The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Zion National Park

2,127 Reviews

Camping near Zion National Park spans from official park sites to nearby alternatives when the main grounds fill up. The West Rim Trail area has some good camping spots with canyon views. When park campgrounds reach capacity, many campers head to Zion Canyon Campground just outside the park boundaries, which puts you close to the most popular hiking trails. North Creek Dispersed Camping sits adjacent to Zion and works well for campers who want fewer neighbors and don't mind basic conditions. Some of the back roads to camping areas require vehicles with good clearance, particularly after rain. Book your sites well ahead of time, as spring and fall camping spots disappear quickly around Zion. Bryce Canyon and Arches National Parks are within driving distance for day trips or additional camping. Springdale, the gateway town to Zion, has grocery stores and restaurants where you can stock up on supplies. The red rock landscape around Zion makes for great morning and evening views from your campsite. Most camping areas have fire rings, but always check current fire restrictions. When camping in this area, pack out all your trash since facilities can be limited, especially at dispersed sites.

Map showing campgrounds near Zion National Park, UtahExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Zion National Park (268)

    1. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

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

    $35 - $130 / night

    "Watchman is conveniently located within walking distance of the Zion National Park south entrance. The camp sites are shaded with trees and red gravel/sand ground structure."

    "Pros: clean, level sites, close to shuttles. Cons: crowded campground, sites too close to each other.

    Watchman campground is just inside the gates of Zion National Park."

    2. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    20 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"

    3. South Campground — Zion National Park

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

    $35 - $50 / night

    "This campground is great for exploring Zion National Park. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. There are restrooms with running water and electricity."

    "You can check out my other reviews for Zion National Park. Make sure you don't get confused, there is only one south campground at Zion National Park."

    4. Zion Canyon Campground

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

    "Incredible location to fully enjoy Zion National Park. Very clean campground despite being full. The staff is friendly."

    "Stayed at this campground two nights when visiting Zion National Park. Loved the location could easily walk to entrance of the park and restaurants. Great spot on the Virgin river."

    5. Zion River Resort

    74 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 822-8594

    "Clean rv resort with plenty of amenities and right down the road from Zion National Park. One of my favorite places for sure. Highly recommend."

    "The park is 10minutes away from Zion National Park and about 2hrs from Bryce Canyon. The park is adjacent to the Virgin River. Walking path to the river is great for kids."

    6. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    43 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    6 miles
    Website

    "Right next to Zion National Park."

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

    7. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    7 miles
    Website

    "If you’re looking to explore a lesser known area of Zion National Park and avoid the crowds, this is the place for you."

    "Great spot, easy to access, close to Zion National park"

    8. Zion RV and Campground (Hi-Road)

    45 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 648-3302

    $40 - $54 / night

    "Just outside Zion National Park, this resort has absolutely everything you'll need. ATV, horseback, rock climbing, and even canyoneering tours are available."

    "We were unable to get a campsite within Zion National Park, and ended up camping here for a few nights instead."

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

    32 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    9 miles
    Website

    "Only 20 or so minutes from Zion National Park. We didn't secure a spot in the park before getting there and everything was booked so we needed an easy option in a pinch and this was great."

    "Cool biking, hiking and off-roading trails. Peaceful and secluded as you can look off into the mesas and up at the best view of the stars I've seen."

    10. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

    29 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 293-5444

    "About 40min drive from the west side of Zion National Park. It’s ok though, the drive was very scenic with many photo stops and hiking trails."

    "The campground is located away from the resort features which we appreciated, so that is was a little more of an authentic camping experience."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 268 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Zion National Park Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Zion National Park

600 Photos of 268 Zion National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Zion National Park

2127 Reviews of 268 Zion National Park Campgrounds

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    McArthur's Temple View RV Resort

    Great Zion base with a dinghy

    Met with the Bigfoot Owner’s Club International (BOCI) here for rally. Very nice helpful staff. Nice amenities. Off load your mini foot and check it out. Great food nearby if you’re too tired to cook. Be sure you have an awning or pop up for shade!

  • Sarah J.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    Very cool!

    Good for RVs or campers/travel trailers. I wouldn’t suggest tent camping as it gets pretty windy. We drove in a 30ft camper with a 2003 ford f250 and had no issues finding a spot. Google says Gap Rd is unpaved but that’s not the case for the main road in.

