Best Campgrounds near Pine Valley, UT

Pine Valley, Utah sits at the gateway to Dixie National Forest, offering a range of camping experiences from shaded forest sites to nearby desert recreation areas. Crackfoot Campground provides tent and RV camping with potable water and basic amenities, while Pine Valley Equestrian Campground accommodates both standard camping and those traveling with horses from May through September. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access additional options including North Creek Dispersed Camping for those seeking free, primitive sites. The region serves as a convenient base for exploring both the higher elevation forest environments and the red rock landscapes that characterize southwestern Utah.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Pine Valley area, with most forest service campgrounds operating from late spring through early fall. Summer temperatures remain notably cooler than nearby St. George, making Pine Valley a popular retreat during hot months. As one camper noted, the area is "fully shaded and cool compared to St. George" with "a small stream close by." Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer weekends. Walk-in tent sites at some campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas to campsites. Cell service varies throughout the region, with reviewers reporting spotty coverage that improves near campground entrances.

Campers consistently praise the Pine Valley area for its natural features and well-maintained facilities. The presence of small streams and proximity to Pine Valley Reservoir creates opportunities for fishing, with rainbow trout being the primary catch. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are commonly reported by visitors. Campground hosts receive positive mentions for their helpfulness and attention to cleanliness. While most sites have basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, visitors should note that some campgrounds have non-flush toilets only. The combination of mountain scenery, water features, and relative proximity to larger destinations like Zion National Park makes Pine Valley a strategic base for exploring southwestern Utah.

Best Camping Sites Near Pine Valley, Utah (227)

    1. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    20 miles
    +1 (435) 680-0715

    $50 / night

    "It’s fun of all sorts, kayaking, lake beach, boating, cliff jumping, bbq, off-roading everywhere!!! And the beauty that surrounds is unreal!!"

    "It’s always a family favorite when we go to Southern Utah"

    2. Snow Canyon State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Ivins, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 628-2255

    $40 - $200 / night

    "2.5 mike hike in, 300 ft elevation gain, easy trail to beautiful overlook of southern Utah. Camp is a sandy open area next to the overlook and cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park. Free to camp."

    "Snow Canyon is a still relatively unknown place near St George, Utah. There is SO much to do around there and there are great hikes that leave from this campground which makes it even better."

    3. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    242 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3837

    $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."

    4. Red Cliffs Campground

    27 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    $5 - $15 / night

    "Stopped here late on my way through Utah. Short drive off the highway and easy to find. Very clean sites, I was only there in the dark but area was quiet and easy to setup camp."

    "Water spigots are everywhere, and there are trash cans close by. Plus, there are two vault toilets not too far away. The roads and campsites are all paved."

    5. St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey

    35 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We had a fun trip to Utah this past weekend for an off-road event. We found the KOA and set up camp for a few days. Internet connection wasn’t great and the weather was moody since it was March."

    "This KOA is located about ten minutes outside of St George and right off the I-15 freeway. It was all the amenities that your typical KOA has; dog park, hookups, cabins, and store."

    6. Quail Creek State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 879-2378

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful location! All camp sites overlook the lake. There are flush toilets and outdoor coin showers. If the camp ground fills, they allow primitive camping in the parking lot for a minimal fee."

    "The big pro is that you are really close to a lake where you can go for a swim, quite a rare feature for a campground in Utah. Beautiful surroundings, new showers and restrooms."

    7. Zion River Resort

    75 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 822-8594

    "At the site we were on there was a creek behind us which we loved and so did our dogs! Friendly neighbors! Beautiful place. Located close to Zion park. A lot of off road adventures near by"

    "The park is 10minutes away from Zion National Park and about 2hrs from Bryce Canyon. The park is adjacent to the Virgin River. Walking path to the river is great for kids."

    8. Crackfoot Campground — Dixie National Forest

    12 Reviews
    Pine Valley, UT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    $17 - $150 / night

    "This tent only portion of Pine Valley was great. A small stream close by. Fully shaded and cool compared to St George."

