Best Camping near Virgin, UT
Are you in need of a campground near Virgin, UT? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Virgin. Discover great camping spots near Virgin, reviewed by campers like you.
Are you in need of a campground near Virgin, UT? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Virgin. Discover great camping spots near Virgin, reviewed by campers like you.
For visitors to Zion National Park, Watchman Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately March through November each year. Season Dates: Watchman Campground is open year-round. Reservations are available 6 months in advance.
Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site nearby; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. Although there are no rock climbing routes in the campground, many popular climbs are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon. Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park.
Zion is known for it's dynamic geologic history and Watchman Campground is no exception. Named for the rocky peak that rises above it, the campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs that glow red and orange during sunrise and sunset. The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that has carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the campground. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Most of the campsites are in partial to full sun, however in the Group sites (E-Loop) and the Walk-To sites (F-Loop) visitors may receive some shade under pergulas that are constructed over the picnic tables. Visitors can also cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer. Be Advised: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted.
The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and a public library. Throughout the year, concerts, festivals, and parades are held in the town.
For facility specific information, please call (877) 444-6777.
Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee If you need to cancel or modify your reservation after 12:00 am Eastern Time on the day of arrival you must contact campground staff at zion_watchman_campground@nps.gov. Group campsite: Customers who cancel a group site reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
$35 - $130 / night
Reservations for South Campground are available up to 14 days before your arrival and may extend up to two days beyond this 14-day booking window. For visitors to Zion National Park, South Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately the end of February until the end of November each year. Season Dates: South Campground is open from early March to the end of October. Reservations are available up to 14 days before your arrival. For example, if you want to make a reservation for March 14 to 16, you may book this reservation beginning on March 1. Reservations that extend beyond the 14 day booking window cannot be altered. For reservations more than 14 days ahead of arrival, please check Watchman Campground which offers reservations six months in advance of arrival.
Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. The Zion visitor center and the park shuttles are a short walk from the campground. Many popular rock climbing routes are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon. Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park.
Zion is known for its dynamic geologic history. The South Campground and Amphitheater were built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the early 1930s. The project was completed and opened to the public in the spring of 1935. The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that has carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the site. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer. Be Advised: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. August and September bring yellowjackets. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted.
The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, shower facilities, restaurants. equipment rental businesses, gas stations, markets, bike rentals, library and health clinic.
Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation after 12:00 am Eastern Time the day of your arrival you must contact campground staff at zion_south_campground@nps.gov. Group campsite: Customers who cancel a group site reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
$35 - $50 / night
Zion Campground is a spacious piece of paradise that has been owned and operated by the Ferber family since 1973 when the adjoining Zion Canyon Campground and RV resort was founded by David Ferber. Our staff has explored the canyons and surrounding areas and can be quite helpful about where to go, what to wear and who to see for the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.
After a long day come back to your site and freshen up for dinner with a choice of more than a dozen local eateries from casual to upscale all within a shuttle from our campground. After dinner sit outside and watch the sunset under The Watchman, a truly breathtaking sight.
We only allow two pets in a site and they must be in an air-conditioned RV/Trailer. There are no pets allowed in tent sites or in sites in which the vehicle will not have air-conditioned being run all day.
Just minutes from Zion National Park, we are ideally located for easy access to several of the nation’s most beautiful parks. Zion River Resort is the perfect base camp for day trips to Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon North Rim, Cedar Breaks National Monument and many other of the Southwest's most popular destinations. Visit our Itineraries page for vacation adventure ideas and our Calendar to see the exciting events we offer throughout the year. For your comfort, each site has full hook-ups, a shade tree, fire ring (with the exception of 4 sites), picnic table, free Wi-Fi, and cable television. Pull thru sites are 60-70 feet long with a concrete pad and a grassy area perfect for relaxing on your lounge chair. Riverside Back-In sites average 40-50 feet deep, have gravel, and the Virgin River flowing behind them. There is a berm running along the river’s edge for the protection of our young guests; however, you can hear the river running all year. Standard Back-In sites range from 30-40 feet deep, have 30 amp electric, and are available with either a concrete pad & grass or gravel only. These sites are perfect for smaller RVs. Please help us maintain our desert grass by not putting down mats, rugs, or carpets. We will be happy to help you choose just the right site for your preferences and needs. Tent sites are located beside the Virgin River, have small pea gravel, a fire ring, picnic table, and electrical outlet. Potable water is located at either end of the tenting area. The camper kitchen is available for cooking and washing dishes. The restrooms, showers, and laundry are close to the tent area. All resort facilities are included.
With its warm, blue waters and red sandstone landscape, Sand Hollow camping is Utah's newest state park is also one of its most popular. Boat and fish on Sand Hollow Reservoir, explore and ride the dunes of Sand Mountain with an off-highway vehicle, then camp in either the full hookup westside campground, or stay close to the action and ride your OHV from your site to the dunes in the new sandpit campground. Geography: A favorite destination for local off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, Sand Mountain provides 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes. The red sand is an incredible backdrop for Sand Hollow reservoir. At nearly twice the size of nearby Quail Creek Reservoir, Sand Hollow offers boating and other water recreation in a spectacular setting. Recreation: Sand Hollow already one of the most visited destinations in the Utah State Park system, with recreation opportunities for nearly every user from boaters to bikers, and OHV riders to equestrians. Facilities: Three campground areas ranging from full hookups to standard camping.
