2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Horse access at Zion requires more planning than standard camping. Not all trails in the park are open to stock animals, and corral availability is limited at the campgrounds that do accommodate horses. Watchman Campground does not take equestrian groups; stock camping at Zion is primarily handled through designated backcountry sites with prior permit approval. Dispersed camping around Zion is worth checking for riders who want BLM land options outside the park boundary where restrictions are less rigid.
Virgin is about 15 miles from the park, and Hurricane is about 25 miles out. Hurricane-area equestrian campgrounds cover the developed horse-friendly options with corrals and trailer parking in that corridor. Water availability for stock is the main logistical variable, confirm water access at any site before committing. Spring and early summer see trail closures on some routes due to wet conditions and wildlife nesting.
"An amazing place to camp, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Fantastic hiking and cycling trails with spectacular views in every direction."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 / night
"Great place to go with your family and spend few days together, in this campground you can stay in a tent, cabin, a type of carriage (See pictures) it comes with ac, beds, etc, and Zion national park is"
"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."
"It is close enough to Zion National Park and also a perfect place to recharge. We enjoyed a wonderful horseback ride with Mr. Wright too. We think their ranch is a little glimpse of heaven!"
"This off the beaten path campground near Zion National Park is a great place for those looking for a more relaxed time."
"Toquerville Falls Utah. BLM area. Free off grid camping. Cool place to see. Lots of off road, 4 wheeler/side by side, dirt bike, Hiking to do in the area."
"Small falls, with camping right next to it. It takes a 4x4 for get here...cars or vehicles with low clearance BE WARE! You won't make it."
"It’s next to a creek and has a lot of private room to camp. It’s only 14 miles out of Zion national park! The creek is dry right now as it’s middle of July."
"We were traveling to Zion national park and this was a great spot to stop at and very easy to find. We got there a bit late so we set up cam, the creek was nice to listen to at night."
"2.5 mike hike in, 300 ft elevation gain, easy trail to beautiful overlook of southern Utah. Camp is a sandy open area next to the overlook and cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park. Free to camp."
"Our two week trip to southern Utah was full of promise."
Available this weekend
from $40 - $200 / night
"Horse camp near belly of the dragon” connects with “Twin hollows canyon” which is also on BLM (it doesn’t show as “free camping” on this site for some reason)."
"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."
"We stayed here after visiting Zion National park. The drive to this site was absolutely beautiful. The sunset over the mountains was breath taking."
"Lits of space between campsites nice little reservoir also have campsites for horses"
from $23 - $237 / night
"Close to the road and everything you need: full hookup etc. Shade is hard to find. Restrooms are small and noise from the road is right there.
Good stay however, with reliable WiFi."
"Small campground, close to Zion NP. Flat spots, quite small though. Full hookups, pull through. No firepit or BBQ on spots, but two BBQ's on the side of the sites."
"I camped at this site for a week during a trip to Zion National Park. It's a great place to stay with scenic areas, potable water, and vault toilets."
"Horse stables away from tents and didn’t smell at all. Restrooms really clean. Can’t wait to go again"
from $21 - $42 / night
ScoutWhat a great place to stay for the cheap price of $29 per night for full hookups. The roads getting in are great and had no issue at all. RV site all gravel and subject to a few puddles, but all in all for the price and amenities, it’s a great place.
ScoutThe most Beautiful campground I’ve ever stayed at. They have paved spots with a fire pit and picnic table. well maintained and prices are reasonable. Only downside is no showers!
TravelerViews from the campground are second to none
TravelerWe loved this place! Stayed for two nights in mid-October. The road in is definitely rough— AWD/4WD + a little clearance is helpful, though I did see a sedan up there. The area is huge and there were many spots to choose from. Great views. We chose a spot on a little plateau that was beautiful, but also very windy. Bring good tent stakes. The portable toilets were clean and had TP. Cell service was spotty, but could get some service. We will definitely be back here again, a new favorite spot.
