There’s something special about taking a short trip with your child where the only goal is to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.

That was exactly the idea behind our overnight escape to Zion White Bison Resort near Zion National Park. We weren’t trying to fit in long hikes or tick off a list of attractions. Instead, we spent our time swimming, relaxing in hot springs, making s’mores and enjoying a night in one of the resort’s luxury teepees.

Sometimes that’s exactly the kind of getaway you need.

Zion Canyon Hot Springs

Before checking into the resort, we spent the afternoon at Zion Canyon Hot Springs, which has quickly become one of my favourite stops in Southern Utah.

This was our second visit since it opened, and I can see why it’s becoming so popular with families.

The resort has more than 30 pools, including natural mineral pools, freshwater swimming pools, cold plunges, barrel saunas and dedicated family areas. There’s also an adults-only section with cocktails and fire pits, although with my daughter in tow we happily stayed in the family area.

We hired robes, floated between the warm mineral pools and spent several hours simply relaxing before making the short drive to White Bison Resort.

Zion White Bison Resort

I’ll admit, when we first arrived, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. From the entrance, I wondered whether the teepees might feel a little close together or perhaps lean a little too heavily into the novelty.

Within half an hour, I’d completely changed my mind.

The property is beautifully designed around a small lake, with walking paths, water features and mountain views in every direction. Alongside the teepees are beautifully restored covered wagons, private casitas and rooftop spa suites, giving guests plenty of accommodation options depending on the kind of stay they’re looking for.

Despite visiting over a long weekend with lots of families staying at the resort, it never felt crowded. During the day, most guests headed into Zion National Park, leaving the grounds surprisingly peaceful.

Glamping Done Properly

Our teepee was far more comfortable than I expected. Inside was a king bed, leather futons, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a spacious bathroom with a double rain shower. Outside, we had our own kitchen, private hot tub and gas fire pit, where we spent the evening making s’mores together.

It felt much more like staying in a boutique cabin than camping.

At one point, my daughter looked around and announced, “I love this. I could live like a Native American forever.”

I gently pointed out that our version of teepee living, complete with air conditioning, rain showers, a hot tub and marshmallows, probably wasn’t quite the traditional experience.

She wasn’t convinced.

By the end of our stay, she’d already decided she wanted to come back. To be honest, so had I.

The Little Things

One of the things I appreciated most was how easy everything felt.

We picked up groceries from Davis Food & Drug in nearby La Verkin before arriving and cooked simple meals at our teepee, which made the whole stay feel relaxed and self-contained.

The resort also has a swimming pool, spa, bathhouse, walking trails, a general store and even a small white bison sanctuary that gives the property its name.

My daughter loved wandering around the lake and swimming between meals, while I appreciated having nowhere in particular we needed to be.

More Than Just Zion

Zion National Park remains one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States, and it’s certainly worth exploring if you’re visiting the area. But this particular trip wasn’t really about sightseeing.

It was about spending uninterrupted time together without rushing from one attraction to the next. We floated in warm mineral pools, sat around the fire making s’mores, enjoyed the mountain views and spent a surprisingly comfortable night sleeping in a luxury teepee.

Those simple moments ended up being the highlight of the trip.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to stay near Zion National Park, I’d happily recommend Zion White Bison Resort. It’s comfortable, beautifully designed and feels like a genuine escape without giving up modern conveniences.

For us, though, the best part wasn’t the teepee or even the hot springs. It was having twenty-four hours with no agenda beyond spending time together.

We’ve already booked another stay – this time in the resort’s Chief Teepee.

Mrs Globetrotter Tips

Best for: Families, couples and anyone looking for a unique stay near Zion National Park. I actually think it would be a great place for anyone sleep deprived to go and have a nice long sleep in the teepee.

How long to stay: One or two nights is enough to enjoy the resort, especially when paired with Zion Canyon Hot Springs.

Don’t miss: Zion Canyon Hot Springs, the evening fire pit, the white bison sanctuary and a walk around the lake at sunset.

Good to know: Pick up groceries in nearby La Verkin if you’d like to cook at your accommodation.

Would I return? Absolutely. We enjoyed it so much we’ve already booked our next visit.