Best Campgrounds near Hildale, UT

The southwestern edge of Utah near Hildale provides access to diverse camping experiences within proximity to Zion National Park and other natural attractions. Campers will find established options like Watchman Campground inside Zion National Park, approximately 45 minutes east of Hildale, offering year-round camping with amenities such as drinking water and picnic tables. Sand Hollow State Park, located near Hurricane, features both developed campgrounds and primitive beach camping along its distinctive red sand shores. For those seeking more solitude, dispersed camping opportunities exist on BLM land along Kolob Terrace Road and North Creek areas, where free camping is permitted with minimal facilities.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping accessibility in the Hildale region. Many BLM dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rutted dirt roads, particularly after rain. As one camper noted about nearby Toquerville Falls, "This is NOT a 2 wheel drive adventure. It's strictly 4 wheel drive only. Hike it first to end don't ruin your vehicle for this." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations, while higher areas offer cooler conditions. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, typically from late spring through fall. Advance reservations are essential for established campgrounds, especially at popular locations like Watchman, where sites can fill six months ahead during peak season.

Proximity to water features ranks highly in camper reviews throughout the region. Quail Creek State Park receives consistent praise for its lakeside sites, with one visitor noting, "All camp sites overlook the lake. There are flush toilets and outdoor coin showers." Sand Hollow's primitive camping areas offer striking scenery but mixed experiences regarding privacy. According to one review, "The scenery is something out of an outer space movie, with bright red sand, black mountains, and crystal blue water." Campgrounds closer to Zion tend to be more crowded but provide convenient access to trails and services. Fall and spring typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions with moderate temperatures and fewer visitors compared to the summer high season.

Best Camping Sites Near Hildale, Utah (265)

    1. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    242 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    12 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."

    2. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    23 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"

    3. Zion Canyon Campground

    92 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3237

    "Lovely spot with a river running along one side, but only people with river spots have access to it! Conveniently within the nice town of Springdale and very close to park entrance."

    "The location is definitely a highlight, it’s just a short walk to the park entrance, which made getting in and out of Zion really convenient. "

    4. South Campground — Zion National Park

    91 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3256

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Perfect location just a short walk away from the visitors center where you catch the shuttle into the park, or exit to catch the shuttle to Springdale. Clean bathrooms. No shade at site 125."

    "The drive in from the Eastern entrance is simply incredible and full of epic photo ops. Zion reminds me of Yosemite Valley in some ways."

    5. Zion River Resort

    75 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    17 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."

    6. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    46 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    17 miles
    Website

    "Sandy and right off road. Road noise minimal if any after dark."

    "Great access to Zion. There were a bunch of open sites when we got there (4pm) some were along the stream too. We have a Honda Fit and we’re able to camp just fine. Saw a few smaller pull behinds."

    7. Zion RV and Campground (Hi-Road)

    46 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 648-3302

    $40 - $54 / night

    "Also a nice little restaurant within walking distance (right across the street)."

    "Pool, laundry, snacks and not to mention walking distance to everything in town. There is a nice river running behind the camp ground"

    8. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    17 miles
    Website

    "All around a great spot. Right next to the creek, generally quiet with few other campers. Nice and dark at night for star gazing, and shade trees for during the day."

    "Spots tucked next to trees that shelter from sunrise, if you’re a late riser ;)"

    9. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Kanab, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 648-2800

    $28 - $200 / night

    "This campground is quiet and out of the way from nearby Zion National Park."

    "Each site has a picnic table, grill, fire pit, good parking, trees, and a water pump nearby."

    10. Sheep Bridge BLM Area (Hurricane Cliffs Trail System) - Utah

    33 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    18 miles
    Website

    "Cool biking, hiking and off-roading trails. Peaceful and secluded as you can look off into the mesas and up at the best view of the stars I've seen."

    "The sheeps bridge road that gets out through the campsites has camping options from right off the highways to deep into the fields by the virgin river canyon."

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Recent Reviews near Hildale, UT

2195 Reviews of 265 Hildale Campgrounds


  • Luka Đ.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    North Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    Got to this spot little before sunset, chrysler voyager didnt have too much trouble getting to the spot as long as I was driving really slow. My campsite was on the left after you get of the main road, next to the creek and with a firepit. There are other campers here but there is enough personal space IMO. Might stay here a couple of nights, instead of just one.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Hog Canyon

    Perfect weekday spot

    Totally empty on a Tuesday night. Our 28 ft camper made it in no problem, but we are 4wd. We stopped at the big overhang since it was available

  • Sheri C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Sand Hollow OHV Camp

    OHV trails great place

    We just spent 5 nights here. was great! We have a 30 ft toy hauler and had no problems getting in and out. There were much bigger rigs then ours. This is all about riding off road. If you don't like the noise from UTVs and ATVs its not the place for you. Weather was perfect! It is a wash so i wouldn't try in the rain or after rain.

  • 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!


