Is Zion National Park, Utah Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb near Zion National Park in Utah, begin by researching local regulations in Washington County and the specific municipality where you plan to operate, as areas like Springdale, Hurricane, and St. George have varying short-term rental ordinances that may require business licenses, conditional use permits, or have zoning restrictions. Obtain necessary permits including a Utah state tax license, local business license, and any required conditional use permits from the city planning department, which can take 30-90 days for approval. Find property within 30-45 minutes of Zion's entrance, focusing on areas like Springdale, Virgin, or Hurricane where vacation rentals are permitted, considering properties with 2-4 bedrooms that can accommodate families visiting the park. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing outdoor gear storage, hiking boot cleaning areas, and amenities like pack-and-play cribs, since 60% of Zion visitors are families, and budget $15,000-30,000 for complete furnishing depending on property size. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting proximity to Zion (mention specific mileage), outdoor amenities, and local hiking recommendations, pricing competitively at $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by partnering with local cleaning services in the area, installing smart locks for contactless check-in, providing detailed guides about Zion's shuttle system and permit requirements for popular hikes like Angels Landing, and maintaining responsive communication since the peak season runs March through October with advance bookings essential for success in this high-demand tourism market.

To identify profitable STR properties near Zion National Park, Utah, focus on locations within 15-30 minutes of the park entrance in Springdale, Hurricane, or St. George, prioritizing properties with mountain or red rock views and easy highway access via UT-9 or I-15. Seek 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and patios that can accommodate 6-12 guests, as families and groups dominate this market with average nightly rates ranging from $150-400 depending on size and location. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to track seasonal demand patterns, noting peak seasons during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when rates can increase 40-60% above winter lows. Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 10-mile radius, focusing on occupancy rates above 70% and properties generating $40,000-80,000 annually, while monitoring listings from major property management companies like RedAwning and local operators. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local market reports from Washington County tourism boards, while connecting with Springdale Chamber of Commerce and monitoring Zion's visitor statistics which typically exceed 4.5 million annually, ensuring your property captures demand from the consistent flow of outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure travelers seeking proximity to hiking trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit for Zion National Park area in Utah, you must apply through Washington County's planning department since most accommodations near the park fall under county jurisdiction. Submit your application to the Washington County Community Development Department located at 197 E Tabernacle St, St. George, UT 84770, or apply online through their permitting portal. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, septic system approval if applicable, and a $200-400 application fee depending on property size. The review process typically takes 4-6 weeks and requires compliance with specific zoning requirements including maximum occupancy limits of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, minimum 14-day rental periods in some zones, mandatory business license registration, and adherence to noise ordinances due to proximity to residential areas. Properties must also meet fire safety codes, have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and maintain liability insurance of at least $1 million, with annual permit renewal required along with a $150-250 renewal fee and submission of rental activity reports to demonstrate compliance with local regulations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are not legal within Zion National Park itself, as it is federally protected land managed by the National Park Service where commercial lodging operations by private individuals are prohibited. However, STRs are legal in the surrounding communities of Springdale, Hurricane, and other nearby towns in Washington County, Utah, which serve as gateway communities to the park. The Town of Springdale, located directly adjacent to the park entrance, allows STRs with proper business licensing and compliance with local zoning ordinances, though they have implemented regulations since 2019 requiring permits and limiting density in certain residential areas to address housing availability concerns. Washington County and other municipalities near Zion have varying regulations, with some requiring conditional use permits or restricting STRs in certain residential zones. Recent changes include Springdale's 2021 updates to their STR ordinance that strengthened enforcement mechanisms and parking requirements, while maintaining the general permissibility of vacation rentals to support the tourism economy that depends heavily on Zion National Park visitation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment near Zion National Park include Springdale, which sits directly at the park's south entrance and commands premium rates year-round due to its proximity to shuttle stops and hiking trailheads, making it ideal for the 4.5 million annual visitors. Hurricane offers excellent value with lower property costs while still being within 30 minutes of the park, attracting budget-conscious families and groups, plus it benefits from nearby Sand Hollow State Park tourism. St. George provides diversified income potential beyond park tourism, drawing business travelers to its growing tech sector, medical tourism for specialized healthcare, sports teams for spring training, and retirees relocating to the area, while offering more affordable real estate than Springdale. Virgin and Rockville present emerging opportunities with authentic small-town charm, lower competition, and reasonable property prices, appealing to visitors seeking quieter alternatives to crowded Springdale while maintaining easy park access. La Verkin rounds out the options as a budget-friendly base for extended stays and larger groups, particularly attractive to families planning multi-day park adventures who prioritize space and value over immediate proximity.

