Located approximately 30 miles east of Zion National Park at an elevation of 4,970 feet, Kanab serves as a strategic basecamp for exploring Southern Utah's diverse landscapes. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing at night, while summer days often exceed 100°F. Desert thunderstorms frequently occur between July and September, creating flash flood risks that can impact camping and hiking activities.
What to do
Explore Coral Pink Sand Dunes: Just 20 minutes from Kanab, these unique rose-colored dunes offer opportunities for hiking, photography, and off-road adventures. "The night sky star gazing is amazing with milky way in full glory possible because of very little artificial light in the area," notes a visitor to Ponderosa Grove Campground.
Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary: Located 5 miles north of Kanab, this 3,700-acre no-kill animal sanctuary offers free guided tours. "Be sure to swing by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for a tour of this amazing facility," recommends a camper who stayed near the sanctuary.
Take a Jeep Tour: Several local outfitters offer guided backcountry explorations. "We did the jeep tour and enjoyed it very much. Too cold for the pool, but looked very inviting," shares a visitor at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
Hike the Pa'rus Trail: This paved, accessible path follows the Virgin River with minimal elevation gain. "Site 82 is a great site, level parking area and right off the Pa'rus trail (paved walking trail that leads to a shuttle stop and the visitor's center)," notes a camper who found this convenient for accessing park amenities.
What campers like
Quiet camping options: Many visitors appreciate less crowded alternatives to the main national parks. "Needed a place to stop before Zion. About 25 min from the park. Quiet, only $5, and clean bathrooms. I arrived in the evening and only 8-10 of the sites were occupied," shares a visitor to Ponderosa Grove.
Affordable dispersed camping: Budget-conscious travelers can find free camping near Kanab. "So close to Zion this is a great free camping spot. The access road is a bit bumpy as the pavement is potholed but no trouble in our Class C," reports a visitor to Zion Hwy 9 Dispersed Camping.
Proximity to multiple parks: Kanab's central location provides access to several national parks. "20 minutes from Kanab, 40 minutes from Zion, and 90 minutes to Bryce Canyon this location gives you options. Only $5 a night, there are 28 campsites and additional groups sites available," notes a camper about the strategic location.
River access: Several campgrounds offer direct access to the Virgin River. "The cool Virgin River behind our site was a nice place to soak our tired feet and enjoy a beverage after hiking in Zion," shares a visitor to Zion River Resort.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Extreme temperature fluctuations are common. "We went here in November and just before the rain came in. It was very windy all day," reports a visitor to Ponderosa Grove Campground about shoulder season conditions.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi can be unreliable. "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," warns a camper at Zion River Resort.
Reservation timing: South Campground now uses a rolling reservation system. "South campground used to be first come, first serve but is now reservable, with sites opening on a rolling basis two weeks in advance. This is great for a semi-spontaneous trip at a busy time of year," explains a visitor to South Campground.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. "The road noise was constant and It was difficult to sit outside and have a conversation," notes a visitor to Cliffside Cabins and RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Consider container cabins: These provide a solid alternative to canvas glamping in Kanab. "The containers and cabins look cute. The view of the red cliff is stunning," shares a visitor to Cliffside Cabins and RV Park.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some resorts offer activities beyond hiking. "Lots of fun for kids. Horseback riding, putt putt golf, pad boards, cabins, tents and RV sites," recommends a family who stayed at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
Plan for temperature swings: Nighttime temperatures can drop dramatically. "We stayed in September and by the middle of the night it was about 20 degrees so bundle up!!" advises a camper who experienced the temperature fluctuations common in the desert.
Utilize shuttle services: Avoid parking hassles with shuttles. "The campground is best suited for tents and smaller trailers/RVs/van setups... The convenience of staying in the park and walking to the shuttle is worth it; at least you eliminate parking and waiting to get into the park."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Not all glamping in Kanab and nearby areas can accommodate larger rigs. "The campground is best suited for tents and smaller trailers/RVs/van setups... larger rigs should seek out Watchman campground next door," advises an RVer about South Campground.
Consider dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "For the cost of Day Use admission ($10) at the nearby Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park you can use the dump station and fill your water tanks. $2/person for a hot shower," shares a visitor to Ruby's Inn RV Park and Campground.
Look for level sites: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "The sites were nice and level. The showers and toilets were clean. The store had plenty of necessities and the staff was friendly," notes an RVer who appreciated the easy setup at Ruby's Inn.
Check hookup locations: Utilities aren't always centrally positioned. "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," explains an RV camper who stayed near Bryce Canyon.