Scout4 rv spots quiet
GuideAn amazing place to camp, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Fantastic hiking and cycling trails with spectacular views in every direction. The nearby town of Springdale has plenty to offer, with great places to eat, shop and explore. A perfect stop for anyone visiting Zion National Park. Highly recommended!
GuideOur two week trip to southern Utah was full of promise. With locations such as Bryce, Zion and Capital Reef National Parks, Canyonlands, Grand Staircase, Kodachrome Bason and Bears Ears, we managed to visit four of the seven. Snow Canyon State Park was the three day rest-up before heading home with a bag of ice cubes in our black tank. The RV and tent sites with no hookups are well spaced and up close to the red Navaho sandstone. The hookup sites are crammed together on asphalt. Southern Utah seems to be a snowbird destination so it can get hot in the summer and it stayed hot here in late September. Take the Jenny’s Canyon hike to a slot canyon to cool off. BTW ice in the black tank restored our level sensors.
GuideCan’t beat this location in Zion with views of the Watchman and red rocks all around! Easy walk to the visitor center, shuttle, etc. bathrooms are new and clean, but drinking water spigots were out of service and I wish there were showers available after hiking in the heat.
ScoutThe RV/trailer are is just a gravel lot. You can hear your neighbors conversations and they just sit and watch you. Theres no privacy which is frustrating considering the cost of the site. That said, the WiFi is great and there is a “limited” restaurant onsite plus some other amenities I didn’t take advantage of.
Equestrian campsites near Zion National Park provide accommodations at elevations ranging from 3,800 to 5,500 feet, offering cooler temperatures than valley floor locations. These camping areas feature varying degrees of trail access and horse facilities, with most requiring reservations during peak season (May-September). Many of the horse-friendly camping options double as standard camping areas when not in use by equestrians.
Explore tunnel attractions: At Twin Hollows Canyon near Belly of the Dragon Trail, visitors can enjoy unique geological features. "Playing in the creek was great for my eight-year-old (be careful of cyanobacteria in area) as well as exploring the tunnel. Oh and the tadpoles and snakes in the creek are awesome too!" shares Kristen S. The distinctive tunnel formation provides both photography opportunities and natural exploration within 14 miles of Zion National Park.
Take guided horseback tours: Located at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, visitors can book trail rides with experienced guides. "We did the jeep tour and enjoyed it very much," notes Joyce C. The resort offers various trail options ranging from 1-hour beginner rides to half-day adventures through pine forests and canyon overlooks.
Explore elevated viewpoints: Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed provides access to panoramic views with minimal crowds. "Great spot on Harris Rim that overlooked the canyon. There's some traffic noise but not too bad. There is a herd of cows that range up there as well," mentions Chad R. This free camping area serves as a strategic midpoint between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
Off-grid solitude: Toquerville Falls Primitive offers secluded camping beside waterfalls, though access requires proper vehicles. "This is NOT a 2 wheel drive adventure to see a water fall. It's strictly 4 wheel drive only. Hike it first to end don't ruin your vehicle for this. Steep. Slick. 2 ft rock boulderings straight drop offs and roads cut towards them," warns Jody S. The payoff is worth the challenge for those properly equipped.
Proximity to shuttle service: Camping at South Campground provides convenient park access without driving. "The campground has bathrooms (reasonably clean), drinking water, and dumpsters for trash. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Some sites are tent only, and you have to walk your tent and gear into the site," explains Carly E. The campground's location allows campers to walk to the shuttle bus stop within 5-10 minutes.
Separation between sites: Horse campers appreciate the layout at Pine Valley Equestrian Campground. "Very quiet campground and felt like we were alone. Can't see other sites. Horse stables away from tents and didn't smell at all. Restrooms really clean," notes Chad M. The campground's design helps maintain privacy while still providing access to shared facilities.
Primitive facilities: Most horse-friendly dispersed camping areas have minimal or no amenities. "This is no potable water source, nor provisions to be had so go in with all you will need. Dark nights mean amazing stars an I mean amazing, bring some lounging chairs and a good wine and just lay back," advises Glen B. about Toquerville Falls.
