Glamping facilities near Pine Valley, Utah offer visitors convenient access to outdoor recreation without sacrificing comfort. Located approximately 40-45 minutes from Zion National Park, the area sits at elevations between 4,000-9,000 feet, creating temperature variations that benefit campers during hot summer months. Several properties feature yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional camping, providing protection from seasonal weather shifts.
What to do
Hiking dinosaur tracks: Red Cliffs Recreation Area provides accessible hiking trails with prehistoric discoveries just 10 minutes from Leeds. "Great red rock/lava flow hiking trail options, most are easy/moderate, nice loop through Snow Canyon and around on mesa and back for road cycling," notes a visitor to Snow Canyon State Park Campground.
River exploration: The Virgin River offers cooling relaxation after hiking. A guest at Zion River Resort shares, "The cool Virgin River behind our site was a nice place to soak our tired feet and enjoy a beverage after hiking in Zion."
Stargazing sessions: Clear skies provide exceptional night viewing. "The night skies were also to die for," reports a camper at Kolob Gate Gardens, highlighting one of the area's natural attractions.
Scenic drives: Take Kolob Terrace Road for panoramic views. "We were recommended taking Kolob terrace all the way up during sunset & it was beyond beautiful!! Our only regret was not doing it until the last night," advises a Kolob Gate Gardens visitor.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: Tree cover provides relief from summer heat. A WillowWind RV camper notes, "Despite basically being in a desert, the park had lush grass in every spot and a dense tree cover. It was about 10 degrees cooler in the park because of the shade from the trees."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptional bathrooms and showers. According to one WillowWind RV Park reviewer, "The bathhouses, well manicured sites. GRASS!! Dog washing station..." make this location stand out.
Quiet atmospheres: Campers appreciate peaceful environments away from crowds. "It's a very quiet campground too which made sitting out in the evening very peaceful," reports a visitor at Zion West RV Park.
Riverside locations: Sites along water features add value. "The creek was wonderful to be next to and was so peaceful at night!" shares a Kolob Gate Gardens camper, highlighting the natural sound benefits.
What you should know
Reservation timing: For national park camping, planning ahead is essential. A South Campground visitor advises, "Reservations can be made two weeks before your stay, and you can only reserve three nights. We reserved a site for three nights and then waited three days to reserve a site for two more nights."
Site selection considerations: Research specific sites before booking. "Pay attention to online photos and specs if you want shade. Many sites are in full sun," notes another South Campground reviewer.
WiFi limitations: Internet access varies significantly between properties. One camper at WillowWind shares, "We needed stable, steady Internet for a month. While we regularly travel with two hotspots for Internet coverage, we barely needed to use them."
Water conservation practices: Some properties have specific rules for water usage. "A tip for future campers is to make sure you bring organic chemical free soaps because if you plan on taking a shower, the water comes and goes from the creek," advises a Kolob Gate Gardens guest.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Some resorts offer extensive activities. A visitor at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort shares, "The clubhouse/ gift shop is nice. Basic stuff, but also some nice gift items. And beer! (In Utah!!)"
Swimming options: Pools provide welcome relief from heat. "Nice heated pool area with hot tub. Some areas have nice shade trees and grass areas," notes a Zion River Resort camper.
Kid-friendly hiking: Select appropriate trails for different ages. "My kids had a blast in the sand dune area," reports a Snow Canyon State Park visitor, highlighting accessible terrain for younger explorers.
Seasonal considerations: Plan around extreme temperatures. "I'd recommend this as an early spring camp outing. The temps climb quickly in Southern Utah in late spring," advises another Snow Canyon camper.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Research campgrounds that offer adequate room. "Very easy to back out 44ft 5th wheel in. Spots are a little skinny but the grass is green and the pads are clean," notes a WillowWind RV camper.
Setup for larger vehicles: Consider site specifications carefully. "The hookup sites are VERY narrow (some as little as 10 feet wide) and difficult to pull into. I would not recommend staying in them," warns a Snow Canyon State Park visitor about certain sections.
Electrical options: Full hookups matter during extreme weather. "Only the RV sites have power, and the RV sites were pathetically small. They were basically parking spots with tiny shared picnic tables between them," shares another Snow Canyon reviewer, emphasizing the importance of researching specific site amenities.
Yurt camping alternatives: For those seeking Pine Valley, Utah yurt accommodations, several properties offer these structures as alternatives to traditional camping. "We visited this campground two years ago when we were hiking in Zion. The staff was amazing and all of the amenities were spotless," reports a Cedar City RV Resort visitor.
