Best Glamping Spots in Arizona’s Desert & Canyon Country

If you’re seeking deserts, canyons, and cacti, there’s no better place to be than the Grand Canyon State. For campers, Arizona is an especially enticing destination, thanks to its mild winters and reliable warmth year-round.

On top of that, Arizona is home to several beautiful destinations, from the world-renowned Grand Canyon to the cacti-filled Saguaro National Park. If you love the outdoors, join the nearly 46 million tourists who visited the state in 2023 and plan a glamping trip!

Not sure where to start? Read on to uncover the top regions in Arizona for camping and glamping, including how to get there and what each one offers. Plus, discover the top glamping spots in each location. Let’s get right into it!

The Grand Canyon 

As one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a must-visit national park for just about everyone.

Location: The South Rim entrance is accessible year-round, taking roughly 1.5 hours by car from Flagstaff, AZ

What It Offers: Grand Canyon National Park is all about the views! Take the shuttle bus around the park to hit the top view points, or bike the Rim Trail for a more interactive experience of the park. Visitors can also hike down the canyon, take a mule ride, enjoy scenic drives, and even go whitewater rafting down the Colorado River.

The remote location of the park creates a dark sky that’s also ideal for stargazing, so bring your star charts and binoculars for a magnificent viewing experience.

What Are the Top Glamping Spots at the Grand Canyon?

1. Under Canvas Grand Canyon

As a trusted glamping company across the country, Under Canvas offers all of the glamping amenities you’d expect from a luxury retreat. At their Grand Canyon location, enjoy the 160 acres of undisturbed wilderness from the comfort of their wall tents.

2. Wander Camp Grand Canyon

Wander Camp Grand Canyon offers a secluded, off-grid glamping experience perfect for anyone looking to unplug and reconnect with nature, just 30 minutes from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim entrance.

3. Highland Grand Canyon

Highland boasts the closest private property to the Grand Canyon, making it a highly convenient home base for this must-visit national park.

Saguaro National Park

If you’re craving a quintessential southwestern getaway, Saguaro National Park delivers. Home of the giant saguaro cactus, this park offers a picturesque backdrop for any glamping trip.

Location: 30 minutes west by car from Tucson, AZ

What It Offers: After you’ve seen the namesake giant saguaro cacti, go hiking or biking through the 170 miles worth of trails, observe diverse wildlife, enjoy a scenic drive, or stargaze from your campsite at night. If natural history is your niche, don’t miss the petroglyphs and pictographs (aka prehistoric rock art) hidden throughout the park. For museum, zoo, and garden lovers, check out the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which features all 3 attractions in one.

What Are the Top Glamping Spots near Saguaro National Park?

1. Saguaro Glamp

Anyone looking to lean into the luxury side of glamping will love Saguaro Glamp’s desert resort in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Plus, Saguaro Glamp prioritizes sustainability, offering an eco-friendly off-grid experience without sacrificing everyday comforts.

Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell

Along the northern border of Arizona is a region rich with otherworldly landscapes and natural wonders, namely Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell.

Location: A short 10-minute drive by car from Page, AZ

What It Offers: Antelope Canyon is an iconic destination in northern Arizona, featuring slot canyons so beautiful they’ll stop you in your tracks. Spend a day here on a hike through the canyons or practicing your outdoor photography skills.

Once you’re at Antelope Canyon, take a short drive north for a longer stay on the Arizona side of Lake Powell. Here, you can enjoy the scenic view of the lake carved into the rocky desert landscape from several different lookout points. Take part in classic lake activities, including swimming, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, or fishing. Plus, this is another great destination for views of the Colorado River.

What Are the Top Glamping Spots around Antelope Canyon & Lake Powell?

1. Glamping on Navajo

Glamping on Navajo is a Native-American-owned, off-grid retreat. They offer a classic bell tent outfitted with luxurious glamping accessories just a short distance from Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell.

2. Shash Dine

Experience authentic Navajo culture right in Page, AZ, with Shash Diné’s luxury outdoor retreat. Pick from several different styles of glamping tents, from traditional yurts to wall and bell tents.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Although Flagstaff is a city, it’s one surrounded by abundant nature, making it the perfect home base for a variety of outdoor adventures and an ideal glamping destination.

Location: 1 hour north of Sedona, AZ by car, in central AZ

What It Offers: As the sole city on this list, glampers in Flagstaff enjoy the benefits of city accessibility. You’ll be close to several different cultural and historical museums, plenty of restaurants and breweries, stargazing at Lowell Observatory, and, of course, all of the outdoor activities you could need. Go hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, or even snowshoeing. With both the Grand Canyon and Sedona within reasonable driving distance, Flagstaff is also a convenient and affordable starting point for these top destinations.

What Are the Top Glamping Spots in Flagstaff, Arizona?

1. Fort Tuthill

Retreat into the pines of the Coconino National Forest at Fort Tuthill’s glamping resort. Stay in a classic rustic yurt, or keep it basic by booking a standard campsite.

2. Travel Backland

Situated on 160 acres of secluded private land, Travel Backland has an array of eco-lodging opportunities perfect for an immersive, nature-focused glamping trip.

Wrapping It Up

Arizona is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the world, from the Grand Canyon to the giant saguaro cacti synonymous with the American Southwest. Not only that, but there’s plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation, making it an ideal place to pitch a camping tent and explore.

If glamping is more your style, there are a ton of awesome retreats across the state ready to serve as your luxurious home base in nature. Whether you’re looking for something simple and secluded or a resort to be pampered at, Arizona truly has it all. Happy glamping!