Guide to Hildale

The Hildale area sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation in southwestern Utah, where the Colorado Plateau transitions into the Mojave Desert. This location creates a climate with significant temperature variations between seasons and between day and night. Camping options near Hildale range from established state park facilities to primitive BLM sites where campers can find solitude among juniper and pinyon pine trees.

What to do

Kayaking at Sand Hollow: Just 30 minutes from Hildale, Sand Hollow State Park offers distinctive red sand beaches and clear water for paddling adventures. As one visitor noted, "Great place even for a day trip and conveniently close to St. George."

Winter camping at Watchman Campground: Take advantage of off-season opportunities at Zion when crowds thin out. "We stayed at Watchman in late October early November. Experienced sunny days, cold nights and even a little snow. Regardless of the weather, Watchman is the best place to park your camper and venture out to experience the best of Zion NP," one camper shared.

Holiday celebrations: Some campgrounds offer unique seasonal events. "It was Halloween and many of the kids camped around us dressed up in costumes and went trick or treating. Many campers put up festive lighting and one even set up a full size inflatable castle which was a big hit," reported a visitor to Watchman Campground.

UTV rentals: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park provides access to extensive off-road trails. "Great place to stay, was close enough to for a bit of a drive to both Bryce and Zion but wasn't crowded mid August. Right on the coral pink sand dunes and everyone had a lot of fun renting Off road vehicles to take for a spin," a reviewer mentioned.

What campers like

Riverside relaxation: At Zion River Resort, campers appreciate the water access. "Original plan was to camp inside the park but failed to secure a site. That led us to finding this Rv park. The cool Virgin River behind our site was a nice place to soak our tired feet and enjoy a beverage after hiking in Zion," noted one visitor.

Wildlife encounters: Watchman Campground offers opportunities to see native animals. One camper reported, "We had deer strolling through our campsite in the morning."

Convenience without crowds: Finding alternatives to packed national park campgrounds can improve the experience. "We preferred the pace of Virgin over Sugardale, and it was only 20min away," commented a Zion River Resort visitor.

Sand sledding: The distinctive sand dunes provide unique recreation opportunities. A Coral Pink Sand Dunes camper advised, "The sledding is so much fun and if done with a tour you can sled more not having to hike back up the sand hill."

What you should know

Creek conditions at North Creek Dispersed Camping: Water levels vary significantly by season. "Nice spot close to the main road and a 20 min drive to Zion NP. You can get some refreshment under the trees and in the river," one camper noted, while another mentioned, "Creek was dry but trees were lovely!"

High clearance benefits: For more privacy at North Creek, cross the creek if possible. As one visitor advised, "If you have a vehicle with high clearance, take the creek crossing and you will have many more options!"

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. At North Creek, a camper reported, "We have T-mobile and had 5G service," while at Zion River Resort another noted, "There is virtually no cell signal in Virgin. Certainly not enough to even begin to create a hot spot."

Water quality concerns: Natural water sources may contain harmful organisms. One North Creek visitor cautioned, "On our recent trip (late Feb 2021) the river also had some kind of bad algae and you were warned to keep all pets, etc. out of the water."

Tips for camping with families

Educational opportunities: Kaibab Paiute RV Park offers cultural experiences nearby. "Pipe Spring National Monument is very close and worth a visit," noted a camper.

Indoor amenities during heat: Air-conditioned spaces provide relief from summer temperatures. At Kaibab Paiute RV Park, a tent camper found that "they have a club house that's air conditioned, fully equipped kitchen, tables, board games, large screen tv and free WiFi. It was just the break I needed."

Showers for multi-day stays: After hiking in desert conditions, cleaning facilities become essential. At Zion Canyon Campground, "You get a coin for the shower, which lasts 7 minutes," explained a visitor.

Less crowded shuttle times: When visiting Zion National Park, time your transportation strategically. "Shuttle line is long (think Disney) by 8 am but short in the early afternoon when it's hot," observed one South Campground visitor.

Tips from RVers

Size considerations for dispersed sites: Finding suitable boondocking spots requires advance planning. A North Creek camper reported, "Nice spot about 20 minutes from Zion there are a few different entrances and places to park some are alittle rough for the bigger campers but we got out 33 footer in with alittle work."

Levelness varies: Even at established campgrounds, prepare for uneven terrain. At South Campground, a visitor cautioned, "Not all of the parking pads for the sites are level."

Full hookup value: When comparing costs versus amenities, consider what's included. A camper at Westside Campground in Sand Hollow State Park appreciated that "our site was mostly level with a grill and a shade structure with a picnic bench."

Budget RV option: For affordable full-service camping, consider locations outside the immediate Zion area. "And at $30 a night a real bargain. Pull through sites with full hookups and a friendly staff makes this place a winner," reported a visitor to Kaibab Paiute RV Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hildale, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hildale, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 265 campgrounds and RV parks near Hildale, UT and 107 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hildale, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hildale, UT is Watchman Campground — Zion National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 242 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hildale, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 107 free dispersed camping spots near Hildale, UT.