Airbnb properties in the Zion National Park area of Utah are subject to multiple lodging taxes that vary by specific location within Washington County. The Utah state transient room tax is 1.75% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, collected by hosts and remitted monthly to the Utah State Tax Commission. Washington County imposes an additional 3% transient room tax, while municipalities like Springdale (gateway to Zion) typically add their own lodging taxes ranging from 2-4%, bringing total rates to approximately 6.75-8.75% depending on exact location. The Town of Springdale specifically charges a 3% municipal lodging tax plus the county rate. Hosts must register with the Utah State Tax Commission for a sales tax license and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, with electronic filing required for most operators. Collection occurs at the time of booking or check-in, and hosts are responsible for remitting all applicable taxes even if booking platforms like Airbnb collect some taxes automatically. Exemptions are limited and typically apply only to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, government employees on official business, or certain nonprofit organizations, though documentation is required to qualify for exemptions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb near Zion National Park, Utah ranges from $650,000 to $750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $500,000 to $600,000 for a median 3-bedroom home in nearby Springdale or Hurricane, as properties within the park itself are restricted. Furnishing costs typically run $25,000 to $35,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor suitable for vacation rental guests. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total approximately $3,000 to $5,000. Permits and fees vary by municipality but generally include business licenses, transient room taxes, and zoning compliance costing $1,500 to $3,000 annually. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage average $2,500 to $4,000 per year. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services require $1,000 to $2,000 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200 monthly), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($500 monthly), property management fees if applicable (20-30% of revenue), and marketing expenses total approximately $15,000 to $25,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the startup period.

Airbnb properties near Zion National Park in Utah demonstrate strong profitability potential, with average nightly rates ranging from $150-400 depending on property size and proximity to the park entrance. A typical 3-bedroom vacation rental within 10 miles of Zion can generate $60,000-120,000 in annual revenue, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% during peak seasons (March-October). Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-150 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-4,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Net profit margins generally range from 25-35% for well-managed properties, with successful operators like those featured in VRBO case studies reporting $30,000-50,000 annual net profits on properties purchased for $400,000-600,000. Key success factors include strategic location within 15 minutes of park entrances, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and amenities like hot tubs or fire pits that command premium pricing. Properties in Springdale and Hurricane consistently outperform those in more distant locations, with some investors achieving 8-12% annual returns when factoring in property appreciation alongside rental income.

Airbnb investments near Zion National Park in Utah typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, driven by the park's 4.5 million annual visitors and peak season occupancy rates of 85-95% from March through October. Properties within 15 miles of the park entrance, particularly in Springdale and Hurricane, command nightly rates of $200-400 during peak season and $120-250 in shoulder months, with annual occupancy averaging 65-75%. Initial investments of $400,000-700,000 for suitable vacation rental properties can achieve profitability within 18-24 months, factored against mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-25%, and maintenance costs. Companies like Vacasa and RedAwning report that well-positioned Zion-area properties generate gross rental yields of 15-22% annually, with net returns after expenses typically settling at 10-16%, making the timeframe to break-even on initial capital investment approximately 6-8 years while generating positive monthly cash flow within the second year of operation.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research tools, providing comprehensive data for Zion National Park area investments. Local specialists include Zion Park Realty and Red Rock Real Estate Group, both based in Springdale, Utah, who focus on vacation rental properties near the park. National services like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA offer market analysis and property sourcing specifically for short-term rental investments in the region. Vacasa and RedAwning provide property management services that help investors identify profitable acquisition opportunities in the Zion area. Local agents such as those at ERA Brokers Consolidated and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties have specialized vacation rental divisions serving Washington County. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock also feature Airbnb-ready properties in the Hurricane, Springdale, and St. George markets surrounding Zion National Park. Additional local specialists include Zion River Resort real estate services and several independent agents who focus exclusively on the lucrative vacation rental market in this high-tourism area of southern Utah.