Join the fun near Zion National Park. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Zion National Park and user-submitted reviews.
$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."
"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."
"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."
$40 - $200 / 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."
"Snow Canyon is a still relatively unknown place near St George, Utah. There is SO much to do around there and there are great hikes that leave from this campground which makes it even better."
"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."
"It’s quiet and has a creek and trees Lots of sand so don’t get stuck, you can go to Belly of the Dragon before anyone due to camping next to it!!"
"Near belly of the dragon cave hike."
$21 - $42 / night
"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"
"We were driving through looking for a quick place to pull off the highway for the night. It's a few tarred miles off the road, but wauper esy to find, even at 11:30 pm when we stopped."
GuideTo enter the South-Zion National Park camp grounds you have to go through the park entrance and the camp grounds are just behind the parks entrance. There is drinking water, flush-able toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, flat places for a tent, dump stations. There is not however, showers, shade which can get hot on 100 degree days, there is no power, the ground is too hard to stake down tents, no trees for hammocks, the bathroom have huge spiders and filthy, there are plenty of rocks to sleep on!
This is not the best camp site on the planet it is ok. It currently costs $35 to get into the Zion National Park and then it costs to camp at this site. With the amount of traffic this area gets and the amount of money flowing in they could put in a decent bathroom, one without bugs.
I have good news there are lots of trails for backpacking and biking. If you'd like to go for a stroll to shower there are showers a little less than a mile away that cost $15 for 12 minutes. They aren't wonderful but they get the job done. They are however also filthy! Thank goodness I had my Oofos Oolala flip flops on hand to save my feet from whatever nasty germs were living in the shower floor that was covered in hair. There are some great places to eat close by to this camp grounds and great coffee! If you need any souvenirs there are plenty of places to shop!
The South-Zion National Park campgrounds have a shuttle close by that drives guests to the trail for the well known, "Narrows". The shuttle comes with your park pass and is a hop on hop off transit. It is the easiest way to see some of Zions most precious wonders!
Pros:
Close to popular trails
River runs next to camp
Close shopping and food
Potable water
Places to throw away trash
Cons:
Bad bathrooms (rather go outside) + small stalls
No showers
Rough grounds
GuideWhen we found this spot we were trilled! 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. Seems it’s a spot of off road vehicles also. We have a 23 foot trailer.
TravelerThis 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. Only a short walk from a shuttle station and Visitor’s Center. We also had deer around our campsite every morning and evening.
LegendYou 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. If you are looking for long term reservations then you need to camp at Watchman. if you can take the risk of a first come first serve campsite and you have missed your window for getting a site at Watchman, then take your chances, it is worth it. But get there early, before 7:00 a.m. The campground fills up quickly.
Zion is becoming more poular every year. Expect big crowds.
GuideThis was an amazing campsite! Not very much shade but amazing views!! We enjoyed this campsite while we were visiting Zion National Park!!
TravelerZion National Park is a wonderful park for everyone to visit. South campground is $20 a night all dry camping, flush toilets. Virgin River runs along the campground. No showers.
ScoutThe Zion Wright Family Ranch is gorgeous. You will not get tired of gazing at the beauty. 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!
GuideI 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. Highly recommend for people planning to visit Zion during a highly trafficked time of the year when sites are few and far between (if you are willing to drive an hour and a half to the park).
TravelerWe 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. The dogs loved it and then we explored “Belly of the dragon” witch was very interesting and quite nice.
Horse camping near Zion National Park in Utah offers a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several campgrounds catering to horse campers, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride through breathtaking scenery.
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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