East of Zion National Park, the Orderville area offers diverse camping options at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 85°F during the day to 50°F at night, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms from July through September. Orderville sits at a crossroads between multiple national parks, making it an efficient basecamp for exploring the region's varied landscapes.
What to do
Hiking to lesser-known viewpoints: Just 20 minutes from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, visitors can access the east side of Zion with fewer crowds. "Located to plenty of outdoor adventures," notes camper Marc B., who returns "every year if not twice a year" for the hiking opportunities.
Jeep tours and guided excursions: Many campsites offer adventure packages that complement hiking plans. At Zion Ponderosa, "We did the jeep tour and enjoyed it very much," shares Joyce C. These tours access terrain that standard vehicles can't reach, providing views of the landscape without strenuous hiking.
Winter stargazing sessions: The high desert location creates exceptional night sky visibility between November and March when humidity is lowest. At Ponderosa Grove Campground, "The sky was so dark and the stars and milky way were very visible," reports Alexis Z., highlighting one of the area's most accessible free activities.
Mini-golf and recreation centers: For downtime between bigger adventures, on-site activities provide entertainment. John B. found that at Zion Ponderosa, "The recreation room is fantastic for antsy teens!" making it a good option for mixed-activity days when not everyone wants to hike.
What campers like
Tent sites with shade options: Summer campers particularly value tree coverage during hot afternoons. At Duck Creek Campground, campers enjoy "Beautiful campground with tall pine trees & clusters of aspen. Well-spaced & large sites with level concrete driveways," as Colette K. describes.
Hot showers after hiking: Campgrounds with good shower facilities rank consistently higher in reviews. Near Orderville, "The showers/bathrooms are very clean and you are given shower coins per person/per day," according to Taylor C. at Zion Canyon Campground.
Wallet-friendly alternatives to park camping: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the free dispersed camping options. "Just $5 a night, there are 28 campsites and additional groups sites available. Not sure many people know about this place," notes Eloisa C. about Ponderosa Grove, located just 20 minutes from Orderville.
Yurt camping in Orderville area: For those seeking a middle ground between tents and cabins, several resorts offer yurt accommodations. "We stayed in the 'Cowboy Cabins'. The cabin itself was clean and cozy!" shares John B., referring to the rustic accommodations similar to the yurt options in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal temperature fluctuations: Despite desert assumptions, higher elevations mean cold nights even in summer. "We stayed in September and by the middle of the night it was about 20 degrees so bundle up!!" warns Emily about her stay at Ruby's Inn Campground, with similar conditions applying throughout the region.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service is inconsistent across the Orderville camping areas. "There is virtually no cell signal in Virgin. Certainly not enough to even begin to create a hot spot," explains Reuben from Zion River Resort, describing a common issue throughout the region's campgrounds.
Reservation timing strategies: Campground availability varies dramatically by season. Mary S. notes for popular spots, "Reservations can be made two weeks before your stay, and you can only reserve three nights," while adding that walkup sites often have "10 vehicles waiting to grab a spot" by 7am.
Dispersed camping access roads: Free camping areas often require careful vehicle navigation. At Zion Hwy 9 Dispersed Camping, "The access road is a bit bumpy as the pavement is potholed but no trouble in our Class C," reports Julie M., adding that despite access challenges, there are "lots of spots to choose from."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for post-hiking recovery: After long days exploring, kids appreciate swimming options. Katie M. reports, "We spent a good amount of time in the hot tub and pool which we had all to ourselves," during her spring break stay at Zion Ponderosa, noting how valuable this amenity was after days of outdoor activity.
Kid-friendly campground activities: Look for sites with built-in entertainment options. "Lots of fun for kids. Horseback riding, putt putt golf, pad boards, cabins, tents and RV sites," recommends David G., highlighting why families often choose resort-style campgrounds near Orderville.
Yurt camping for Orderville family trips: Families new to camping often find yurt accommodations an ideal introduction. At SimpleLife Campsites, "We had a tent and small camper, which fit easily into one large site. Plus there is lots of room for dogs to run safely and right on the property," notes camper F.B., describing a flexible setup similar to the yurt options in the region.
Bathroom quality considerations: Clean facilities significantly impact family camping experiences. Shane S. notes that while many campgrounds have restrooms, quality varies: "It has trees scattered around but you can still see sky well if you are wanting to stargaze. The only problem we had with it was that we weren't allowed to hammock."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement variations: RV site design differs between campgrounds. Pamela mentions, "The hookups on our sites were more to one end of the site and not so much in the middle of the site," a common observation at many of the established campgrounds.
RV size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. SimpleLife Campsites "only allows gens for 1 hour a day... and no campers over 24'," according to Garrison K., making it essential to verify size limitations before booking.
Level sites priority: RVers consistently rank level camping spots as a top priority. Theo A. observed that Ruby's Inn offered "Large spots, shade and clean on their regular campground," adding that their overflow area also featured "large spots" suitable for larger rigs.
Off-season availability benefits: RV campers often find better site selection during shoulder seasons. "No troubles getting a spot on the last day of the season. October 30th," reports Nathan B. about his late-season stay at Ruby's Inn, representing a pattern consistent throughout the Orderville area campgrounds.
