Kanab, Utah serves as a strategic base camp for exploring multiple national parks, with camping options ranging from full-service RV resorts to primitive BLM sites. The town sits at the crossroads of several major outdoor destinations, including Zion National Park (about an hour away), Bryce Canyon, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Developed campgrounds like Kanab RV Corral and Grand Plateau RV Resort provide amenities within town limits, while Dark Sky RV Park offers stargazing opportunities. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed camping areas such as Hog Canyon and BLM Road #71 provide free alternatives just minutes from town. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, approximately 20 minutes from Kanab, combines camping with unique landscape features and OHV recreation opportunities. The Kanab area's diverse campgrounds allow travelers to find their ideal camping experience, whether they prefer full hookups or pristine wilderness campsites.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or careful navigation of unpaved roads. As one camper noted about BLM Road #71, "The broken paved road is easily accessible by pretty much all vehicles. We had no problem with our 27-foot Class A, just go slow." Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F in lower elevations, while winter brings occasional snow and freezing temperatures. Spring and fall offer milder conditions but can bring strong winds, particularly in open desert areas. Cell service is generally reliable in town and at established campgrounds but becomes spotty in more remote locations. The Kanab BLM office provides current information on road conditions and seasonal closures for dispersed camping areas.
Campers consistently praise the area for its strategic location and red rock scenery. In-town RV parks receive high marks for cleanliness and convenience, with one visitor noting, "Kanab is a great little town with lots of shops and restaurants. Great base to explore Utah's parks." Those seeking quieter experiences often prefer the BLM sites, where privacy and natural settings compensate for the lack of amenities. Ponderosa Grove Campground near Coral Pink Sand Dunes earns particular praise: "Sites are well-spaced out and offering a modicum of privacy. There is only one small loop for bigger RVs but lots of room for folks with a van, camper or even a small tent." Wind exposure is mentioned as a common challenge at more exposed sites, while summer heat drives some visitors to higher-elevation alternatives.
$62 - $80 / night
"Stay here if in Kanab. You wont regret it."
"A short drive to Kanab grocery, gas, restaurants, etc. Views, like supremely gorgeous views, all around. We didn't even get to the jeep or bike rentals but plan to the next time we're there."
$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."
"Kanab is a great little town with lots of little shops and restaurants. Great base to explore Utah’s parks. Must try the burgers at Only in Kanab."
"This was a really nice place to stay - very clean around the park and in the restrooms and laundry, the sites are fairly roomy with some shade, nice pool, friendly owner and hosts."
$28 - $225 / night
"This campground is quiet and out of the way from nearby Zion National Park."
"The sand dunes are super cool but there is no much to do here unless you are doing some Off road - side by siding. Dump station and potable water."
"great spot very close to kanab. right next to the river. we were the only ones here when we went. private. fire pits already there."
"We needed an easy to get to area on the way to Kanab to stay. Our kids 7 & 4 wanted to “practice backpacking” so we found a good spot to park and hiked up a little ways."
$52 / night
"I recently had the pleasure of staying at Grand Plateau RV Resort in Kanab, Utah, and I can’t say enough good things about this place."
"Grand Plateau is south of the hub of Kanab, UT, and therefore is quiet, dark and restful. The sites are clean and level. There is a pool, lots of room for outdoor furniture and a grill."
"Great spot right outside of Kanab. Found a pull off prior to the big flat area at the kiosk. Lots of space to park, flat."
"It was an okay drive with my Rav4, but I think it would be harder for a low vehicle. A lot of ATVs in this area as well. No bathrooms, but you get some cell service since it's right outside Kanab."
$29 - $39 / night
"Great location near Kanab but far enough to escape city noise. Two bathroom facilities, one with a shower. Warm water only lasts about 5 minutes but that's all you need. Nice wide parking spaces."
"Had five glorious days here in Kanab, at Simple life. Cleanest, restrooms, fastest Wi-Fi, and best host. "
$15 - $30 / night
"At the time we visited, the gas station at the road entrance had much better gas prices than Kanab and Springdale if you're headed towards Zion."
"This place is right on the Arizona/Utah border. There's a fresh water spring about 20 miles away with pumps to fill your water bottles. It's free and the water is fantastic!"
"Super close to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes which is worth a visit, as well as the Belly of the Dragon, Moqui Sand Caves & Zion NP!"
"The campsite was calm and easy to drive into. Zion and Bryce are both close by too."
