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 (198)

    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

    41 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. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    242 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."

    5. 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."

    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. Baker Dam Recreation Area

    8 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."

    8. Quail Creek State Park Campground

    36 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."

    9. Zion River Resort

    75 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."

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Recent Reviews near Central, UT

1722 Reviews of 198 Central Campgrounds


  • Dallin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Archers Overlook East Zion

    Quick easy spot

    Nothing special, hard ground, limited space, good for hammocks or pull over van camping. Fires capable.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Baker Dam Recreation Area

    Decent, quiet campground

    As noted, there is no water or dump here. Vault toilets clean, and were cleaned every couple of days with TONS of toilet paper (no stink at all on those days), sites fairly level and most were very wide. There were some local kids hanging out in day use area in evening but did not stay late. Another camper with a reservation arrived to find their site occupied and that occupant did not return until evening but did leave without apparent incident. 

    If you're passing through Veyo, UT down the road, do yourself a favor and stop at Veyo Pies on the main hwy. Wow. We had the personal chicken pot pie (VERY good, meat was tender and crust fantastic!), a slice of Volcano pie and slice of apple, and took a whole cherry/raspberry pie with us to a gathering 600 miles away---it was the hit of the party. For those familiar, these pies were on par with those of 'The Pie-O-Neer' in Pie Town, NM (although Pie-O-Neer may have  recently changed their name---not confirmed). 

    ---->>ALSO in October 2025, information posted said there was'bad algae' in the reservoir, so do NOT fish or drink(including dogs!)<<----

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Snow Canyon State Park Campground

    Scenery never fails to impress

    Sites with hookup--with a couple of exceptions--are VERY close together. You can reach out and touch someone. If you have slide-out, you may not be able to use, or use fully extended. Other non-hookup sites have LOOONG driveways (ours was ~90'). Level, great places in most sites to set up tents/shades. There are 4 showers and they are all closed mid-day for cleaning. As someone noted here, the showers require that the chain be held down---a fix that worked for us: Put a rock(s) in bag and tie/hang it from the chain (worked great). Bathrooms were clean, flush toilets. There is a dump station available. Overall it was quiet, cell signal 4g and one itty bitty teeny tiny bar--very spotty. No bugs.

  • e
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Virgin River Gorge Recreation Area Campground (BLM)

    Accessible quiet campsite

    Easy to access off of I15 with paved roads the whole way. Loads of sites, but each was quite small. $16 to reserve (provides a sheltered spot) and $8 to walk-up. Toilets plumbed but could be a little cleaner. Overall great place to stay between vegas and Zion!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Jellystone Park at Zion

    Just Incredible !!!

    This place is incredible. It has an amazing pool area that reminds me of great Wolf Lodge for camping! Huge waterslides, splash pad, zone, multiple pools and hot tubs and a lazy river! It has a huge trampoline jump, park and incredible park. This place is a kids paradise!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Coal Creek

    Dumping ground

    This could be a real nice little Stop over if it wasn’t full of dumped homeless encampment garbage. Derelect vehicles with Police tow stickers and what looks to be homeless Living in cars and shooting up. Not staying and not Coming back.

  • Natalie  G.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Zion Wright Family Ranch

    Quiet and gorgeous scenery!

    This was a great spot to camp! It was quiet and the night sky was great and the sunrise/sunset was even greater!

    Some of the porta potties were a little full and others were spotless. The road in is a little rough, but is definitely drivable when dry.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Gunlock State Park Campground

    Nice spot for short stay

    Very well maintained. New bathrooms with lots of (free to campers) showers. Water and electric worked great the whole time we were here. Super friendly staff.

    Looks like the roads were just paved and in need of more directional arrows. The layout is confusing as the campsites blend into the road so it’s easy to drive through an empty campsite. We were in a 24ft van and were able to be level without blocks by entering from the wrong way. Larger rigs would have had difficulty because of the slope. Many sites were sloped quite a bit so choose your site accordingly. We had site 21 that had great views but was exposed to ferocious winds one of the nights.

    We prefer campgrounds with walking access to trails. This one didn’t have that so we’d come back but just for an overnight.

  • Tyler M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Rocky Peak Campground

    Campsite with plenty of space

    Plenty of space in each of the campsites. A couple trails nearby and other activities to do. Not a bad place to spend the night. $20 to reserve online.


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.