Best RV Park in Southern Utah; Dark Sky RV Resort in Kanab, Utah
Looking for an RV park that ups the ante for your Southern Utah getaway? Take advantage of Dark Sky RV Resort in Kanab Utah. Dark Sky is a boutique RV park near Kanab and Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
I stayed in June with my three kids, ages 7, 10, and 13, and we had a blast exploring all this property had to offer. We love that they paid attention to details when building the park, adding valuable perks for families traveling together.
The property sits on 40 acres of wide-open sagebrush just east of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It is just a few miles from the Utah-Arizona border--making it the perfect basecamp for any Southern Utah adventure. It features 18 pull-through sites with full hookups and glamping-style amenities like propane fire pits, shade structures, hammocks, lounge furniture, and an outdoor dining table.
By day, take in vermillion and red cliff vistas, then wait for sunset to see the Milky Way and stars fill the dark skies. Trails winding through the property are fun for kids and grown-ups to stroll along, and the hilltop seating area is the perfect place to take in a stunning sunset.
The amenities go far beyond scenic views; Dark Sky RV Resort also boasts communal gathering spaces, exceptional bathrooms, fast WiFi, dog-friendly facilities, and outdoor adventures the whole family will love.
Communal Gathering Spaces at Dark Sky RV Resort in Kanab, Utah
After we checked in, we enjoyed meeting other campers at the outdoor communal space. We barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs there one night and enjoyed the cozy seating around the fire pit. There's also a full outdoor kitchen and an Ooni pizza oven to create an Italian feast.
Cornhole and tether ball were set up in the area, and my kids had a blast playing. The space also hosts a social hour on Thursdays so campers can meet and a series of summer sound baths and meditations. Walk from the communal area to a hilltop with lounge chairs to take in the southern Utah vistas.
Kids activities at Dark Sky RV in Southern Utah
One thoughtful detail I loved about Dark Sky was the kids' activity focus. My kiddos rode the 75' zipline again and again and again. I wished it were big enough for adults too! There's also a dig pit with bones where kids can play paleontologist or dig for buried treasure.
Honor System Store at Dark Sky
If you didn't bring food or just forgot something and want to get it without heading into town, visit the park's honor system store. It's open 24 hours a day and has no attendant, so you must account for your purchase. The store has snacks, coffee, farm-fresh eggs, sodas, handmade touristy items, beer and wine, and Keurig coffee. On hot days, open the cooler to find some great ice cream bars. Cash, Venmo, and PayPal are accepted in the market.
The Best Modern Bathhouses for an RV Park
Suppose you're used to typical campground bathrooms with dirty pit toilets. In that case, you'll be blown away by the hip, elegant bathhouses at Dark Sky. The two bathrooms are next level and feature high-end amenities like heated floors, indoor/outdoor showers, and open-air laundry facilities. They're especially great if you don't have a full RV and travel in a smaller rental van like we did. It gives everyone more space and comfort and keeps you from dirtying the van's facilities.
Dog-friendly Lodging in Kanab
While I don't have a dog, Dark Sky is a great place to bring your furry friend. Fido can play in the leash-free enclosed park, and there's doggie daycare on-site that you can use if you're planning to visit a national park or another site that doesn't allow pets. It's just $15 for short visits and $50 for the whole day.
Stay Connected
Worried about staying connected to home or work while you're away? Don't be. Dark Sky has excellent cell coverage and fiber optic WiFi for working remotely or just creating Instagram Reels of your trip.
Rental Options at Dark Sky
If you want to reach the backcountry, rent one of Dark Sky's Roxors. These 4x4 off-road utility vehicles can take you to hidden lakes, dinosaur tracks, petroglyphs, slot canyons, and rock formations that regular cars can't access. We didn't have time to experience these vehicles. Still, I love that they're street-legal, so you can cruise into Kanab during your rental period.
