Complete Review of Gooseberry Lodges Near Zion National Park

Welcome to my honest (and unsponsored) review of Gooseberry Lodges. Finding a place to stay near Zion can be tricky—Springdale hotels are convenient but expensive, and campgrounds inside the park fill up fast.

That’s one of the reasons why Gooseberry Lodges in Apple Valley, Utah caught my attention. My family and I stayed here and I have all the juicy details you need.

But is it the right fit for your trip? I’m going to break down what you can expect, the pros and cons, and whether it’s a good choice for families.

My quick sum-up of my Gooseberry Lodges review- This place is amazing! The lodges are cozy, affordable, and great for anyone who wants a quiet stay close to Zion National Park.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of my links. You can read more in my disclaimer.

Gooseberry Lodges Review – A Quick Visual Overview

Where Is Gooseberry Lodges?

Address: 1752 W Plains Drive, Apple Valley, UT 84737
Phone: 1-435-233-9874

As you can see in the map above, Gooseberry Lodges is slightly southwest of Zion National Park.

While it’s not as close as staying in Springdale, the extra drive time comes with perks – fewer crowds, lower prices, and a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere.

One of the biggest draws of this location is its proximity to Gooseberry Mesa, a top spot for mountain biking with incredible red rock views. If you’re into biking or just want a scenic place to explore outside of Zion, this is a huge bonus.

Gooseberry Lodges tends to book up quickly, especially during peak season. If you’re thinking about staying here, I recommend checking availability and booking in advance.

How Far Is Gooseberry Lodges From Zion National Park?

It’s about a 35-40 minute drive from Gooseberry Lodges to Zion National Park’s main entrance.

There is a gas station right down the road from Gooseberry Lodges, about a 3 minute drive. We made sure to gas up first before we headed to Zion for the day!

Since Gooseberry Lodges is about 35 minutes from Zion, having a car is essential. We rented a car through Expedia. If you need a rental, compare prices for rental cars to find the best deal for your trip.

Gooseberry Lodges Accommodations & Amenities

Gooseberry Lodges in Utah offers several cabin options, ranging from simple one-room units to larger lodges with private bathrooms and kitchenettes.

Each cabin has heating and air conditioning, making it comfortable year-round, and all come with linens, a mini-fridge, and a microwave.

But depending on which cabin you choose, your experience can vary quite a bit. Here’s a quick look at exactly what you can expect in each room type. Below that, I go into more in depth detail on each room type.

Every cabin type gives you your own front porch with a set of patio chairs and yard space with access to a fire pit, picnic table, and BBQ grill.

Standard and Deluxe Lodges share those outdoor amenities with the bunkhouse next door.

Every cabin also gives you access to enough parking for two vehicles next to the cabin and additional parking for trailers if needed.

There’s a playground for kids, a pickleball court, corn hole, mini golf, and tons of room to roam and explore.

Standard Bunkhouse

These are the smallest of the Lodges, at 96 sq. ft. They have a twin loft bed, and a full bed, so they sleep 2-3 people at most.

Inside the cabin is a mini-fridge, a microwave, a table, and stools.

The standard bunkhouse does not have its own bathroom. Instead, you have access to the shared bathroom facility. Inside that there are 3 private restrooms and 3 private showers. It is kept clean and well-stocked with bath products.

Deluxe Bunkhouse Lodge

Coming in at 150 sq. ft., the Deluxe Bunkhouse Lodge gives you more space than the Standard Bunkhouse. It has a set of queen bunk beds, meaning it sleeps up to 4 people.

Inside, you get a mini-fridge, microwave, table, and 4 chairs.

The deluxe bunkhouse lodge also does not have its own bathroom. Just like with the Standard Bunkhouse, you have access to the shared bathroom facility.

Queen Lodge

This is the room I stayed in with my family, and we loved it! It’s a great size, at 320 sq. ft. There’s a queen bed on the main floor, and another queen bed in the loft. There’s also a twin sized futon couch, meaning this lodge can sleep up to 5 people.

This cabin has its own bathroom, complete with a shower. It also has a kitchenette, with a sink, mini-fridge, microwave, 2-burner hot plate, and a coffee maker and coffee supplies.

Unlike the Standard and Deluxe Lodges, the Queen Lodge also gives you access to a private fire pit, picnic table, and BBQ grill.

Deluxe King Bunkhouse Lodge

At 400 sq. ft., these are the second biggest accommodations at Gooseberry Lodges. They’ve got a king bed on the main floor, and 2 full beds in the loft. There’s also a full sized futon couch, meaning this cabin can fit between 5-7 people.

You also get your own bathroom with this lodge, which has a tub and shower, instead of just a stand up shower like in the Queen Lodge.

Just like with the Queen Lodge, inside there is a kitchenette, with a sink, mini-fridge, microwave, 2-burner hot plate, and a coffee maker and coffee supplies. You also get the private fire pit, picnic table, and BBQ grill outside as well.

One Bedroom Suite

The largest accommodations at Gooseberry Lodges, these Suites are an impressive 620 sq. ft. There’s a king bed, two queen beds, and a full sized futon couch, meaning this unit can comfortably sleep up to 7-8 guests.

Inside is a table and chairs for 6, a full sized fridge/freezer, a stovetop, oven, and microwave. There’s a coffee/espresso maker, a full bathroom, and even your own washer and dryer.

Outside you get a private fire pit, picnic table, and BBQ grill, along with a swing bench, and even a complementary bucket of firewood.

Gooseberry Lodges Office

The office is kept open 24/7. If it’s locked, you can just use the same code you use to get into your cabin.

Inside there are lots of things for sale: snacks, drinks, firewood, and charcoal. The prices are insanely cheap – I’m talking $0.50 for a bottle of water cheap. Nowhere else will you find that!

They use the honor system, and there’s a Venmo code on the wall, or you can leave cash in the box. I opted for Venmo every time.

There are also tons of items for free: cookware, disposable dishes, spices, cooking oil, lighter fluid, toasters, and more.

Inside the office you also can grab putters and balls for mini golf, and pickleball paddles and balls.

Checking In To Gooseberry Lodges

The booking and check in process was a breeze! I booked our stay online, and it was super simple. (I do love Expedia for their ease of use and cheap prices!)

When it came to check in, that was just as simple. Gooseberry Lodges sent me an email letting me know the office hours. If I was planning on arriving after that time, they’d just send me the code for my lodge.

Since we arrived during the day, I just went into the office and the super friendly woman let me know which cabin I was in, and that the code was the last 4 digits of my phone number. Easy as that!

Final Thoughts – Is Gooseberry Lodges Right for You?

If you’re looking for a quiet, affordable stay near Zion with stunning views and a cozy, rustic feel, Gooseberry Lodges is a fantastic option. My kids were actually obsessed with this place.

The cabins are clean and comfortable, the setting is peaceful, and the stargazing is absolutely unreal—way better than anything I ever see in Boston.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you want to be right next to Zion’s entrance, you might find the 35-minute drive a little inconvenient. And if you need hotel-style amenities like daily housekeeping or on-site dining, this probably isn’t the place for you.

But for those who love the outdoors and don’t mind a more laid-back, self-sufficient stay, it’s hard to beat.

Would I stay here again? Absolutely! The mix of comfort, affordability, and scenery makes it a great base for exploring Zion and beyond. Just make sure to pack smart for the season—you’ll want the right gear for Zion’s unpredictable weather.

If you’re ready to book your stay, you can find more details and reserve your cabin here. Just don’t wait too long—these lodges fill up fast!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gooseberry Lodges

Got questions? I’ve got the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Gooseberry Lodges near Zion National Park.