Under Canvas Bryce Canyon Has Officially Opened

Until this year, my camping experiences had been quite . . . rugged. In high school, I spent a summer volunteering with a trail crew in Acadia National Park, where I backcountry camped for a month on Isle au Haut, a stunning island only reachable by ferry. We carried in our gear and food, took our trash out, and had no showers available (except for the occasional paid shower, much to the annoyance of those seated next to me on the flight home). I’m not claiming to be Richard Proenneke, but I had come to accept that discomfort was simply part of the outdoor adventure.

Glamping company Under Canvas firmly believes you absolutely do not need to endure hardship to relish the beauty of nature—and yes, feel free to enjoy a shower while you’re at it.

Founded in 2012 by Sarah and Jacob Dusek in Bozeman, Montana, Under Canvas provides luxurious sMytouri-style tents at 10 different locations across the United States, all ideally situated near popular national parks. Among its most sought-after sites are a property near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, a camp along the Atlantic Coast near Acadia National Park, and a sprawling 100-acre site just a short drive from Yellowstone’s west entrance.

Over the past decade, as Under Canvas has established itself, the domestic glamping market has become increasingly competitive. Nevertheless, Under Canvas has gained a reputation for offering a touch of comfort and luxury in remote settings. Its popularity soared during the pandemic when international travel came to a standstill, and American adventurers were eager for wide-open spaces.

This August 4, the company will launch Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, marking its tenth location in ten years, situated just 15 minutes from the entrance of Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park. Although Bryce is one of the smaller national parks, it boasts the highest concentration of unique hoodoos on the planet. As anyone who's tried to find accommodation near a national park knows, options are typically limited to motels, lodges, or tents in nearby towns due to their remote locations. Under Canvas brings a refreshing change to the Bryce Canyon City area.

In May, I had the chance to preview the new camp, which sprawls over 700 acres of Utah’s countryside, featuring rolling grasslands surrounded by rugged mountains. The wooden tent frames and canvas were still being set up amid vibrant chaparral scrubland, where pronghorn and white-tailed deer frequently roam. It was a short and enjoyable drive to the sole entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park; even on a weekday, the park was alive with visitors eager to see the hoodoos. After hiking the nearby Navajo Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile journey that showcases some of the park's most iconic sights—Wall Street and Thor’s Hammer—it took just minutes to drive back to camp. What a luxury for those who enjoy being close to “home” while on the road.

Under Canvas Bryce Canyon will debut with 50 tents, ranging from Deluxe (accommodating two) to Suite (accommodating four), with plans for expansion. All tents feature wooden floors, signature West Elm furniture, en suite bathrooms equipped with low-flow toilets and hot water, plush king-sized beds, and wood-fired stoves to keep the tents cozy during cool nights. Positioned at about 7,600 feet with no large cities nearby, it's an excellent location for stargazing. Quite the treat indeed.

May Lilley, the Chief Marketing Officer at Under Canvas, has dedicated over four years to the company and traveled widely across her homeland of Australia. Yet, she finds the American Southwest unmatched. Lilley believes Under Canvas can open doors to America’s natural beauty for those who might feel daunted by outdoor adventures. "We take pride in delivering outstanding outdoor hospitality," she states. "The adventure doesn't have to end when you exit the national park—it can continue on!"

This new site will mark Under Canvas's second fully off-grid, solar-powered location, following Under Canvas Zion. Like its other camps, there’s no electricity in the tents (though battery packs are available for charging devices and lanterns). And yes, brace yourselves—there's no TV or Wi-Fi on site. "Guests don’t seem to miss it," Lilley remarks. "Waking up to the sound of birds or falling asleep under a sky full of stars is transformative and emotional. We promote disconnecting from technology to reconnect with family and friends."

Visitors will find plenty of amenities to keep them happy and entertained. In the central "lobby"—a spacious, airy tent at the camp's edge—guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and coffee around the clock, with Bluestone Lane lattes available for purchase. The main tent features a fully equipped kitchen offering breakfast choices like frittata sandwiches and hearty dinners like roasted trout. Although most guests are out exploring during lunchtime, grab-and-go options are available in the afternoon when the kitchen is closed. Snacks can be purchased, and those seeking trail supplies can visit Ruby’s Inn General Store in town. Each night, complimentary s’mores kits are provided for guests who wish to indulge in a sweet treat by the campfire. Complimentary activities include yoga classes, live music, and astrology readings, which will be a unique offering at the Bryce Canyon location.

Under Canvas Bryce Canyon is the company's fourth campsite in Utah, joining its other locations near Moab, Lake Powell, and Zion. It also marks the fifth stop on the Grand Circle road trip, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to explore the beauty of Utah. Lilley notes, "This area of Southeast Utah and Northern Arizona has opened up in a way that guests can enjoy a comfortable night’s stay with all the home comforts, while still embracing an adventurous experience."

Let’s be honest: Glamping has faced its share of criticism lately, often accused of not grasping what makes camping worthwhile despite its discomfort, as pointed out by Study Breaks, or dismissed as simply “pretentious nonsense.” But perhaps we're misinterpreting glamping instead? How many times have I camped and wished I could take a shower? Or longed for a proper bed while trying to sleep on a rocky surface poking my back?

During my time exploring southern Utah at Under Canvas's Lake Powell and Zion locations, I found myself feeling more connected to the national parks I visited because I truly enjoyed my experiences. What’s wrong with enjoying a latte before embarking on a morning hike? Aren’t the natural wonders of the United States meant to be experienced and appreciated by everyone, regardless of their outdoor skills?

Lilley reflects, "I’ve often been asked, ‘Who is this for?’ To me, it’s for anyone who loves the outdoors. I hope our guests leave with a deeper appreciation for nature and understand why it’s crucial to protect and preserve it. I want them to take that message home with them."