Best Tent Camping near Kanab, UT

Tent campers visiting Kanab, Utah can choose from several primitive camping options within a short drive of town. Buckskin Gulch Dispersed camping area offers free tent sites approximately 20 miles east of Kanab, while the Great Western Trail Dispersed camping area provides tent-friendly sites with established fire rings. Both areas are managed by federal land agencies and serve as gateways to backcountry hiking and exploration.

Most tent campgrounds near Kanab feature basic amenities with minimal site preparation. Buckskin Gulch Dispersed camping requires campers to bring all necessary supplies, including water, as no facilities exist on site. A camper noted, "House Rock Valley Road has eight numbered dispersed sites" with varying levels of privacy. Sites typically feature natural, ungraded surfaces with occasional fire rings. During wet conditions, access roads may become impassable even for high-clearance vehicles. Vault toilets are available at some trailheads but not at most primitive tent sites. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to all dispersed camping areas.

The tent camping experience around Kanab offers solitude and direct access to remarkable landscapes. Areas along Buckskin Gulch provide immediate access to slot canyon hiking, though permits are required for overnight backcountry tent camping within the canyon itself. A review from The Dyrt mentioned that "solitude and peace" are common at these sites, with "no noise except the birds and breeze." Tent campers should be prepared for temperature fluctuations, as higher elevation sites can experience freezing temperatures even in spring and fall. Many primitive tent sites have enough space for multiple tents, though privacy between sites varies considerably. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better connectivity at higher elevation tent campgrounds and limited or no service in canyon areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Kanab, Utah (40)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Kanab, UT

2000 Reviews of 40 Kanab Campgrounds


  • Eloisa C.
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Ponderosa Grove Campground

    Great location

    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. Not sure many people know about this place, but I stayed here 3 nights and there were still spots available each night. There is a dumpster, but no trash cans, please leave no trace.

  • B
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    The best campground in Zion

    As an avid nature enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Watchman Campground in Zion National Park, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. Nestled amidst the breathtaking red rock landscapes and verdant canyons, this campground offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Zion.

    Location: Situated in the heart of Zion National Park, Watchman Campground boasts a prime location that provides easy access to the park's renowned hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and natural wonders. Its proximity to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, just a short walk away, is incredibly convenient for obtaining information, permits, and maps.

    Campsites: The campground features a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and electric hookup sites. The sites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully arranged to provide a semblance of privacy and tranquility. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and ample space for parking. Although the sites do not have hookups for water or sewer, the centrally located restrooms with running water and flushing toilets are clean and easily accessible.

    Scenic Beauty: The awe-inspiring beauty surrounding Watchman Campground is nothing short of mesmerizing. Towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant foliage, and the tranquil Virgin River create a picturesque backdrop that embodies the essence of Zion National Park. The campground itself is enveloped by lush vegetation, providing a serene atmosphere and enhancing the feeling of immersion in nature.

    Amenities and Facilities: Watchman Campground offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for campers. The Visitor Center nearby offers a well-stocked store where you can find camping supplies, snacks, and souvenirs. Additionally, the campground provides drinking water stations and a dump station for RVs. The presence of a shuttle stop within the campground allows for convenient transportation to explore various trails and viewpoints throughout the park.

    Accessibility: Watchman Campground strives to accommodate campers of all abilities. Several campsites are designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, featuring accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. This commitment to inclusivity is commendable and enhances the overall camping experience for everyone.

    Reservation System and Availability: To secure a spot at Watchman Campground, it is strongly recommended to make a reservation well in advance. The campground is in high demand, especially during peak seasons, and availability can be limited. The reservation system is user-friendly, ensuring a seamless booking process.

    Visitor Experience: The staff at Watchman Campground is knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to provide guidance and assistance. Whether you're seeking recommendations for hiking trails or seeking general information about the park, they are there to make your stay enjoyable. Additionally, the campground observes quiet hours, creating a peaceful ambiance that allows visitors to truly connect with nature and relish the serenity of the surroundings.

    In conclusion, Watchman Campground is a hidden gem within Zion National Park. Its idyllic setting, well-maintained facilities, and convenient location make it an ideal base for exploring the park's wonders. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a nature photographer, or simply seeking solace in the embrace of Mother Nature, this campground is a must-visit destination that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

    Note: As with any outdoor adventure, it is essential to adhere to park regulations, practice Leave No Trace principles, and respect the fragile ecosystem to ensure the preservation of this remarkable natural treasure.