TravelerBeautiful sights, professional staff, facilities are very well maintained. The pool and hottub were great. Definitely going to come back. 2 things to keep in mind, we did feel the neighboring hotels lights are a bit bright and the road heading to Zion National Park was a bit busy/noisy, but not enough to be a deal breaker.
ScoutArrived to be notified that they don’t rent there locations any longer and refused to let us stay. This left us to find a spot during one of the busiest times in Sand Hollow
ScoutThis spot was a great free spot about 20 minutes outside the east entrance of Zion (which is the less busy entrance). We tent camped and were able to find flat ground that was soft as well.
Travelerthe spot i maneuvered into is level, clear enough for good starlink, and isolated enough not to hear the few other people that are around. no water, no toilets. dry camping at it’s best.
TravelerLove this place, the showers and bathrooms are among the cleanest that we've ever seen. The spaces are layed out in such a way that you don't feel as though you might be encroaching on your neighbors space.
Things to be aware of, the local area is called Hurricane for a reason, it can be windy. Also, their water pressure isn't the greatest. If it is your first visit, getting to your site can be confusing, just follow the arrows on the pavement and look for your site number.
GuideI picked this campground because it was along my route, and it turned out to be a great find. The views are beautiful, and the area has plenty of trails—I even got some mountain biking in. Everyone here has been super friendly. I originally planned to stay one night, but I’m thinking about staying three.
ScoutWe stayed at Zion White Bison Resort for 3 days in March and we are obsessed! We are traveling in a Cruise America class "C" mothorhome and they have 2 long rows of RV sites dedicated to the smaller Cruise America RV's. Concrete sites with real grass! And full Hookups! Close to the Restrooms/Pool/Laundry. There are larger sites and Big Rig friendly sites as well. We saw a couple of big semi's with their trailers in the really long sites! The property is huge and the RV park is at the bottom of their property, next to the Virgin River and it is amazingly quiet! And the VIEWS! AMAZING! This park gives you a very safe, comfortable and peaceful feel and we love the friendly and wonderful staff! We are so excited we found this RV Park and it is now our new home away from home!
ScoutGreat spot but if you don’t have the ground clearance to get back 1/2 mile from the trailhead you may have to pack your stuff in. Super easy either way!
ScoutIt's new. Washers, dryers work great. Lots are roomy. Not much highway noise. Extra clean! Nice safe place. Dog parks are just ok.
Kanab's location at approximately 5,000 feet elevation offers unique camping experiences that balance desert terrain with higher altitude weather patterns. Dispersed camping spots like Hog Canyon require vehicles with good clearance on sand roads, while established campgrounds range from $25-35 per night for full hookups. Summer temperatures frequently drop into the 60s at night despite daytime highs, creating dramatic daily temperature swings compared to lower desert regions.
ATV adventures at dunes: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, located 20 minutes from Kanab, offers extensive off-road opportunities. "There is ATV use in the park, but everyone was respectful of quiet-hours," notes Kristen L. about Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Campground. The park combines camping with unique pink sand formations suitable for sledding and recreation.
Cave exploration: Near Mount Carmel, the "Belly of the Dragon" cave tunnel provides an accessible geological attraction. "When we found this spot we were thrilled! It's next to a creek and has a lot of private room to camp. It's only 14 miles out of Zion national park!" writes Diana V. about Twin Hollows Canyon, which offers proximity to this unusual formation.
Stargazing sessions: Kanab's location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. At Dark Sky RV Park, one camper noted, "The beauty of the night sky will turn your spot into a planetarium." The campground's deliberate spacing and layout maximize the astronomical viewing experience from each site.
Private bathroom facilities: Higher-end campgrounds near Kanab feature resort-quality restrooms. "The bathrooms are amazing. Clean, hot water, showers, modern, with lots of places to hang and set your stuff," reports a camper at SimpleLife Campsites, located just south of Kanab on the Arizona border.
Strategic location: Many campers appreciate Kanab's central positioning. At Kanab RV Corral, Randy P. observed, "Kanab is a great little town with lots of little shops and restaurants. Great base to explore Utah's parks. Must try the burgers at Only in Kanab." The campground provides in-town convenience with easy access to multiple destinations.
Tribal campground value: The Kaibab Paiute tribe operates exceptional facilities at budget prices. "When they say the price is $25.00, it's actually $25.00, no tax, no resort fee, no lodging fee, no extra charge for electricity or shower fee," explains a reviewer at Kaibab Paiute RV Park. The campground features a clubhouse with air conditioning, full kitchen, and free WiFi.