    "Sites are relatively close to one another and very well kept. Some cell service. Bathrooms clean. Definitely worth the drive into pine valley!"

    9. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    23 miles
    Website

    "Sandy and right off road. Road noise minimal if any after dark."

    "Great access to Zion. There were a bunch of open sites when we got there (4pm) some were along the stream too. We have a Honda Fit and we’re able to camp just fine. Saw a few smaller pull behinds."

    10. Pine Valley Equestrian Campground

    5 Reviews
    Pine Valley, UT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 652-3100

    $21 - $42 / night

    "Horse stables away from tents and didn’t smell at all. Restrooms really clean. Can’t wait to go again"

    "Has a gorgeous, peaceful stream running a very short walk from the sites. I spent most of my time walking through shaded woods along the stream and collecting water for boiling along with firewood."

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Recent Reviews near Pine Valley, UT

1905 Reviews of 227 Pine Valley Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Jellystone Park at Zion

    Just Incredible !!!

    This place is incredible. It has an amazing pool area that reminds me of great Wolf Lodge for camping! Huge waterslides, splash pad, zone, multiple pools and hot tubs and a lazy river! It has a huge trampoline jump, park and incredible park. This place is a kids paradise!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Coal Creek

    Dumping ground

    This could be a real nice little Stop over if it wasn’t full of dumped homeless encampment garbage. Derelect vehicles with Police tow stickers and what looks to be homeless Living in cars and shooting up. Not staying and not Coming back.

  • Natalie  G.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Zion Wright Family Ranch

    Quiet and gorgeous scenery!

    This was a great spot to camp! It was quiet and the night sky was great and the sunrise/sunset was even greater!

    Some of the porta potties were a little full and others were spotless. The road in is a little rough, but is definitely drivable when dry.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Gunlock State Park Campground

    Nice spot for short stay

    Very well maintained. New bathrooms with lots of (free to campers) showers. Water and electric worked great the whole time we were here. Super friendly staff.

    Looks like the roads were just paved and in need of more directional arrows. The layout is confusing as the campsites blend into the road so it’s easy to drive through an empty campsite. We were in a 24ft van and were able to be level without blocks by entering from the wrong way. Larger rigs would have had difficulty because of the slope. Many sites were sloped quite a bit so choose your site accordingly. We had site 21 that had great views but was exposed to ferocious winds one of the nights.

    We prefer campgrounds with walking access to trails. This one didn’t have that so we’d come back but just for an overnight.

  • Tyler M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Rocky Peak Campground

    Campsite with plenty of space

    Plenty of space in each of the campsites. A couple trails nearby and other activities to do. Not a bad place to spend the night. $20 to reserve online.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    East Zion RV Park

    I see rough reviews but I loved this place

    Is it close to Hwy 89, yes, is the Thunderbird Lodge closed on Wednesday and Thursday and maybe not there to help immediately, yes. This is a small town but the facility is awesome, when staff is not there they answer the texting options they communicate with you very quickly and I really didn't notice the traffic noise as RV's are hardly sound proof.

    While there we visited Zion, Bryce, Navajo Lake, Corral Pink Dunes, how central do you need to be to get a great review here. Very clean and well kept up, executive golf course (it took me a bit to recognize what 89 & 9 meant, call me slow), pool and spa, store, and you can't leave without trying a "Ho"made pie.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Hidden Springs Rv Resort

    Very nice campground, clean with all the amenitites

    Great camping, lot's of grass and landscaping, great pool, laundry, facilities, store, etc. When booking really take a look at the relief of the campground, there are spots with incredible views over St. George, Warner Valley, Hurricane and if I had noticed that I would have booked other sites.

    Staff is great and super helpful, would recommend this campground as an A+

  • Cali C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Wire Mesa

    Beautiful campground but a nerve wracking drive in

    This spot is secluded and we were the only ones there. The last mile of the drive to the site is extremely rocky and uneven. We did make it in our dually van that is RWD, but there were several spots we were holding our breath!!

    It is VERY secluded, so prepare accordingly. It won’t be somewhere you want to drive in and out of frequently, but it is stunning! Trails in walking distance as well.