  • Stephanie L.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    South Campground — Zion National Park

    Rough camping

    To enter the South-Zion National Park camp grounds you have to go through the park entrance and the camp grounds are just behind the parks entrance. There is drinking water, flush-able toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, flat places for a tent, dump stations. There is not however, showers, shade which can get hot on 100 degree days, there is no power, the ground is too hard to stake down tents, no trees for hammocks, the bathroom have huge spiders and filthy, there are plenty of rocks to sleep on!

    This is not the best camp site on the planet it is ok. It currently costs $35 to get into the Zion National Park and then it costs to camp at this site. With the amount of traffic this area gets and the amount of money flowing in they could put in a decent bathroom, one without bugs.

    I have good news there are lots of trails for backpacking and biking. If you'd like to go for a stroll to shower there are showers a little less than a mile away that cost $15 for 12 minutes. They aren't wonderful but they get the job done. They are however also filthy! Thank goodness I had my Oofos Oolala flip flops on hand to save my feet from whatever nasty germs were living in the shower floor that was covered in hair. There are some great places to eat close by to this camp grounds and great coffee! If you need any souvenirs there are plenty of places to shop!

    The South-Zion National Park campgrounds have a shuttle close by that drives guests to the trail for the well known, "Narrows". The shuttle comes with your park pass and is a hop on hop off transit. It is the easiest way to see some of Zions most precious wonders!

    Pros:

    Close to popular trails

    River runs next to camp

    Close shopping and food

    Potable water

    Places to throw away trash

    Cons:

    Bad bathrooms (rather go outside) + small stalls

    No showers

    Rough grounds

  • Stephanie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2024

    Lava Flats Dispersed Camping

    Nice location in the trees

    This location has a handful of spots on both side of the main road. We saw some larger RV/motorhomes as well as basic tent camping. Fire rings are already set up for you and there is a dumpster for trash down the road next to the horse trail ride company going back towards duck creek village. Close enough to the village for buying basics, grabbing food or renting an atv. Drive to Navajo lake to swim or boat, 35 min to Cedar breaks, 35 min to red canyon, 45 min to Brian head, less than an hour to Bryce Canyon and 1.5 hrs to Zion. Only bad was the atv noise that starts super early. VERIZON COVERAGE!!! we were able to make calls, access the internet and watch steamed videos.

  • Armaan M.
    Jan. 3, 2020

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

    Remote but accessible primitive camping

    Tldr: A 4wd dirt road out to the canyon with primitive (open dirt) campsites and a few fire rings.

    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. All are primitive, and many have fire rings. I did see some RVs near the highway, but no hookups or dump sites. A number of hiking and off roading shortcuts can get you in and around the area. While there are no large rocks to worry about, after the first couple miles its best to have a four wheel drive high clearance vehicle, as the roads get rutted and in rain very muddy. I made it around easily in a Mitsubishi outlander sport with 4wd. Many campsites are clearly visible by the signage as well as visible fire rings. The fire rings have spikes and mounts for convenience. Due to the elevation and canyon, this area is slightly warmer in the winter, and was not snowed over when the rest of zion was, so it made for good camping (the ground was still frozen). My friend and I had no trouble staking down, and the local gas stations (less than 30 min drive in any direction) all had firewood in the winter. We drove and hiked into the canyon easily from the campsite. Overall a fantastic primitive campsite for good canyon access, nearby hikes, and a few non sandstone climbs/boulders during rainy seasons.

  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Jacob Lake Campground - Kaibab National Forest

    Dispersed National Forest camping

    Dispersed camping is allowed in the nearby Kaibab National Forest. Some existing sites are present but you can pretty much pull off and camp anywhere (following Leave No Trace principles, of course). Cooler temperatures because of the elevation made this a fantastic place to camp.

  • India S.
    Jul. 13, 2017

    Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    Conveniently Located, Buggy and Open

    I was very excited to secure a campsite at Watchman on a crowded holiday weekend in July (yes, that one). You just can't beat a central location where you can park your car and not have to use it at all for a few days.

    Location: The campground is very conveniently located in walking distance to the shuttles and the town (and market most importantly for late night ice cream cravings). You do have to walk across an unsightly (and hot) parking lot to reach the shuttles, but after seeing the holiday crowds at Zion ANYTHING is better than having to drive/find a parking space.

    Exposure: The campground also has nice tree cover so you're not constantly exposed to the harsh summer sun. However the foliage is not dense enough to give campsites privacy from their neighbors. The sites are located close together and everyone can see/hear/smell everything happening next to them. Not the best site for privacy.

