Best Campgrounds near Virgin, UT

Virgin, Utah serves as a gateway to multiple camping experiences, from primitive sites to fully-developed facilities. The region includes dispersed camping opportunities on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, particularly along Kolob Terrace Road and the Hurricane Cliffs area. Established campgrounds such as Zion River Resort and Zion Canyon Campground provide cabins and amenities near Zion National Park. Watchman and South Campgrounds within Zion National Park offer closer proximity to hiking trails and park attractions. Tent, RV, and cabin accommodations are available at various sites, with the greatest concentration of developed facilities located along State Route 9 between Virgin and Springdale.

Access to dispersed sites typically requires vehicles with moderate to high clearance, especially for locations near North Creek and Hurricane Cliffs. Many roads leading to free camping areas feature bumpy conditions with sandy or rocky sections. "The road is very bumpy and campsites are close enough to hear neighbors but not bad at all for free camping," noted one visitor about Hurricane Cliffs BLM areas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for tent camping. Water availability varies significantly, with most dispersed sites offering no potable water or facilities. Cell service remains strong throughout much of the region, particularly at higher elevation sites with clear views toward Hurricane and St. George.

Proximity to Zion National Park represents a primary draw for campers in the Virgin area, with several reviewers highlighting the convenience of free camping options. Most BLM dispersed sites are approximately 20-25 minutes from the park's main entrance in Springdale. "Convenient 25 minute drive to Zion National Park. Closest wild camping we found to the Springdale entrance of the park," explained one camper about the Kolob Terrace Road area. Popular sites tend to fill quickly during peak season (March through October), particularly on weekends and holidays. Campers seeking more solitude often head to less-developed areas along Sheep Bridge Road. Sites with shade from juniper and pinyon trees are especially valued during summer months when temperatures climb dramatically during daylight hours.

Best Camping Sites Near Virgin, Utah (268)

    1. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    12 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"

    2. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

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

    $35 - $130 / night

    "The Virgin River runs right behind the campground - nice for cooling off."

    "Access to the virgin river, fire pits, bathrooms, walking distance to the town of Springdale. Rentable hiking gear, firewood, ice, beer, other groceries!"

    3. Zion River Resort

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

    "First of all, you CAN find RV Parks in Springdale that are closer to the main south entrance to Zion(which is THE Main Entrance)."

    "In my view, the best RV park in the Zion Corridor near Virgin Utah."

    4. Zion Canyon Campground

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

    "We had the wonderful fortune of securing a campsite right on the Virgin River. It was gorgeous."

    "Loved the location could easily walk to entrance of the park and restaurants. Great spot on the Virgin river. Clean bathrooms, showers were good."

    5. South Campground — Zion National Park

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

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Right next to the virgin river, and beautiful views of the whole landscape and the amazing ridges of Zion. Site Includes potable water, flush toilets, picnic table, and fire pit."

    "I was at a walk up site, there are 4. Website says it’s 180 to 360 feet from where you park your car."

    6. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    46 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    2 miles
    Website

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

    "Great access to Zion. There were a bunch of open sites when we got there (4pm) some were along the stream too. We have a Honda Fit and we’re able to camp just fine. Saw a few smaller pull behinds."

    7. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    2 miles
    Website

    "Makes me feel at least this is an "okayish safe spot" There's a bunch of better sites near by in my opinion. I stayed at the Le Verkin spot, near Virgin dam. Turns out there's a lot near here."

    "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."

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

    33 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    1 mile
    Website

    "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."

    "Great dispersed camping near Zion. Drove out in loaded down minivan with not a lot of clearance. Any car could make it down main road and find campsite."

    9. Quail Creek State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 879-2378

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful views of the reservoir, filled with the Virgin River, surrounded by red sandstone. Big & clear star-filled night sky!"

    "Beautiful location! All camp sites overlook the lake. There are flush toilets and outdoor coin showers. If the camp ground fills, they allow primitive camping in the parking lot for a minimal fee."

    10. St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey

    35 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We had a fun trip to Utah this past weekend for an off-road event. We found the KOA and set up camp for a few days. Internet connection wasn’t great and the weather was moody since it was March."

    "This KOA is located about ten minutes outside of St George and right off the I-15 freeway. It was all the amenities that your typical KOA has; dog park, hookups, cabins, and store."

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Recent Reviews near Virgin, UT

2162 Reviews of 268 Virgin Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail

    Nice site easy accessible but bring a flashlight

    There were a couple more RVs next to us (C-class 30 feet)

    Easy accessible but make sure you have a flashlight because of some big stones that you need to manoeuvre around.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Pyramid Ridge Campground

    Must pay

    Seems ok got a better site unless neighbors with lots a lights come

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Single River Site

    Easy, clean stay with babbling brook sounds all night!

    Super simple, right off the road (the no one seems to drive after 10:30/11pm until 7am the next day), with sounds of the water coming from below. Stars were the best I’ve slept under in this area.

