Green River sits on I-70 between the San Rafael Swell and Arches National Park. Most visitors come here for the outdoors. Some launch boats on the river. Others drive to trailheads in the Swell or break up a long drive across the state.
Where to stay in Green River, Utah depends on your trip. Some trips call for a campsite by the river. Others go smoother with a hotel room. First Choice Inn at the Swell offers lodging in Green River, Utah, close to the river, the Swell, and the interstate.
Camping vs. a Hotel Room at a Glance
Both options work well in Green River. The table below compares the basics. For a closer look at a stay, see what to expect at First Choice Inn.
| What you need | Campsite | Hotel room at First Choice Inn |
| Bed | Tent, camper, or RV you bring | One king or two queen beds with triple-sheeted bedding |
| Cooling | Depends on your gear and site hookups | Thermostat-controlled heating and A/C |
| Food storage | Cooler with ice | Mini fridge and microwave |
| Bathroom | Shared campground restrooms and showers | Private bathroom with tub and shower |
| Laundry | Varies by campground | Guest laundry room on site |
| Breakfast | You cook it | Free hot breakfast buffet |
| Setup | Pitch and pack up each stay | Check in and unpack once |
If You’re Rafting Labyrinth or Stillwater Canyon
When Camping at the Put-In Makes Sense
Green River State Park is a common launch point for Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyon trips. The float from the park’s boat ramp to the Mineral Bottom take-out covers 68 river miles.
The campground sits a short walk from the ramp. Groups with their own tents and stoves can rig boats the evening before and launch early. For launch and take-out details, see the BLM’s Labyrinth Canyon trip page.
What a Hotel Room Offers River Groups
A room gives you space to sort gear on a bed instead of a tailgate. Fresh coffee is out in the lobby before breakfast opens. If your shuttle leaves after 7:00 a.m., you have time for a hot breakfast first.
After the trip, you get a private bathroom and a hot shower. The guest laundry room lets you wash wet river clothes the same day. Staying a few extra days? This list of things to do in Green River covers your time off the river.
If You’re Basecamping for Arches, Canyonlands, or the Swell
What Camping Trades Off
A tent site has no refrigerator. Food goes in a cooler, and you often need to replace the ice. Summer afternoons in Green River run hot. A tent in direct sun heats up fast, with no A/C to cool it down after a long hike.
What a Hotel Room Adds
Every room at First Choice Inn has a mini fridge, a microwave, and thermostat-controlled A/C. You come back from the trail to a cool room and cold drinks. Arches National Park is under an hour away. Goblin Valley State Park is about an hour south.
Each park day starts from the same room, so you unpack once. Traveling with kids? These kid-friendly activities around Green River include easy day trips from the hotel.
If You Need a Fast Overnight Stop on I-70
Why Camping Is a Harder Sell for One Night
Setting up a tent takes time. Packing it up in the morning takes time, too. On a one-night stop, the setup and teardown cut into your sleep.
What a Hotel Room Solves
The hotel sits about a mile from I-70 Exit 164. You check in, sleep, and get back on the road with no gear to pack. Parking is free, and the lot fits RVs and trailers. EV charging stations are also on site.
Driving farther across the state? These I-70 road trip stops can help you plan the next leg.
Inside First Choice Inn at the Swell
Standard rooms have one king bed or two queen beds. Both suite types are almost twice the size of a standard room.
- Family Suite: two queen beds, a pull-out couch, and two TVs.
- Executive Suite: one king bed and a pull-out couch.
Every guest has access to these shared amenities:
- Indoor pool and whirlpool, open 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Free hot breakfast from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., with a waffle bar and omelets.
- Guest laundry room, open 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Fitness center and business center.
- Free parking with room for RVs and trailers.
A select number of pet-friendly rooms are available. Mention your pet when you book online or by phone at 435-564-4439. The full list of hotel details covers accessibility, pet fees, and payment options.
When Camping Is the Right Call for Your Trip
Camping fits plenty of Green River trips. These three campgrounds serve different kinds of campers.
- Green River State Park Campground has tent and RV sites, restrooms with showers, and a boat ramp. It suits paddlers who want to sleep near the launch.
- Shady Acres RV Park and Campground has paved pull-through RV sites with full hookups. It suits RV travelers who bring their own beds and kitchen.
- Green River KOA has tent sites, RV sites, and cabins, plus a seasonal pool and a camp store. It suits groups who want a few extra comforts at camp.
Each option fits the right trip. Camping does come with trade-offs. Tent sites have no A/C, and showers and laundry are shared. A tent also offers little shelter from wind, heat, or a summer storm.
If those trade-offs don’t suit your group, a hotel room covers them. The Green River area guide lists more places to explore from either base.
Picking Where to Stay in Green River, Utah
Where to stay in Green River, Utah depends on your trip. River groups may want a campsite near the put-in or a hot shower waiting after the take-out. Park visitors and I-70 drivers get the most from a cool room, a hot breakfast, and no gear to pack.
First Choice Inn at the Swell sits about a mile off I-70 and offers an indoor pool, a guest laundry room, and free parking for trailers. See our rooms and book your stay directly.
