The best places to camp are at one of the national park campgrounds just inside the park’s south entrance. Both of Zion’s main campgrounds have paved roads, well-spaced sites, and lots of trees. Facilities include restrooms with flush toilets but no showers, a dump station, a public telephone, and sites for those with disabilities. The fee is $16 per night for basic sites, or $18 to $20 per night for sites with electric hookups. Some campgrounds take reservations (877-444-6777), which is highly recommended during summertime, when campgrounds are usually full by mid-morning.
South Campground has 127 sites (no hookups) and is usually open from early March through October only. Reservations are not accepted and the campground often fills by noon in summer. Some campers stay at nearby commercial campgrounds their first night in the area, then hurry into the park the next morning, circling like vultures until a site becomes available.
Watchman Campground (877/444-6777 for reservations) has 164 sites. Of those, 95 have electric hookups and 69 are available only to those camping in tents. Watchman is open year-round (reservations available spring through fall only).
Lava Point, with only six sites, is located on the Kolob Terrace. It has fire grates, tables, and toilets, but no water, and no fee. Vehicles are limited to 19 feet, and it’s usually open from June through mid-October.
Outside the Park
Just outside the east and south park entrances are commercial campgrounds with hot showers and RV hookups. Note that the park’s visitor center, campgrounds, and most of its attractions are closer to the south entrance.
East Zion Riverside RV Park is located in the Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge complex in Mt. Carmel Junction, about 13 miles east of the east entrance to the national park (at the junction of Utah 9 and U.S. 89; (435/648-2203). Especially good for self-contained RVs, the park sits along the banks of the Virgin River in the shade of cottonwood trees, and offers campers use of the pool, hot tub, and other amenities at the adjacent Thunderbird Lodge. It has 12 sites, all with hookups, and a dump station. It's open year-round. The fee is $18 per night.
Zion Canyon Campground(435/772-3237) is at 479 Zion Park Blvd. in Springdale, a half-mile south of the park’s south entrance. It's family-owned, open year-round, and offers 200 tent and RV sites, many of which are shaded. Although it gets quite crowded in summer, the campground is clean and well maintained. There are some especially large sites for big RVs, and it has a dump station, a swimming pool, a game room, a playground, and a store. Rates range from $39 for 2 people at a tent site to $49 for an RV; pay extra for additional people and vehicles.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
