Map showing campground location near Kanarraville, Utah

Camper submitted image from La Verkin Creek Trail Campsites — Zion National Park

Get the guide now

La Verkin Creek Trail Campsites — Zion National Park

Backpacking enthusiasts will find La Verkin Creek Trail Campsites accessible only through a multi-mile hike into Zion National Park's backcountry. The National Park Service manages these designated sites along La Verkin Creek, requiring advance permits that fill quickly during peak seasons. Rangers patrol the trail regularly and check permits, so campers must carry documentation throughout their stay.

The numbered campsites sit among ponderosa pines above the creek bank, with most requiring a shallow water crossing from the main trail. Site #6 offers space for multiple tents with shaded areas, while site #9 provides a flat gathering spot for groups. Site #4 sits closer to the water for easy access. Creek water flows consistently along the route, though campers need filtration or treatment methods. A natural spring east of the sites provides drinking water.

Access varies depending on road conditions. The standard route begins at Kolob Canyon Road, though construction sometimes closes this approach entirely. "You can access the trail from Hop Valley Trailhead," notes one reviewer who describes the alternative as "easy in, tough out." Wildlife includes squirrels that approach campsites seeking food.

The sites work well for experienced backpackers comfortable with permit requirements and creek crossings. Those planning tent camping around Zion National Park should book permits well in advance and prepare for hike-in access only.

Description

13 backcountry campsites located along La Verkin Creek Trail through Zion National Park's Kolob Canyon.

Campsite #1 (Deer Camp) This site is located about two miles from the trailhead in a cottonwood grove at the base of Shuntavi Bluff. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #2 (Ringtail Camp) A private site encircled by trees on the east side of Timber Creek located just prior to the trail leaving this drainage. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #3 (Dry Camp) This waterless camp is on the south side of the trail, half a mile above the creeks with great views of Red Butte. This site has a maximum group size of 6 and is available on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #4 (Juniper Camp) This site, surrounded by junipers and cottonwoods, is located a few minutes east of the historical corral and is in clear view of the trail. This site has a maximum group size of 7 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #5 (Neagle Camp) This sandy site offers a little more seclusion about 125 feet north of La Verkin Creek Trail, be aware that ants also like campsite #5 in the summer months. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #6 (Dipper Camp) This sandy site provides plenty of privacy and is on the south side of La Verkin Creek near a small pool. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #7 (Oak Point Camp) Near a spring on the north side of the creek, this site sits above the creek on a promontory among a stand of oaks. This site has a maximum group size of 2 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #8 (Flat Rock Camp) A popular and spacious site on the north side of the creek with a large table/cooking rock. This site has a maximum group size of 12 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #9 (Cross Creek West Camp) A large ponderosa pine with scattered rocks mark this scenic site on the south side of the creek. This site has a maximum group size of 12 and is available on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #10 (Bird Camp) Visible from the trail, Bird Camp is located among ponderosas and four large boulders on the south side of the creek. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #11 (Cougar Camp) This site is located on the north side of the creek after the trail junction with Hop Valley. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #12 (Cottonwood Camp) Campers enjoy the cottonwoods and ponderosas that shade this site. This site has a maximum group size of 8 and is available on a walk-up basis.

Campsite #13 (Bear Camp) This isolated site is shaded by maples and box elder trees and is located a short 10 minute walk from Bear Trap Canyon. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available on a walk-up basis.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

Get the guide now

View Guide

RV Road Trip Guides

The Loneliest Road Trip

The Loneliest Road Road Trip Segment: Delta to West Sacramento

Delta to West Sacramento: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsLa Verkin Creek Trail Campsites is located in Utah near Kanarraville

Public Campground

Coordinates

37.42359199 N
113.15772597 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed

Features

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add a Feature

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

39 min from St. George, UT
2 hrs 22 min from Las Vegas, NV
4 hrs 28 min from Flagstaff, AZ
5 hrs 41 min from Prescott Valley, AZ

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - La Verkin Creek Trail Campsites

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Remote backcountry sites feature spacious, well-spaced camping areas with excellent water access throughout the trail system. Permits required and fill quickly. Occasional trail traffic may pass through some sites.

