Best Campgrounds near Springdale, UT

Camping near Springdale, Utah centers around Zion National Park, with established campgrounds inside the park and private options in town. Watchman and South Campgrounds sit just inside the park's south entrance, providing convenient access to hiking trails and park amenities. Private alternatives like Zion Canyon Campground offer additional facilities including showers, which are not available at the national park sites. For those seeking more remote experiences, dispersed camping is available on BLM land along Kolob Terrace Road, approximately 25 minutes from the Springdale entrance. The Virgin River flows through the area, providing cooling relief during hot summer months and scenic riverside camping at select locations.

Reservations are essential for camping in this popular destination, particularly during peak season from spring through fall. Watchman Campground requires bookings up to six months in advance, while South Campground operates on a 14-day advance reservation system. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter camping is possible with occasional snow and cold nights, but offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. Fire restrictions are common during summer months due to dry conditions. Cell service is generally reliable in Springdale and at the main campgrounds, but becomes limited in more remote areas.

The proximity to town services makes Springdale-area camping particularly convenient. According to campers, the ability to walk between campgrounds and town amenities is a significant advantage. "You're walking distance to the visitor center, Springdale's restaurants and shops, and some smaller trails. We didn't need to move our truck the whole time," noted one visitor to Watchman Campground. The park shuttle system operates seasonally, requiring advance tickets during peak periods, and connects campgrounds with trailheads throughout Zion Canyon. Pay showers are available in Springdale for park campers, and wildlife sightings, particularly mule deer, are common in the campgrounds during morning and evening hours.

Best Camping Sites Near Springdale, Utah (265)

    1. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

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

    $35 - $130 / night

    "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."

    "I've stayed at Watchman several times while living in southern Utah. My most memorable trip was with my dad in the family's airstream. Plenty of room for the trailer with the tow vehicle."

    2. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    21 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"

    3. South Campground — Zion National Park

    91 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3256

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Perfect location just a short walk away from the visitors center where you catch the shuttle into the park, or exit to catch the shuttle to Springdale. Clean bathrooms. No shade at site 125."

    "You’re surrounded by the park and are in walking distance of the visitors center, watchman campground, a bunch of hikes, the shuttle and Springdale. Highly recommend it if you can get a spot."

    4. Zion Canyon Campground

    92 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3237

    "Lovely spot with a river running along one side, but only people with river spots have access to it! Conveniently within the nice town of Springdale and very close to park entrance."

    "Bathrooms and showers are always clean. walking distance to the entrance of Zion and to Springdale."

    5. Zion River Resort

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

    "I wouldn’t spring for the back in river spots unless you just want privacy behind you."

    "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"

    6. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    9 miles
    Website

    "We arrived at around 3pm and no one was around. By 5pm a good amount of people started driving in a picking their spots."

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

    7. Zion RV and Campground (Hi-Road)

    46 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 648-3302

    $40 - $54 / night

    "We had a gorgeous view of the stars and a site to pitch our tent away from other guests. The lodge employees were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the park."

    "Also a nice little restaurant within walking distance (right across the street)."

    8. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    9 miles
    Website

    "All around a great spot. Right next to the creek, generally quiet with few other campers. Nice and dark at night for star gazing, and shade trees for during the day."

    "Spots tucked next to trees that shelter from sunrise, if you’re a late riser ;)"

    9. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

    29 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 293-5444

    "The campground is located away from the resort features which we appreciated, so that is was a little more of an authentic camping experience."

    "We were just looking for a place to sleep, checked out the first camping outside of Zion east entrance and decided to check out the next closest one according to info from the Zion ranger."

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

    33 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    11 miles
    Website

    "Cool biking, hiking and off-roading trails. Peaceful and secluded as you can look off into the mesas and up at the best view of the stars I've seen."

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Springdale, UT

2136 Reviews of 265 Springdale Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    St George/Hurricane KOA Journey

    Ok for a night

    Like most KOAs this had good amenities but it was off I15. We were on the farthest loop from the highway and could still hear traffic. Many of the sites are on a slope and while they tried to level them, leveling blocks it were still necessary.

    The laundry, restrooms and showers were very clean. WiFi was weak at the campsite but great in the laundry room. I even streamed some Y ou Tube videos while waiting. The clubhouse is undergoing a remodel. Conveniently located just a few minutes from St. George for all services you might need.

