Best Under Canvas Camps, Ranked

I’ll never forget the night I tried to save money at an Under Canvas camp by booking the cheapest tent—a Stargazer—during a freak cold snap in Montana. The canvas walls flapped like a sail, the wood stove ate through my half-assembled kindling, and I spent the night in a fetal position under every layer I’d packed. By dawn, I had a new rule: never skimp on the tent tier when the forecast dips under 40F.

That was at Under Canvas Glacier. I’ve since slept in all 12 Under Canvas locations (yes, all of them), from the red rock quiet of Moab to the buggy bliss of Acadia. I’ve peed in a bucket at 2 AM (the Stargazer shared toilet is a hike), and I’ve soaked in a private clawfoot tub under a full moon at a Summit tent. Here’s my definitive ranking, balancing park access and tent quality.

1. Under Canvas Acadia

This is the crown jewel. Not because the tents are the fanciest (they’re not—no Summit tier here, only Stargazer and Suite), but because it’s across the street from Acadia National Park’s Schoodic Peninsula, the quietest, most stunning section of the park. I walked from my tent to the Schoodic Point sunrise in 10 minutes. The camp itself is set in a dense forest of spruce and fir, with trails that connect directly to park carriage paths. The food is exceptional—especially the lobster roll—and the staff actually know the park’s hidden corners. If you can only do one, do this.

2. Under Canvas Moab

Moab combines Utah’s big-sky drama with the best tent-tier options in the brand. The Summit tents here are genuinely luxurious: king bed, private bathroom with rainfall shower, patio with gas fireplace. But the real win is proximity: Arches National Park is 15 minutes away, Canyonlands is 30. I booked a Summit for three nights and spent every afternoon napping in the shade of my tent’s porch, watching the La Sal Mountains change color. The Stargazer tents here face the Colorado River canyon—a smart design choice. Only downside: the camp can get loud with off-road vehicles during Jeep Safari week.

3. Under Canvas Yellowstone

The original, and still one of the best. The West Yellowstone location is about 30 minutes from the park’s West Entrance, which puts you close to Old Faithful (45 minutes drive). But what sets this camp apart is the guided activities: they’ll set up a private wildlife tour or a fly-fishing lesson. The Summit tents here have wood stoves, which I desperately needed in late September when snow dusted the canvas. The Stargazer tents are essentially canvas igloos with a clear panel over the bed—on a clear night, you can watch the Milky Way while staying warm. Don’t miss the campfire s’mores bar.

4. Under Canvas Grand Canyon

This camp sits on 160 acres of private land 25 minutes from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The views from the property are jaw-dropping—you can see the San Francisco Peaks and the Painted Desert. The Summit tents here are the same high quality as Moab, but the real standout is the Stargazer+ tier—an upgraded Stargazer with a private bathroom and a wood stove. I’d rank it higher if the park shuttle didn’t require a 20-minute drive to the nearest stop. But for sunrise at Mather Point followed by a quiet afternoon on your deck, it’s unbeatable.

5. Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase

This is the wild card. It’s not near a national park in the conventional sense—it’s 30 minutes from Page, AZ, and close to Lake Powell and Grand Staircase-Escalante. But if you’re into water sports, red rock slot canyons, and total solitude, it’s a gem. The camp is small (only 50 tents) and the atmosphere is relaxed. I booked a Suite tent here—the only tier with a private bathroom at this location—and spent my mornings kayaking Horseshoe Bend without crowds. The food is mediocre compared to Acadia or Moab, but the stargazing is the best I’ve ever seen.

6. Under Canvas Glacier

Back to Montana. The camp is 30 minutes from the West Glacier entrance, which puts you near Lake McDonald. The Summit tents here are cozy, with wood stoves that actually work (unlike my Stargazer disaster). But the location isn’t as seamless as Acadia or Moab—you need a car for everything, and the bumpy access road is brutal at night. Still, the camp offers free bear spray and guided hikes, plus the food is hearty. If you’re doing the Going-to-the-Sun Road, this is the best base.

7. Under Canvas Zion

Zion is a circus in summer, and this camp doesn’t escape that. It’s 20 minutes from the park’s South Entrance, but the shuttle traffic can add an hour. The tents are solid—I stayed in a Suite with a private bathroom—but the vibe is more “glamping resort” than “in nature.” There’s a pool (rare for Under Canvas), a restaurant with cocktails, and even a gift shop. If you want amenities, this is your spot. But for true immersion, I’d choose Moab or Acadia.

8. Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

The newest camp, opened in 2023, and it shows. The tents are modern, the bathrooms are clean, and the location is 20 minutes from the park’s Gatlinburg entrance. But the Smokies are crowded, and the camp’s fire pit area felt like a parking lot. The Stargazer tents here have a clear panel shaped like a pentagon—novel, but the trees block most of the sky. I’d revisit only if they open a Summit tier.

9. Under Canvas Mt. Rushmore

This camp is 15 minutes from Mount Rushmore, but let’s be honest: the monument is a 20-minute visit. The real draw is the Black Hills and Custer State Park. The camp itself is in a pine forest with a nice lodge, but the tent tiers are limited (no Summit, only Stargazer and Suite). I felt the price didn’t match the experience—you’re paying for the brand. The food is average.

10. Under Canvas Bryce Canyon

Bryce is otherworldly, but the camp is 35 minutes from the park’s entrance—the longest drive of any Under Canvas. The tents are standard, and the property is exposed, so wind can be a problem. I stayed in a Stargazer and spent the night listening to canvas slap. The only highlight: the camp has a partnership with a local stargazing guide who sets up telescopes. If you want sunrise at Bryce Amphitheater, book a hotel in the park instead.

11. Under Canvas Shenandoah

This camp opened in 2022 and feels like a work in progress. It’s 20 minutes from the Shenandoah National Park entrance, but the tents are spaced too close together—I could hear my neighbor snoring. No Summit tier, and the food is subpar. The one saving grace is the proximity to Skyline Drive, which is beautiful in October. But for the price, I’d rather stay at a cabin in the park.

12. Under Canvas Badlands

I wanted to love this one. The Badlands are stunning, and the camp sits right on the edge of the park—you can see the spires from your tent. But the bugs are apocalyptic. I was swarmed by mosquitoes before I could even unlock my Stargazer. The tents lack proper screens, and the shared bathroom was a 5-minute walk through grass. The staff told me it’s always like that in June. I left after one night and checked into a motel in Wall. Never again.

Choosing Your Tent Tier

If you’re doing this for the first time and have the budget, get a Summit tent. The private bathroom alone is worth it—especially at 3 AM in the rain. If you’re on a budget, the Stargazer is fine for warm, dry nights (aim for July–August). Avoid it below 45°F unless you’re a seasoned camper. The Suite tier is a good middle ground: private bathroom but no wood stove.

Under Canvas isn’t cheap, but it’s not supposed to be. It’s a splurge for the experience of sleeping under canvas with national parks as your backyard. Just don’t make my mistake: check the forecast, upgrade the tent, and bring earplugs. The wind never stops.