Braydon L.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 19, 2024

Campsite #10 'Bird'

Hiked in via Hop Valley, easy in, tough out. But the Campsite is nestled in some ponderosas up off the bank of the stream, which you have to cross from the trail. Occasionally you get some hikers who get off trail and it kinds leads through the camp. We had some hikers walk theough as we set down our packs, but we had no disturbances for the rest of the duration of our say. There is a spring with drinking water east of the site up the trail. We also had a squirrel friend who wanted some snacks. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS. The site is kinda small, maybe 2 tents max. But overall very nice.

Site#10 'Bird'

Month of VisitMarch

Robin H.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

Remote, well laid out, nice stream nearby

Stayed one night each at site #4 & #8. #4 is closer to the water for freshening up, putting feet in. #8 seemed to attract a lot of flies (didn’t notice that at #4). The tent sites are laid out nicely w/ a lot of space in between. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at La Verkin Creek.

Site#4 & #8

Month of VisitSeptember

Chris C.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 4, 2018

Campsite #9

I did this hike last spring (2017) with 5 others, and the weather was amazing and we didn't really overheat due to the cold breeze that was constant throughout the entire length of the trail to our campsite. The trail is pretty well traveled, and relatively easy to follow (aside from a couple twists that sort of disappeared), but in all it was a great stretch following La Verkin Creek. Campsite #9 was plenty big, with enough room for all of us to spread out and it had a nice flat area to congregate in for breakfast. We did have to cross the creek to access the site, and the water was shallow enough that I just took off my shoes and waded across rather than trying to balance on the rocks with my pack (high water may be a little more of a challenge). The campsite is just west of the Kolob Arch trailhead, and about 2 miles west of Bear Trap Creek which has a pretty neat little waterfall tucked into the slot canyon (well worth the side hike). This year may be a little bit of a trick to access the trail/campsites due to road construction on the Kolob Canyon Road which has the entire stretch closed. You can access the trail from Hop Valley Trailhead, but I haven't done that section so I can't really comment.

SiteCampsite #9

Month of VisitApril

Billy B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2016

Great backcountry camping in Zion!

This is very remote backcountry camping with very nice up kept tails. Before camping here, you need to get a permit from the park service. They fill up fast so make sure you reserve early. Also make sure you carry your permit with you, we were stopped by park rangers along the trail. There is plenty of access to water along the trail so no need pack a bunch in as long as you have a way to filter or treat it. We stayed in camp #6, dipper camp. This camp site was very spacious, enough for a couple tents to set up, with areas in the shade. As far as I could tell, they were all really nice tenting spots with plenty of distance between you and another camp.

(5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the La Verkin Creek campsites located?

La Verkin Creek campsites are located in the backcountry wilderness area of Zion National Park. These remote sites are situated along the La Verkin Creek Trail, with some sites positioned closer to the creek while others are nestled among ponderosa pines set back from the water. Each campsite offers good spacing and privacy from neighboring sites. The campsites can be accessed via the La Verkin Creek Trail, with some hikers entering through the Hop Valley trail system.

Is there a trail map available for La Verkin Creek Wilderness?

Yes, trail maps for La Verkin Creek Wilderness are available through Zion National Park visitor centers and the official National Park Service website. When obtaining your required backcountry permit, rangers typically provide maps and orientation information. The trail is generally well-traveled and relatively easy to follow, though there are a few confusing twists and turns in certain sections. It's always recommended to carry an official map when hiking and camping in this wilderness area.

How far is La Verkin Creek Campground from Zion National Park?

La Verkin Creek Campground is actually located within Zion National Park in the backcountry wilderness area. It's not a drive-in campground but rather a series of backcountry sites that require hiking in via the La Verkin Creek Trail. A permit from the park service is mandatory before camping, and these permits fill up quickly, so early reservations are essential. Park rangers occasionally patrol the trail to verify permits, so always keep yours accessible during your backcountry stay.

Keep Exploring