Cabins near Orderville, Utah position visitors between Zion and Bryce Canyon at elevations ranging from 5,300 to 7,500 feet, creating distinct temperature shifts between seasons. Summer days typically reach 85-95°F while winter nights often drop below freezing. Autumn visitors benefit from cooler temperatures and reduced crowds, with October highs averaging 65-75°F and fewer competition for cabin reservations.
What to do
Explore nearby hiking trails: The east entrance to Zion National Park lies just 15 miles west of Orderville, providing access to less-crowded trails. "We drove down to Overlook Point trail (about 45 min) for a great 4 mile hike with kids," notes one visitor at Bryce Zion Campground.
Take advantage of shuttle services: When staying at accommodations closer to park entrances, utilize the free shuttle systems. "You don't need your vehicle after you arrive. Walk to shuttle bus stop 5 to 10 minutes away at the Visitor Center where you have to take a shuttle to get to the hikes and views north of the VC," explains a camper at South Campground.
Consider horseback riding: Several properties offer equestrian experiences for visitors seeking alternative ways to explore the landscape. "The kids loved feeding the horses" at Bryce Zion Campground, while Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers guided riding experiences. "We did the jeep tour and enjoyed it very much," shares a recent visitor.
What campers like
Private access to natural features: Many cabin properties provide direct access to scenic areas away from crowds. "There is a stream and 2 mile hiking trail located in the camp" at Bryce Zion Campground, while one reviewer noted that at Zion River Resort, "We had a site right on the road and were concerned at first but it ended up being pretty quiet and the view of the rock faces from our site was amazing."
Convenient store access: On-site markets eliminate the need for extra trips into town. "Market on site with very reasonable prices," notes a Zion River Resort visitor, saving time during your stay. Similarly, many properties stock essentials for unexpected needs.
Clean bathroom facilities: Maintained facilities rank highly in visitor satisfaction. "The bathrooms look like they belong in a church" reports one Bryce Zion Campground visitor, while another states "They have the cleanest showers we have found in our travels."
What you should know
Reservation timing varies: Most cabin properties in the area have different reservation windows. For South Campground, "Reservations can be made two weeks before your stay, and you can only reserve three nights," while other properties allow bookings up to six months in advance.
Weather considerations: The high desert climate creates temperature extremes. "We stayed in the tent sites, some of the sites were small. But we had a ton of room," reports a visitor at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. "It's at a higher elevation than Zion and anything around Kanab, makes for cooler nights," notes a Bryce Zion Campground visitor.
Wi-Fi limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between properties. At Zion River Resort, "There is virtually no cell signal in Virgin. Certainly not enough to even begin to create a hot spot. There is wifi (and we even had a booster on our site)...but there was still terribly connectivity."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Properties with dedicated children's features enhance family stays. "There's a laundry mat on site and a small playground and dog park," notes one visitor about Bryce Zion Campground, while Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers "tennis courts, basketball courts, clean bathrooms, and nice showers."
Pack for temperature changes: High elevation means significant day-to-night temperature swings, especially in spring and fall. "We woke up the next morning to a light dusting of snow, but were not cold during the night," reports a spring visitor at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
Consider driving distances: When visiting multiple parks, central locations reduce daily travel time. "This would be a good place to park a 5th wheel or Class A and take a smaller vehicle for excursions to the many surrounding parks," suggests a visitor at Grand Plateau RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many properties have varied site sizes and configurations. At Mount Carmel Motel & RV Park, "Sites are level and gravel. Food and gas are near, laundry is on sight campers can use 6-10 pm very nice."
Consider tunnel restrictions: Vehicle size impacts routes through Zion. "The only thing inconvenient is that you have to go through the Mt Carmel tunnel to reach Zion NP. And this tunnel is opened for oversized vehicles between 8.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m," advises a Mount Carmel visitor.
Assess hookup locations: At Zion River Resort, visitors appreciate that "The hookups are great. I get so frustrated when parks put the water hookup really low to the ground and you can barely get your hose hooked up. No such issue here."
