Best Campgrounds near Central, UT

Camping options near Central, Utah range from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites across state and federal lands. Nearby locations like Snow Canyon State Park and Quail Creek State Park Campground provide a mix of tent and RV accommodations with varying levels of amenities. The St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey offers cabin camping alongside traditional sites, while Zion River Resort provides glamping options for those seeking more comfort. Most established campgrounds in the region feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, with many offering reservable sites through online systems.

Roads leading to camping areas vary significantly in quality, with some primitive sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Weather considerations are important when planning a trip, as summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, while winter brings cooler conditions that attract visitors to lower-elevation campgrounds. Many campgrounds in the Hurricane and St. George area remain open year-round, though services may be limited seasonally. Permits are required for overnight stays in many locations, particularly within national park boundaries. "Beautiful surroundings, new showers and restrooms. Sites are not extremely level, but you can't complain," noted one camper about Quail Creek State Park.

Water access ranks high among camper priorities in this arid region. The reservoir at Sand Hollow State Park receives positive reviews for its unique red sand beaches and clear water, providing both swimming and fishing opportunities. Multiple reviews highlight the contrast between developed campgrounds with full hookups and more rustic experiences available on nearby BLM land. Campgrounds closer to Zion National Park tend to fill quickly during peak season, with Watchman Campground consistently receiving high ratings for its convenient location and natural setting. Several visitors mentioned the value of finding spots with adequate shade during summer months. A review of Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed camping noted it as "Great spot, central to Zion, an hour and a half from Bryce, and a hop skip from the AZ border. Need supplies? Hurricane and La Verkin are a few minutes away."

Best Camping Sites Near Central, Utah (196)

    1. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    24 miles
    +1 (435) 680-0715

    $50 / night

    "It’s fun of all sorts, kayaking, lake beach, boating, cliff jumping, bbq, off-roading everywhere!!! And the beauty that surrounds is unreal!!"

    "It’s always a family favorite when we go to Southern Utah"

    2. Snow Canyon State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Ivins, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 628-2255

    $40 - $200 / night

    "2.5 mike hike in, 300 ft elevation gain, easy trail to beautiful overlook of southern Utah. Camp is a sandy open area next to the overlook and cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park. Free to camp."

    "Snow Canyon is a still relatively unknown place near St George, Utah. There is SO much to do around there and there are great hikes that leave from this campground which makes it even better."

    3. Crackfoot Campground — Dixie National Forest

    12 Reviews
    Pine Valley, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    $17 - $150 / night

    "The drive to this site was absolutely beautiful. The sunset over the mountains was breath taking. Our site was fully equipped with a fire pit, grill, picnic table and tent pad."

    "A small stream close by. Fully shaded and cool compared to St George."

    4. Red Cliffs Campground

    27 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    $5 - $15 / night

    "Stopped here late on my way through Utah. Short drive off the highway and easy to find. Very clean sites, I was only there in the dark but area was quiet and easy to setup camp."

    "Water spigots are everywhere, and there are trash cans close by. Plus, there are two vault toilets not too far away. The roads and campsites are all paved."

    5. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    241 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3837

    $35 - $130 / night

    "Sites were typical National Park, small and close together but well positioned.  We had close access to a modern restroom that was clean and well maintained.  "

    "Watchman is conveniently located within walking distance of the Zion National Park south entrance. The camp sites are shaded with trees and red gravel/sand ground structure."

    6. St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey

    35 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We had a fun trip to Utah this past weekend for an off-road event. We found the KOA and set up camp for a few days. Internet connection wasn’t great and the weather was moody since it was March."

    "This KOA is located about ten minutes outside of St George and right off the I-15 freeway. It was all the amenities that your typical KOA has; dog park, hookups, cabins, and store."

    7. Quail Creek State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 879-2378

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful location! All camp sites overlook the lake. There are flush toilets and outdoor coin showers. If the camp ground fills, they allow primitive camping in the parking lot for a minimal fee."

