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There are plenty of reasons to head to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, not the least of which is the wonderful views and park access you can expect from the nearby lodging options. Whether you’re on the hunt for something off-the-grid or a boutique hotel just steps away from a hiking path, staying in one of the spectacular vacation rentals and hotels near Capitol Reef National Park can make your trip that much more memorable.
All five of Utah’s national parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion) dazzle with otherworldly vistas and red rock views. But aside from Capitol Reef’s incredible natural landscapes—soaring arches and massive sandstone bridges—it’s known for something the Instagram-famous Zion is not: its lack of crowds.
When I first visited 15 years ago, Capitol Reef and its gateway town, Torrey, felt almost like a ghost town. Amenities in Torrey were few, and you could drive in on a Friday afternoon and find a prime camping spot right inside the park. During last year’s spring visit, I found the park somewhat busier than in the past, but many visitors still chose to skip it in favor of big-name favorites like Bryce and Zion.
I’ve returned many times throughout the years, and now, new coffee shops and restaurants line the town’s streets, and those formerly walk-in camp spots require reservations year-round. But you’ll still get a sense of solitude you may miss at Utah’s other parks, while enjoying views of the petroglyphs, red-rock arches, and scenic roadways that wowed me on my first visit—no park shuttle or park reservation required. To experience Capitol Reef best, stay at one of these vetted Airbnbs, boutique hotels, glampsites, and modern cabins. Read on for my favorite places to stay around Capitol Reef National Park for year-round stargazing, hiking, and nature views.