Reservation timing: Campgrounds within national parks require advance planning. For Zion's in-park camping, "You MUST make reservations online 6 months in advance to get a spot and they go SO FAST!" warns a camper about Watchman Campground.
Wildlife interactions: Expect possible wildlife encounters at dispersed sites. At Hog Canyon, a camper mentioned, "There is a local cow that may pay you a visit but is harmless and minds its own business." Similar experiences occur throughout BLM lands surrounding Kanab.
Free camping limitations: While free dispersed camping exists near Kanab, spaces can be limited. At Hog Canyon, one camper observed, "Not much Space, great location, but definitely have a Plan B location for the night because someone might be there already." Most dispersed sites lack facilities and require vehicles suitable for unpaved roads.
Educational ranger programs: Pipe Spring National Monument near Fredonia offers historical programs ideal for children. "Pipe Spring National Monument is very close and worth a visit," recommends a camper from Grand Plateau RV Resort, noting the cultural significance and educational value.
Seasonal temperature planning: In higher elevation campgrounds, expect significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer. Pack warm clothing for evenings year-round, as temperatures can drop below 50°F even in July.
Child-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate families with play areas. At Dark Sky RV Park & Campground, one parent mentioned, "My 3 kids LOVE the zipline," while another appreciated that "The owners were readily available during the dinner and were eager to hear about your favorite experiences and gave great recommendations."
Sand challenges: RV campers should prepare for sandy conditions at many sites. In Hog Canyon, "Good clearance was helpful because they plow the sand sometimes and there's a lip to get into the site." Stabilizers may sink in sandy terrain without additional support blocks.
Site selection strategy: Westside Campground at Sand Hollow offers thoughtful RV site arrangement. "We really enjoyed our stay here as there's plenty of your own space with neighbors behind and in front rather than side-to-side," notes one RVer, highlighting the improved privacy compared to typical side-by-side arrangements.
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically around Kanab. At Grand Plateau RV Resort, one RVer commented, "WiFi didn't work well at all even with the booster they gave out. Used hot spots." AT&T generally provides better coverage than other carriers in the region, but service diminishes quickly in canyon areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Kanab, Utah?
Kanab offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Grand Plateau RV Resort stands out with stunning red rock views, new well-maintained facilities, and convenient location in town. For budget-friendly public camping, Ponderosa Grove Campground is a hidden gem just 20 minutes from Kanab, offering 28 campsites at only $5 per night. Other notable options include Kanab RV Corral with clean facilities and a pool, Range RV Campground with spacious sites, and Hitch-N-Post RV Park within walking distance to town amenities. For those seeking dispersed camping with privacy, BLM Road #71 provides spectacular 360-degree views in a peaceful setting.
Is tent camping available near Kanab, Utah?
Yes, tent camping is readily available near Kanab. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed offers free dispersed tent camping with stunning 360-degree views, privacy, and a peaceful atmosphere. It's ideal for those seeking a more primitive experience. For those wanting amenities, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Campground provides established tent sites near the unique pink sand formations. Most RV parks in the area also accommodate tent campers, though typically at a fee. For a unique experience, Ruby's Inn offers tipi camping, with tipi #10 recommended for better seclusion away from highway noise. The Kanab region's mild climate makes tent camping comfortable much of the year.
What glamping options are available in Kanab, Utah?
Kanab offers several glamping options for those seeking comfort in nature. Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground provides tipi accommodations that offer a unique glamping experience – request tipi #10 for better seclusion away from highway noise. The tipis are comfortable even in cooler June nights. Kaibab Paiute RV Park near Fredonia (just south of Kanab) offers cabin rentals alongside their RV sites. While traditional glamping tents are limited directly in Kanab, the surrounding area has several upscale options, including luxury tent camps and tiny home rentals that provide amenities like real beds, electricity, and sometimes private bathrooms. These glamping sites typically require advance reservations, especially during peak season.
How far are Kanab campgrounds from popular attractions like Zion National Park?
Kanab serves as an excellent base for exploring southern Utah's attractions. Ponderosa Grove Campground is approximately 40 minutes from Zion National Park and 90 minutes from Bryce Canyon. Basin Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park is also strategically located near both Bryce Canyon and within reasonable distance of Zion and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Most campgrounds in Kanab proper are about 30-40 minutes from Zion's east entrance. For those prioritizing Zion access, Watchman Campground inside the park is closest but requires advance reservations. The central location of Kanab makes it possible to visit multiple parks from one camping base, with Grand Canyon North Rim about 90 minutes south and Lake Powell approximately 60 minutes east.
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