    "The big pro is that you are really close to a lake where you can go for a swim, quite a rare feature for a campground in Utah. Beautiful surroundings, new showers and restrooms."

    8. Baker Dam Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Central, UT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    $5 - $24 / night

    "Nice location - not too far from Zion, but much quieter! Beautiful drive in."

    "Ended up here as a last minute change in camping locations, and it didn’t disappoint."

    9. Zion River Resort

    74 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 822-8594

    "At the site we were on there was a creek behind us which we loved and so did our dogs! Friendly neighbors! Beautiful place. Located close to Zion park. A lot of off road adventures near by"

    "The park is 10minutes away from Zion National Park and about 2hrs from Bryce Canyon. The park is adjacent to the Virgin River. Walking path to the river is great for kids."

    10. Pine Valley Equestrian Campground

    5 Reviews
    Pine Valley, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 652-3100

    $21 - $42 / night

    "Horse stables away from tents and didn’t smell at all. Restrooms really clean. Can’t wait to go again"

    "Has a gorgeous, peaceful stream running a very short walk from the sites. I spent most of my time walking through shaded woods along the stream and collecting water for boiling along with firewood."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 196 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Central, UT

1693 Reviews of 196 Central Campgrounds


  • Sarah J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    Very cool!

    Good for RVs or campers/travel trailers. I wouldn’t suggest tent camping as it gets pretty windy. We drove in a 30ft camper with a 2003 ford f250 and had no issues finding a spot. Google says Gap Rd is unpaved but that’s not the case for the main road in.

    Very nice views with cool trails to hike. Petroglyphs are easy to get to as they have them displayed as you come in. Very quiet, hardly any traffic noise other than any neighboring campers.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Panquitch Lake Cliffside Campsite

    Small Cliffside campsite overlooking Panquitch Lake

    This campsite can be utilized with Campers, RVs or tents and has a great view of the Lake and cabin areas around Panquitch Lake.  Dirt road access with many trails and jeep roads that connect surrounding areas including Escalante, Utah.  Don't attempt to get to this site if raining or snowing, roads are slick and impassable.

  • Jeanne D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Old 91 Dispersed

    Easy to find and lots of space

    Easy to find for a quick overnighter! Lots of spaces

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Cedar Pockets Pass Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    We came here during labour day weekend and had the place to ourselves. No trees, but the mountains provide nice shade in the evening and morning.

  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Kolob Road BLM Dispersed

    Nice spot for my vab

    I'm not pickey but there isn't any cell service and no ammenities

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54

    Simple spot, easy to get to, not to far from town.

    A pretty large area, I was the only one there. Nothing too special, but it gets the job done. The views weren't too back for a Midwesterner. it was fairly close to the road and could hear traffic pass during the night, but it wouldn't stop me from camping here again.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Lambs Knoll Climbing Site Camping

    Great for stargazing and a nice view of the valley

    This campsite was very quiet except on nights when a stargazing guide group came to meet up there around 9/9:30 PM. They weren’t super loud and only met there and then left shortly after.

  • Riley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    North Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great spot + location, 100000 ants

    The location and sites are great. Got here late at night and tons of open spots and in close proximity to Zion...

    However.

    The site we were at was a logistical nightmare setting up our tent due to the 40,000 ants that were making every moment living hell trying to set up our tent. Every time we stood still for more than 3 seconds (not an exaggeration) ants would start finding their way up our feet. Me and my girlfriend are master bug haters so maybe this won’t bother others, or maybe other sites aren’t as infested.

    All in all, awesome spot! might recommend car camping if you stay in the site we were at if you value your sanity and don’t want your body rented out to be a home for ants and their 65,000 friends.


Guide to Central

Camping near Central, Utah offers options between 4,300 and 6,800 feet elevation, creating significant temperature variations throughout the year. The region's volcanic history has shaped unique terrain features, with black lava rock formations contrasting against red sandstone cliffs. Fall camping presents ideal conditions with daytime temperatures averaging 65-75°F and lows dipping into the 40s at higher elevations.