    Comfort: One of the more uncomfortable campsites I've ever stayed at. The ground is hard and gravelly, sleeping pad STRONGLY encouraged. The site was also INFESTED (EMPHASIZE INFESTED) with ants; not the kind that bite but it was a nag to try and do things around camp and constantly feel ants crawling up your legs...or to try and enter your tent to discover it's covered in ants. Bees were also very curious, but otherwise no other insect issues.

    The site stayed hot well into the night for those who have issues sleeping in the heat. It started to cool down around midnight when the strong winds arrived. Tent placement can probably alleviate the winds, but they were VERY strong and VERY noisy. The cool temperatures lasted until around 9 AM.

    Amenities: The site included a grill and picnic table, which was great! Didn't get to use the grill however due to fire restrictions.

    Bathrooms: The bathrooms are kept very clean! I was impressed. The water pressure was great. There are no showers or trash cans (save sanitary disposal trash cans) but there's a fantastic river running through Zion to make up for the lack of showers. The bathrooms were small for the amount of people they were meant to service; there were times I had to wait to use the sinks. And rarely was I ever alone in the bathroom.

    Views: Obviously fantastic! Great views of the peaks right out your "front door"

    Overall: It's okay for a place to sleep at night if you're desperate and won't be spending a lot of time in the campsite. The ants were a huge issue for me personally and really dampened my enjoyment of time at the campground. But really I spent most of my time in the park so it wasn't a huge deal. The price is good, the location was convenient and I had a place to put my head down every night even if it wasn't comfortable.

  • C
    Nov. 18, 2019

    Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    Sand Hollow State Park

    Sand Hollow is a beautiful man made lake with bright red sand and clear waters. This park allows for motorized and non motorized boats, off road vehicles, rentals, camping and dogs.

    There are very limited spots by the water to camp, and fires are only allowed in specific fire rings. Outside firewood is not allowed. There is also an entrance fee to enter the park, National Park Passes will not work here.

    There are nice day use areas, and areas designated for camping. Tents and RVs allowed, although most access roads are covered in thick sand. I would not recommend taking a low clearance vehicle. There is also a small restaurant for food and vault toilets for use.

    You cannot camp around the entire lake. The back portion is fenced off, only allowing half of the lake to be occupied. I chose to camp as far away from the other campers by the backside of the lake. It was a very beautiful, sandy spot right by the water. However, it seemed like the other people staying at the park had no sense of respect or personal space. We set our tent up around 2:00pm and we constantly had ATV's, families with dogs off of the leash, fishermen etc walking/driving right through our site. This continued even through the night until quiet hours. Light and sound travel very well over this lake, so someone drunkenly singing with their buddies across the lake sounds like they are right next to you. People are driving their cars at all sorts of hours blinding you with the reflection off of the water. There are Park Rangers that drive around but don't seem to do anything. There was litter everywhere hidden in the sand. There are a couple of trees and bushes that provide some shade but I would recommend bringing a shade tent. There are also a couple of metal tables with attached chairs at some campsite locations.

    This would be a beautiful location to visit for the day with your family. I would not recommend camping here overnight unless you don't enjoy personal space, respectful neighbors, quiet hours or humming RVs.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2018

    DeMotte National Forest Campground

    Forest Feel But Close To The Canyon

    I have camped at a number of campgrounds near the Grand Canyon in pursuit of finding the best fit for my many travel associates and followers of my blog. I found that this campground checked a lot of boxes for me in that it wasn't directly in the Grand Canyon and was a little smaller than the popular sites which can become a little overcrowded feeling during peak seasons. It is located in the Kalibab Forest just outside the of the Canyon area.

    The area is green and full of life with nice pad sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. The area I pulled into was tent site #32 which was a couple sites over from the toilets and trash station. I like to be close enough to walk but not right beside where the traffic of other campers walking by constantly keeps me awake. This site was backed right into the trees and pretty clear overall.

    The sites here feature drinking water near the restrooms but no hook ups on sites, which is perfect for my needs. I really enjoyed the layout of the campground and the loops which made it feel a bit smaller than many other campgrounds I had checked out.

    I did notice this campground isn't one you can check out after mid October because of the weather in this area and road conditions, so I wouldn't recommend trying it out close to that deadline but when I was there in May it was perfect!!

    TIPS:

    • Walk in VS Reserved is a big question people will ask so I always suggest doing your research in advance especially if you are traveling in the more limited RV sites. All reservations for this site are made through recreation.gov and I did notice that while several of the tent loops are walk in only the RV site are not.

    • There are animals in the area so remember to leave no items loose in your camp overnight. We saw several elk and raccoons.


