Tent camping options near Glendale, Utah provide alternatives to the area's RV parks. Located at 5,800 feet elevation in Long Valley, Glendale serves as a central hub between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. The region experiences significant temperature variations with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter nighttime temperatures often dropping below freezing, creating diverse camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Mount Carmel offers access to east Zion hiking options. "Car camped in one of their small tent sites, which are off a busy road with little/no data and far from town. I liked how this was the closest spot to the park, and the company offers activities at their ranch (I took a last-minute trail ride)," reports a visitor to Zion RV and Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The area's dark skies provide excellent night viewing when weather permits. A camper at Dark Sky RV Park & Campground notes, "This park is amazing - nothing like most other RV parks. The owners and hosts are fantastic. The facilities are excellent. Views are beautiful. Don't pass this place without staying here."
Multi-park exploration: The location allows for visiting multiple parks from one base camp. "Friendly staff, great location. Quiet, peaceful here. Will definitely return to this site next time visiting Bryce and Zion Natl parks," writes a camper at Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park.
Visit Red Cliffs Conservation Area: Just a short drive from Hurricane. "This KOA is located about ten minutes outside of St George and right off the I-15 freeway. The best part of this KOA is its proximity to Red Cliffs National Conservation Area which is about a mile away. This National Conservation Area is surrounded by towering red cliffs that have miles of hiking trails through them."
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Some campgrounds offer dedicated areas for tent camping separate from RV sections. At Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park, "Car camped in the apple orchard tent section. Some of the best campground showers I've seen in a while. Fantastic water pressure and the water got as hot or as cold as you wanted. Each shower stall had a locking door, changing area with hooks and a chair for your items, and then the actual shower with a curtain."
Clean shower facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms despite high visitor volume. "Great campground, new showers and pool, right next to bryce shuttle stop," notes a camper at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
Central location: The strategic position between national parks makes Glendale area campgrounds practical for multi-day exploration. "Small RV Camping Park, Just enough distance from Highway, lawn and trees, very friendly staff, clean and appropriate restrooms," writes a visitor to Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park.
Reliable utilities: Many RV parks offer dependable hookups even in remote locations. "Facilities were clean and well lit. Older campground well situated for seeing the numerous national parks in the area. Level site, power and wifi okay," notes another Bauers visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "We stayed here for 1 night in late February. Bathrooms and laundry room were old, outdated but clean with unlimited showers. WiFi was good. $40 a night for a spot with full hookups, convenient location between Bryce and Zion, but in the middle no where. Very windy at night."
Temperature fluctuations: The area experiences extreme temperature shifts. "We stayed in September and by the middle of the night it was about 20 degrees so bundle up!!" advises a St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey camper.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are located near busy roads. "Right off the interstate. Nothing but vehicle traffic all night long. Zero privacy- tent sites are so close you can literally hop from one tent pad to the next. Also, there aren't enough picnic tables for each site."
Road tunnels restrict large vehicle access: Large RVs face restrictions at certain park entrances. "The only thing inconvenient is that you have to go through the Mt Carmel tunnel to reach Zion NP. And this tunnel is opened for oversized vehicles between 8.00a.m. and 4.30 p.m. So keep that in mind!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools, particularly valuable during hot months. At Kanab RV Corral, "Sites are a little close, but otherwise park is very clean, bathrooms/showers were spotless, and owner was very friendly. We only were able to spend one night, but if we travel through Kanab again this is where we would stay."
Recreation amenities: Some parks provide additional activities for children. "Follow their directions on their website. They put a special note on purpose. Glad we followed it instead of google maps or we would have gotten lost. It's KOA so I kind of figure you get what you expect. It's pricey for a campground but KOA's have showers."
Shade availability: Important for summer camping comfort. "We booked a reservation with a small group and asked to be next to each other. They accommodated that request. The spaces were roomy and all of ours were pretty level. The hookups on our sites were more to one end of the site and not so much in the middle of the site which was not a problem for any of us. It seemed most sites had great shade trees in the area we were in."
Kid-friendly hikes: Easy trails accessible from campgrounds. "Super cute spot. Has a more intimate family-owned vibe. The sites were pretty close together but the location is awesome and super close to the park. The facilities were very nice. They have a small camp store, coin-operated laundry, and clean bathrooms and showers."
Tips from RVers
Leveling needs: Many sites require adjustment for comfort. "Very nice, almost like a rustic spa. The laundry was coin operated, attached to the office. We walked to Escobar's Mexican restaurant right next door for dinner and omg it was amazing."
Spacing considerations: RV sites vary in size and proximity. "Sites exactly fit a 36' motorhome with extra room. Slides only inches apart! My Satellite 16KS and F150 short bed were longer than the site by 4 feet."
Internet connectivity: WiFi quality varies significantly between parks. "Great WiFi. Pet friendly. Strong Verizon signal. Close to town. Great showers. Laundry. Friendly staff," reports a visitor to Dark Sky RV Park.
Honor system amenities: Some parks operate facilities on trust. "Dark Sky Campground provides a unique camping experience from the start of your stay to the end. The owners have thought each detail through. The campground amenities, like the laundry and the market, work on the honor system."
