Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
This first-come, first-served campground, 6 miles southeast of Boulder, has few sites and no water, but does have pit toilets. It sits beside a year-round…
Must-see hotels in The Southwest
Southern Nevada
If you can't bear to stay in another smoky casino hotel, this stock standard chain-offering from Holiday Inn has comfortable bedding, no cigarette smoke…
Las Vegas
With tiled foyers, Victorian sconces and marble-trimmed hallways, this hotel has turn-of-the-century charm. Bright, cheerful rooms have plantation…
Southern Nevada
Within the grounds of the stunning Cathedral Gorge State Park, there are 22 basic campsites here, each with a table, grill and shade sail.
Santa Fe Region
You'll find 21 campsites in this Carson National Forest campground, which also serves as the trailhead for several hikes ($3 day-use fee). Water is…
Las Vegas
Paris' standard rooms are far from Parisian, but newly upgraded Red Luxury Rooms, some with lipstick-shaped sofas, evoke Moulin Rouge.
Southwestern Utah
Pitch a tent or rent a rustic, but heated, teeny-tiny log cabin (linens included, shared bathroom, no air-conditioning) in a shady yard. Picnic tables and…
New Mexico
The pick of the many budget motels that line Grand Ave, with clean, large rooms that have been nicely spruced up. Rates include a simple breakfast. Pet…
Southeastern Utah
Fairly sheltered sites cluster in red sand among scraggly trees. Pit toilets and grills but no hookups; water at the visitor center.
Las Vegas
The Mardi Gras theme elsewhere in the hotel doesn't extend to the above-average but unremarkable rooms of this cheap and cheery, central hotel, which…
Nevada
Carson's Holiday Inn Express has helpful, professional staff and contemporary, well-designed rooms with great views of the nearby mountains, plus easy…
Nevada
The renovated rooms at Silverland Inn & Suites will appeal to those who prefer modern (if nondescript) digs. There's a sunny pool and hot-tub area with…
Moab
At the Slickrock bike trailhead, this mountain-biker special has 120 nonreservable sites and two reservable ones. Fire rings and pit toilets, but no water…
Kaibab National Forest
The Red Feather Lodge offers rooms in two buildings (a motel and a nicer hotel), as well as laundry facilities and an outdoor pool. It was completely…
Southeastern Utah
Near the marina, with full hookups, showers and grills. The pavement is wide (50ft pull-thrus), but there's little ground cover.
Springdale
Good-value rooms with microwave and refrigerator at this Quality Inn. It's adjacent to the campground. Breakfast included.
New Mexico
The 13 basic campsites here are set amid ponderosa pine forest and located near the Hermit Peak Trailhead, 15 miles west of Las Vegas. No potable water…
Las Vegas
Colorful contemporary decor and pillow-top mattresses make this a good budget bet, but the noise from the street can get a little grating. Request a quiet…
St George
Luxury spa and resort with a tennis court and two swimming pools. All rooms feature jetted tubs, fireplaces and private patios. It's 5 miles southwest of…
Wasatch Mountains
A big ol' white barn has been turned into a simple, seven-room B&B. Breakfast is included and the family runs a restaurant next door serving comfort food.
Las Vegas
Amenities at this non-gaming business hotel include a 24-hour fitness club, plus mini-refrigerators and coffee makers in each contemporary cookie-cutter…
New Mexico
This basic budget motel downtown is clean and friendly, and has 26 spacious rooms. Four miles from Old Mesilla. Pets are welcome for an extra $20 per…
Las Vegas
Keeping its tropical vibe going since the 1950s, the vintage Trop's multimillion-dollar renovation pays off with Miami-chic rooms painted in sunset hues.
Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks
The eco-minded can try Bunk House at Zion, a scruffy but thoroughly green two-bedroom B&B serving organic breakfasts and using 100% renewable energy.
Moab
Kids will love the swimming pool, half-shaded by awnings. Rooms are nondescript but comfy enough and sure to please if you like business hotel stylings.
Moab
Near the junction with Hwy 313, Archview includes a pool, gas station and grocery store. Be forewarned: it’s completely exposed and bakes in summer.
Southern Nevada
This marina is one of the only places on Lake Mead where you can rent your own houseboat. There is a two night minimum required; book well in advance.
Moab
North of town. Some tent sites have canopies; RV sites have 30-amp or 50-amp hookups. Nonguest showers cost $3; it also has a heated pool and a store.
New Mexico
This red-brick motel, on the main road just east of downtown, makes for a decent spot to sleep, with a grassy inner courtyard and a busy restaurant.
Las Vegas
This non-gaming and nonsmoking hotel near the Strip charms guests with a wellness spa and sanctuary-like suites with kitchens and whirlpool tubs.
New Mexico
No frills but not bad; the best feature of the Frontier is that it's within striking distance of Chaco Canyon. Pet fee is $10 per night per pet.
Las Vegas
Beloved by visitors from Hawaii, this exceptionally friendly hotel has tropical flair and basic rooms with plantation shutters and marble baths.
Las Vegas
Encompassing a cineplex, bowling alley and big rooms with comfy beds, this tidy casino hotel is flung south of the Strip, near an outlet mall.
Southwestern Utah
Friendly little campground with 15 pull-through spaces with full hookups, a horseshoe pit, picnic tables and laundry. Nonguest showers are $7.
Moab
Basic motel steps from shops and restaurants with stark but perfectly clean rooms. There's a BBQ area, bike-washing station and updated rooms.
Southwestern Utah
Small lawns and trees divide RV spaces; tent sites are in a grassy field, but still have barbecue grills. Laundromat and camp store on-site.
Southeastern Utah
There are several BLM campsites outside the Needles entrance, including Superbowl and Bridger Jack.
New Mexico
All but next door to the Billy the Kid Museum, this chain motel is the best accommodation option in Fort Sumner. Pet fee is $10 per night.
Zion National Park
Six first-come, first-served park sites 35 miles up Kolob Terrace Rd at 7900ft (1¼ hours from the main entrance). Pit toilets, no water.
Moab
This small mom-and-pop motel has mostly remodeled rooms with comfortable beds that are plenty clean. There's a teeny-tiny pool out front.
