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Camping near Zion National Park

2,132 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.

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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

    44 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Zion National Park

600 Photos of 268 Zion National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Zion National Park

2132 Reviews of 268 Zion National Park Campgrounds

  • Ruben G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Kolob Road BLM Dispersed

    Easy access near Zion

    The road is a bit bumpy but there are a few spots to camp. Amazing views during sunset and sunrise. Look out for the fire restrictions as there was a level 2 restriction on this BLM area during the stay. Some road noise after 7am from the occasional car.

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Seaman Wash Dispersed

    Not good for trailers

    So this is a very, very long, box bladed, very smooth dirt road. On either side it looks as if a snow plow has come through and just piled up the dirt. In some places over 2’ high. Near the entrance, there are various places where folks have pulled off into the sand and parked/camped. However, the areas are small and still very bumpy & sandy. There are a few places where it looks like off roaders come for fun, but with all the very prickly underbrush, it’s not very “camping” friendly. The road is VERY long, and I was driving a 2WD van, towing a utility trailer. I turned down the road to scout out a place for us to park our 5th wheel for the night. Eventually the small camping spots disappeared and all there was were walls of dirt on either side with no where to turn around in site. Judging from the map the dirt road went on for a few more miles. I decided not to go any farther as there was zero cell service and my phone went into satellite SOS mode. I’m so thankful I did not get stuck trying to turn around, that would have been a very long walk in the dark back to the main road. I will say that it is very remote, and the road is wide and flat and smooth enough to just park on for the night if you don’t require a camping spot, but DO NOT attempt to pull a trailer in here unless you feel like during all the way to the end to turn around, or want to back allllll the way out. I finally stopped to turn around about 2 miles in, at the cattle guard. I very nearly got stuck in the very soft dirt. I have no idea

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    North Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great Spot Right Outside Zion

    Great spot 20 minutes outside south entrance outside of Zion. We were here Monday night and Tuesday. Arrived mid afternoon Monday and there was only 2 other people. It did fill up later in the evening but there was still several sites available and looked like maybe more down the road. Campsites are decent spaced out no one was too close.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Starlight Camping

    Close to perfect

    We really enjoyed staying at site 22. All the sites are incredibly well maintained and the camp host is so friendly. There’s flush toilets, showers with hot water, a clean place to wash dishes and they provide 5 gallon buckets of water if you want to have a fire (as required by the fire Marshall). It’s a little close to 89 so there’s a bit of road noise, but that’s really not a big deal.

  • F
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Duck Creek

    Great campground. Will come back for sure!

    We had a great stay! The campground is well-kept with clean restrooms, and the camp host was super friendly and welcoming. We loved the convenience of having a little town just 5 minutes away for anything we needed. We stayed in Loop A since Loops B and C are under renovation. The only downside was the traffic noise at night/day which can get a bit loud, but overall it was a very nice campground.

  • 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.

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.

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