Updated posts August 2026
Under Canvas Lake Powell Becomes World’s First Dark Sky Certified Luxury Tent Resort
There’s something undeniably magical about sleeping under a star studded sky. In a world awash with artificial light, getting a clear view of the cosmos can be a rare treat. But there’s an exciting solution for stargazers out there. Imagine staying at the world’s first dark sky certified luxury tent camp resort. It’s real, and it’s called Under Canvas Lake Powell, Grand Staircase, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Utah.
DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization on a mission to combat light pollution, has granted Under Canvas this prestigious certification. The organization has been at it since 2001, designating more than 200 Dark Sky Places worldwide, and now this luxury tent resort joins their celestial club.
A Certification Built for the Future of Astrotourism
Under Canvas worked closely with DarkSky to develop a set of guidelines specific to this new certification, and they plan to share these criteria publicly so other accommodation providers can follow their lead.
Ruskin Hartley, CEO of DarkSky International, expressed real optimism about what comes next, saying, “While this is the first DarkSky Approved Lodge, we are optimistic that the growing interest in astrotourism and dark sky travel will mean it will not be the last.”
What exactly does this certification mean for guests? It promises nights filled with dazzling stars and an environment where light pollution simply isn’t part of the experience, achieved through carefully designed, low glare lighting that enhances rather than interferes with stargazing.
Under Canvas took years to make this happen, assessing the quality of the night sky, cataloging existing light sources, and making the necessary changes to meet the program’s rigorous requirements.
A Remarkable Setting in Southern Utah
Under Canvas Lake Powell, Grand Staircase sits on a breathtaking canyon rim plateau in southern Utah, just a short distance from the Arizona border. It offers easy access to stunning destinations including Lake Powell, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon. There’s even a slot canyon located right on the property itself.
Stargazing From the Comfort of a Luxury Tent
Accommodations here are a genuine treat. Guests can stay in a luxurious canvas tent with a safari inspired feel, including the two person stargazer tent, which features a king size bed positioned beneath a window so guests can gaze at the stars while staying snug and warm.
Each tent comes with a private bathroom, a deck for taking in the surrounding scenery, and a wood burning stove for cooler nights. The resort also offers complimentary programming, including guided stargazing sessions for guests looking to deepen their experience of the night sky.
Why the Certification’s Timing Feels Especially Fitting
This certification arrives at a moment when interest in astrotourism has been steadily building nationwide, as increasing light pollution in cities pushes more travelers to actively seek out genuinely dark skies. The timing also happens to coincide with the Perseid meteor shower reaching its peak this weekend, giving early guests an especially memorable reason to book a stay right as the certification takes effect.
Rates and Availability
Rates range from $329 to $449 per night, with the season running through October 30th.
If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping under a canvas of stars, Under Canvas Lake Powell, Grand Staircase offers the chance to make that dream a reality as the world’s first Dark Sky Approved luxury tent resort.
Also read: Resplendent Luxury in the Finger Lakes Wine Region: Geneva On The Lake Boutique Resort Hotel
