Several RV campgrounds near Zion National Park provide access to lesser-known attractions beyond the main canyon. Most parks are within 20-45 minutes of park entrances, positioned at elevations between 3,000-5,000 feet where summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F. Tent camping options exist at several locations that also accommodate RVs, with some offering dedicated grass areas for tents only.
What to do
Hike Kanarra Falls trail: Red Ledge RV Park in Kanarraville sits just one mile from the trailhead. "This campground is perfectly located in Kanarraville, UT. Start with Kanarra Falls, an off the radar slot canyon which is just one mile away," notes Keith W. Purchase hiking permits in advance as they often sell out.
Explore Red Cliffs Recreation Area: Located near Leeds, this area features hiking trails with dinosaur tracks within 10 minutes of Leeds RV Park & Motel. "There is more than Zion within 10 min of this campground. Red Cliffs Rec area has beautiful trails and dinosaur tracks," explains one reviewer who preferred this area over crowded Zion.
Visit Kolob Canyons: This less-crowded section of Zion National Park sits near The Orchards At Kolob RV Resort, making it ideal for travelers seeking quieter park experiences. The resort provides convenient access to this area that features dramatic red cliffs and hiking trails without the main canyon crowds.
What campers like
Free amenities at smaller parks: Tent campers appreciate unexpected perks at compact RV parks. At Red Ledge RV Park, guests note, "Free showers and laundry super close by! Extremely close to the Kanarraville waterfall hike and close to Cedar City." The park also offers a hot tub and communal fire pit that encourages socializing.
Cleanliness of bathroom facilities: Many campers highlight exceptionally clean facilities at Range RV Campground in Apple Valley. "The laundry & bath areas were very nice and new. Laundry runs with an app so no quarters needed," reports Rachel P. The campground maintains modern facilities despite its rural setting.
Spacious RV sites: RVers frequently mention the generous site spacing at newer resorts. "Very large and spacious sites. Great Wi-Fi speeds," writes a reviewer about Range RV Campground, contrasting with tighter configurations at established parks. Sites typically include concrete pads with some offering artificial turf or shade structures.
What you should know
Seasonal temperature extremes: Summer heat can make camping challenging without hookups. "The weather here is extremely hot over 100! The bathrooms were hot no ac," reports one camper at St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey. Sites with shade are limited and highly sought after during peak season.
Cell service variability: Connectivity depends on campground location and carrier. "AT&T has, by far, the best connectivity here (T-Mobile had no service that I found)," notes Robert C. at Range RV Campground. Some parks offer WiFi but coverage rarely extends to all sites.
Leveling challenges: Several RV parks require significant leveling equipment. Leeds RV Park offers level sites, but other locations can be problematic. "Spaces are clean but you may need leveling blocks at many area campgrounds," a visitor notes. Bring adequate leveling equipment especially for larger rigs.
Permit requirements for attractions: Popular hikes like Kanarra Falls require advance permits that sell out regularly. "Make sure you purchase a permit in advance as they sell out most days," advises a Red Ledge RV Park visitor. Check recreation websites before arrival to secure necessary permissions.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: For families with children, swimming pools provide crucial heat relief. Gateway Luxury RV Resort features a "huge resort style swimming pool and hot tub," according to marty G., who adds it's "a perfect place to start your adventures."
Handicap accessibility: Range RV Campground offers features for mobility-limited family members. "Fairly handicap accessible. The pads are gravel, but the roadways are all cement, the bathrooms have wheelchair-accessible showers, and the swimming pool has a hoist," reports Robert C., noting this is uncommon in the area.
Entertainment options: Some parks offer recreation beyond hiking. "Free miniature golf" is available at St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey, although visitors note "the mini golf doesn't even have the green turf on most of the holes." Gateway RV Resort provides "Pickel ball courts and corn hole boards" that appeal to families.
Late check-in policies: Families arriving after office hours should verify check-in procedures. "We arrived after the office had closed, but the team had left the shower keys for us," reports RICHARD T. about his experience at Gateway Luxury RV Resort. Many parks accommodate late arrivals but procedures vary considerably.
Tips from RVers
Location trade-offs: Campgrounds closer to Zion's east entrance typically offer more peaceful settings but longer drives to services. Zion RV and Campground in Mount Carmel provides "great location, you feel like you're in the park. The drive to the visitor center is through a scenic historic park road," but campers note "no cell phone reception (Verizon)" and limited WiFi.
Off-peak camping benefits: Visiting outside summer months improves availability and comfort. "We stayed in January and had a wonderful visit," reports Rachel P. about Range RV Campground, appreciating reduced crowds and pleasant hiking temperatures.
Laundry facilities: Bauer's Canyon Ranch RV Park offers reasonable laundry rates. "Bathrooms and laundry room were old, outdated but clean with unlimited showers. WiFi was good," notes Muriel W. Pricing is typically $1.25-2.00 per wash and $1.00-1.50 per dry cycle.
Dump station access: Many parks provide dump stations but some charge additional fees. Before departing, verify dump station hours as some close earlier than the campground office. Most sites with full hookups include sewer connections with standard 3-inch fittings.
