Tubing the Virgin River, cycling the Pa'rus Trail, and hiking to The Narrows are all within reach from South Campground, one of the most in-demand sites inside Zion National Park. The campground sits directly along the Virgin River, with sightlines toward the red canyon walls that frame the park. Sites vary between forested and open terrain, and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved multi-use path, runs through or alongside many of them, connecting campers to the visitor center and shuttle stop on foot or by bike.
Sites are close together. That's not a rumor or an exaggeration: reviewers consistently flag the density as the main tradeoff for camping inside the canyon. Walk-in sites along the river, including numbers 68, 71, 72, and 74, are frequently recommended, though they sit right on the Pa'rus Trail, meaning foot and bike traffic passes through regularly. David R. notes that from a riverside site, "little dots of light dancing along the bluffs and ridges" are visible at night as hikers work the Watchman Trail. Shade is limited at many sites, and summer temperatures regularly hit triple digits during the day.
There are no showers at South Campground. Flush toilets and potable water are available on-site, but campers who want to clean up need to walk to Zion Outfitters in Springdale, roughly a mile away, where token-operated showers run about $4 for five minutes. Cell coverage is inconsistent, with Verizon performing better than other carriers in most reviews. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park, just across the river, has hookup sites bookable six months out and tends to suit larger rigs better.
Reservations open on a rolling two-week window, with a three-night maximum per booking. Sites fill within hours of becoming available, so setting an alarm for exactly 14 days before arrival is a common strategy among repeat visitors. The campground accepts RVs up to 60 feet with full hookups, though many sites have shorter vehicle length limits posted on recreation.gov, and parking pads are not universally level. Flash flooding is a real seasonal risk given the proximity to the Virgin River, particularly during monsoon season in July and August.
South Campground makes the most sense for campers who want to skip the shuttle line entirely, access the Pa'rus Trail directly from their site, and use Springdale as a resupply base without needing a car each time.
Description
Overview
Reservations for South Campground are available up to 14 days before your arrival and may extend up to two days beyond this 14-day booking window. For visitors to Zion National Park, South Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately the end of February until the end of November each year. Season Dates: South Campground is open from early March to the end of October. Reservations are available up to 14 days before your arrival. For example, if you want to make a reservation for March 14 to 16, you may book this reservation beginning on March 1. Reservations that extend beyond the 14 day booking window cannot be altered. For reservations more than 14 days ahead of arrival, please check Watchman Campground which offers reservations six months in advance of arrival.
Recreation
Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. For more information, visit the park's Zion Canyon Trail Descriptions page.The Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Zion Canyon Shuttle System are a short walk from the campground. Many popular rock climbing routes are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon. Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park.
Facilities
Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, firepits and a dump station are provided at this facility. Four group sites are available that can accommodate RVs and tents. There are no hook-ups in this campground. Generators can be used during specific hours.
Natural Features
Zion is known for its dynamic geologic history. The South Campground and Amphitheater were built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the early 1930s. The project was completed and opened to the public in the spring of 1935. The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the campground. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer. Notice: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. August and September bring yellowjackets. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, shower facilities, restaurants. equipment rental businesses, gas stations, markets, bike rentals, library and health clinic.
Charges & Cancellations
Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation after 12:00 am Eastern Time the day of your arrival you must contact campground staff at zion_south_campground@nps.gov. Group campsite: Customers who cancel a group site reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Fire restrictions at Zion National Park are in effect. Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park in general and specifically campfires, charcoal fires, and propane fire rings within campgrounds and picnic areas is prohibited. Cook stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid propane gas fuels are allowed. Please refrain from transporting wood or charcoal to the campground since it may not be used and should not be left behind. Thank you for your attention to this.
Starting June 7, 2026 , Zion National Park will enforce vehicle size and weight limits on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (ZMCH) from Canyon Junction to the East Entrance. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/large-vehicles.htm .
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSouth Campground is located in Utah near Springdale
Directions
From Las Vegas, St. George or other points south on Interstate 15: Travel north to Exit 16, towards Hurricane. Follow State Route 9 east for 12 miles (19 km) to La Verkin and turn right to continue on State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance of Zion. Take the second right after the entrance station. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite. From Salt Lake City, Interstate 70 or other points north on Interstate 15: Travel south to Exit 27, towards Toquerville. In 6.1 miles (15.5 km) turn left onto State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance. Take the second right after the entrance station. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite. From Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Kanab or other points south on U.S. 89: Travel north to State Route 9. Turn left and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles (33 km) to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles (19 km), then turn left at the sign for South Campground. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite. From Bryce Canyon National Park, Panguitch or other points north on U.S. 89: Travel south to State Route 9. Turn right and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles (33 km) to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles (19 km), then turn left at the sign for South Campground. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite.
Address
State Hwy 9
Springdale, UT 84767
Coordinates
37.2016667 N
112.9855556 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 394 usersLast on 7/24/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 359 usersLast on 7/24/26- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 156 usersLast on 7/24/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 394 usersLast on 7/24/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 359 usersLast on 7/24/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 156 usersLast on 7/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 46 min from St. George, UT
- 2 hrs 29 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 4 hrs 2 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 5 hrs 15 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
