Nothing says “national park road trip” like staying in a historic cabin.
One of the most important parts of planning any national park trip is figuring out where to stay. From luxury hotels to tent camping, the options range widely both inside and outside the parks. But there’s one type of accommodation that often strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nature: cabins.
We’ve stayed in a wide variety of cabins inside the US national parks, and each one had a unique personality and left us with lasting impression. In this post, we’re sharing our favorite park cabins, what makes each one unique, and a few helpful tips for booking your own cabin adventure.
This article summarizes our podcast episode #131: Our Favorite Cabins in the National Parks. For a more detailed discussion about these cabins, listen to the entire episode.
The cover image for this post is of a cabin at Zion Lodge in Zion National Park.
Why Stay in a Cabin?
Cabins give you your own space. They are a cozy retreat in the middle of nature. Compared to hotel rooms or even rooms in a lodge, they offer a more private and sometimes quieter experience. Many have porches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery, and you’re often just steps from hiking trails or stunning views.
However, not all cabins come with the same amenities. Some have kitchens or fireplaces. Others don’t even have bathrooms, just a bed, four walls, and access to a shared bathhouse. It’s essential to know what you’re getting before you book.
Booking Tips
- Most park cabins book up 12 to 13 months in advance.
- Check the park’s website for specific reservation windows.
- Look for last-minute cancellations, especially around the time when cancellation windows close.
- Always book directly through the official park concessionaire. Third-party sites may charge extra fees.
- We’ve linked the booking sites for the cabins in this post. These are not affiliate links, and we do not get paid a fee if you book a cabin using these links.
Lake Crescent Lodge Cabins – Olympic National Park, WA
Lake Crescent Lodge has several types of accommodations, but our favorite are the historic Singer Tavern Cabins. Originally built in the early 1900s, these lakeside cabins hosted none other than President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937. His visit helped lead to the establishment of Olympic National Park.
The cabins offer a cozy, rustic experience with lake views (though, fair warning, one is oddly turned and faces the other cabins). We love opening the windows in the morning and listening to the birds—and occasionally spotting a deer outside.
Kalaloch Lodge Cabins – Olympic National Park, WA
Further down the coast in Olympic, Kalaloch Lodge sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. These cabins range from bluff-side with ocean views to cozy cabins set a bit further back. Many include kitchens and fireplaces.
This is a fantastic year-round destination. We visited in January and loved hearing the crashing waves and walking the beach in the misty rain. The cabins are rustic but incredibly charming and comfortable.
Cedar Pass Lodge Cabins – Badlands National Park, SD
Though it’s called a lodge, Cedar Pass is all cabins, no hotel rooms here. Rebuilt in 2013, the cabins were designed to resemble the originals from 1928. Inside, you’ll find beetle-kill pine interiors, comfortable furnishings, and even TVs (that’s a rarity!).
What sets these cabins apart are the incredible views. Sitting on your porch with coffee in hand, staring out at the Badlands and hearing birds call to one another, is something you won’t forget.
Zion Lodge Cabins – Zion National Park, UT
One of the perks of staying at Zion Lodge is being allowed to drive your own car into Zion Canyon, a privilege not extended to day visitors during the shuttle season. The cabins here were part of a historic compromise between the National Park Service and Union Pacific Railroad. Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, they helped establish the “Park Service Rustic” architectural style. Or, as we like to call it, “Parkitecture.”
They’re especially romantic. We celebrated an anniversary here and loved the cozy gas fireplace and canyon views.
Bryce Canyon Lodge Cabins – Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Built in the late 1920s, these deluxe cabins sit near the rim of the Bryce Amphitheater. You can literally roll out of bed and catch sunrise over the hoodoos.
Also designed by Underwood, the cabins blend into the environment with their rock and timber exteriors. Inside, they’re updated for comfort but retain their historic charm.
Grand Canyon Lodge Cabins – North Rim, AZ
Open from mid-May to mid-October, the Grand Canyon Lodge offers both Western and Pioneer cabins. Western cabins have porches and better locations, while the Pioneer cabins are more basic but easier to book.
And again, these historic cabins were also designed by Underwood and rebuilt in 1937 after a fire. They’re rustic, charming, and a peaceful way to experience the less-visited North Rim.
