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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Zion National Park

2,191 Reviews

Watchman Campground and South Campground within Zion National Park welcome pets in designated camping areas. Both campgrounds require dogs to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times, including inside tents and vehicles. Pet owners must pick up and properly dispose of waste in provided trash receptacles. Most tent and RV sites at these campgrounds accommodate pets, though animals cannot be left unattended. Additional pet-friendly options near Zion include Zion Canyon Campground and Zion River Resort, both offering water hookups and electrical connections for campers with pets. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed and North Creek Dispersed Camping provide free primitive camping for travelers with dogs, though without amenities like drinking water or toilets. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Zion National Park, Utah.

The rough road to Guacamole Trailhead Camping presents challenges for low-clearance vehicles but rewards pet owners with scenic views and spacious camping areas. Zion Wright Family Ranch provides an extensive network of dispersed sites with stunning canyon vistas and clean portable toilets, approximately 40 minutes from Springdale. Most area campgrounds allow dogs in camping areas but restrict them from park trails within Zion National Park boundaries. Pets must remain supervised at all times and cannot be left at campsites while owners hike. During summer months, ground temperatures can become dangerously hot for pet paws; morning and evening walks provide safer exercise opportunities. Dispersed camping areas like North Creek and Dalton Wash accommodate multiple vehicles without feeling crowded, with drive-in access for both tents and RVs.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Zion National Park (200)

    1. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    244 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."

    "Zion National park Was the first stop to my 2 week hikeathon. Before going into the park we hit a few stores in springdale. Bought a few supplies beer and hot dogs."

    2. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    20 miles
    +1 (435) 680-0715

    $50 / night

    "The summer nights by the beach camping out with your people and your dogs is one of my favorites."

    "It’s fun of all sorts, kayaking, lake beach, boating, cliff jumping, bbq, off-roading everywhere!!! And the beauty that surrounds is unreal!!"

    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

    75 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

    46 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)

    46 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

    34 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."

    "I didn't have any expectations but knew that dispersed camping meant I could let my dog wander. All the designated areas are spread enough apart you will never hear another site."

    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."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Zion National Park

171 Photos of 200 Zion National Park Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Zion National Park

2191 Reviews of 200 Zion National Park Campgrounds

  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Ponderosa Grove Campground

    Great campsite minutes away from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

    Great campsite very close to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and only 40 minutes away from Zion National Park. Pay station located at the campground so have $5 cash per night to deposit.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Kolob Road BLM Dispersed

    Great Location!

    Plenty of space only 15-20ish minutes from Zion National Park! Awesome views too!

  • Emmi O.
    Apr. 30, 2022

    Zion West RV Park

    Reliable

    It was easy to find and not far away from Zion national park. Owner was super friendly and gave us instructions to our site through phone.

    20-30$ with our van. Wi-fi and SHOWERS!

    Good place that I recommend

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Zion River Resort

    Great place to stay!

    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.

  • Raf A.
    Aug. 5, 2020

    Zion River Resort

    Awesome Base Camp

    Stayed for 4 nights. 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. Verizon signal is poor but TMobile gets 4 bars. This park is the best alternative when campgrounds inside Zion are booked. The park store is relatively full of pertinent supplies and gift items. They even have a “mining” activity for the kiddos. Would def stay here again when we visit the area next.

  • marty G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 21, 2024

    Gateway Luxury RV Resort

    True luxury resort

    With its huge resort style swimming pool and hot tub. Pickel ball courts and corn hole boards. This place is a vacation destination in itself. Located less than 20 miles from Zion national park, it's a perfect place to start your adventures.

  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2018

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

    So close to Zion National Park, busy in the summertime

    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. Busy in the summertime with lots of mountain bikers as the area is popular for it's mountain bike trails.

  • Alex B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2018

    Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    Kolob Terrace Rd campsite

    If you’re looking to explore a lesser known area of Zion National Park and avoid the crowds, this is the place for you. Located 30 minutes from Zion National Park, on Kolob Terrace Road (0.1 miles once on Kolob road on the right hand side). The campsite is located near a stream and is absolutely beautiful. Free to camp here, no permit required, first come basis. Fire pits are available throughout.

    For those of you who are planning on hiking the Subway, this is the perfect place to camp as it only located a few miles from the Subway Trailhead - Left Fork Trailhead.

    Enjoy.