What to do

Creek exploration: Crackfoot Campground provides access to a creek that runs along the east side leading to a reservoir. "This is an amazing campground with a creek that runs all along the east side of the campground that leads to a reservoir. We stayed in site 22, had a breathtaking sunset," shares one visitor at Crackfoot Campground.

Dinosaur track hunting: Red Cliffs Campground features trails leading to ancient prints. "Hiking trails lead to some dinosaur tracks! There is access to water at the sites," reports a camper. The area also offers "scenic areas, potable water, and vault toilets" according to another visitor at Red Cliffs Campground.

Water sports: Sand Hollow State Park provides clear water recreation on red sand beaches. "Sand Hollow State Park Camping is such a good time. The summer nights by the beach camping out with your people and your dogs is one of my favorites," notes one camper. Another adds that the "lake was really beautiful" with equipment rentals available on site.

Mountain biking: Pine Valley offers excellent trail access with cooler temperatures. "Love this place one of our favs," states one frequent visitor to the area. The elevation provides "a nice break from the heat of the Valley" with "a gorgeous, peaceful stream running a very short walk from the sites."

What campers like

Natural shade coverage: Snow Canyon State Park Campground provides relief from intense summer sun. "I'd recommend this as an early spring camp outing. The temps climb quickly in Southern Utah in late spring," notes one visitor at Snow Canyon State Park Campground. Another camper mentions that the "non-hookup sites are MUCH better than the ones with hookups."

Spacious campsites: Quail Creek State Park Campground offers well-designed layouts. "All camp sites overlook the lake. There are flush toilets and outdoor coin showers. If the camp ground fills, they allow primitive camping in the parking lot for a minimal fee," explains one camper at Quail Creek State Park Campground. The campground is described as "well planned out" with "pretty flat and very easy to access" spots.

Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds throughout the region provide opportunities to spot local fauna. "Cows and deer walk through the sites, it was really cool," shares a camper at Crackfoot. Another visitor notes, "Cows came in to feed before sunset. Deer too. Coyotes could be heard at night."

Off-season solitude: Baker Dam Recreation Area offers quieter camping experiences. "Ended up here as a last minute change in camping locations, and it didn't disappoint," relates one visitor to Baker Dam Recreation Area. Another camper reports, "I pulled in super late on a Monday night in September, just needed a place to open up my rooftop tent and get some sleep... The campground was completely empty and is absolutely beautiful."

What you should know

Site reservations essential: Watchman Campground requires advance planning. "You MUST make reservations online 6 months in advance to get a spot and they go SO FAST!" warns a camper at Watchman Campground. During peak seasons, campsites throughout the region fill quickly.

Temperature extremes: Desert elevations experience dramatic daily temperature swings. "Elevation 6800 ft. Was 90s during day (a lot cooler in shade) 60s at night, so quite a drop in temp," explains one camper. Another visitor notes, "I wouldn't camp here mid summer when its 90+ at night, it's super hot almost unbearable to sleep in."

Cell service variability: Coverage differs drastically between providers across the region. One camper at Red Cliffs reports, "Verizon is nowhere to be found, but T-Mobile has a full-bars 5G connection." Another notes at Zion River Resort, "There is virtually no cell signal in Virgin. Certainly not enough to even begin to create a hot spot."

Camp gate hours: Several state parks enforce strict entry/exit times. "The park closes at 9 and you have to be inside the park before it closes. They will lock you out," notes one camper. Another visitor warns, "Not being from Utah, the hours limiting when you can come and go from the campground were annoying... You actually can't get in if they're closed."

Tips for camping with families

Water features: Sand Hollow State Park provides beach and reservoir access. "The beach area is gorgeous with lots of smooth sand and cool red rock formations," notes a visitor at Sand Hollow State Park. A different camper adds, "My kids had a blast in the sand dune area."

