Approximately 25 miles east of St. George at an elevation of 3,700 feet, Rockville serves as a gateway to Zion's less crowded areas. The Virgin River runs alongside many camping areas, providing natural cooling during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Yurt camping near Rockville, Utah offers a middle ground between tent camping and cabin accommodations with sturdy structures that withstand the region's variable weather patterns.
What to do
Hiking Water Canyon: Access this lesser-known trail about 30 minutes from Rockville. "Our host greeted us right away when we showed up and was even able to accommodate our request to have our reservations together. The view here at night is AMAZING. There's barely any light pollution here so it was a stargazers dream," notes a visitor at Zion Glamping Adventures.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies around Rockville make it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. "We had a great time at site 2! The creek was wonderful to be next to and was so peaceful at night! The view here at night is AMAZING. There's barely any light pollution here so it was a stargazers dream," according to a camper at Kolob Gate Gardens.
Visit Kolob Canyon: Explore this quieter section of Zion with fewer crowds. "The host was actually really nice as well. Will be back here next time we come to Utah!!" shares a visitor who appreciated the proximity to less-trafficked areas.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. "The showers/bathrooms are very clean and you are given shower coins per person/per day. We lucked out with one spot being open but I would recommend booking ahead of time!" says a visitor at Zion Canyon Campground.
Shuttle access: Some locations offer convenient transportation to Zion National Park. "This campground is located within Zion National Park. We walked to Zion Brewery for a beer and to Zion Outfitters for a shower before flying home," notes a camper at South Campground.
Creek proximity: Many campsites feature water access for cooling off. "The creek was wonderful to be next to and was so peaceful at night! Our only regret was not doing it until the last night," reports a visitor who enjoyed the natural water features.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds near Rockville have specific booking requirements. "The 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 - a little advance planning, but your site doesn't have to be booked months in advance."
Tent site variations: Quality and features vary widely between campgrounds. "Very dusty - too bright, no nature experience. Too crowded," warns one visitor about certain locations, while others note "There were many more rv sites that were available. The site were large enough for two tents, very dusty and some Rocky sites."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat affects camping comfort significantly. "Despite being in the desert, there's grass and it's a very pretty campground," observes a camper at Zion River Resort, noting how vegetation helps moderate temperatures.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Some resorts offer family-friendly amenities beyond camping. "Great facility with plenty of amenities. Everything from tent camping all the way to cabins. Located to plenty of outdoor adventures," states a visitor at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
Swimming facilities: Pools provide relief from summer heat. "We spent a good amount of time in the hot tub and pool which we had all to ourselves. We then finished out the evening by cooking burgers over the fire and taking showers."
Tent spacing considerations: Sites vary in how close they place campers to neighbors. "The campground is best suited for tents and smaller trailers/RVs/van setups... larger rigs should seek out Watchman campground next door. The sites are pretty close together, amenities are minimal, and it is busy."
Tips from RVers
Park layout: Understanding site configurations helps with equipment positioning. "It may be because we had just come off of 5 days of dispersed camping but we found WillowWind to be an oasis. The grounds are beautiful, the staff is polite and helpful, you get a concrete pad and a nicely sized grass area," shares a visitor at WillowWind RV Park.
WiFi reliability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Pretty good size park. Lots of trees for shade. Pretty easy to back out 44ft 5th wheel in. Spots are a little skinny but the grass is green and the pads are clean. My only real complaint is the WiFi."
Full-time resident ratio: Some parks have permanent residents. "The campground is very open and is year round. There are permanent tenants. It's very well manicured and the bathhouses are clean. For the area and getting FHU, it's cheap. Everyone is super nice here as well."