    Approximate location: GPS: 37.231354, -113.156843

  • Will M.
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Red Cliffs Campground

    Go after rain

    It's a beautiful campground and a short distance from Zion National Park. Unfortunately when I went, I believe the water was being redirected for agricultural use because the water was fairly stagnant, being that the stream was essentially dried up. The campsites are fairly spacious though, accessible by paved roads. Each site also comes with a fire pit, in addition to having a covered "dining" area as well. Biggest downfall for me was no available showered, although each site does have access to running water.

Guide to Zion National Park

Camping with your furry friends near Zion National Park offers a fantastic way to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your pets. Here are some great options for pet-friendly camping in the area.

Tips for camping with dogs near Zion National Park

  • Watch out for wildlife: At the Watchman Campground, campers have reported seeing mule deer, so keep an eye on your food and pets.
  • Stay hydrated: Many campgrounds, like Zion Canyon Campground, provide drinking water, ensuring your pets stay hydrated during your adventures.
  • Plan for shade: Some sites, such as those at Zion River Resort, have tree coverage, which can help keep your pets cool during hot days.

Dog owners appreciate the convenience of amenities

  • Electric hookups available: Campgrounds like South Campground offer electric hookups, making it easier to keep your pet's gadgets charged.
  • Clean facilities: Campers at Quail Creek State Park Campground have noted the cleanliness of restrooms, which is a plus for pet owners.
  • Picnic tables for meals: Many sites, including Red Cliffs Campground, feature picnic tables, perfect for enjoying meals with your pets.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great activities

  • Close to hiking trails: The Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is conveniently located near trails, allowing you to explore the beautiful surroundings with your dog.
  • Access to water activities: Campers at Sand Hollow State Park Campground can enjoy swimming and other water activities, making it a fun spot for pets that love water.
  • Family-friendly activities: At Zion River Resort, families can enjoy amenities like a heated pool and playground, ensuring a fun-filled stay for everyone, including your pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pet-friendly camping options are available in Zion National Park?

While Zion's in-park campgrounds do allow pets, many visitors prefer nearby alternatives with more space for their furry companions. Watchman Campground and South Campground inside the park permit leashed pets but have restrictions on where they can go. For more pet freedom, consider BLM options like Kolob Road BLM Dispersed, located just 15-20 minutes from Zion with stunning views and plenty of space for pets to explore. These dispersed sites have fewer restrictions while still providing convenient access to the park. Remember that all pets must be leashed even at dispersed sites, and you'll need to pack out pet waste.

What activities can I do with my dog in Zion National Park?

Activities with your dog in Zion are limited but enjoyable with proper planning. Within the park, you can walk your leashed dog along the scenic Pa'rus Trail, which offers beautiful views of the Virgin River and surrounding mountains. For more varied activities, consider staying at Red Cliffs Campground, which offers spacious sites and access to pet-friendly trails outside park boundaries. Camp Lutherwood of Utah provides a quiet, pet-friendly environment with full hookups about an hour from the park. Many visitors establish a base camp at these pet-friendly locations and take turns visiting Zion's restricted areas while others stay with the dog, or explore the many pet-friendly areas outside park boundaries.

Where are dogs allowed in Zion National Park?

Dogs in Zion National Park are permitted only in very specific areas. They are allowed on the Pa'rus Trail, which is a paved 1.7-mile path along the Virgin River. Dogs can stay with you at campgrounds, in parking areas, and on public roads, but must remain leashed (maximum 6-foot leash) at all times. For more freedom with your pet, consider staying at Sheep Bridge BLM Area or Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed camping, both offering more pet-friendly spaces while still providing reasonable access to the park. Remember that dogs are prohibited on all other trails, wilderness areas, and shuttle buses within Zion.

What amenities are available at pet-friendly campgrounds in Zion National Park?

Pet-friendly campgrounds near Zion offer varying levels of amenities. Zion River Resort stands out with full hookups, heated pool, hot tub, restrooms, laundry facilities, propane, and notably, three fenced dog parks—perfect if your pets need separate spaces. For a luxury experience, Gateway Luxury RV Resort features a resort-style swimming pool, hot tub, pickleball courts, and corn hole boards, while being less than 20 miles from Zion. Budget-conscious pet owners might prefer Zion West RV Park, which offers Wi-Fi, showers, laundry facilities, and reasonable rates, making it a practical base for park exploration with your pets.

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