Bug awareness: Plan for seasonal insects throughout the area. "There are tons of red ants, though—not too bad since we haven't been bitten, but yeah, a little gross," reports one camper. Another visitor mentions, "This is cockroach county. They will come out en force immediately after sunset so plan to have all food and related items stored in something airtight by then."

Campground activities: Some sites offer built-in entertainment options. "This place filled up fast. We stayed from Sunday to Tuesday," reports a visitor. "There was an all day concert one day. The echo of the music through the mountains was awesome!" Another camper mentions that some campgrounds offer "free miniature golf horseshoes and a pickleball" facilities.

Heat management: Consider higher elevation sites during summer months. "We're here during a heat warning, but I bet this place is amazing in the spring and fall," notes one visitor. Another camper emphasizes, "Gets cooler at night, great for the fire and sleeping. A nice break from the heat of the Valley."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Hurricane/St. George KOA Journey requires additional equipment for some RVs. "The Rv sites are crazy unlevel. We had to raise one side 6 inches to get sorta level," reports a visitor at St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey. Another camper adds, "Hard to park by your camper due to closeness of each site."

Hookup availability: Many sites offer limited or seasonal services. "Only the RV sites have power, and the RV sites were pathetically small. They were basically parking spots with tiny shared picnic tables between them," notes one camper. Another advises, "If you're able to go without power and internet, the tent sites were fairly nice. But if you need either, look elsewhere."

Tunnel clearance limitations: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating height restrictions. "You have to go under the interstate thru two narrow concrete tunnels, they are 11.9 high, so be careful, many large RVs, 5th wheels, Class As will not fit!!" warns one experienced RVer.

Reservation site selection: Carefully review campground maps before booking. "Look at the campground map before booking if you prefer space," advises one camper. Another notes, "Sites 6, 7, 8 and 11 best for TTs. Note there is no RV dumpsite."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping areas in Central Utah?

Central Utah offers diverse camping experiences from mountain retreats to desert landscapes. Navajo Lake Campground in Dixie National Forest provides a beautiful mountain setting with 23 sites nestled near the lake, offering excellent fishing access. For those seeking free dispersed camping with spectacular views, Sheep Bridge BLM Area near Hurricane provides convenient access to Zion with stunning mountain vistas. Other notable options include Snow Canyon State Park for red rock scenery, Toquerville Falls for primitive 4WD-accessible camping, and Black Rock Road for no-frills desert camping with excellent sunrise views. The region surrounding Zion National Park is particularly popular, with multiple campgrounds offering easy access to the park's attractions while showcasing Central Utah's remarkable natural beauty.

When is the ideal season for camping in Central Utah?

The ideal camping season in Central Utah varies with elevation. Late spring through early fall (May-October) generally offers the most pleasant conditions across the region. Watchman Campground in Zion National Park can be enjoyed through late October with sunny days, though nights get cold by November when snow is possible. Higher elevation sites like Crackfoot Campground in Dixie National Forest are best visited from June through September after snow melts. Summer brings hot temperatures to lower elevations, making spring and fall preferable for desert camping. Winter camping is possible in lower elevations, though facilities may be limited and preparation for cold nights is essential. Always check seasonal closures and road conditions before planning your trip, as mountain areas can experience early snowfall.

What amenities are available at Central Utah campgrounds?

Amenities at Central Utah campgrounds vary widely based on type and location. Private campgrounds like Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon and McArthur's Temple View RV Resort typically offer the most amenities, including full hookups, showers, restrooms, and sometimes pools or recreational facilities. Many public campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and occasionally potable water. BLM dispersed camping areas like Toquerville Falls and Black Rock Road are primitive with no facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. Most developed campgrounds feature designated sites with parking, some shade, and basic facilities. Near tourist areas, campgrounds may offer shuttle access, camp stores, and dump stations. Always check specific campground listings for current amenities, as seasonal availability may vary.