Camping options near Springdale, Utah provide alternatives to crowded park lodging while maintaining access to Zion's natural features. Located at elevations ranging from 3,200 to 4,000 feet, these campgrounds experience temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night. Winter nights regularly drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures can remain above 90°F for weeks at a time.
What to do
Hiking at Red Cliffs Conservation Area: Located about 30 minutes from Springdale near St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey, this area offers less-crowded hiking alternatives. "This National Conservation Area is surrounded by towering red cliffs that have miles of hiking trails through them. It's a great place to spend the day exploring," notes Berton M. from St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey.
Visit Pipe Spring National Monument: This historical site is located near the Kaibab Paiute RV Park. "Pipe Spring National Monument is very close and worth a visit. At the time we visited, the gas station at the road entrance had much better gas prices than Kanab and Springdale if you're headed towards Zion," recommends Meghan B. from Kaibab Paiute RV Park.
Mini golf and recreation: Some RV parks provide on-site activities when temperatures are moderate. "The pool says closes at 10pm but we were told at dusk. It does include free miniature golf, horseshoes and a pickleball but way too hot to do them," reports Stephanie V. about amenities at St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey.
What campers like
Luxury amenities: Gateway Luxury RV Resort in La Verkin has upscale facilities. "With its huge resort style swimming pool and hot tub, pickleball courts and corn hole boards. This place is a vacation destination in itself. Located less than 20 miles from Zion national park, it's a perfect place to start your adventures," writes Marty G. from Gateway Luxury RV Resort.
Proximity to east entrance: Some campgrounds provide access to less crowded park entrances. "Great location, you feel like you're in the park. The drive to the visitor center is through a scenic historic park road and was a great part of each day," shares John D. about Zion RV and Campground, which is located near the east entrance.
Shower facilities: Quality showers rank high on camper priorities. "I tented here so can't speak for RVs. Nice tent sites, trees around. Bathroom and shower is clean," states Craig V. about Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park. Another reviewer at Dark Sky RV Park noted, "The bathrooms were spa quality. Seriously better than many hotel bathrooms, private and clean."
What you should know
Temperature extremes: Summer heat makes certain activities impossible during daytime. "The weather here is extremely hot over 100! The bathrooms were hot no ac. Most spots have only one small tree or none unless outside or some inside but far from the bathrooms," reports Stephanie V. about summer conditions at St. George/Hurricane KOA.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial equipment for leveling. "Rolled into this campground in the middle of the night. It's pricey for a campground but KOA's have showers. Downside: It's right by the highway and you could hear the semi's going by all night. There's not much in the way of privacy between the tent sites," shares Danielle S.
Wi-Fi and connectivity: Internet access varies significantly between properties. "Cell Service: Good," notes Berton M. about St. George/Hurricane KOA. Contrastingly, at Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park, Tim R. reports: "WiFi marginal and cell service 1-2 bars of Verizon. Nice location great hosts…stay if you can."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly facilities: Many parks accommodate pets with specific amenities. "Dog wash and park on site were nice for after hiking for the pup!" shares Tracy B. about Crazy Horse RV Resort in Kanab.
Kitchen access: Some locations offer shared kitchen facilities. "It's called an RV park but they accommodate tents and I'm glad I asked. It was sweltering out, they have a club house that's air conditioned, fully equipped kitchen, tables, board games, large screen tv and free WiFi," reports Mary P. about Kaibab Paiute RV Park.
Pool accessibility: Check pool operating hours before planning activities. "The pool was listed as heated but it's not. It hasn't been heated since we got here and office told a mom today that it just broke," notes one reviewer about KOA facilities, while another reports, "The pool says closes at 10pm but we were told at dusk."
Tips from RVers
Optimal arrival directions: Follow campground-provided directions rather than GPS. "Follow the directions on their website. They put a special note on purpose. Glad we followed it instead of google maps or we would have gotten lost," advises Danielle S. about accessing St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey.
Distance calculations: Plan for longer driving times than expected. "We stayed here for a night while visiting Zion National Park, which was about an hour away (it was the closest campground that was open at the time)," notes Kelly S., highlighting the importance of verifying actual travel times during trip planning.
Hookup layout: RV sites often have unusual utility configurations. "We had a FHU site with 50 amp service. This park doesn't offer a lot of amenities, but does have showers and laundry room," reports Jeff from Zion West RV Park, one of the rv campgrounds near Springdale, Utah.
