Camping near Zion National Park

Yes, several private campgrounds provide comfortable alternatives to public sites inside Zion. Zion River Resort is a popular choice located just 10 minutes from the park entrance and adjacent to the Virgin River with walking paths. It offers a perfect basecamp for exploring Zion and is about 2 hours from Bryce Canyon. Gateway Luxury RV Resort offers upscale amenities less than 20 miles from Zion, featuring a resort-style swimming pool, hot tub, pickleball courts, and cornhole boards. Other private options include Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort near Orderville and Camp Lutherwood, which offers affordable cabins with access to showers, a kitchen, and electricity. Private campgrounds typically provide more amenities than public sites, including WiFi, showers, and sometimes swimming pools.

Zion National Park offers diverse camping options both inside and nearby. Within the park, Watchman Campground is conveniently located within walking distance of the south entrance with shaded sites and red gravel/sand ground. For those looking to avoid crowds, Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed camping is about 30 minutes away in a less-trafficked area of the park near a stream. Other options include Ponderosa Grove Campground (40 minutes away), Sheep Bridge BLM Area (20 minutes), and Red Cliffs Campground (a short distance from Zion). Public campgrounds typically offer basic amenities like fire rings and pit toilets, while private resorts provide more comforts. Most locations outside the park are within 15-45 minutes' drive of Zion's entrances.

Zion West RV Park offers convenient RV camping about 45 minutes from Zion National Park with amenities including WiFi and showers. The owner is known for being friendly and helpful with site instructions. Rates run around $20-30 for vans, and they also offer glamping tents and tiny houses. Another excellent option is Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort near Orderville, which provides full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites with resort amenities. For luxury RV camping, Gateway Luxury RV Resort features a swimming pool, hot tub, and recreational activities less than 20 miles from the park. Most RV parks in the area offer water, electric, and sewer hookups, with many providing WiFi, laundry facilities, and shower houses. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

For tent camping within Zion National Park, South Campground is highly recommended with its scenic setting and convenient location. The most popular in-park option is Watchman Campground, featuring shaded sites with trees perfect for hammocks after a day of hiking. It's within walking distance to the park's south entrance and the town of Springdale. Sites have red gravel/sand ground and good tree coverage. For those who can't secure spots inside the park (which fill quickly), nearby alternatives include Ponderosa Grove Campground with its $5/night fee, or the free Sheep Bridge BLM Area about 20 minutes from Zion. These outside options are excellent backups when in-park camping is full, especially during busy summer months.

Yes, several dispersed camping options exist near Zion National Park on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Kolob Road BLM Dispersed offers plenty of space just 15-20 minutes from Zion with spectacular views. Another option is Sheep Bridge BLM Area, located about 20 minutes from the park and popular with mountain bikers for its trail access. Kolob Terrace Road also offers dispersed camping opportunities about 30 minutes from the main park areas, providing a quieter experience away from crowds. North Creek Dispersed Camping near Virgin is another alternative with drive-in access that accommodates larger vehicles. These dispersed sites are free but lack amenities like water or restrooms, so come prepared with everything you need and practice Leave No Trace principles.