Bright Angel Lodge Cabins – South Rim, AZ
Designed by Mary Colter in the 1930s, these South Rim cabins are right on the canyon’s edge. The Bright Angel Trailhead is steps away.
The area’s history dates back to 1896, when James Thurber operated a small lodge and tent camp here. Today, Colter’s designs still shine, and the rustic cabins have been updated while keeping their original feel. The only drawback? Parking can be tricky. But once you’re in, it’s an unbeatable location.
Phantom Ranch Cabins – Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon along Bright Angel Creek, Phantom Ranch is one of the most legendary and remote places to stay in the national parks. Accessible only by foot, mule, or raft, it’s a true adventure just to get there.
The rustic cabins, designed by Mary Colter in the 1920s, are built from native stone and wood to blend into the canyon setting. They include simple furnishings and air conditioning. Most have simple bathrooms with additional shared bathrooms and showers nearby. Meals are served in the centrally-located canteen but must be reserved in advance.
Reservations are awarded through a lottery system 13 months out, and demand is high. If you’re lucky enough to win a spot, the peaceful setting and starry nights at the canyon’s floor are well worth the effort.
Big Meadows Lodge Cabins – Shenandoah National Park, VA
These historic cabins are cozy and full of charm, but note: the beds are doubles, not queens or kings. For some, that can be a dealbreaker.
Still, they’re a fun choice in the fall when the leaves are changing. The lodge and cabins date back to the 1930s and were part of the New Deal-era development of Shenandoah.
Rock Harbor Cabins – Isle Royale National Park, MI
Isle Royale is remote—accessible only by boat or plane—and the cabins at Rock Harbor are the only lodging on the island. These duplex units have private baths and kitchenettes and can sleep up to six.
If you’re looking for seclusion and a true getaway from digital interruptions, this is the place. But you might want to bring books and board games.
Mammoth Hot Springs Cabins – Yellowstone National Park, WY
Tucked behind the hotel, these cabins are a pleasant surprise. We stumbled on them when our usual hotel room wasn’t available and loved them. Cozy, quiet, and surrounded by elk during the fall rut, they offer a special kind of wildlife immersion.
Some have bathrooms, others don’t, so check the room type carefully before booking. And if you’re visiting in the off-season, the hot tub cabins are the only ones available.
Colter Bay Cabins – Grand Teton National Park, WY
These cabins were moved here from other resorts around the park when John D. Rockefeller, Jr. helped expand the park and restore natural landscapes. Each cabin is a little different, and they have a fun, summer-camp feel.
We’ve stayed here several times and always appreciated this more affordable lodging option, rooms inside Grand Teton National Park can be expensive. The Colter Bay area is a great family-friendly spot with a general store, restaurant, and visitor center nearby.
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn Cabins – Glacier National Park, MT
Located in the Many Glacier area, these cabins are a favorite of hikers. The trailheads for Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Tunnel are right outside.
The area began as a teepee camp in 1911. Thankfully, plans to demolish the cabins in the 1950s were scrapped, and now they’re some of the most sought-after accommodations in Glacier. Book early!
While they will not be available for the 2025 season due to nearby construction, check out this lodging option in the future if you plan to visit the Many Glacier area of the park.
Brooks Camp Cabins – Katmai National Park, AK
If you’ve ever wanted to watch brown bears catch salmon, this is the place. The 16 rustic cabins at Brooks Camp have bathrooms and bunk beds but not much else. What you do get is access to viewing platforms and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of bears roaming through the area and sharing trails with visitors.
The lottery to book a cabin opens a year and a half in advance. And be aware: flights and meals are extra, and the location is remote. One more detail, this can be a pricey adventure but well worth it, in our opinion.
Denali Backcountry Lodge Cabins – Denali National Park, AK
We stayed here before the lodge became a luxury spa resort. Now it includes gourmet meals, spa treatments, and helicopter transfers to the lodge (because the park road is currently closed past mile 43).
Back when we visited, it was a modest cabin experience with amazing hiking and communal meals with travelers from all over the world. Today, it’s a splurge, but still an unforgettable way to see Denali.
Consider a Cabin
If you want a deeper connection to the parks, consider booking a cabin. You’ll wake up closer to the scenery, escape the crowds, and have a base that feels like part of the landscape. Just don’t forget to check the amenities, book early, and keep your bags zipped up at night so you don’t take home any special guests when you leave.