Road conditions: Access to several horse-friendly camping areas can be challenging. "You need very high clearance to get to this camp site. Very rough road to get to it. Could not get all the way there," cautions Christine J. about Twin Hollows Canyon. Always research current road conditions before attempting access with trailers or RVs.
Reservation timing: For Zion Wright Family Ranch, understanding the booking system is crucial. "The views were amazing right at our campsite. There was a fair amount of privacy with everyone spread out through the field. Proximity to Zion (40 minutes to the park entrance or just up the road for some hiking)," shares Christopher N. The ranch provides reserved dispersed camping with basic facilities.
Creek exploration opportunities: Natural water features provide built-in entertainment for children. "We stayed in the tent sites, some of the sites were small. But we had a ton of room," says Jeremy H. about Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, which offers various water-based activities for children including paddle boards and swimming.
Sand play areas: Some campgrounds offer natural play spaces. "I'd recommend this as an early spring camp outing. The temps climb quickly in Southern Utah in late spring. My kids had a blast in the sand dune area," shares Jake C. about Snow Canyon State Park Campground.
On-site recreation options: Family-friendly campgrounds often provide additional activities. "Lots of fun for kids. Horseback riding, putt putt golf, pad boards, cabins, tents and Rv sites," notes David G. about Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. These additional features can keep children engaged during downtime from trail riding or hiking.
Site selection strategy: When staying at Mount Carmel Motel & RV Park, selecting the right site matters. "Sites are level and gravel. Food and gas are near, laundry is on sight campers can use 6-10 pm very nice. Restrooms are very clean same as showers," advises Harold C. The park provides full hookups but sites are compact.
Tunnel timing awareness: RVers need to plan around tunnel restrictions. "The only thing inconvenient is that you have to go through the Mt Carmel tunnel to reach Zion NP. And this tunnel is opened for oversized vehicles between 8.00a.m. and 4.30 p.m. So keep that in mind!" warns Merel J. Larger rigs must coordinate travel through the tunnel during permitted hours.
Weather considerations: Higher elevation horse campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. "Gets cooler at night, great for the fire and sleeping. A nice break from the heat of the Valley. Has a gorgeous, peaceful stream running a very short walk from the sites," notes Tony W. about Pine Valley Equestrian Campground. This temperature difference can be significant for RV comfort when air conditioning is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you horseback ride in Zion National Park?
Yes, horseback riding is permitted in designated areas of Zion National Park. For a guided experience, Zion Wright Family Ranch offers horseback riding tours with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Mr. Wright leads rides that showcase the natural beauty of the area, making it a perfect complement to your Zion visit. The ranch's proximity to the park makes it convenient for visitors wanting to combine camping with equestrian activities. Horseback riding within the park itself is limited to specific trails, primarily in the Kolob Terrace area and the park's eastern section, where riders can experience Zion's dramatic scenery from a unique perspective.
What horse trails are available in Zion National Park?
Zion National Park offers several designated horse trails that showcase its dramatic landscapes. The most popular include the Sand Bench Trail (a 7.6-mile loop accessible from the Court of the Patriarchs), and the East Rim Trail which permits horses on specific sections. For equestrian-focused camping near Zion, Pine Valley Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horse owners with scenic riding areas. Another option is Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail, which offers primitive camping with easy trail access. Seasonal trail closures may occur, so check with the Visitor Center for current conditions and trail status before planning your ride.
What are the regulations for bringing horses into Zion National Park?
Horses are permitted in Zion National Park under specific regulations. All riders must obtain a free backcountry permit before bringing horses into the park. Group size is limited to a maximum of six people and six animals. Feed must be certified weed-free hay or processed feed to prevent the introduction of non-native plants. Horses are restricted to designated trails only and are not permitted on most hiking paths or in the Narrows. Overnight stock use requires additional permits and is limited to specific areas. For accommodations that cater to equestrians near the park, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers facilities about 40 minutes from the east entrance. Contact the Zion Backcountry Desk for current regulations and permitted trails before your visit.
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