North of St. George, Hurricane sits at approximately 3,200 feet elevation in southwestern Utah, experiencing hot summer days that routinely exceed 100°F and mild winters. The area's camping options range from developed sites with full hookups to primitive dispersed camping across Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Most dispersed camping areas provide no facilities but offer convenient access to the Virgin River and surrounding red rock landscape.
What to do
Hiking along Virgin River: North Creek Dispersed Camping provides direct access to riverside trails. "There are sites on both sides of the creek. The drive to Zion is around 20 minutes. It does get very hot and there is not a lot of tree cover but the stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off," notes Kristin M.
Mountain biking: The Hurricane Cliffs Trail System near Sheep Bridge BLM Area offers trails for various skill levels. "Only 20 or so minutes from Zion National Park. We didn't secure a spot in the park before getting there and everything was booked so we needed an easy option in a pinch and this was great. Busy in the summertime with lots of mountain bikers as the area is popular for it's mountain bike trails," explains Kelsey L.
Dinosaur tracks exploration: Take a short hike from Red Cliffs Campground to see preserved dinosaur tracks. "This was our first stop in our camping journey. The space is fairly small but a beautiful area. Hiking trails lead to some dinosaur tracks! There is access to water at the sites," shares Elizabeth R.
What campers like
Shady creek access: Many campers appreciate spots along North Creek for escaping summer heat. "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," writes Jahro M.
Reservoir recreation: Quail Creek State Park Campground offers water activities and fishing. "Beautiful views of the reservoir, filled with the Virgin River, surrounded by red sandstone. Big & clear star-filled night sky! Affordable, quiet, hosts are friendly & attentive, restrooms are very clean with flushing toilets & sinks with soap, water via taps," reports Colette K.
Reasonable fees compared to national park campgrounds: The St. George/Hurricane area provides cheaper camping options than inside Zion. "The campground is small and clean with 1 restroom (no showers) and located next to the reservoir. The site was beautiful and scenic from all sides. We tent camped for 2 nights. Each site offers a shaded pinic table, fire pit, and tent pad," explains taylor.
What you should know
Summer heat considerations: Ground temperatures can be dangerous for pets from late spring through early fall. "This campground is very nice, but a bit crowded in the day. The sites all had covered picnic tables and the area was very clean," notes Sam B. from Red Cliffs Campground.
Park entrance restrictions: Some state parks lock gates at night with no re-entry. "Not being from Utah, the hours limiting when you can come and go from the campground were annoying. We arrived the first night after they closed, so we had to park on the street and carry our tent and bags down a desert hillside to our spot," explains Liesl K.
Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between carriers at most campgrounds. "Cell signal is very good for TMobile, not so good for Verizon or ATT. Sites 6, 7, 8 and 11 best for TTs. Note there is no RV dumpsite," reports Greg L.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with shade structures: Zion River Resort offers family-friendly amenities. "This place is so nice! Spacious shower stalls with toilet, sink, bench and shower. Laundry facilities. Year round heated pool and hot tub. Store on site with decent prices. All spots have a tree with grass, picnic table and concrete pads. Also has small playground and dog park," Kelly H. recommends.
Consider campgrounds with bathrooms: When camping with kids, facilities matter. "We had a pleasant, quiet stay on a Sunday night. Bathrooms/Showers are new and clean. Cell service was great. Reserved online, which adds a whopping $8 reservation fee," notes Meghan B.
Plan for water activities: Many Hurricane campgrounds offer river or reservoir access for cooling off. "The dock for non-motorized water craft is easy to access from the parking lot next to the camp ground. If you do not have gear with you, there is a rental shop on site," mentions stephanie.
Tips from RVers
Select campgrounds based on height restrictions: Some areas have tunnel clearance limits. "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 Greg L. about Red Cliffs Campground.
Consider water/electric needs during summer: Full hookups become essential during hot months. "The lots are huge. Very wide and with lovely grass and gravel. Everyone gets a grassy area. The concrete pad is very level. The hookups are great. I get so frustrated when parks put the water hookup really low to the ground and you can barely get your hose hooked up. No such issue here," reports Reuben about St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey.
Choose pet-friendly camping near Hurricane with appropriate spaces: Look for spots with dog areas. "Being near the Virgin River is great. What a peaceful place to visit," notes Reuben about the pet friendly camping options at Zion River Resort.
