Camping options around Washington, Utah range from riverside BLM sites to modern RV parks with full hookups. Located in Washington County at approximately 2,800 feet elevation, the area experiences very hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F while winters remain relatively mild. The camping landscape includes sites nestled among red rock formations, along creek beds, and near reservoirs where water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on seasonal precipitation.
What to do
Creek exploration: North Creek Dispersed Camping offers access to a seasonal creek that provides cooling relief during hot months. Sites are positioned along both sides of the creek with multiple water access points. "This site has numerous spots, most are close together but the campground was not full at all allowing plenty of space and privacy. There are sites on both sides of the creek. The drive to Zion is around 20 minutes. It does get very hot and there is not a lot of tree cover but the stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off," notes a camper who visited in July.
Red rock hiking: Red Cliffs Campground provides direct access to hiking and mountain biking trails. The campground serves as a trailhead for several routes that showcase local geology. A visitor mentioned, "What a gem, this little campground has so much to offer! From the striking red rocks, to the oasis of trees that straddle the creek and all of the meandering trails that all converge here, this place is truly magical. Apparently, you can hike through the slots to see petroglyphs and even dinosaur tracks."
Water activities: Campers can rent paddleboards and kayaks at Quail Creek State Park Campground for water recreation. The reservoir provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. "The dock for non-motorized water craft is easy to access from the parking lot next to the camp ground. If you do not have gear with you, there is a rental shop on site," explains one camper who stayed in April.
What campers like
Shade cover in hot climate: Trees provide crucial relief during hot months at several campgrounds. At WillowWind RV Park, campers appreciate the temperature difference created by vegetation. "This is one of the best kept RV parks I have ever been to. Despite basically being in a desert, the park had lush grass in every spot and a dense tree cover. It was about 10 degrees cooler in the park because of the shade from the trees," shared a January visitor.
Non-crowded alternatives to Zion: Campers seeking fewer crowds find Washington area campgrounds provide quieter alternatives. One North Creek Dispersed Camping visitor shared, "Great location with lots of space and premade firepits." Another noted it's "Nice spot about 20 minutes from Zion there are a few different entrances and places to park."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities rank highly in camper reviews. A visitor to WillowWind RV Park commented, "It may be because we had just come off of 5 days of dispersed camping but we found WillowWind to be an oasis. The grounds are beautiful, the staff is polite and helpful, you get a concrete pad and a nicely sized grass area, and the restrooms/showers were the nicest I've ever seen."
What you should know
Summer heat limitations: Activities become restricted during peak summer heat. Daytime temperatures frequently reach above 100°F between June and August, making morning and evening the only comfortable times for outdoor activities. A camper at Snow Canyon State Park Campground noted, "We reserved several nights here, based on the expectation of cell reception and electric. If you're able to go without power and internet, the tent sites were fairly nice. But if you need either, look elsewhere."
Variable water levels: Reservoir levels can change dramatically throughout the year. A visitor to Quail Creek State Park Campground commented, "The state park itself is stunning—loved the trails! The campground, however, is lacking. The shower/restroom facilities weren't clean, old-looking, no electrical outlets, and offered little privacy. The shower requires holding down a chain to operate."
Road access challenges: Some dispersed sites require higher clearance vehicles. A North Creek Dispersed Camping visitor mentioned, "Road in was just a little tough but short. Did fine with a 25ft travel trailer. Riverside spots are mostly for vans/tents."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options for children: Multiple campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities beyond hiking. A camper at Zion River Resort reported, "This RV resort is breathtaking!! The spaces are gravel and maintained well. They do have fire pits, which we enjoyed using every evening. The resort also has a big, beautiful pool and hot tub, a general store, and nice facilities."
Space between sites: Family groups benefit from campgrounds offering adequate spacing. A visitor to Red Cliffs Campground noted, "The campsite itself has water abundant with a spigot at every sight. Some sites have a covered shelter, while others are right up against the rocks. We stayed in 11 and it was perfect for us. It overlooks the creek area and is really close to the trash bin."
Accessibility considerations: Choose campsites based on proximity to restrooms and water sources when camping with small children. At Watchman Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "Camped in C loop. 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. Parking for an extra vehicle was close by and convenient."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited and book quickly during peak seasons. At Snow Canyon State Park Campground, one RVer advised, "First time camping here. The non-hookup sites are MUCH better than the ones with hookups. The hookup sites are VERY narrow (some as little as 10 feet wide) and difficult to pull into. I would not recommend staying in them."
Concrete pad levels: RVers note significant variability in site levelness across parks. One camper at Zion River Resort stated, "Only spent a night while passing through the area, but it looked to be a very nice place to stay. We were in a riverside back in with full hookups. Very quiet at night."
Internet reliability: Working remotely requires careful campground selection. A WillowWind RV Park visitor shared, "We needed stable, steady Internet for a month. While we regularly travel with two hotspots for Internet coverage, we barely needed to use them."