Another way to explore downtown Kanab's hip shops and incredible restaurants is by renting one of Dark Sky's e-bikes. They're available by the hour, day, or week and allow you to get a bit of exercise pedaling without working up a sweat like you would on a regular bike.
Heading to Zion National Park? Rent an e-bike! Instead of taking the park's shuttle buses, hop on a bike, cruise up the canyon to see Zion's famed cliffs, and stop for side hikes. Dark Sky also rents an e-bike-friendly bike rack so you can transport it on your vehicle to the park.
Lodging Options and Rates at Dark Sky RV Resort
One downside for tent campers is that Dark Sky is an RV, van, or rooftop tent location, so you can't stay with a basic tent. We rented a van from Adventure Family Van Builds in Hurricane, and it was a super fun way to travel with my kids and stay at Dark Sky. The company's smaller vans sleep three to four, while the larger family van can sleep 10 people.
If traveling with a full RV, choose an RV experience site with full hookups, a propane fire pit, a shade structure, and comfy lounge furniture. It's spaced out from neighboring sites and accommodates up to 70 feet long RVs. Electric vehicle charging is available.
When traveling in a smaller van or in a vehicle with a rooftop tent, choose a smaller Camp Luxury site. It only includes electric hookups, not water and sewer. It has the same shade structure, propane fire pit, hammock, and lounge furniture that bigger sites offer.
Water and septic dumping are available, but towed vehicles are prohibited in these sites. Nightly rental fees decrease the longer you stay, and a monthly rental includes laundry and two hours of e-bike use.
DRIVING DISTANCES FROM DARK SKY RV PARK
Bryce Canyon National Park (80 miles)
Cedar Break National Monument (68 miles)
Coral Pink Sand Dunes (24 miles)
Grand Canyon North Rim (83 miles)
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (12 miles)
Lake Powell- Wahweap (67 miles)
Pipe Spring National Monument (23 miles)
Zion National Park (45 miles)
OUR 2 DAY ITINERARY FOR DARK SKY RV IN KANAB
Day 1 - 1/2 day
A Stop at Best Friends Visitor Center in downtown Kanab to pet the kittens
Dinner at Big Als Frost Stop - Buffalo burgers, sweet potato fries, and yummy milkshakes
Check in to Dark Sky
Spend the evening playing corn hole, zip lining, wandering the beautiful property, watching the sunset, and making smores under the magnificent Southern Utah sky
Day 2 - Full Day
Wake up early to watch the sunrise from camp
Slow morning with coffee and cereal and playing on the property, ziplining & diggin up bones
Hiking Squaw trail - Such a great hike in town that takes you to great views of Kanab
Lunch in Kanab Drug. They have the best girft shop and great sandwiches/ice cream.
Swimming and kayaking at Jackson Flat Reservoir
Dinner at camp
Day 3 - 1/2 day
Breakfast and slow morning, then check out
Coffee at Kanab Creek Bakery
Parked the van at Greenhalsh Trailhead (look up with google maps). There was lots of shade to park the van under. We explored the area, played in the water, and hiked up Kanab Creek. Great for a chill morning.
Stopped at Pipe Springs National Monument on the way home. Just 30 minutes from Kanab with lots of interesting history about the Paiute Indians and Mormon pioneers. The buildings are well preserved and so fascinating to wander through. There is a great museum there as well.
Dark Sky RV Resort in Kanab is close to so many things to do! Check out this list I have put together of 16 hikes and things to do during your stay.
***Pipe Springs National Monument
Most of these things we have done but there are still a few on my list for next time and I'm sure I will continue to find more and more.
2 - Hike Buckskin Gulch
4 - Hike Whitehouse Trail
5 - Hike Coyote Buttes North
6 - Hike The Wave
10 - Visit Horseshoe Bend
12 - Hike Mansard Trail
13 - Hike Water Canyon
14 - Go Canyoneering
For more inspiration and info about staying in Kanab check out this post
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
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