Glamping and camping options surround Springdale, Utah, at elevations ranging from 3,200 to 5,500 feet, creating distinct temperature variations across sites. Summer temperatures often reach 100°F during day but drop to 65-70°F at night, particularly at higher-elevation campgrounds. Many sites require advance booking during peak season (April-October), with most premium glamping accommodations booked 3-4 months ahead.
What to do
Night sky programs: South Campground hosts ranger-led astronomy programs in summer months. "We learned about the recent storm (7/11/18) that caused quite a bit of damage and closed several trails," notes Mary S. about the Watchman hike with rangers at South Campground.
Hiking less-crowded trails: Access Water Canyon trails from glamping sites along Highway 9. "Potato Hollow #8 camp site is part of the West Rim Trail in the Zion National Park. The hike to camp site 8, I would rate as difficult but it is well worth the trek," writes Stephanie L. from Zion Canyon Campground.
ATV trails exploration: Duck Creek offers extensive off-road options 90 minutes from Springdale. "If you are looking for 800+ miles of OHV trails, this is the place to go! ATV's, dirt bikes and side by sides galore!" says Ryan V. about the Duck Creek Campground.
What campers like
Shower facilities: RV parks and glamping facilities near Virgin offer clean shower options. "The showers/bathrooms are very clean and you are given shower coins per person/per day," reports Taylor C. about amenities at Zion Canyon Campground.
Riverside sites: Several campsites back directly onto the Virgin River. "At our site there was a creek behind us which we loved and so did our dogs! Friendly neighbors!" shares Isabella M. about her stay at Zion River Resort.
Proximity to shuttle stops: Some camping spots allow direct shuttle access without driving. Carly E. notes about South Campground: "Site 82 is a great site, level parking area and right off the Pa'rus trail (paved walking trail that leads to a shuttle stop and the visitor's center)."
What you should know
Alternative canyon access: The east entrance offers different camping experiences and shorter lines. "Original plan was to camp inside the park but failed to secure a site. That led us to finding this Rv park... We preferred the pace of Virgin over Sugardale, and it was only 20min away," explains Larry E. about Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
Weather variables: Higher elevation campsites experience dramatic temperature drops. "We choose duck creek due to the proximity to Zion and Bryce Canyon... at the end of June it was freezing! In the mornings it was around 37 degrees," reports Deborah C.
Cell service limitations: Signal varies dramatically by location. Rachel H. notes about WillowWind RV: "We needed stable, steady Internet for a month. While we regularly travel with two hotspots for Internet coverage, we barely needed to use them."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access alternatives: Several glamping facilities offer swimming options beyond the national park. "Nice heated pool area with hot tub. Some areas have nice shade trees and grass areas," mentions Ben B. from Zion River Resort.
Multi-activity options: Look for sites with diverse amenities for children. "Lots of fun for kids. Horseback riding, putt putt golf, pad boards, cabins, tents and Rv sites," says David G. about amenities at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
Educational wildlife opportunities: Several campgrounds feature wildlife viewing opportunities. "You encounter so much wild life (all different types of birds, baby frogs, horny toads, deer, snakes, raccoon), just watch for Rattle Snakes in the warmer months," advises Stephanie L.
Tips from RVers
Laundry facilities: Select RV parks offer on-site laundry options. At WillowWind RV Park, Kelly M. notes "Nice even concrete pads, some with grass between. Big shade trees. Huge vaulted bathhouse."
Internet access considerations: Connection quality varies by location. Lance S. shares about WillowWind RV: "My only real complaint is the WiFi. It's an 'Access code' WiFi so it works fine on a device but won't work on a smart TV, Roku, Apple TV, etc because they don't have access to a browser."
Site alignment concerns: RV spaces sometimes require strategic positioning. Rachel H. observes: "If we positioned our RV to allow us to use the awning, we wouldn't be able to park our tow vehicle at all."