This listing is for SHEEP Bridge BLM in Utah, not SHEEPS Bridge BLM in AZ.
There is a separate listing on The Dyrt for the BLM location in AZ.
$20 / night
Come and see the spectacular red-rock desert scenery in southern Utah. This KOA is minutes away from Quail Creek State Park, and it's near the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Visit the historic ruins of Harrisburg, a ghost town. Stop by the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, or golf at a ranked course. Swimming, fishing and boating are close by. At the campground, you can relax at the heated pool, play pickleball or mini golf and enjoy seasonal clubhouse activities. Take a short scenic drive to explore nature's beauty at Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon national parks. This KOA is a superb central location for loads of fun. Pool: April 1 - October 31. Max pull thru: 50 feet.
This is a great area with lots to do! hiking, fishing Geocaching, etc!
Our pull through site was a bit tight for our 30' TT but manageable.
Camp host's were friendly.
We had Deer wandering throughout the camp ground and LOTS of Hummingbirds!!!
It was discovered quickly that we didn't bring enough food for them.
During out visit there was an issue with fly's but that's a nature issue not a camp-camp host - Forest service problem.
Towards the end of our stay the forest service - camp host were needing to implement water restriction at their dump - fill station.
Very clean and has access to the sand dunes
Staying at Watchman Campground was an incredible experience and the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. The location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, making it easy to hop on the shuttle and explore the park without the hassle of parking.
The backdrop of towering red cliffs, especially at sunrise and sunset, is absolutely breathtaking. The Watchman Peak looms over the campground, making every moment feel like a postcard-worthy scene. Nights are especially magical here—the stargazing is fantastic, and if you’re lucky, you might catch the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
The campground offers a variety of options, including tent sites, RV spots, and electric hookups, making it suitable for different types of campers. The restrooms are well-maintained, and drinking water stations are conveniently placed throughout the area. We found the sites spacious, though shade can be limited, so bringing a canopy or tarp is a good idea, especially in summer. One of the highlights is the proximity to the Virgin River—on hot days, taking a dip in the cool water is a refreshing treat. Plus, if you love hiking, trails like the Watchman Trail and Pa’rus Trail are directly accessible from the campground.
While this is one of the most scenic campgrounds we've ever stayed at, Zion is extremely popular, so be prepared for crowds. That being said, the campground itself feels peaceful, and its location within the park makes early morning hikes a breeze before the rush begins. A few things to keep in mind:
Tent caterpillars can be an issue in April and May, so don’t be surprised if they drop onto your tent.
Ants can be a nuisance in July and August, especially after rain, so store food properly.
Summer heat can be intense, so staying hydrated is a must!
If you’re visiting Zion and want to be right in the heart of the park, Watchman Campground is a fantastic choice. The unbeatable location, clean facilities, and jaw-dropping scenery make it a must-stay for nature lovers. Just book early—this place fills up fast! Would we stay here again? Absolutely!
This site was immediately accessible off I15, yet still offered various camping options.
Its basically a large lot with scrub brush access at the back. No trash visible. Quiet and low key. No amenities, of course.
Lots of RVs and an 18-wheeler or two. For tent camping, there was more seclusion offered towards the back of the site.
Stayed a few days in this general area. It's as remote a place as I've found to camp without going deeper into GC Parashant. Good place for adventure if you like to make your own. I went alone, so there was a concern about breakdowns or injury. BE SURE YOU'RE PREPARED!
Beautiful rock formations at camp
We stayed overnight while visiting the Zion NP. Plenty of space available. Sites were clean and well kept. Fire rings and tables at each site.
We have been staying here for a few weeks now. It is in a spectacular location, and all the facilities are new and well-maintained. The internet speeds nearer the quiet highway are more than sufficient for online gaming (yeah, we do that). Fairly handicap accessible. The pads are gravel, but the roadways are all cement, the bathrooms have wheelchair-accessible showers, and the swimming pool has a hoist so that folks with physical disabilities can safely enjoy the pool. I haven't seen an RV park with one of these before!
AT&T has, by far, the best connectivity here (T-Mobile had no service that I found).
Close to Zion, on the way to/from North Rim of the Grand Canyon, near Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Page Arizona and Lake Powell, Kanab Utah... Heck, the whole region is spectacular. I recommend just sitting in a camp chair at sunset, having a drink and watch the sunset set nearby Smithsonian Butte aglow.
One other note: Dan is the owner. Super nice and friendly guy, and he works his butt off keeping this place nice.
Steep climb, but my RWD was fine on dry roads. I would not attempt in wet or muddy conditions. The road is also very narrow with regular vehicles going by. Site is right off the road. Very cool rocks and ravine nearby.
Plenty of space between sites and a metal fire ring. My only complaint is the road-washboards are BAD.
