Its also a popular place to camp, and there are multiple camping options both right inside the park and in the surrounding areas as well. There are no showers at South Campground. Angels Landing: Fall (Hikes on September 1 - November 30) . Its a fun place to be when you want to check out multiple places in the broader region, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. If you have an RV or want to reserve a site well in advance, Watchman Campground is likely the better choice. Located in the desert at 3,900 feet of elevation, Watchman Campground has great temperatures in spring and fall. That said, keep in mind that the entrances to the park get very busy in the summer, so give yourself a little extra time. At Zion National Park, there are no shower or laundry facilities at the three campgrounds, so plan accordingly. In total, there are 36 full hookup sites and 20 pull-throughs. For more information about these sites or the campground in general, call 435-772-3256. For group sites, the fees can be higher. Reservations are required for Watchman Campground, while South and Lava Point Campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The property is less than a mile from the east entrance of Zion National Park. Rock Climbing Top 10 Campgrounds and RV Parks Zion National Park Utah is known for its expanses of dry deserts and red rock formations. Then consider Hi-Road Campground, which is located just a mile from the parks east entrance. Well send you our newsletter with travel destinations, In addition to being just a quarter mile from the parks entrance, the campground is walking distance from the parks main visitor center and the Zion Canyon Shuttle System. TheGeekyCamper.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Your email address will not be published. Stave Springs is located about five miles in from the East Rim trailhead and Weeping Rock trailhead and runs seasonally. Heres a year-round RV park that is in a quiet, country setting and centrally located in Washington County. Open seasonally from March through October, depending on weather conditions, South Campground campsites are for up to 6 people, including children. Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, The Best Camping Spots in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, We Found the Coolest Airbnb Near Every US National Park, This Summer's Most Exciting Hotel Openings, Affordable Honeymoon Destinations You Might Not Have Thought of Yet, Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in the Adirondacksthe Birthplace of the American Vacation, The 5 Most Popular National Parks for Hiking, According to Google. You can get a permit at both of Zions visitor centers the day before or the day of your trip. Thats because, unlike South Campground, its not sandwiched between a busy road and a popular hiking trail. Various tents and wagons are available to rent here to make your stay a special one. April 22, 2022 Mikaela Ruland St. George. Located closer to the park entrance and visitor center. Turn off to the Visitor Center from the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and continue for about 200 yards. To do this overnight hike, you must do the route from the top down the canyon by taking the 16-mile Chamberlains Ranch to The Temple of Sinawava route. The creek, which reaches a maximum depth of 120 feet, is cold enough to house rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie. Enjoy a sit-down meal in the main dining room from breakfast through . All rights reserved. If youd prefer to camp amidst a shady grove of aspen trees and dont mind driving a little over an hour to the parks east entrance each day,Te-Ah Campground in the Dixie National Forest is a great plan-B when Zions official campgrounds are full. Its on the shores of Navajo Lake and just half a mile from the Virgin Rim River Trail. Visitation hasnearly doubled since 2010, with over5 million travelers arriving in 2021 alone. The Best Campgrounds in Zion National Park - The Geeky Camper Temperatures at night can get very cold in spring and fall. No campsites at South Campground have electricity. Also, if you plan on heading into any canyons with water around, Id recommend bringing along a pair of water shoes. Ad Choices. The Watchman Trail, Archeology Trail and Parus trail are accessible from the campground. Personalized guide to help you decide from your choice of three park campgrounds to remote backcountry sites and a slice of RV heaven. Zion Canyon Campground & RV Park is an excellent choice if you can't find a campsite inside the Zion National Park, but we recommend making your reservation well in advance. This campground is run by a family that also operates a couple of hotels in the area. Pros - Beautiful area, plenty of tree-cover, even a natural stream passing by.No reservations needed. Read more: 20 Genius Camping Hacks Every Camper Should Know. With incredible views, over 90 miles of trails, and camping sites for every taste, Zion is repeatedly listed as one of the best places to camp in Utah. Another local option is the Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground, which offers RV sites and cabins just minutes from Zion National Park. } The wonders of these landscapes are perhaps most prominent in Zion National Park, one of the hottest tourist destinations in the country. Open: March OctoberCost: $20 per campsite, per nightElevation: 3,940 feet (1,200 meters)Reservations: Available 14 days in advance. Location: The Watchman Campground is located on just south of the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Located just outside Zion National Park, it features breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and canyons. There are 176 total sites here 95 with electrical hookups, 65 for RVs only, and 69 for tents only. Pay showers are available at Zion Outfitter, a 10-minute walk from the campground just outside the parks pedestrian entrance. Road Trip Through Utahs Mighty 5 National Parks (Massive Guide), Best Camping & Backpacking Tents (In-Depth Buying Guide), 20 Genius Camping Hacks Every Camper Should Know, What to Pack for a Trip to Utahs National Parks, The Best Cameras for Hiking and Backpacking. Where Should I Camp in Zion National Park? 8 Best Campgrounds near Zion National Park | PlanetWare Read more: Road Trip Through Utahs Mighty 5 National Parks (Massive Guide). Image from The Dyrt camper Jasmine L. Zion is one of the most crowded parks in the country. may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Visit recreation.gov for campsite reservations. For RV camping, youll stay in loops A and B where there are electric hookups, nearby flush toilets, fire rings and drinking water available. Convenient to the parksfree shuttles, historic visitor center, and the breathtakingWatchman Trail, this year-round, 176-site campground is our top pick for camping in Zion. Not only can you camp at Zion's highest point, but you can also camp there for F-R-E-E! Want to pitch your tent in a more historic spot? National park campgrounds: Glacier, Acadia, Yosemite, Zion, more Each campsite can accommodate a maximum of six campers, three tents and two vehicles (only one of which can be an RV). Summer days can top 100 F, and winter temperatures can drop below zero. Camping fees at Zion National Park vary depending on the campground and type of site. There are 20 total cabins here that start at a rate of $175 per night. To get into the park itself, note that Zion has two main entrances the south entrance and east entrance both accessible from Route 9. "dateModified": "2023-04-29", Both are excellent choices, but each has its own advantages. Zion National Park. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates are available for RVs, and there are also tent sites available here starting at $25 per night. Not every campground in Zion National Park has potable or drinkable water. 5 Best Key West RV Parks 9 Best RV Campgrounds in New Jersey Camping Reservations Campground Comparisons Guides In addition to providing another campground option for Zion National Park, this state park also offers its own attraction. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Crown of the Continent. The Best Zion National Park Camping Grounds for Every Kind of Traveler However, Watchman is probably the most popular campground in Zion so be sure to make your reservations early. Zion Crest Campground & RV Park - Springdale, UT, Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground - Virgin, UT, Hi-Road Campground - Mount Carmel Junction, UT, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort - Orderville, UT, St. George/Hurricane KOA - St. George, UT, 10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece, 10 Best Hotels Near Petco Park in San Diego, CA, Top 9 Extended Stay Hotels in Pensacola, Florida, Top 13 Hotels Near Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado, 12 Best Four Seasons Resorts Around the World, Stay with Your Pup at Best Friends Roadhouse in Utah, Top 8 Things to Do in Arches National Park, 9 Water Parks in the Wisconsin Dells Your Kids Will Love, 13 Best Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the World. Heres a personalized guide to help you decide where to spend the night, from your choice of three park campgrounds to remote backcountry sites to a slice of RV heaven. Both South and Watchman Campgrounds require fees for camping, while Lava Point Campground is free but operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is often full due to its limited availability (only six primitive campsites). Basic Information Watchman Campground is located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, mile away from the South Entrance in Springdale, Utah. It provides easy access to nature and is along the Virgin River. Watch the edge as the walls drop precipitously down to the canyon here. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. There are no hook-ups available in this campground. There are also 11 walk-in tent sites and four double sites available. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Watchman Campground is open year-round. Camping is one of the best ways to experience Zion National Park. Reservable campsites and first come, first served campites. Before you head out, grab a map at the visitors center, and keep an eye on trail markers. This is primitive camping, so you wont find any amenities here. South Campground is open seasonally (usually March through late October), and sits against the burbling Virgin River, right between the Visitor Center and the Zion Human History Museum. While this may require additional equipment, backcountry camping offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience all that Zion has to offer. Camping in Zion National Park (When To Go & Best Campgrounds) 10 Best Places To Stay In U.S. National Parks | TravelAwaits As these are