed ceilings in the dining room, the property transports guests to a bygone era of elegance. According to the Ahwahnee Hotel, the grounds have hosted queens and presidents since opening its doors in 1927. Translation: If this locale is good enough for some of the most revered heads of state, it’ll be good enough for you, too. Prices start at about $500 per night.

Lake Quinault Lodge

Aramark Destinations

When Lake Quinault Lodge was first built along the southeast shore of the Olympic National Forest’s Lake Quinault back in 1926, the mission was simple: Create a rustic-yet-refined home away from home for explorers to enjoy. Now, nearly a century later, the property remains a must-stay when making the trek to the Washington-based National Park.

Today, the grounds offer a healthy mix between adventure and relaxation. During their stay, guests can embark on a guided tour of the temperate rainforest, try their luck with fishing and paddle boarding, or chill by the lake. Regardless of which activities are on the itinerary, you enjoy a bite at the site’s historic Roosevelt Dining Room. With accommodation types ranging from the old-school Historic Main Lodge rooms to the eight-room Boathouse, which has a wraparound veranda, visitors will feel at home throughout their stay. Prices start at about $196 per night.

Many Glacier Hotel

Xanterra Travel Collection

Nicknamed “Switzerland of North America,” Many Glacier Hotel will give guests an European experience without leaving the country. Built by the Great Northern Railway, this accommodation is situated on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake inside Glacier National Park—not to mention it has pretty impressive views of Altyn Peak. Despite being partially renovated back in 2016, the hotel offers a pared-back experience with no television or air conditioning. 

With two suites, seven family rooms, and 205 guest rooms spanning across five floors, Many Glacier Hotel is proof that more is merrier. Spend your days horseback riding, boarding a boat cruise, or exploring the iconic Montana National Park. Once the sun sets, you can grab a bite at the hotel’s Ptarmigan Dining Room—and then a nightcap at the wood-paneled Swiss Lounge.

One thing to note? This property isn’t open year-round. For example, the 2025 season will kick off on June 5 and end September 29, so be sure to book accordingly. Prices start at $279 per night.

Trailborn Grand Canyon

Christian Harder

For many, the Grand Canyon is a dream destination, and a stay at the buzzy Trailborn outpost will make this a bucket list trip you’ll never forget. Opened in March 2025, the 96-room property sits on Route 66 and has great access to the Grand Canyon Railway, which takes passengers to its South Rim entrance. 

You might book Trailborn Grand Canyon for its accessibility, but you’ll love it for the sense of community it provides. Anchoring the hotel is the Camp Hall, a large events space that hosts movie nights, concerts, and bingo tournaments. For some activity al fresco, head over to the outdoor games court for a round of bocce, fit pit hangout, or dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub. Psst… want to bring your furry friend along? Trailborn will provide custom dog treats, bandanas, and food bowls upon request. Prices start at $175 per night.

Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole

Robert Miller

Grown-ups can appreciate the ultimate glamping experience at Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole, which opened in 2024 and is Jackson Hole’s first and only adults-only property. Perched on the East Gros Ventre Butte, the high-end accommodations have excellent views of the Teton Mountain Range and Snake River Valley. Oh, and when we say “high-end,” we mean it.

Guests will enjoy the lap of luxury from the moment they check in. After a day spent exploring—the property is minutes from downtown Jackson, 20 minutes from Grand Teton National Park, and 90 minutes from Yellowstone National Park—beeline it to the spa. Not only does the property have a host of serene treatments, but there’s also a  heated indoor negative edge pool with sublime views of the Tetons. Hungry? Olivia’s Restaurant and Bar menu is jam-packed with  organic, destination-inspired dishes and cocktails.

Of course, you can overlook the site’s 36 suites: Clocking at 600-square-feet, each one is outfitted with tailor-made Restoration Hardware furnishings, Calacatta marble, and an in-room iPad to control the suite with a few taps and swipes. Prices start at $1,199 per night.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

Located one mile from the entrance to Grand Teton National Park, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole delivers on both proximity and sophistication. While the 156-room property has a stacked schedule of on- and off-premises activities during the summer months—hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting are just a few—this property also shines in the winter. 

The hotel is situated on a prime slope-side position at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, making it a suitable ski-in, ski-out location. Not only will the property’s modern mountain design look picture-perfect in the winter, but the entire family can enjoy some s’mores once it gets chilly. 

Bonus point: If you want to visit two national parks while staying in one very stylish hotel, this Four Seasons is located within 60 miles of the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Prices start at $730 per night.

Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point

When you think about staying near a national park, you might envision a totally remote area that’s far away from any other signs of civilization. However, if you’re not ready to stay in the wilderness quite yet, Cavallo Point is a wonderful alternative. This posh property is technically located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, but it’s just north of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito. (Read: You’ll be surrounded by nature without leaving your comfort zone.) As the former site of the Fort Baker military base, the property has since been restored to house 68 historic rooms and 74 contemporary units. 

You could check out the rest of the Bay Area during your stay, but the property has plenty of amenities to keep you booked, busy, and connected to Mother Nature. In addition to a series of private and group hikes, Cavallo Point boasts a meditation pool in the spa, lots of lawn games, and a cooking school filled with locally sourced ingredients. Prices start at $453 per night.