    Very nice views with cool trails to hike. Petroglyphs are easy to get to as they have them displayed as you come in. Very quiet, hardly any traffic noise other than any neighboring campers.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Bryce Zion Campground

    Bryce Zion RV park and campground

    Its a pleasant enough little place. THe 1st couple nights we were here, there were several families with several children. Very loud and made the dogs nervous, but hey- let kids be kids. We weren't sad to see them go. Its the perfect spot situated 1/2 way between Bryce and Zion, we stayed 6 much needed nights. Staff small but extremely friendly and helpful. Nice laundry. Nice bathrooms and showers. Good prices, the store was a bit sparse, but coming on the end of the season, so it's understandable. There is a pool which we did not use. The RV sites are a little crammed together with your neighbors hookups quite close to your RV.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Panquitch Lake Cliffside Campsite

    Small Cliffside campsite overlooking Panquitch Lake

    This campsite can be utilized with Campers, RVs or tents and has a great view of the Lake and cabin areas around Panquitch Lake.  Dirt road access with many trails and jeep roads that connect surrounding areas including Escalante, Utah.  Don't attempt to get to this site if raining or snowing, roads are slick and impassable.

  • Matt M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park

    Affordable tent camping with ammenaties

    Im tent camping and this is a great spot. Only $29 after tax with showers, wifi, nice sites, bathrooms, and fire pits. This is my second time here while traveling and the folks are great.

  • Ryan F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Mammoth Dispersed

    Too Small for the Amount of People that Go

    Mammoth Dispersed Campground offers a beautiful setting among tall pines, with plenty of shade, cool temperatures, and easy access to a peaceful stream (both day use area and overnight campsites with access). 

    The sites themselves are well maintained, and it’s clear that the USFS takes good care of the area despite how heavily it gets used. That said, the campground feels a little small for the amount of people who frequent it, especially on busy weekends. During our Labor Day trip, the area was crowded with ATV, UTV, and general vehicle traffic—many of them flying by campsites at high speeds with loud music, which made it hard to relax. 

    It’s also disappointing to see how many visitors don’t clean up after themselves. Trash left behind really takes away from the natural beauty of the forest. 

    On a positive note, the roads are in good condition. Despite some reviews suggesting that the northern route in from Panguitch is “sketchy,” we found in September 2025 that the road was well graded and easily driven. 

    All in all, this is a wonderful area that has so much potential for a perfect camping experience. Without the holiday crowds and careless visitors, I would not hesitate to rate Mammoth a solid 5 stars. As it stands, the beauty of the place and the effort put in by USFS are worth highlighting, but the heavy traffic and noise over Labor Day force me to give it 4 stars.

  • L
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Old Highway 89 Dispersed Riverside

    Multiple spots

    There’s multiple great spots, we were a bit further down the road. Love that you have access to the river. We had a nice calm night!

  • Jeanne D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Old 91 Dispersed

    Easy to find and lots of space

    Easy to find for a quick overnighter! Lots of spaces

Guide to Zion National Park

Camping near Zion National Park, Utah, offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Zion National Park is famous for its trails. Many campers love the convenience of being close to the trails. One reviewer at Watchman Campground said, "Many hikes start close to here. It was a great weekend."
  • Exploring the Visitor Center: The visitor center is a great starting point for your adventures. A camper at South Campground mentioned, "Beautiful views and so convenient to the visitor centre."
  • Dining in Springdale: After a day of hiking, you can walk into Springdale for dinner. A happy camper at Watchman Campground noted, "Campground is convenient to being able to walk to town for dinner."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. One reviewer at Zion Canyon Campground said, "The place was amazing, it’s crazy to be in the middle of Zion. The view was stunning."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Zion River Resort shared, "This place was very nice. It had good amenities and was clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey are great for families. One family said, "The kids love that they can go swimming or hit the playground whenever."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Zion Canyon Campground mentioned, "It was quite crowded. No intimacy at all."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A visitor at South Campground pointed out, "No showers but restrooms clean and well stocked."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A reviewer at Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed said, "The stars are absolutely breathtaking. I highly recommend."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Zion River Resort that offer amenities for kids. One reviewer noted, "It was kid-friendly and I’m considering coming back with the family."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of family activities. A camper at Watchman Campground mentioned, "The views can’t be beat!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes. A visitor at Quail Creek State Park Campground said, "Beautiful surroundings, new showers and restrooms."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Zion RV and Campground warned, "The facilities are awful. There was a powerful sewage smell throughout the whole game room/bathroom building."
  • Book Early: Reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during peak season. A camper at Zion Canyon Campground said, "I recommend calling day ‘of’ to get your site as cell service is very limited."
  • Bring Extra Water: Some campgrounds may not have water hookups. A visitor at Sand Hollow State Park Campground mentioned, "Great spot with great staff! All around respectful and facilities clean and up to date."

Camping near Zion National Park, Utah, is an adventure filled with natural beauty and outdoor fun. Just be prepared for crowds and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there private campgrounds outside 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.

Where can I find campgrounds near Zion National Park?

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.

What RV camping options are available near Zion National Park?

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.

What are the best tent camping sites in Zion National Park?

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.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Zion National Park?

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.

Keep Exploring