Hotels vs Glamping Near the Grand Canyon: Which Is Better?
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, one of your first questions is probably: Where should we stay? While hotels and lodges inside the park are the most common picks, glamping has quickly become one of the most popular ways to experience the Canyon, especially if you want to balance comfort with adventure.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
Traditional Hotels
Hotels are familiar. You know what to expect: indoor plumbing, Wi-Fi, mini fridges, maybe even a continental breakfast. But they can also be crowded, impersonal, and far removed from the natural world you came to see.
Pros:
Consistent amenities
Climate control
On-site dining
Cons:
Often booked months in advance
Higher prices for in-park convenience
Limited connection with the landscape
Why Glamping Wins (Especially at Highland)
Glamping gives you the best of both worlds: creature comforts and a front-row seat to nature. At Highland, our safari-style tents offer king-size beds, soft linens, heated mattresses, and forest views without the hassle of pitching a tent or sleeping on the ground.
Pros:
More privacy and space
Better scenery (sunsets, stars, wildlife!)
Fresh air + peace and quiet
Perfect for couples and nature-lovers
Cons:
Limited availability (book early!)
Off-grid (no hairdryers or TVs)
Why Highland Might Be the Sweet Spot
We’re just 4 miles from the South Rim, tucked into a quiet patch of forest. It’s peaceful, secluded, and still super convenient for exploring the park. Highland strikes the perfect balance between the best parts of camping and the comforts of a hotel.
From the camping side, you get everything you love: the fresh air, crackling firepits, starry skies, and the peaceful feeling of being immersed in nature. But you skip the downsides…no pitching a tent, no crawling into a sleeping bag, and definitely no waking up on a half-deflated air mattress.
From the hotel side, you get thoughtful touches like a plush king-size bed, bedside tables, lanterns, overhead lights, and complimentary coffee and tea in every tent. But unlike many hotels, you won’t be stuck between noisy neighbors or woken up by slamming doors down a hallway.
It’s the best of both worlds. Nature without the hassle. Comfort without the crowds. Plus, every booking includes full access to our clean bathrooms, outdoor kitchen, stargazing area, and firepit.
What Guests Say
“The glamping setup has everything: power outlets, chargers, ultra-comfy heated beds, and cozy comforters that kept us warm even in 30-40° nights. When we arrived, there was a firepit ready with complimentary s'mores, and we spent the evening chatting with other guests under the stars. The bathrooms are stunning: clean, modern, with hot water better than most NYC apartments.”
“I loved this place so much! So beautiful and peaceful. They really did an amazing job creating this private and off-grid oasis. I absolutely would highly recommend and I cannot wait to go back!! The tents are absolutely beautiful and the bed... so comfy!”
Still Not Sure?
That’s okay! Glamping isn’t for everyone. But if you're looking for something memorable, personal, and totally different from your typical vacation stay, it might just be the highlight of your trip.
Compare for yourself and book your stay at Highland — we’ll save a spot by the fire.