popular backcountry camping sites, make sure to book early. Sites accommodate a range of people from just 2 campers at Flat Rock to 4 at River Bend, 6 at Ringtail and 12 at Kolob Creek, to name a few. Camping South of Zion National Park Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort Open: Year-round Cost: $44 per tent campsite, per night Elevation: 3,870 feet (1,180 meters) Located in the town of Springdale, Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort is the closest private campground to Zion Canyon. Lava Point Campground is closed in winter due to deep snow. Grand Canyon Lodge offers cabins and motel-style accommodations to guests. South Campground in Zion National Park South Campground in Zion National Park | Photo Copyright: Lana Law South Campground is undoubtedly the best place to camp in Zion. Its perched up high at 7,890 feet elevation and off the Kolob Terrace Road and 25 minutes north of Virgin, Utah. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. Despite there being 229 square miles of desert and valley to explore, visitors all often gather in the same places, including two of the three campgrounds and near the . If you want to make some friends, have tons of amenities, and be in the center of all the Zion action, then Watchman Campground is the place to be. It has fun events scheduled throughout the year and lots of amenities, including a business center, free internet, a charcoal grill with tables, and big-screen TV with new-release movies. Lava Point, Zions smallest and most remote car-friendly campground, offers reservations on a two-week rolling window, once it opens in May. During the spring and summer, stop by the ice cream shop for a sweet treat! Youre headed to Zion National Park where 90 miles of trails and 124,400 acres of designated wilderness await you to be explored. "url": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com", Immersed in a dramatic Navajo sandstone landscape, many of these yurts give campers easy day-use access to Zion as well as other excellent (and often less crowded) nearby parks like Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. To beat the crowds and summer heat, I recommend camping in Zion in either early spring or late fall youll still see all the sites, but youll have a better chance at nabbing a camping spot and be way more comfortable at the same time. There are 128 campsites, including four group campsites and 3 wheelchair-accessible sites. If youre looking for solitude and dont mind the lack of some amenities that large campgrounds offer, Lava Point is an excellent option, especially in the heat of the summer. There are 12 standard campsites here that have picnic tables and fire rings. Zion National Park Watchman Campground 98% Recommend +301 Review Upload Book on Recreation.gov Not instantly bookable on Hipcamp. The south entrance leads quickly to the most popular spots. There are two main campgrounds within the park: South Campground and Watchman Campground. Also, consider the exceptional backcountry camping opportunities that Zion offers. Located in nearby Dixie National Forest, you can stay at Navajo Lake Campground along the shores of the lake. "@context": "http://schema.org", For example, South Campground, Watchman Campground, Zion Canyon Campground, and Zion River RV Resort & Campground are the most famous campgrounds. The #1 Zion guidebook.Full-color and filled with insider tips.Plan the ultimate Zion adventure! As there are only 12 campsites, the park will only issue 12 backpacking permits per day. With this in mind, you may want to consider free camping outside the park. "name": "TripsToDiscover", With only two significant campgrounds, landing a reservation requires booking well in advance. Spruces Campground has 24 standard campsites, one double site, three walk-in tent sites, and a day-use area. Meanwhile, the city of St. George is just 10 minutes away. You will also receive a FREE eBook on how to take the most beautiful travel photos! This campground features a collection of 20 tiny 400-square foot cabins, each of which sleeps four. Season Dates: South Campground is open from early March to the end of October. These primitive campsites can be reserved online or used on a walk-up basis. If you plan on hiking any of the longer day hikes, such as Angels Landing, Zion Narrows Day Hike, and Observation Point Trail, give yourself closer to a week to visit so youre not trying to pack too much into each day and you can actually enjoy your time out in nature! The best campgrounds in Zion National Park , United States of America We have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp and are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive. 1. While summer is a popular time at the park, intense heat can make camping a miserable experience. There are a few great trails to camp on, including the West Rim Trail (which has 9 campsites), Orderville Canyon (a Canyoneering hotspot), and Deertrap Mountain. Vehicles have to be 19 feet or less to be allowed on the road to Lava Point Campground. For a classic Zion experience, backpacking in the Narrows in the upper section of Zion Canyon is a memorable summer-to-fall adventure, but you need to be aware of the dangers inherent in hiking the Narrows, including flash flooding and hypothermia. Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah, about 3 hours from Las Vegas and 5 hours from Salt Lake City. Note: From March through mid-November, campers in Zion are limited to a maximum of 14 nights per year. The convergence of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau in the Zion National Park area makes for incredibly scenic yurt camping and glamping. Open all year. Campsites closer to the road are most affected by the sound of traffic. If you like to gamble and never lose, then place your bets on Watchman Campground. This site pulls out all the stops, with restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, pools, tent sites, pull-through sites, and full hookups available. "headline": "16 Best Places for Camping Near Zion National Park", Each site comes with a fire grate, picnic table and access to drinking water. Zion Campgrounds - Ultimate Guide to Tent and RV Camping This campground is set on the banks of the Quail Creek reservoir, which is fed through an underground pipeline by the Virgin River. Its open year-round and requires reservations. "@type": "Organization", At South, visitors need only reserve a site online, up to two weeks in advance of their trip. Reservations can be made for Watchman Campground, but South Campground is first-come, first-served. She has traveled extensively, around the U.S., throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Travel Insurance:We never travel without a travel insurance policy because its not worth the risk! If no campsites are available in Zion National Park, check out some of the great campgrounds near Zion. THE 5 BEST Zion National Park Campgrounds - Tripadvisor I recommend bringing a pair of hiking shoes, a pair of sandals (Tevas are great), and a pair of cheap flip-flops for walking around your site. I would like to receive news, exclusive offers, and fun updates from Hipcamp. Amanda Williams is a writer, plant-nerd, and outdoor enthusiast. The Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is known for camping, jeep tours, canyoneering, hiking, and horseback riding. All campsites are located a short walk from Comfort Stations, which have flush toilets, drinking water, a sink where you can wash dishes, and trash containers. As always, its best to avoid wildlife whenever possible, yet there are still some critters you should be on the lookout for. There is no running water, but there are pit toilets. Another campground with glamping opportunities is the Hi-Road Campground, which offers 400-square-foot tiny cabins with upscale amenities. Lava Point Campground offers a more peaceful campground experience with just six primitive campsites available. Hiking Gear: If you plan on spending a good chunk of time out on the trails, then I recommend bringing along some trekking poles, a day bag, a rain poncho, and some bug spray. 6 Tips for Traveling by RV in Zion National Park Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, was the third-most-visited national park in 2017 - and for good reason. The campground also features easy access to nearby shops. If you sign up for their email alerts, youll receive flight deals at up to 90% off. There are no hook-ups available in this campground, but there is a dump station with potable water. In addition to the cabins, there are also tent sites available at the Hi-Road Campground. 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. About an hour away from Zion National Park, this canyon boasts views of the Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area, and is within walking distance of the stunning Water Canyon trail head full of waterfalls. Best Campgrounds in Zion National Park - Just Go Travel Studios Once you start, youll find 12 backcountry camping sites along the way, and you must camp in the designated sites. This makes it the perfect pick for van lifers, car campers, and tent pitchers whod rather not book six months out. Camping can be a challenge in Zion National park. John Muir is her hero. You can make a reservation online for some sites, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. The 5 Best Campgrounds In Zion National Park | RV Lifestyle Reservations, available March through November, can be booked up to six months in advance at recreation.gov. ` 1. Sure, we all like to get weird in the wilderness, but camping in public lands is not a free-for-all, and following a few basic campground rules will go a long way in preserving the parks for future generations. You must get a backcountry permit to spend nights backcountry in the park. Youll need a 19-foot or shorter vehicle (most cars and mid-size vans) to brave the winding mountain road to this higher-elevation spotit sits at 7,890 feet, making it cooler in summerbut once you arrive, you can enjoy panoramic views of sandstone towers atthe Lava Point Overlook and trek the parks more forestednorthern trails. Pay showers are available at Zion Outfitter, a 10-minute walk from the campground just outside the parks pedestrian entrance. Maine. This camping area is a half-mile from the South Entrance at Springdale and near the visitor center. These cabins offer a rustic yet luxurious place to stay during your visit to Zion. To book your site, you can either call the office or make an online reservation. I have traveled all over the world using their flight deals. In total, there are 131 powered RV spots and 15 tent sites. You know that means insane sunsets and wildlife making your trip feel like a Read more For visitors to Zion National Park, South Campground is an ideal place to stay. Camping in Zion is extremely popular, and