Under Canvas is a glamping chain with locations across the United States
Under Canvas operates glamping sites in national parks and scenic areas, offering canvas tent accommodations instead of traditional hotel rooms or RVs. The company runs properties near popular destinations like Zion, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Moab. Each location sits on private land adjacent to or near a major park, so you get proximity to hiking and sightseeing without staying in a standard campground.
The tents themselves are large, semi-permanent structures with real beds, heating, and electricity — not backpacking tents. Most locations offer different tent sizes and price points, from basic canvas structures to luxury safari-style setups with private bathrooms and decks. You book directly through the Under Canvas website or by phone, and stays typically run from a few nights to a week or longer.
Under Canvas is a for-profit company, not a government program or nonprofit. You pay out of pocket for your stay, though some locations may offer discounts during off-season months. The company does not handle financial aid, subsidies, or income-based pricing.
Key Takeaways
- Under Canvas operates canvas tent glamping sites near major national parks in locations like Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, and Colorado.
- Tents include real beds, heating, electricity, and sometimes private bathrooms, making them more comfortable than traditional camping but less formal than hotels.
- You book and pay directly through Under Canvas; prices vary by location, season, and tent type, with peak season (summer and fall) costing more than winter.
- Most locations require a minimum stay of two to three nights, and cancellation policies vary by how far in advance you book.
- Under Canvas does not offer financial aid, sliding-scale pricing, or income-based discounts — it is a commercial accommodation service.
What the tents include and how they differ by location
Under Canvas operates several tent styles across its properties. The most basic option is usually a standard canvas bell tent with a bed, heating, and electricity but a shared bathhouse nearby. Mid-range tents add an ensuite bathroom and a deck or patio. The highest-tier tents (often called "Signature" or "Luxury" depending on location) include full bathrooms, heating, air conditioning, and amenities like hot tubs or fire pits.
Each location is different. The Zion property near Springdale, Utah, for example, offers bell tents, glamping tents with private bathrooms, and larger family tents. The Yellowstone location near West Yellowstone, Montana, has similar options but may have different pricing and availability windows because the park itself has a shorter season. Before booking, check the specific property's website to see which tent types are available for your dates.
All tents include linens, pillows, and towels. Most locations have a central lodge or gathering area with a restaurant, bar, or coffee shop. Some properties offer activities like guided hikes, yoga classes, or evening programs, though these may cost extra or be included depending on the location.
How to book and what the costs look like
You book Under Canvas directly through their main website or by calling the specific property. The booking process is straightforward: select your dates, choose your tent type, and pay. Most locations require a deposit at booking and the balance due before arrival, though payment terms vary.
Nightly rates depend heavily on the location, tent type, and season. A basic bell tent in winter might cost $150 to $250 per night, while a luxury tent with a private bathroom in peak summer season can run $400 to $600 or more per night. Some locations charge a resort fee on top of the nightly rate (typically $20 to $40 per night) for amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, and access to common areas.
Most Under Canvas locations require a minimum stay of two to three nights, though this varies by property and season. During slower periods, some locations may accept one-night bookings. Check the specific property's rules before you book.
Cancellation policies and what happens if you need to change your dates
Under Canvas cancellation policies depend on how far in advance you book. If you cancel more than 30 days before arrival, you typically get a full refund minus a small processing fee (usually $25 to $50). If you cancel between 14 and 30 days out, you may lose 50 percent of your deposit. Cancellations within 14 days are usually nonrefundable.
These terms can change by location and by season, so read the specific property's policy when you book. Some locations offer more flexible cancellation during winter months to encourage bookings. If you need to change your dates rather than cancel entirely, contact the property directly — they may be able to move your reservation if availability allows, often without a fee.
Travel insurance that covers trip cancellation is available through third-party providers and may be worth considering if you are booking far in advance or during peak season when rebooking is harder.
What to bring and what the on-site experience is like
Under Canvas provides bedding and towels, but you should bring your own toiletries, medications, and any personal items you need. Tents have electricity, so you can charge devices and use hair dryers or other appliances. Most locations have Wi-Fi, though signal strength varies. Bring layers — even in summer, desert nights cool down significantly, and heating in the tents works well but is not the same as a heated hotel room.
The experience is more structured than backcountry camping but less formal than a hotel. You check in at a lodge, get directions to your tent, and have access to common areas and any on-site dining. Some guests hike or explore during the day and return to the tent in the evening. Others spend time at the property's gathering spaces or participate in organized activities.
Cell service depends on the location. Properties near towns usually have decent coverage, but remote locations may have spotty service. Ask the property about this when you book if staying connected matters to you.
How Under Canvas compares to other glamping options
Under Canvas is one of several glamping chains operating in the United States. Glamping Hub is a booking platform that lists independent glamping properties, often smaller and more varied in style. AutoCamp operates luxury Airstream and cabin properties near national parks. Collective Retreats runs high-end glamping resorts in places like Moab and Jackson Hole.
Under Canvas tends to be mid-range in price and standardized in experience — you know roughly what to expect at each location because the company operates them all. Independent glamping properties (found through Glamping Hub or Airbnb) may be cheaper or more unique but vary widely in quality and amenities. AutoCamp and Collective Retreats are typically more expensive but offer more luxury finishes.
If you want to stay near a specific national park, search that park's name plus "glamping" to see all options in the area, not just Under Canvas. You may find smaller local operators with lower prices or properties that are closer to the park entrance.
What to know about location, parking, and park access
Under Canvas properties are on private land, not inside national parks. This means you get proximity to the park without the hassle of park campground lotteries, but you are not staying within park boundaries. From an Under Canvas site near Zion, for example, you drive to the park entrance (usually 10 to 30 minutes depending on the property). You pay the park entrance fee separately — it is not included in your Under Canvas booking.
Parking is usually included at the property. You park near your tent or in a central lot, depending on the location. If you are planning to spend full days in the park, you will need a vehicle or plan to use shuttle services the park offers.
Check the specific property's location on a map before booking. "Near Yellowstone" can mean 20 minutes or an hour depending on which entrance you use and where the property sits. Ask the property directly about drive times to the main attractions you want to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book far in advance?
Peak season (June through September) books up weeks or months ahead, especially at popular locations like Zion and Moab. Winter and spring are easier to book last-minute. If you have specific dates in mind during summer, book at least four to six weeks ahead. Off-season properties sometimes have availability with just a few days' notice.
Are Under Canvas properties pet-friendly?
Some Under Canvas locations allow pets, but policies vary by property. Check the specific location's website or call before booking if you are traveling with a dog or cat. Pet fees typically range from $25 to $50 per night, and there may be restrictions on size or breed.
What if the weather is bad during my stay?
Canvas tents are designed to handle rain and wind, and heating keeps the interior warm. However, if severe weather closes the park or makes hiking unsafe, you will not get a refund — you are paying for accommodation, not may provide park access. Travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations may be worth considering if weather is a concern.
Can I cook meals in the tent?
Most Under Canvas tents do not have kitchens. Some locations have on-site restaurants or cafes, and nearby towns usually have grocery stores and restaurants. If cooking is important to you, ask the property whether any tent types include kitchenettes or whether you can bring a camping stove for outside use.
Is Under Canvas the same as camping?
Under Canvas is glamping — it combines camping's outdoor setting with hotel-like comfort. You sleep in a tent, but with a real bed, heating, and electricity. It is not traditional tent camping, and it is not a hotel. If you want the full camping experience with a sleeping bag and campfire, a national park campground may be a better fit.