Guide to Pine Valley

Dispersed camping spots near Pine Valley, Utah provide outdoor access year-round with varying seasonal conditions. Located in the Dixie National Forest at elevations of 6,800+ feet, this area maintains temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler than nearby St. George during summer months. While most established campgrounds operate May through September, dispersed camping areas offer extended availability for those prepared for primitive conditions.

What to do

Creek exploration: North Creek offers water-based activities during spring runoff. At North Creek Dispersed Camping, campers can set up chairs along the stream to cool off from the heat. As one visitor notes, "The stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off" during hot summer days.

Fishing at nearby reservoirs: Several fishing spots within 30-minute drives. Sand Hollow State Park provides "great large mouth bass fishing and beautiful red rock scenery," according to reviewer Charles W. The reservoir is stocked regularly and offers fishing from shore or boat.

Hiking to unique geological features: Short trails lead to interesting formations. At Red Cliffs Campground, "you can hike through the slots to see petroglyphs and even dinosaur tracks," reports one camper. Many trails start directly from campgrounds, allowing for easy day hikes without driving.

What campers like

Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation means relief from desert heat. The Crackfoot Campground sits at 6,800 feet elevation, where temperatures drop significantly at night. One camper reports, "Was 90s during day (a lot cooler in shade) 60s at night, so quite a drop in temp."

Wildlife sightings: Frequent animal visitors enhance the camping experience. At Crackfoot Campground, "Cows and deer walk through the sites, it was really cool," notes Marisa P. Multiple campers mentioned seeing deer, coyotes, and other wildlife during evening hours.

Accessible water features: Streams and small lakes add to camping enjoyment. Kevin L. observed that Crackfoot offers "shade, water (recreation and potable), and fun trails to hike and explore." These water features provide both recreational opportunities and cooling relief during hot weather.

What you should know

Cell service varies widely: Coverage depends on location and carrier. At Snow Canyon State Park, "Cell service is hit or miss," according to Meghan B. Meanwhile, at North Creek Dispersed Camping, campers report "T-mobile and had 5G service" but other carriers may have limited reception.

Reservation requirements: Most established sites require advance booking. The Pine Valley area campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Matthew K. warns about Snow Canyon: "We reserved several nights here, based on the expectation of cell reception and electric."

Heat management: Prepare for extreme temperatures in summer. Without air conditioning, tent camping can be challenging in peak summer. One camper at Red Cliffs noted they "wouldn't camp here mid summer when its 90+ at night, it's super hot almost unbearable to sleep in."

Tips for camping with families

Bring shade structures: Limited natural shade at many sites. While describing Pine Valley Equestrian Campground, Tony W. mentioned spending time "walking through shaded woods along the stream and collecting water for boiling along with firewood." Not all sites have adequate natural shade.

Pack extra water: Potable water isn't available at all locations. Some campgrounds like Crackfoot have "a water filling station" according to Marisa P., but dispersed camping areas require bringing all your water.

Visit during spring or fall: Avoid summer heat for more comfort. Jake C. recommends Red Cliffs as "a great place to camp or do a daytrip" but suggests it's "super hot almost unbearable to sleep in" during peak summer months.

Tips from RVers

Access constraints: Some areas have height or width limitations. When visiting Zion River Resort, Reuben noted "The lots are huge. Very wide and with lovely grass and gravel. Everyone gets a grassy area. The concrete pad is very level." However, other campgrounds have more restrictive sites.

Hookup availability: Limited full-hookup options in the immediate area. At Red Cliffs Campground, Greg L. warns, "Note there is no RV dumpsite" and cautions "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!!"

Site selection strategies: Research specific site numbers before booking. At Sand Hollow State Park, Michele H. advises, "The spaces at the top have the best view, the lower spaces are below the level of the reservoir so don't have a water view."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pine Valley, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pine Valley, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 227 campgrounds and RV parks near Pine Valley, UT and 88 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pine Valley, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pine Valley, UT is Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 569 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pine Valley, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 88 free dispersed camping spots near Pine Valley, UT.