Best Campgrounds near St. George, UT
The red rock landscape surrounding St. George, Utah encompasses diverse camping environments within a 30-mile radius of the city. State parks dominate the established camping scene, with Snow Canyon State Park offering year-round access to dramatic red rock formations and lava flows approximately 25 minutes from downtown. Sand Hollow and Quail Creek state parks provide water-based recreation with full hookup options for RVs, while tent campers find more spacious sites at Red Cliffs Campground. Private RV resorts like McArthur's Temple View and WillowWind cater to travelers seeking amenities such as pools, showers, and reliable utilities. The area serves as a strategic basecamp for exploring Zion National Park, located less than an hour east.
Camping conditions vary dramatically by season and elevation. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations, while higher areas like Pine Valley and Leeds Canyon remain considerably cooler. As one camper noted about Crackfoot Campground in Dixie National Forest, it offers "fully shaded sites that stay cool compared to St. George." Dispersed camping on BLM land requires preparation for primitive conditions, though many sites are accessible with standard vehicles. According to a visitor at Cedar Pockets Pass Road, "It is 2WD friendly, though pretty washboarded. Lots of great spaces with fire pits large enough for multiple vehicles." Cell service varies significantly by location, with Verizon generally providing better coverage than AT&T in canyon areas.
Visitor experiences highlight the contrast between developed and primitive camping options. State park campgrounds receive praise for their maintenance and proximity to trails, with one reviewer noting Snow Canyon has "great red rock/lava flow hiking trail options" directly from the campground. Highway noise affects several campgrounds near I-15, particularly the Hurricane KOA, where spaces are "small and very close together with little privacy." Dispersed camping areas like Leeds Canyon offer more seclusion but fill quickly on weekends. The region's popularity as a winter destination brings "snowbirds" to RV parks during cooler months, while summer visitors often seek higher elevations to escape the heat. Most campgrounds allow pets, though rules vary regarding fires and alcohol consumption.
