Best Campgrounds near Hurricane, UT

The landscape surrounding Hurricane, Utah encompasses a diverse range of camping environments, from developed state parks to free dispersed sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Sand Hollow State Park offers lakeside camping with full hookups at Westside Campground, while Quail Creek State Park provides year-round access with sites overlooking water. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access the highly-rated Watchman Campground in Zion National Park or explore the Hurricane Cliffs BLM area with its designated dispersed camping system. The region's camping options span from primitive tent sites to full-service RV resorts, with several locations offering cabin rentals and glamping accommodations for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the Hurricane area, with some BLM access roads requiring careful navigation. As one camper noted, "Sheep's Bridge Road is pretty washboarded right now. It is doable going slow, but you're gonna rattle your innards a bit." Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F in lower elevations, while higher areas provide cooler relief. The region experiences strong winds and monsoon storms, particularly from July through September, when afternoon thunderstorms are common. Cell service is generally reliable near Hurricane, with reviewers reporting "Verizon and ATT 4-5 bars even with no booster" at Hurricane Cliffs BLM sites. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during spring and fall peak seasons when Zion National Park visitation is highest.

The red rock landscapes and water features draw consistent praise from visitors to the area. Sand Hollow State Park campers describe "bright red sand, black mountains, and crystal blue water" creating distinctive scenery. Mountain biking trails directly accessible from Hurricane Cliffs BLM sites make this area particularly popular with outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bighorn sheep in the Virgin River Gorge and various waterfowl at Quail Creek. Dust presents a common challenge at dispersed sites, with one camper warning about "fine, silty, reddish stuff that wafts in the air, settles in your screens, your rugs, your skin." Despite this, most reviewers consider the stunning views and convenient access to Zion National Park worth the minor inconveniences.

Best Camping Sites Near Hurricane, Utah (256)

    1. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    2 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. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    242 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    21 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."

    3. Zion River Resort

    75 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    10 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."

    4. Quail Creek State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    4 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."

    5. St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey

    35 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    5 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."

    6. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    12 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. Red Cliffs Campground

    27 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    6 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."

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

    33 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    9 miles
    Website

    "There were others around although you still felt spread out. A large grocery and fuel is about fifteen minutes away in Hurricane too. Make sure you drive past the day use area to the BLM map."

    "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."

    9. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    11 miles
    Website

    "Reasonably close to Zion and perfect for the price. Also super close to other amazing hikes on BLM land."

    "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."

    10. Zion Canyon Campground

    92 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    20 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. "

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Recent Reviews near Hurricane, UT

2117 Reviews of 256 Hurricane Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    East Zion RV Park

    I see rough reviews but I loved this place

    Is it close to Hwy 89, yes, is the Thunderbird Lodge closed on Wednesday and Thursday and maybe not there to help immediately, yes. This is a small town but the facility is awesome, when staff is not there they answer the texting options they communicate with you very quickly and I really didn't notice the traffic noise as RV's are hardly sound proof.

    While there we visited Zion, Bryce, Navajo Lake, Corral Pink Dunes, how central do you need to be to get a great review here. Very clean and well kept up, executive golf course (it took me a bit to recognize what 89 & 9 meant, call me slow), pool and spa, store, and you can't leave without trying a "Ho"made pie.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Hidden Springs Rv Resort

    Very nice campground, clean with all the amenitites

    Great camping, lot's of grass and landscaping, great pool, laundry, facilities, store, etc. When booking really take a look at the relief of the campground, there are spots with incredible views over St. George, Warner Valley, Hurricane and if I had noticed that I would have booked other sites.

    Staff is great and super helpful, would recommend this campground as an A+

  • Cali C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Wire Mesa

    Beautiful campground but a nerve wracking drive in

    This spot is secluded and we were the only ones there. The last mile of the drive to the site is extremely rocky and uneven. We did make it in our dually van that is RWD, but there were several spots we were holding our breath!!

    It is VERY secluded, so prepare accordingly. It won’t be somewhere you want to drive in and out of frequently, but it is stunning! Trails in walking distance as well.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    St George/Hurricane KOA Journey

    Ok for a night

    Like most KOAs this had good amenities but it was off I15. We were on the farthest loop from the highway and could still hear traffic. Many of the sites are on a slope and while they tried to level them, leveling blocks it were still necessary.

    The laundry, restrooms and showers were very clean. WiFi was weak at the campsite but great in the laundry room. I even streamed some Y ou Tube videos while waiting. The clubhouse is undergoing a remodel. Conveniently located just a few minutes from St. George for all services you might need.

  • Rick W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed Sites 20-35 spur

    Small and crowded

    I was here in early Oct. It was busy, is close to small town. Beautiful scenery but very rough roads. It seems to me it is a small area for the # of visitors. I only stayed a day. It was the weekend also.


