Looking for fun and unique stays near Moab? From glamping and backcountry camping ideas to hotels near Moab, here are some of the best stays you can lock in!

Why this blog? Oh hey there! My name is Maddy and I’ve worked as an outdoor guide and travel writer since 2018. It’s my mission to help folks like you find the best unique things to do and experiences to make your trip memorable!

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Best Places to Stay in Moab, Utah

When looking for unique places to stay, there’s a few key things I keep in mind. First, I consider proximity to main attraction or the places I want to be and visit. In addition to this I like to consider the purpose of the trip — am I looking to get out and spend time out on the town, or am I hoping to relax somewhere beautiful? What’s more important to me for this trip, amenities or a view?

Perhaps obviously, if you go camping or backpacking you can often sleep somewhere beautiful for cheap with very few amenities. On the other hand, you can often find decent hotels with plenty of comfort at a decent price point as well. But for a beautiful place, great location, and full amenities you’ll likely end up paying more. I recommend writing down your goals of the trip and envisioning what your ideal stay looks like before diving into booking.

1) Glamping Canyonlands

While visiting Moab, my favorite place we stayed was Glamping Canyonlands. For me this was the perfect mix of rustic camping meets comfort. We could sleep under the stars, watch a gorgeous sunset and feel like we were way out in nature. At the same time, we had a lot of comforts available to us.

Glamping Canyonlands has a communal kitchen flush toilets and showers available to glampers and even a sauna add-on available. You cart your things into your tent or glamping pod and sleep on a bed in a raised glamping tent. Keep in mind that glamping is still camping adjacent — this means if you have loud neighbors you may be able to hear them, and you’ll be able to hear the elements outside as well.

I found our glamping tent to be super clean and bug free, but it’s up to you as a camper to keep it that way throughout your stay. The stargazing at Glamping Canyonlands was absolutely off the charts and I 100% would recommend to a friend.

I particularly love glamping because it tends to be scenic and affordable all at once, plus I don’t have to set up a tent and can sleep in a bed,

READ: 7 Epic Day Trips from Moab, Utah

2) Expedition Inn, Moab

If you’re looking for a fun place to stay just outside of downtown Moab and walking distance from all the main attractions, check out the Expedition Inn in Moab. This is a fun affordable stay with a pool available.

We stayed here on the way in to backpacking in Canyonlands as well as on the way out.

3) Best Western Plus Canyonlands

If you’re looking for a lovely place to stay with clean rooms, a big pool, and outdoor breakfast seating, the Best Western Plus is also a really solid choice!

READ: 13 Epic Things to do in Moab

4) Backcountry Camping

Between backcountry camping, free camping on BLM land and commercial campgrounds there are so many great camping options near Moab. Camping is a really great option for folks who frequently camp looking to save money and stay somewhere beautiful.

The desert is hot, so if you choose to camp be sure to pack enough water (think 8 liters per person per day), and remember to pack out all waste as things don’t biodegrade in the desert.

We spent a night in the wilderness of the Needles District of Canyonlands camping and it was easily one of my favorite places I’ve ever camped.

READ: Complete Guide to Backpacking Needles, Canyonlands

Find other bucket-list worthy adventures in the Southwest:

• Backpack to blue waterfalls in a desert canyon
• Plan a road trip through Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
• Backpack America’s shortest Thru-Hike

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