Car camped in one of their small tent sites, which are off a busy road with little/no data and far from town. I liked how this was the closest spot to the park, and the company offers activities at their ranch (I took a last-minute trail ride). Check-in at the pizza/rock shop across the road!
Dispersed site 7 is farther off the road than several of the other spots. It has a hiking trail down to the creek.
Att 14/2.4
We were lucky to have stellar weather and this spot was great. We do a good amount of SxS Riding every day and absolutely love this spot and area. We are in a 40ft Motorhome with a 24ft trailer and had plenty of room to maneuver around in the site. We will probably hit this one up again next winter. We had zero trouble driving across the sand. No sinking, no loss of traction.
PS: Sand Arch just up the road and a cool little stop.
At the far corner of an unassuming neighborhood, there’s a dirt road with a couple signs saying no shooting and no camping. They’re referring to the first three miles of that road. It’s a narrow road with unusually high walls but easy to drive. Make sure you go all 3 miles until you reach the big classic BLM Public Lands sign after which is the start of your options. There’s a few quite large turnoffs with fire pits
Hurricane Cliffs Dispersed Camping Site #38 was a pleasant surprise and we ended up staying for a week. We travel in a 40-foot motorhome towing a 24-foot trailer, and this site had no trouble accommodating us. The access road is washboard, but you can handle it fine if you take it easy. We spent a week here and really enjoyed it; the site was spacious and gave us plenty of room to maneuver. A highlight was being able to ride our SxS directly from our campsite, exploring the trails around without any hassle. It's definitely a spot to consider if you're looking for easy access and adventure.
We were a little cautious after reading some of the other reviews but we had a great nights sleep here. A large space, others joined us as the night went on and we weren’t bothered by noise and were close to the stream.
Nicely kept state park, safe, on outskirts of St. George UT. RV spaces are CLOSE together. Tent sites are better, spacious. Showers in tent area have a pull-chain. From their website: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily Phone: 435-628-2255 Fax: 435-628-9321 Management: Kristen Comella, Park Manager Jesse Henderson, Assistant Manager. 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. Great mtn biking in St. George area (including a roller coaster ride on hard packed single track: Bear Claw Poppy and Snake Pit Loop trails. Many other trails in area). Huntsman World Senior Games held 2 to 3 weeks in Oct. in St. George. Traffic in St. George can be heavy at times particularly during typical rush hour times.
With its huge resort style swimming pool and hot tub. Pickel ball 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.
Rocky roads to get in, but most vehicles and situations can do it. Loved staying here. Quiet, windy and easy access to Zion
This place is so nice! Spacious shower stalls with toilet, sink, bench and shower. Laundry facilities. Year round heated pool and hot tub. Store on site with decent prices. All spots have a tree with grass, picnic table and concrete pads. Also has small playground and dog park. Access to Virgin River with a primitive trail.
Level rv pads. Nice flush bathrooms. And dark sky's. There are plenty of hiking trails in the campground and on the blm area across I-15. We stayed 5 nights and really enjoyed it. Now. Why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars. You have to pay for camping online. If you want a first come site, you have to scan a q code at the entrance. Sounds easy right? Except there is only 1 bar of t-mobile cell service and it's almost impossible to complete the transaction. We booked a reservation before arriving so no issue for us. But many folks could not pay for a first come site. But camped anyway. A better system needed.
Great site, on dirt. Lots of trees around and gorgeous views. A few minutes walk from the shuttles, the visitor center and the town of Springdale
This place is amazing - nothing like most other RV parks. The owners and hosts are fantastic. The facilities are excellent. Views are beautiful. Don’t pass this place without staying here.
This is a great site to wake up to if you can get to it. Lady and I drove in after dark. While you don’t need 4x4 during dry months, it will help with the drive. It’s steep, loose dirt until you start hitting rocks.
Stay in the trees to protect from the wind, but there is plenty of space regardless and each site has its own fire pit. Looks like people make their own too.
New campground with clean private showers and restrooms. And at $30 a night a real bargain.
Pull through sites with full hookups and a friendly staff makes this place a winner.
The spot was nice and close to Zion. Some single spot and a large flat gravel pad that multiple vans/cars/tents can fit on close to the main road into Springdale. Fills up early in the day during peak season, so have backup plans.
I stayed in the large gravel pad area 3 nights and had a great view and a lovely flat spot to park on. 2 or 3 other vans or tents were also there each night.
Found this place on the DYRT as we were looking for a place to check out when going from Bryce Canyon to Zion. And decided on Cedar city. Almost all RV sites in town were >$60/night, so we opted to dry camp. Pyramid Ridge was exactly what we wanted. And for only $12/night (plus a $8 reservation fee) it was well worth it. Highly recommend.
Camping near Virgin, Utah, offers a fantastic blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, relax, or enjoy family time, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Virgin, Utah, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the stunning scenery!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Virgin, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Virgin, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 257 campgrounds and RV parks near Virgin, UT and 95 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Virgin, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Virgin, UT is Watchman Campground — Zion National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 233 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Virgin, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 95 free dispersed camping spots near Virgin, UT.
What parks are near Virgin, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Virgin, UT that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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