Guide to Hurricane

The landscape around Hurricane, Utah sits at approximately 3,200 feet elevation, nestled between the towering red cliffs of Zion National Park and the expansive desert terrain of southwestern Utah. Temperatures here fluctuate dramatically between seasons, with summer highs regularly reaching triple digits while winter nights can drop below freezing. The region's campsites provide access to numerous outdoor activities while offering varying levels of shelter from the area's frequent strong winds that funnel through the Virgin River drainage.

What to do

Cooling off at the reservoir: Sand Hollow State Park reservoir provides relief during hot months with paddleboarding and kayaking rentals. "Great place to rent sea doos, boats, UTVs, etc. Although I read that they are very particular about charging extra fees, and that the equipment is old," notes one Westside Campground visitor.

Hiking local slot canyons: Red Cliffs Conservation Area offers accessible slot canyon trails leading to unique formations. "Apparently, you can hike through the slots to see petroglyphs and even dinosaur tracks," reports a camper at Red Cliffs Campground.

Stargazing away from city lights: North Creek Dispersed Camping area provides darker skies than campgrounds closer to towns. "It's pretty quiet, and Verizon is nowhere to be found, but T-Mobile has a full-bars 5G connection," mentions one visitor while noting the excellent night sky viewing conditions.

What campers like

Virgin River access: Multiple camping areas offer direct access to the Virgin River for cooling off. "The cool Virgin River behind our site was a nice place to soak our tired feet and enjoy a beverage after hiking in Zion," reports a visitor at Zion River Resort.

Well-maintained facilities: Despite remote locations, many established campgrounds maintain clean facilities. "Bathrooms/Showers are new and clean. Cell service was great," notes a camper at Quail Creek State Park.

Proximity to services: While camping feels remote, Hurricane provides nearby essentials. "Firewood and ice were available in Springdale via a 5 minute drive (you have to exit and reenter the park if you drive). Or it's a 10 minute walk via a bridge directly from the park to the store," explains a camper at Watchman Campground.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access to dispersed sites requires planning. "You def need a higher up car to get to where I went. I have a Honda HRV and took it really slow and didn't have any issues," advises a camper at Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed area.

Park entrance times matter: Some state parks restrict late entry. "The park closes at 9 and you have to be inside the park before it closes. They will lock you out," cautions a visitor to Sand Hollow State Park.

Extreme heat preparation: Summer camping requires cooling strategies. "We're here during a heat warning, but I bet this place is amazing in the spring and fall. There are tons of red ants, though—not too bad since we haven't been bitten, but yeah, a little gross," reports a Red Cliffs camper.

Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Many free camping areas lack amenities. "This place is fine if you're desperate- there's tons of spots! But the fields in and around the camp area are filled with human and animal poop...they really need to build some pit toilets," warns a Kolob Terrace camper.

Tips for camping with families

Off-season advantages: Consider camping outside summer peak season. "We 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," suggests a visitor from late October.

Holiday camping experiences: Some campgrounds offer special 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."

Water-based cooling options: Look for campsites with water access during hot months. "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," mentions a camper at Westside Campground.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions to note: Not all access roads accommodate larger RVs. "Note: 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 a Red Cliffs camper.

Leveling challenges: Some RV sites require significant leveling equipment. "The Rv sites are crazy unlevel. We had to raise one side 6 inches to get sorta level," notes a visitor to St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey.

Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies dramatically between sites. "There is virtually no cell signal in Virgin. Certainly not enough to even begin to create a hot spot. There is wifi (and we even had a booster on our site)...but there was still terribly connectivity," explains a Zion River Resort visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best seasons for camping in Hurricane, Utah?

The best seasons for camping in Hurricane are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer brings intense desert heat, though higher elevation sites like Navajo Lake Campground in Dixie National Forest offer cooler conditions. Kolob Reservoir provides another excellent summer option with cooler temperatures, fishing opportunities, and stunning stargazing. Winter camping is possible in the Hurricane area due to mild temperatures, though nights can get chilly. Spring brings beautiful wildflower blooms, while fall offers perfect temperatures for hiking and mountain biking the area's extensive trail systems.

Where are the best campgrounds in Hurricane, Utah?

Hurricane offers diverse camping options for every preference. Quail Creek State Park Campground stands out with beautiful lakeside sites, flush toilets, and outdoor showers. All campsites overlook the lake, with beach tent camping options and overflow parking available. For those seeking RV accommodations, Hitch-N-Post RV Park provides full amenities including showers, WiFi, and cell service, plus easy walking distance to town restaurants and cafes. The Hurricane area also features excellent mountain biking opportunities, proximity to Zion National Park, and spectacular desert landscapes, making it an ideal base for exploring southwestern Utah.

Are there free camping spots near Hurricane, Utah?

Yes, Hurricane offers several free camping options on BLM land. Sheep Bridge BLM Area provides convenient free camping just off Highway 9 with spectacular mountain views and proximity to Zion National Park. Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #1-12 spur offers excellent access to mountain biking and ATV trails. While these sites lack amenities like running water or toilets, they provide stunning desert landscapes and open spaces. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Black Rock Road Dispersed camping at the Arizona/Utah border offers no-frills camping with impressive sunset views. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions and bring all necessary supplies.