    Little stone fire pit, this solo spot is across the water from a larger spot where a group had already set up. I barely heard them even though they stayed up late around the fire - yay for the water sounds creating a natural sound barrier. Would stay again!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Rocky Peak Campground

    Spacious site with great views

    We arrived today. Big site with loads of space between other campers MTB trail system on the doorstep 6000’ up so might get cold at night Road in is fine so perhaps it’s been up graded since previous reviews. We have 25’ Airstream and had no issues at all……. So far so good will add more later…….. So after 3 nights here the only downside is off road vehicles which on a weekday is minimal but over the weekend is a pain in the arse !! Lots of noise and idiots using the camp loop as a race track when they have so much alternative space - really annoying Even at dark no respect for campers

  • Luka Đ.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    North Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    Got to this spot little before sunset, chrysler voyager didnt have too much trouble getting to the spot as long as I was driving really slow. My campsite was on the left after you get of the main road, next to the creek and with a firepit. There are other campers here but there is enough personal space IMO. Might stay here a couple of nights, instead of just one.

  • T
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Hog Canyon

    Perfect weekday spot

    Totally empty on a Tuesday night. Our 28 ft camper made it in no problem, but we are 4wd. We stopped at the big overhang since it was available

  • Sheri C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Sand Hollow OHV Camp

    OHV trails great place

    We just spent 5 nights here. was great! We have a 30 ft toy hauler and had no problems getting in and out. There were much bigger rigs then ours. This is all about riding off road. If you don't like the noise from UTVs and ATVs its not the place for you. Weather was perfect! It is a wash so i wouldn't try in the rain or after rain.

  • Dallin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Archers Overlook East Zion

    Quick easy spot

    Nothing special, hard ground, limited space, good for hammocks or pull over van camping. Fires capable.


Guide to Virgin

Camping spots near Virgin, Utah range from primitive to developed options across elevations from 3,500 to 5,000 feet. The region's desert landscape features pinyon-juniper woodlands and dramatic red rock formations, with summer daytime temperatures often exceeding 95°F between June and August. Sites along the Virgin River offer natural cooling but can flood during monsoon season.

What to do

Paddle at Sand Hollow State Park: This reservoir offers water recreation opportunities about 20 minutes from Virgin. "Sand Hollow State Park Camping is such a good time. The summer nights by the beach camping out with your people and your dogs is one of my favorites," notes Jodi M. about Westside Campground.

Explore riverside trails: Many camping areas provide direct access to the Virgin River with natural paths for exploring. At Zion River Resort, "there is a nearby river, and we took the dogs down to explore with us a few times during our stay," shares Sarah L., making it ideal for morning walks.

Stargaze at dispersed sites: The areas away from town lights provide excellent night sky viewing. "Nice and dark at night for star gazing, and shade trees for during the day," explains Erik C. about Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed camping, where open skies create ideal conditions.

What campers like

Morning wildlife viewing: Watchman Campground offers encounters with local fauna. "We had deer strolling through our campsite in the morning," reports Bonnie M. about Watchman Campground, where wildlife regularly visits campsites.

Reservable campsites: Some campers appreciate the ability to secure spots in advance, especially during busy seasons. At South Campground, "the campground used to be first come, first serve but is now reservable, with sites opening on a rolling basis two weeks in advance," explains ranger Carly E.

River cooling options: The Virgin River provides natural relief from summer heat at many camping locations. "The cool Virgin River behind our site was a nice place to soak our tired feet and enjoy a beverage after hiking in Zion," shares Larry E. about camping at Zion River Resort during hot weather.

What you should know

Toilet facilities vary widely: Restroom availability ranges from none to modern facilities. At Quail Creek State Park Campground, "the campground is small and clean with 1 restroom (no showers) and located next to the reservoir," reports Taylor, unlike dispersed sites with no facilities.

Shade is valuable: Trees provide essential protection from intense sun in summer months. "We had close access to a modern restroom that was clean and well maintained. Parking for an extra vehicle was close by and convenient," notes Rod D. about Watchman Campground, where many sites offer partial shade.

Road conditions to dispersed sites: Access to free camping often requires careful driving. "You def need a higher up car to get to where I went. I have a Honda HRV and took it really slow and didn't have any issues," explains Mads G. about Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed camping, highlighting access challenges.

Tips for camping with families

Halloween camping tradition: Watchman Campground hosts a unique October experience. "It was Halloween and many of the kids camped around us dressed up in costumes and went trick or treating. Many campers put up festive lighting and one even set up a full size inflatable castle which was a big hit," shares Rod D.

Choose river sites for entertainment: Stream access provides natural play areas for children. "The beach is mostly clean, sometimes rude people leave behind garbage but the main culture their helps out to maintain a clean peaceful and fun environment," explains Jodi M. about Westside Campground at Sand Hollow.

Consider campsite layout for privacy: Some sites provide better separation than others. At North Creek, "The area was beautiful, but the campsites don't have tables or firepits. There was also a huge cattle ranch near where we camped, and the noise made it hard to sleep," warns Austin G., highlighting the importance of site selection.

Tips from RVers

Level site challenges: Some campgrounds have significant leveling issues. "The Rv sites are crazy unlevel. We had to raise one side 6 inches to get sorta level," cautions Shawn H. about the St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey, suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks.

Site selection strategy: Research individual sites before booking when possible. "Sites were typical National Park, small and close together but well positioned. We had close access to a modern restroom that was clean and well maintained," shares Rod D. about Watchman Campground.

Arrival timing for dispersed camping: Early arrival improves options at free sites. "We got here at 5:30 on a Friday night and I think maybe got one of the last spots but it was so easy to get to," reports Brittany K. about Sheep Bridge BLM Area, where weekends fill quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Virgin, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Virgin, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 268 campgrounds and RV parks near Virgin, UT and 101 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 Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 569 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Virgin, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 101 free dispersed camping spots near Virgin, UT.