Why One Family Says They’ll Never Camp the Old Way Again — Their Glamping Escape Near Zion Was Just What They Needed

Families grilling together at Little Village Retreat near Zion National Park Utah
After years of rugged camping trips — the kind filled with sleepless nights on the ground, tangled tent poles, and way too much packing — the Jensen family was ready for something different.
With their kids now in middle school, and life feeling like a whirlwind of work, sports, and school, they craved time together in nature… without the chaos of traditional camping. When they stumbled across Dome 1 at Little Village Retreat in Kanarraville, Utah, it felt like a dream come true.
And it was.
No Tent? No Problem. Just Peace.
Instead of scrambling to pack tents, sleeping bags, tarps, and gear, they packed a few duffel bags and showed up to a ready-made oasis. Their geodesic dome came with a king-size bed (complete with cozy linens), a futon for the kids, soft blankets, and accent chairs perfect for morning coffee. Their youngest loved that there was even a mini fridge and a Keurig coffee maker, which she used to make her very first cup of cocoa on her own.
The view from their private deck and picnic table? “Absolutely unreal,” said Katie, the mom. “I stepped out the first morning, cocoa in hand, and just cried. It was quiet. Peaceful. Just red rock, sky, and the sound of birds.”

Cute kids roasting marshmallows at Little Village Retreat
Campfire Nights Without the Fuss
In the evenings, the family gathered around their private fire pit, grilled burgers on the gas BBQ, and played the board games tucked inside the dome — the very same ones the owners had played as a family. “It felt like we were borrowing joy that had already been shared,” said Katie.
They roasted marshmallows and played tetherball and volleyball just a short walk away. And when it was time to clean up, the walk to the bathroom was short, clean, and lit — no porta-potties, no bugs, and no stress. Clean, flushable bathrooms with showers and even handicap accessibility gave everyone peace of mind.
The Best Kind of Tired
Each day they hiked a little — exploring nearby Kanarra Falls, just minutes away, and discovering Kolob Canyon and quiet corners of Zion National Park without the crowds. By evening, they were the best kind of tired — sun-kissed, full from the grill, and deeply connected.
They didn’t miss their phones. Or the Wi-Fi. Or the rush of everyday life.
“I’ve never seen my family laugh so much,” said Katie. “This wasn’t just glamping. It was medicine. We came back better.”

Reconnect with your family by slowing down and playing games in your unit.
More Than a Place to Stay — A Place to Reconnect
Dome 1 isn’t just a place to rest your head — it’s an experience. It’s off-grid glamping with intentionality. It’s quiet, peaceful mornings and glowing sunsets over Pine Valley Mountain. It’s clean linens, thoughtful touches, and a sense that someone built this place because they wanted you to breathe deeply and reconnect.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway — complete with flameless candles and snuggle-friendly futon — or bringing your family out of the chaos and into the calm, Little Village Retreat in Kanarraville is the perfect launch point for your Southern Utah adventure.
Ready to Book Your Dome?
Dome 1 Amenities:
- King-size bed with all linens included
- Futon for extra sleeping space
- Mini fridge
- Keurig coffee maker with pods
- Private fire pit and gas grill
- Clean, accessible bathrooms with showers
- Games, picnic table, accent chairs, flameless candles
- Tetherball and volleyball net
- Self check-in, free parking
Whether it’s your first glamping trip or your fiftieth, you won’t forget this one.
Come watch the sunrise. Watch your family slow down. Reconnect with what matters.