  • Rick W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed Sites 20-35 spur

    Small and crowded

    I was here in early Oct. It was busy, is close to small town. Beautiful scenery but very rough roads. It seems to me it is a small area for the # of visitors. I only stayed a day. It was the weekend also.

  • Logan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed #6

    Beautiful views

    Not far up a pretty rough washboard road (easily passable, but rough) we found a lovely spot tucked back into the red cliffs. The road is busier than we expected, but not obnoxiously. During the day s truck passes every half hour or so, during the night every few hours. Amazing proximity to Red Cliffs, nice proximity to Zion.


Guide to Springdale

Camping near Springdale, Utah, offers a fantastic way to experience the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails nearby, including those starting close to Watchman Campground — Zion National Park. One camper mentioned, "Many hikes start close to here. It was a great weekend."
  • Exploring Zion National Park: The park is just a stone's throw away. A visitor at Zion Canyon Campground noted, "Very pleasant place with friendly staff. All amenities in good condition."
  • Visiting Springdale: The town is nearby, making it easy to grab a bite or shop for supplies. One reviewer said, "This campground has a good mix of electric, primitive and walk-in. We had a site with electric that was 2 sites down from the bathrooms."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. A review for South Campground — Zion National Park states, "Great views. Close to trails, the shuttle, stores and restaurants."
  • Convenience: Many appreciate the proximity to amenities. A camper at Zion River Resort shared, "This place was very nice. It had good amenities and was clean."
  • Clean facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Zion Canyon Campground mentioned, "The place was amazing, it’s crazy to be in the middle of Zion. The view was stunning."

What you should know:

  • Crowded campgrounds: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A reviewer at Watchman Campground — Zion National Park noted, "When we woke at 5am the line for the trams was outside the park and just outside the campground."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like South Campground — Zion National Park, do not have showers or electric hookups. A camper pointed out, "No showers but restrooms clean and well stocked."
  • Reservations recommended: It’s wise to book ahead, especially in busy months. A visitor at Zion RV and Campground (Hi-Road) mentioned, "We made reservations a few months in advance and snagged the only site available."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids, like Zion River Resort, which is noted for being kid-friendly. One reviewer said, "It was kid friendly and I’m considering coming back with the family."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of nearby hikes and attractions. A camper at Watchman Campground — Zion National Park mentioned, "The views can’t be beat!"
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. A visitor at Zion Canyon Campground appreciated the convenience of nearby stores.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A reviewer at South Campground — Zion National Park noted, "I have a 30' travel trailer which is probably about as big as you could fit."
  • Look for electric hookups: If you need power, make sure to choose a campground that offers it, like Zion River Resort. A camper mentioned, "The RV hookups were great for power and charging an EV."
  • Be prepared for crowds: Arriving early can help you secure a good spot. A visitor at Zion RV and Campground (Hi-Road) shared, "We pulled in after 9pm and posted sign said to go across street to the store."

Camping around Springdale, Utah, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you’re in a tent, RV, or cabin, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close are Springdale campgrounds to Zion National Park?

Campgrounds in Springdale are extremely close to Zion National Park, making them ideal bases for park exploration. Zion Canyon Campground is located right in Springdale, just a few miles from the park entrance with shuttle access to the park. This private campground is run by Quality Inn Springdale and features river access for some sites. For those seeking alternatives with less traffic, Zion RV and Campground (Hi-Road) is located on the east end of Zion National Park. While not directly in Springdale, it offers a quieter experience while still providing convenient park access.

Where are the best campgrounds in Springdale, Utah?

The best campgrounds in Springdale include Watchman Campground — Zion National Park and South Campground — Zion National Park. Watchman offers shaded sites with trees perfect for hammocks, clean facilities, and is within walking distance to both the Zion Visitor Center and Springdale restaurants. The campground accommodates tents and RVs with access to the Virgin River. South Campground is also conveniently located near the visitor center where you can catch shuttles into the park or to Springdale. Both campgrounds provide an excellent base for exploring Zion National Park with the added benefit of being able to walk to town amenities.

What RV parks are available near Springdale, Utah?

RV travelers near Springdale have several excellent options. Zion River Resort near Virgin offers full hookup sites in a scenic setting with amenities including water and toilets, and it's big-rig friendly. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort near Orderville provides RV sites with full hookups in a resort setting with additional amenities. Both parks provide convenient access to Zion National Park while offering the facilities RV campers need. For budget-conscious travelers, there are also dispersed camping options that accommodate RVs on BLM land in the area, though these lack hookups.