At 7,890 feet along Kolob Terrace Road, Lava Point Campground sits roughly an hour and twenty minutes from Zion's south entrance, trading the valley's crowds for cooler mountain air. This small campground contains just six primitive sites scattered through forested terrain, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and individual trash bin.
The elevation difference creates a noticeable temperature drop from the main canyon. Alan B. notes the campground "stays fairly cool even in the blistering heat of the summer," with temperatures running 10-20 degrees lower than Zion's valley floor. Pit toilets serve the campground, but no water is available on-site. Wildlife encounters are common, with deer frequently spotted among the sites and bear warning signs posted throughout the area.
The campground provides direct access to the West Rim Trail and sits within a short drive of Kolob Reservoir, where campers can fish or cool off in the cold mountain water. A ten-minute walk leads to the actual Lava Point overlook, which offers views across Zion's main canyon from this basalt outcrop. Cell service reaches only the overlook area, with T-Mobile coverage reported there.
Operating first-come, first-served from May through October (weather dependent), the campground fills quickly despite its remote location. Vehicles longer than 19 feet cannot navigate the access road, and smaller cars may struggle after heavy rain creates washouts. "We got there at noon and by 2 there were no campgrounds left on a Monday in September," warns Alan B.. Arrive early in the day, especially on weekends, and bring all necessary water for your stay.
Description
Overview
Lava Point is a primitive campground, typically open May through September, as weather allows. Situated at 7890 feet (2405 m) above sea level, it is off the Kolob Terrace Road, 25 miles (40 km) or 45 minutes north of the town of Virgin. It takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to drive to the campground from the South Entrance of Zion Canyon.
Recreation
Barney's Trail leaves from the campground and provides access to Lava Point Overlook and the West Rim Trail. The campground is also excellent for wildlife watching and stargazing.
Facilities
Lava Point is a primitive and dry campground. There is no potable water on site so campers must bring their own. There are no electrical hookups or outlets on site. Each campsite has a trash receptacle, picnic table, and fire ring. Restroom facilities consist of pit toilets.
Natural Features
Lava Point Campground is situated at 7,890 ft. (2405 m) above sea level providing cooler temperatures for campers during southern Utah's hot summers. Pine and Aspen trees create shade and protect campsites from wind on gustier days. A short distance from the campground entrance is Lava Point Overlook where campers can take in breathtaking panoramic views to the South towards Zion Canyon.
Nearby Attractions
Lava Point Campground is approximately a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from the South Entrance of Zion National Park in Springdale, UT. In between the campground and the South Entrance there are several trailheads providing access to Zion Wilderness. Lava Point Campground is also just a few miles South of Kolob Reservoir which provides fishing and water recreation opportunities.
Charges & Cancellations
Due to the remote nature of the campground reservation modifications are the responsibility of the camper. Please manage your reservation by logging into your Recreation.gov account or calling the Recreation.gov reservation line at 1-877-444-6777. Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies will apply.
Fee Info
Reservations must be made in advance through Recreation.gov or their reservation line at 1-877-444-6777. Cell coverage is limited and there will be no opportunity to secure a reservation or make payment on site. Each site is $25 per night.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Starting June 7, 2026 , Zion National Park will enforce vehicle size and weight limits on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (ZMCH) from Canyon Junction to the East Entrance. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/large-vehicles.htm .
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLava Point Campground is located in Utah near Kanarraville
Directions
Lava Point Campground can be reached by taking the Kolob Terrace Rd. for 25 miles (40 km) north of the town of Virgin, UT. Turn right on Lava Point Rd. and follow for a short distance to the signed campground entrance.
Coordinates
37.3839 N
113.032799 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/9/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/9/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/9/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 3 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 4 hrs 55 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 6 hrs 8 min from Prescott Valley, AZ





































