Our recent visit to Under Canvas Grand Canyon was a great experience. Just 25 minutes from the South Rim, this eco-conscious glamping site perfectly blends rustic charm and modern luxury. We arrived mid-afternoon, having driven from Palm Springs early that morning, and stayed two nights, giving us one full day to visit the Grand Canyon.
What is Under Canvas?
We first learned about Under Canvas last year when we stayed four nights at the Moab property, recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the 2023 Best Hotels Across the Globe. Known for its upscale outdoor accommodations, Under Canvas offers glamping (glamorous camping) experiences at 12 of the most beautiful natural sites across the U.S. Their locations are the perfect way to explore our national parks without sacrificing comfort. Each property is designed to be eco-friendly, blending into the natural landscape, and providing luxury tents outfitted with cozy beds, wood stoves, and, in many cases, private bathrooms.
The company’s mission centers on offering immersive experiences in nature while promoting environmental stewardship. Each site is strategically located, making it easy for guests to enjoy hiking, star gazing, and other outdoor activities during the day, and return to a cozy, well-appointed tent at night.
The Grand Canyon Property
Under Canvas Grand Canyon is situated on 160 acres of juniper forest, and its proximity to the South Rim makes it an ideal base for exploring the park. This property, as well as its others, is thoughtfully designed to fit in unobtrusively with the surrounding landscape. Each property has a slightly different operating season, but the Grand Canyon operates from mid-April through late October.
At check-in, we were greeted by friendly staff who shared information about the property and its amenities. The central lobby tent was warm and inviting, with comfy seating areas (think West Elm), communal dining tables, and a large outdoor area. This space served as a gathering point for guests to relax, enjoy meals, and if you were so inclined, to chat with fellow adventurers.
At the Grand Canyon property, you must order your meals from a counter. This was one major difference between the Grand Canyon and Moab properties. The food and cocktails however were excellent, and once you had ordered the staff delivered the food to your table. A standard theme across the Under Canvas properties is the hosted nightly campfires with s’mores while local artists sing and strum a guitar. It’s always a perfect way to end the day. If you want to make s’mores we highly recommend you sit at a woodburning firepit instead of a gas one. There is most definitely a difference in the taste!
Tent Options at Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Under Canvas has a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and group sizes, ensuring every guest has a personalized glamping experience. Because we had booked just a few days prior, our choice of tent options was limited. We chose the Suite Tent, which was a little bigger than we needed but was perfect anyway. I’m not sure it’s possible to stay in some place where the room is too big!
You will notice in the descriptions below that some of the tents have private bathrooms, while others use a shared bathhouse. At this stage of our lives, a private bathroom is a must, so if this is important to you, pay attention to the bathroom situation!
- Safari Tent
The Safari Tent is the most popular and offers a spacious, comfortable setup. It includes a king-size bed with luxurious linens, a wood-burning stove to keep you warm during cooler nights, and a shared bathhouse just a short walk away. The simple, elegant design makes it perfect for couples or solo travelers. - Deluxe Tent
If you’re looking for more privacy, the Deluxe Tent offers the same features as the Safari Tent but comes with an en suite bathroom. This tent provides a touch of extra convenience, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the wilderness without sacrificing their own shower and toilet facilities. - Stargazer Tent
As the name suggests, this tent offers an unbeatable stargazing experience. It features a viewing window directly above the bed, allowing you to fall asleep while gazing at the star-filled Arizona sky. Like the Deluxe Tent, it also includes a private bathroom, making it a great choice for couples or families wanting an extra touch of magic during their stay. - Suite Tent
Perfect for families or larger groups, the Suite Tent provides extra space with a king-size bed and a queen-size sofa bed. It also features a private bathroom and a large living area, giving you plenty of room to relax. This tent also has a private deck, where you can enjoy your morning coffee while taking in the sweeping views of the desert landscape. - Kids Tent
For families traveling with children, the Kids Tent is an optional add-on that can be placed next to the main tent. It includes twin beds and allows kids to have their own space while staying close to the family. This was a fun and adventurous way for younger guests to enjoy their camping experience. In our opinion, this is a great option if you are traveling with children or grandchildren who are a bit older.
Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Design
Under Canvas prides itself on its commitment to environmental sustainability. The Grand Canyon property, like others, uses low-impact building materials and operates off-the-grid with solar power and water-efficient practices. Each tent is designed to minimize its ecological footprint while offering maximum comfort. Water-saving showers, minimal lighting, and wood stoves ensure that guests can enjoy nature without harming it.
Each tent is provided with chargers capable of powering phones and other devices, but we found there wasn’t always enough charge to last through the night. You could return your charger to the front desk and receive another one, but we had also brought with us our personal charging device by Rush Charge which allows us to charge anytime, anywhere. If you want to learn more about our experience with Rush Charge, Brad has a video review here. Be sure to use the discount code CROW40 to receive 40% off plus free shipping. It’s a must for any outdoor camping or glamping experience! (Travel with the Crows may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!)
Activities and Adventure
Since we were only there two nights we didn’t have a lot of time to explore anything but the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you are interested in additional activities, the staff at Under Canvas Grand Canyon can certainly help with planning hiking and driving adventures, jeep tours, bike tours, and stargazing. We took several easy walks along the South Rim and rode the Grand Canyon shuttle bus when needed. One day in the Canyon was the perfect amount of time for us. However, we definitely plan to return to experience a helicopter flight through the canyon, and if possible bring our children and grandchildren to spend a few days rafting the Colorado River.
After a full day of walking, returning to the site felt like coming home. We enjoyed a light dinner, visited with people from Norway and Canada around the firepit, and introduced them to the American tradition of eating s’mores!
Why Choose Under Canvas?
Under Canvas Grand Canyon offers an experience that is hard to beat — the perfect combination of luxury, adventure, and sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or someone who prefers the comforts of a hotel, the variety of tent options ensures there’s something for everyone. The proximity to the South Rim makes it easy to explore one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world while enjoying the comforts of a luxury camp.
Our stay was truly unforgettable. From the incredible stargazing to the communal campfires and eco-friendly design, every detail was thoughtfully crafted to enhance our connection to nature. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the Grand Canyon, Under Canvas is the perfect destination for an unforgettable adventure.