1. Introduction
Learn about camping in the breathtaking Zion National Park, where captivating landscapes and diverse ecosystems await exploration. Discover the best campgrounds, essential tips for a memorable experience, and the advantages of spending a night under the stars.
2. Best Campgrounds in Zion National Park
There are three campgrounds in Zion National Park—two located near the south entrance leading to Zion Canyon and one situated in the northwestern area near Kolob Canyons.
The more popular southern entrance features Watchman Campground, conveniently located adjacent to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and offering 176 RV and tent sites. Facilities include flush toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables; however, there are no showers or electrical outlets. RV travelers can benefit from dump stations and electrical hookups. Notably, Watchman Campground operates year-round with limited availability in winter.
Following a short drive leads you to South Campground, which provides 117 tent and dry RV sites. Much like its counterpart, it offers toilets, water, picnic tables, and fire rings but lacks showers and outlets. While a dump station is available for RVs, electrical hookups are not provided. South Campground generally opens from March through October, closing for the winter months.
For a more secluded experience, the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center features Lava Point Campground, roughly an hour’s drive from Zion Canyon Visitor Center. This campground offers six primitive tent campsites with pit toilets and trash cans, yet no water supply. RV camping is prohibited here. Due to its higher altitude of 7,890 feet, you’ll find cooler temperatures and more variable weather. Lava Point is typically open from May through September, depending on conditions.
3. Things to Know About Camping in Zion National Park
Most visitors frequent the south entrance, opting for the Watchman and South campgrounds for quick access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Notably, this popular canyon route is accessible solely by shuttle buses during the peak season. Unique sites such as the Grotto, Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools can be reached along this road. It’s important to note that camping in these areas can be hot and dry, with limited shade available.
In contrast, the northwestern entrance and the more remote Lava Point Campground provide a quieter, cooler retreat. However, it’s worth mentioning that poor road conditions can restrict access during the spring and fall.
Each campsite in Zion National Park accommodates two vehicles (with only one RV or trailer permitted) and up to six individuals and two tents. Pets are allowed but must always be leashed. Due to local wildlife, food must be secured in a vehicle or a hard-sided, lockable container. During the high season (from March to mid-November), camping is limited to a 14-night stay.
4. How to Reserve a Campsite in Zion National Park
It is highly recommended to secure reservations for all three campgrounds, as they tend to fill up quickly each night. At Watchman Campground, reservations can be made six months in advance, with standard sites costing $20 per night, while sites with electrical hookups are priced at $30 per night.
At South Campground, all sites cost $20 per night, and last-minute reservations can be made up to two weeks before your number of nights. For Lava Point Campground, reservations must be made within a rolling two-week period, with costs also set at $20 per night.
Group campsites are available at both Watchman and South campgrounds for $50 per night.
All campground reservations are available at recreation.gov. For reservations at Watchman and South Campgrounds, you can also reach out by calling 877-444-6777.