finding a campsite during peak season can be challenging. Lava Point Campground is a first-come, first-serve site that is far away from the crowds. The Best Campgrounds in Grand Canyon South Rim, The Best Campgrounds in Death Valley National Park, The Best Campgrounds in and near Bryce Canyon National Park, Best Time to Visit Zion National Park in 2022. They can be booked up to two weeks in advance at, Watchman Campground is open year-round and sites are available by reservation at. Note that RVs have to be less than 19 feet long to be allowed on this road and that the campground is only open seasonally from June through October. Reservations are available up to 14 days before your arrival. This grandiose Park in Southern Utah features a variety of landscapes and adventures. These rustic, yet luxurious, cabins have all the comforts of home, such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, microwaves, full bathrooms, and beds. All campsites are located a short walk from Comfort Stations, which have flush toilets, drinking water, a sink where you can wash dishes, and trash containers. There are three wheelchair-accessible sites. Plus, with its right-inside-the-entrance location, Watchman is the perfect place to bring your bike and cycle into the main canyon. Reservations for South Campground are available 14 days ahead of arrival. Although this campground is outside the park, the entrance to the park is just minutes away and the campground is included in the parks shuttle system. The Zion Canyon Campground is Springdale, Utahs only campground, and a private RV park with quite a few amenities. Here, you can stay in a romantic canvas tent, pioneer-style covered wagon, or private bungalow with all the comforts of a hotel room. You can explore more options on Hipcamp. The biggest downside to South Campground is its location between Route 9 (the main road to Zion Canyon) and the Parus Trail, which lures a steady stream of hikers and bikers. 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. They launch themselves from trees onto tents, picnic tables, chairs and people, so bring a wide-brimmed hat and a sense of humor to deal with these creatures. The six primitive sites at Lava Point Campground are first-come, first-served. Your reward? Utah National Park Packing List (A Complete Guide), Zion National Park Travel & Hiking Guide 2023, 10 Amazing Outdoor Adventures in Southern Utah. Pets are allowed in some of the cabins. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets. Youll be just outside the eastern boundary of Zion National Park when you book a campsite at Zion Crest Campground & RV Park. Camping at Watchman Campground in Zion National Park 1. Campsites include amenities such as electrical hookups, flush toilets, fire pits, drinking water, and a dump station. There are four groups sites that fit 7-15 people, a maximum of six tents and five vehicles, including trailers, RVs and so on. Its typically open May through September, pending weather conditions. Read more: Zion National Park Travel & Hiking Guide. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, CA w/ Daily Breakfast Credit, Hotel Effie Miramar Beach w/ $100 Spa Credit, Air & 15-Day Magic of Bali & Ubud Small Group Tour, Europe River Cruises w/ Flights | Up to $300 Off, 12-Day Amsterdam to Berlin River Cruise | 50% Off, $300 Off | Air & 9-Day Island Hopping in Greece, Air & 8-Day Italy by Rail Scenic Self-Guided Tour, Air & 10-Day Delightful Islands of Croatia Tour, Millennium Downtown New York | Up To 27% Off, Inn by the Sea, Maine w/ 4 Freshly Caught Lobsters, $500 Off | Air & 12-Day Egypt Tour w/ Nile Cruise, Park Central Hotel NYC w/ 2 Great Gatsby Tickets, The Eliot Hotel Boston w/ Champagne & Strawberries. Shuttle your cars or arrange transportation with a shuttle company in Springdale for the 1.5-hour ride back to Chamberlains Ranch. (The park even runs a free shuttle from Springdale to its entrance). Starting in 2022 you will need a reservation to stay at Lava Point Campground. The resort features a wide variety of amenities onsite including a laundromat, restrooms, showers, and a variety of different types of RV sites complete with full utility hookups. Camping within Zion National Park is not free. For campers who dont mind roughing it, this is a feature, not a bug, as wilderness-seeking guests here have the opportunity to soak up unparalleled quiet and ultra-dark night skies. Prices for a standard campsite at South Campground range from $20 to $30 per night, while Watchman Campground's prices range from $30 to $50 per night for standard sites. While there are shuttles within the park itself, the easiest way to get to the park is by car or RV, so if youre flying into the area, I highly suggest you rent some wheels at the airport. National Parks The Best Time to Visit Zion National Park When to visit Zion National Park for the best camping, fewer crowds, sunny weather, and more. There is a seasonal pool onsite, as well as a dog park, mini-golf, snack bar, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and firewood for sale. The campground is both RV and tent-friendly, is within walking distance of the parks visitor center, and provides showers, fire rings, barbeques, and a swimming pool. 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. Various dining options are also available at the resort, including a coffee bar, restaurant, poolside snack bar, country diner, and catering services.