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Zion National Park boasts some of the most breathtaking views that Utah has to offer as well as over 90 miles of wilderness trails, and thousands of acres of adventures. Lesser known than many of the other National Parks. It’s a real hidden gem that is just waiting to be discovered.
Sunny and welcoming year-around, you’ll find several campgrounds scattered across the park. There are tent-only campgrounds with just a handful of sites and well-equipped RV parks that offer many modern luxuries that will keep even the most demanding of camper happy. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve created this handy guide to the best campgrounds in Zion National Park. Enjoy!
1. Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground is surrounded by those tall sandstone cliffs, cottonwood trees and stunning views which make Zion National Park so famous. Located near the park’s south entrance, it offers 95 campsites with hookups and 69 tent-only sites. There are plenty of amenities to help you feel comfortable when you stay here.
You’ll also get flush toilets, potable water, dump station, drinking water, picnic tables, utility sinks BBQ, grill, fire pits, and even recycling facilities. If you want to bring your pet along then you’re very welcome to do so and The Virgin River runs close by so you can even enjoy a swim if the temperatures get too hot.
Although this campground is open all year round, we highly recommend you book between March and October to avoid disappointment.
Find out more about Watchman Campground in Zion National Park here.
2. South Campground
Clean and comfortable with astonishingly good views of The Watchman and Bridge Mountain and close to the Pa’arus Trail, South Campground is another popular campground in Zion National Park.
Here too you can swim in the Virgin River to cool off when temperatures get too high, enjoy the local trails to the max, settle down in the shade offered by the nearby trees, hop into Springdale town on the shuttle bus, or walk over to the visitor center.
Although the sites are a little close together and you can sometimes hear the noise from the road, it’s convenience and friendly staff makes it an excellent camping option when visiting Zion National Park.
The campground is open from March to November and it gets very busy during the high season. That’s why it’s a good idea to reserve if you want to grab your spot as places fill up early.
Facilities include flush toilets, drinking water, dump station, picnic tables, firepits, and bathrooms, and you can run your generator here too if you like.
Find out more about South Campground in Zion National Park here.
3. Lava Point Campground
Lava Point Campground is a gorgeous small campground with primitive facilities- just the way we like them. There are also some awesome trails around the campground so make sure you come ready to explore.
Offering just pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, six sites and without any running water, this is the place you can come to get away from the crowds, disconnect and just enjoy the stunning Utah landscapes.
Located 25 miles north of the town of Virgin and at 7890 feet above sea level, it does get pretty cold at night so make sure you bring plenty of layers with you if you come.
Best of all, this place is free so get here early to avoid disappointment!
Find out more about Lava Point Campground in Zion National Park here.
4. Zion Canyon Campground
This family-owned campground has been running since 1973 and offers a wealth of facilities that can keep the whole family happy (yes, even those who don’t like camping!) Just half a mile from the park’s south entrance, it’s a convenient place to get to and a great spot for exploring the trails and local canyons.
Spacious, welcoming and well-maintained, you’ll enjoy showers, a laundry service, cable TV, a swimming pool, fire ring, BBQ, picnic tables, and full RV hookups including power.
If you don’t fancy camping, you can even stay at the 42-room inn on the grounds for optimal comfort.
Find out more about Zion Campground in Zion National Park here.
5. Zion River Resort
There’s something so relaxing and rejuvenating about pitching your tent next to a flowing river and laying back to watch the stars once the sun goes down. If this sounds like your perfect campground, check out the Zion River Resort.
Just 20 mins from Zion National Park, friendly and very popular, it’s located in the town of Virgin and offers stunning views and easy access to the entire park.
With everything you could ever need for a comfortable camping experience, you’ll get WIFI, a pool, hot showers, restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, cable TV, a swimming pool, full hookups, and even electrical outlets included.
If that wasn’t enough, they also have a children’s playground, a business center (with a computer, printer, fax, and internet) and a laundry service. Dogs are also very welcome and there’s even a dedicated space where they can run off-leash.
Find out more about Zion River Resort in Zion National Park here.
6.Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
As the name suggests, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is an awe-inspiring place with pink Navajo sandstone, seemingly endless sand dunes and about as much natural beauty as you can handle. Located near the town of Kanab and around 40 minutes from Zion National Park, this is the perfect place to hike, horse ride or simply get out into nature or visit Zion.
The campground itself offers just 22 campsites and offers pull-through parking, picnic tables, grills, hot showers, drinking water, modern restrooms, dump station, phones, a visitor center and plenty of wildlife nearby.
Find out more about Coral Pink Sand Dunes campground near Zion National Park here.
With so many beautiful trails and outstanding beauty, Zion National Park is a place that deserves a visit at least once in your lifetime. Stay at one of the campgrounds we’ve mentioned here and you’re sure to enjoy a trip to remember!
Learn more about 13 Best National Parks for Camping and Hiking.