Top 6 Zion National Park Campgrounds

Zion National Park, with its dramatic landscapes, towering sandstone cliffs, and some of the most iconic hikes in the world, draws millions of visitors each year, whether you’re exploring the rugged backcountry, strolling along gentle riverside paths, or taking in breathtaking views from soaring peaks, camping is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this incredible environment.

But with so many campgrounds to choose from, it can be hard to know where to set up base. From full-service RV parks to more rustic sites, we’re here to help you choose by breaking down six of Zion’s top campgrounds.

Let’s get into it!

South Campground

South Campground sits just half a mile from the south entrance of Zion National Park, making it one of the best campgrounds for anyone looking for a convenient spot to explore the park from. With 117 campsites to choose from, both RVs and tents can set up camp here, but there are no hookups, and generator use is restricted during quiet hours (between 10 pm and 8 am), but this does guarantee that your nights will be peaceful! In terms of amenities, you’ll find picnic tables and fire rings, along with flushing toilets and drinking water stations.

This campground is open from March until late November, so if you’re planning a winter camping trip, you’ll need to explore other options. It also fills up quite quickly, especially during the peak season of April to October, but reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance. Don’t run the risk of trying to get a spot by just turning up, though – this is a very popular campground in Zion National Park.

One of the best things about choosing to camp at South Campground is that you’ll be within easy reach of some of Zion’s most iconic hikes! The nearly Pa’rus Trail is perfect if you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, and it’s also pet-friendly, so it’s ideal if you’re camping with your canine companion. Or, if you’re seeking a bigger adventure, the shuttle system provides easy access to hikes like Angel’s Landing or The Narrows, both of which are just a short ride away, while the nearby Virgin River offers you a peaceful spot to dip your feet or simply enjoy the view.

Watchman Campground

Just a stone’s throw from the visitor center, Watchman Campground is one of Zion National Park’s more developed sites and offers an extra level of comfort. Unlike South Campground, this one has electric hookups at 90 of its 189 sites, so it’s a great choice for RVs, especially “Loop B”, which is dedicated to RV camping only. It’s also larger than South Campground, and the amenities here include flushing toilets, picnic tables, a dump station, and fire pits, but there are no showers. Quiet hours are strictly enforced here, too, and you cannot run a generator between the hours of 10 pm and 8 am.

Another area where Watchman Campground differs from South Campground is that it is open year round, which is a big plus for any campers who want to experience Zion National Park during the quieter winter months. If you’re planning to stay here from spring through fall, however, making a reservation is essential and can be made up to six months in advance.

Since Watchman is so close to the visitor center, gathering park information for your stay or hopping on the shuttle bus is super easy. You’ll also be able to access Angel’s Landing, Emerald Pools, and The Narrows from here, while Zion Canyon and Springdale are just a short walk away, which is ideal if you’re looking for restaurants and shops.

Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park

Year round camping is available at Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park, making it an excellent place to create a base no matter the season. Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit, as temperatures tend to be more moderate compared to the desert-like heat of some other campgrounds, although summer temperatures can still rise pretty high. However, the Virgin River does run right by the campground and this provides you with a refreshing way to cool off!

Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park is located in Springdale (less than a mile from Zion National Park’s south entrance and adjoining the Quality Inn) and it offers full hookups for RVs, which is ideal for travelers looking for a little more comfort, but it is worth making a reservation well in advance. The amenities here are good, too, and include coin-operated laundry facilities, showers (always a luxury after a day of exploring), fire rings, picnic tables and a small store for basic supplies. There is also free WiFi available – a rarity in this neck of the woods!

You can easily walk or bike into Zion National Park from this campground, or catch the Springdale Shuttle Bus to hit major trails like Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools. And, since you’re in Springfield, you’ll have immediate access to some fantastic restaurants and be close to some shops, which is ideal for restocking your RV with essentials.

Zion River Resort RV Park

As its name suggests, Zion River Resort RV Park (which is located about 20 minutes from Zion’s south entrance) is the place to stay if you’re looking for a resort-like camping experience. With full hookups for RVs and amenities that include a swimming pool, hot tubs, showers, flushing toilets, laundry facilities, WiFi, cable TV acceess, and a camp store, it’s ideal for travelers who need a break from the wilderness!

This camping resort is open all year round, and while the summers here can be swelteringly hot, it is a great option for winter camping, as you’ll have the necessary comforts available to avoid the colder temperatures of Zion’s higher elevations. It is best to book ahead, though, as the resort fills up fast, especially during the busy season of spring through fall.

Even though the Zion River Resort is outside the park, it’s still just a short drive to Zion’s main entrance, where you can catch the shuttle and access all the major trails. Or, if you’re looking for something a little less crowded, the nearby town of Virgin offers some less-known trails, and staff at the resort are more than happy to arrange activities for you, like guided ATV tours or Jeep rentals. Fishing and tubing are also popular activities here, as the Virgin River flows right past the campgrounds.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Located about an hour east of Zion National Park’s visitor centre, there are 34 sites available for both tents and RV camping at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, along with picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecue grills. There are also restrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers, so while it isn’t technically within the national park, it does provide you with a level of comfort that is essential for anyone camping across multiple nights. Just keep in mind that there aren’t any hookups here.

Camping is available year round at Coral Sands, and each season brings its own set of conditions. Summers can be very hot, especially as the sun reflects off the beautiful pink sand dunes, while winters are much colder. Spring and fall are the ideal times to stay here if you’re looking to explore these amazing dunes in more comfortable temperatures, but keep in mind that this is a very popular campsite, so it’s best to make a reservation (which you can make up to four months in advance).

The main attraction here is the namesake coral pink sand dunes, which you can explore on foot or by ATV, with rental places nearby. It’s also a great spot for sandboarding, photography, or simply wandering through the other-worldly landscape, and if you’re in the mood for a longer hike, there are several excellent trails that lead to stunning viewpoints over the dunes. Also, since Zion National Park is just an hour away, it’s an ideal place to camp if you want to split your time between the dunes and the canyon.

Lava Point Campground

If Zion River Resort RV Park offers a more comfortable experience, Lava Point Campground is the polar opposite and is ideal for anyone looking for a rustic and remote camping experience. Perched at a higher elevation in Zion’s back country, Lava Point has six first-come-first-served sites and amenities are limited to pit toilets and a fire ring. There is no drinking water here, either, so you’ll need to bring your own, but the trade off for these sparse facilities is seclusion paired with breathtaking views!

Because of its higher elevation, Lava Point Campground is only open from late May until September, but this can change depending on weather conditions. Temperatures here are also much cooler than in the lower sections of Zion National Park, even during the height of summer, so make sure you pack something warm to wear at night.

Lava Point is the perfect launchpad for anyone looking to access Zion’s backcountry trails, and the West Rim Trail is a particularly popular route that starts nearby and winds through some of Zion’s most untouched scenery. There are also a number of shorter trails that end with panoramic views over the canyon, and because it’s so far from the hustle and bustle of the main park, Lava Point is an excellent spot for stargazing with dark skies free from light pollution.

Final Thoughts

No matter what kind of camping experience you’re after, Zion National Park and its surrounding areas offer something for every type of traveler. From the full amenities of Zion River Resort to the secluded beauty of Lava Point, you’ll find a campground that matches your style. And with a campervan from Travellers Autobarn, you can explore Zion and beyond with the freedom of unlimited miles, making it easy to turn your trip into a grand adventure.