Camping in Zion National Park (When To Go & Best Campgrounds)

Dreaming of camping in Zion National Park? This guide covers the best time to camp, how to get there, what to pack, the best campgrounds and more!

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.

Table of Contents

Camping in Zion National Park

The Best Time to Camp in Zion National Park

Temperatures in Zion National Park are consistently warm, even through the winter, and many of the sites are open year round as a result.

Just note that there are no shower or laundry facilities at the campgrounds within the park, so be sure to plan ahead to account for this.

While Zion National Park is open for camping all year round, the most popular time to visit is from April through October, when shuttle buses are running and all the facilities are open. That said, summer is not only peak season in Zion, it’s also the hottest time of year.

To beat the crowds and summer heat, I recommend camping in Zion in either early spring or late fall – you’ll still see all the sites, but you’ll have a better chance at nabbing a camping spot and be way more comfortable at the same time.

How to Get to Zion National Park

Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah, about 3 hours from Las Vegas and 5 hours from Salt Lake City.

While there are shuttles within the park itself, the easiest way to get to the park is by car or RV, so if you’re flying into the area, I highly suggest you rent some wheels at the airport. That said, keep in mind that the entrances to the park get very busy in the summer, so give yourself a little extra time.

To get into the park itself, note that Zion has two main entrances — the south entrance and east entrance — both accessible from Route 9.

Best Spots to Camp in Zion National Park

Whether you’ll be camping in a tent or RV, there is a Zion National Park campground for you.

Lava Point Campground

Lava Point Campground is a first-come, first-serve site that is far away from the crowds. An hour and a half drive from the South Entrance, Lava Point is a primitive campground and is free as a result.

You’ll find pit toilets and trash cans here, but no water or other amenities. Definitely stock up on food and water before you set up shop.

To find Lava Point Campground from Virgin, Utah, take Kolob Terrace Road for 25 miles and watch for the signs. Note that RV’s 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.

Watchman Campground

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.

Not only are there 63 RV sites, 66 tent sites, 6 group campsites, and a visitors center, there is a nearby shuttle stop to get around the park, amazing views of the surrounding mountains, and wheelchair accessible sites. Campsites include amenities such as electrical hookups, flush toilets, fire pits, drinking water, and a dump station.

However, Watchman is probably the most popular campground in Zion so be sure to make your reservations early. The campground is open all year, and if you’re visiting from March through November, you can make reservations up to six months in advance.

South Campground

Just down the road from Watchman, about a half-mile from the south entrance, South Campground is another popular spot in which to camp in Zion. Each site here is large and comes with fire grates, picnic tables, and drinking water access. You can make reservations for campsites here up to two weeks prior to your arrival date.

South Campground is open from late February through late November, and sites are first-come, first serve. Although there aren’t any hookups or washrooms here, there is a dump station and potable water.

Backcountry Camping

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and camp on your own, then heading into the Zion National Park backcountry is the way to go. 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.

Best Spots to Camp Near Zion National Park

Zion Glamping Adventures

If glamping with stunning nature all around you is your thing, then Zion Glamping Adventures is the perfect option!

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. The best part is that you can leave your camping gear at home!

Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort

Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort is located just outside the south entrance to the park and has some great views.

The campground is both RV and tent-friendly, is within walking distance of the park’s visitor center, and provides showers, fire rings, barbeques, and a swimming pool. Additionally, the surrounding area has great restaurants and the staff here is very knowledgeable about things to do.

Zion River Resort RV Park and Campground

Located right beside the Virgin River, Zion River Resort is a popular camping spot with well-maintained grounds, parking pads, and fire pits. This site pulls out all the stops, with restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, pools, tent sites, pull-through sites, and full hookups available.

The campground is located right in the town of Virgin and is just 20 minutes from the park, but also provides a shuttle service into Zion for a fee.

Hi-Road Campground

Hi-Road Campground is located just outside the east entrance and is great if you want to hike the East Rim Trail. The site has pull-through sites, full hookups, and tent spots, but this is a place where you’ll probably be more comfortable just passing through for a night, instead of spending all your time here.

Facilities at this campground are basic, although there is a small store across the road with some supplies.

How many days do you need in Zion National Park?

We recommend about 4-7 days, depending on how much of the park you want to explore. 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 you’re not trying to pack too much into each day and you can actually enjoy your time out in nature!

Zion National Park Camping Tips

Wildlife

As always, it’s best to avoid wildlife whenever possible, yet there are still some critters you should be on the lookout for.

Zion National Park is home to both scorpions and rattlesnakes, both of which like to rest in shady places such as the crevices of rocks. To avoid both, be sure to always watch where you step — step on top of rocks and fallen logs, not over them– and make sure to shake out your boots before you put them on (scorpions love to hide in shoes!)

Water

Not every campground in Zion National Park has potable or drinkable water. Before you book, make sure you know what the water situation at your campsite is like, and plan accordingly. There’s nothing worse than running out of water in a place as hot as Zion!

Maps

Zion has plenty of well-worn trails, but there are also some that are faint or somewhat confusing in nature. Before you head out, grab a map at the visitor’s center, and keep an eye on trail markers.

Zion National Park Packing Essentials

Water: You’ll definitely want to bring along a hydration system such as the Camelbak, along with some refillable water bottles.

Sun Protection: Zion is notoriously not and sunny, and so you’re going to want to bring along a sun hat, baseball cap, a couple of pairs of sunglasses, and ample sunscreen.

Footwear: For both hiking around the park and hanging out at your campsite, you’re going to want to bring comfortable shoes that you can walk around in. I recommend bringing a pair of hiking shoes, a pair of sandals (Teva’s are great), and a pair of cheap flip-flops for walking around your site.

Also, if you plan on heading into any canyons with water around, I’d recommend bringing along a pair of water shoes.

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.

Camping Gear: Depending on your camping style, you’ll want to consider bringing a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cookware, a portable lantern, and a rechargeable phone case.

Plan Your Trip to Zion National Park

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Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust Visitors Coverage, which we’ve used for the past 8 years.

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Camping in Zion National Park (When To Go & Best Campgrounds)

Camping in Zion National Park