Guide to Kanab

Dispersed camping near Kanab, Utah offers primitive options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land within 20-40 miles of town. Located at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, these areas experience significant temperature drops after sunset, with overnight lows dipping below freezing even in spring and fall months. The terrain ranges from sandy washes near slot canyons to higher elevation forested sites, with most areas accessible via unpaved roads.

What to do

Dinosaur tracksite exploration: Visit the Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracksite for a unique hiking opportunity near your camp. Located close to primitive tent campsites, this site contains fossilized dinosaur tracks in petrified sand dunes.

Canyoneering adventures: Water Canyon near Zion Glamping Adventures offers canyoneering opportunities. "If you go canyoneering with Red River Adventures in Springdale, they might just bring you right back to Water Canyon for your excursion," notes camper Deb L.

Stargazing: Many primitive camping areas near Kanab provide exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. A camper at Zion Glamping Adventures remarked, "The stars at night at this place were simply unspeakably amazing. That alone made it worth the drive."

Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings are prime wildlife viewing times at higher elevation tent camping spots. According to a review at Great Western Trail Dispersed, "Drive carefully. Sometimes deers are crossing."

What campers like

Creek access: Several tent campsites near Kanab provide water features that enhance the camping experience. At Kolob Road BLM Dispersed, one camper noted, "Nearby river gives you that ambient sound to drown out the world." Another mentioned, "The little river by the site is very pretty."

Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer good separation between campsites. At Kolob Road BLM, a camper observed that "the spots are decently spaced apart so nobody was too close," while another noted there are "about 6 spots, well separated by trees and distance."

Strategic locations: The camping areas serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions. One camper at Kolob Road BLM called it a "Great subway launchpad" that's "Just 8 mins from the Left Fork subway trail head makes this spot ideal for those looking for an easy early start."

Natural surroundings: Primitive tent camping areas maintain natural features. A camper at Great Western Trail Dispersed described it as a "Quiet Wooded Campground" with "woods surrounding our site" and "lots of wildlife walking around our tent area at night."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to primitive tent campsites vary significantly in quality. At Kolob Road BLM Dispersed, a reviewer warned, "strongly do NOT recommend TTs or any RV at this BLM spot due to steep downhill rd and no turnarounds! Tent or van nomads only due to no tt turnarounds!"

Site availability fluctuations: During peak seasons, finding available campsites can be challenging. A camper at Kolob Terrace Road reported, "Spring Break week every site was packed. We had to wait for someone to vacate before finding something that would work."

Permit requirements: Some areas near Kanab require permits for overnight stays. At Buckskin Gulch, a camper noted, "permit required for overnight stay. can be aquired at blm office in Kanab."

Connectivity issues: Cell service is inconsistent across primitive camping areas. A reviewer at Kolob Road BLM Dispersed mentioned "No Cell service as in a dead zone hole," while at Kolob Terrace Road, someone reported "Cell service is basically non-existent, but sometimes you might catch a bar."

Tips for camping with families

Weather preparation: Pack for temperature variations when tent camping with children. A review for Great Western Trail Dispersed mentioned it "is a great temperature in early August," but at higher elevations, temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.

Stream exploration opportunities: Several tent campsites offer safe water features for children to explore. A camper at Buckskin Gulch Dispersed mentioned that "the wash has water through it most often, so bring water shoes for this one."

Site selection priorities: For families, choose tent sites with natural barriers and room for play. At Great Western Trail Dispersed, a camper observed "there are parts of the road that require 4wd further back but otherwise not a bad drive down a dirt road, leading to nice tree covered, spaced dispersed camping!"

Day trip planning: Base camping location on planned activities. One family staying near Buckskin Gulch mentioned, "We were able to find a climbing area and hiking all within a mile from each other," making it convenient for mixed-age group activities.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Many primitive camping areas near Kanab have limited space for larger vehicles. At Kolob Road BLM Dispersed, a reviewer warned that the area has a "Small tight area to get into" that's not suitable for travel trailers or RVs.

Road accessibility concerns: Unpaved access roads can pose challenges for RVs. At Kolob Road BLM Dispersed, one camper noted the "Road was easy to pull down and turn around in my Ford Transit," suggesting smaller camper vans may navigate the roads more successfully than larger RVs.

Campsite selection strategy: When RV camping in primitive areas, arrive early to secure suitable sites. At Zion View Camping, a camper observed a mix of "Small campers to class A's are here," suggesting varying accommodation possibilities depending on timing and site availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kanab, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kanab, UT is Hog Canyon East Kiosk with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Kanab, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Kanab, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.