The best forest campgrounds near St George, Utah

Surrounded by red rock cliffs and canyons, St. George is a major outdoor hub in southwest Utah. Here the Mojave Desert converges with the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin, forming an incredibly diverse desert landscape prime for camping adventures. You can hike, mountain bike, rock climb, and go canyoneering in multiple parks near St. George. Campers will also find opportunities to view fossilized dinosaur tracks, check out pink sand dunes, and explore OHV (off-highway vehicle) areas. Although St. George is sometimes overlooked by campers driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park (one hour away), it stands on its own as a worthy addition to any southwest desert adventure itinerary.

92% (3.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near St George

Surrounded by red rock cliffs and canyons, St. George is a major outdoor hub in southwest Utah. Here the Mojave Desert converges with the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin, forming an incredibly diverse desert landscape prime for camping adventures. You can hike, mountain bike, rock climb, and go canyoneering in multiple parks near St. George. Campers will also find opportunities to view fossilized dinosaur tracks, check out pink sand dunes, and explore OHV (off-highway vehicle) areas. Although St. George is sometimes overlooked by campers driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park (one hour away), it stands on its own as a worthy addition to any southwest desert adventure itinerary.

92% (3.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near St George

1. Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

97%

(4431)

29mi from St George · 67 sites · Tents, RVs

Off Grid eco oriented camp on 1200 acres overlooking Zion National Park. Owned and operated by Bill Wright, a rancher whose family has farmed and ranched the land for several generations. A few minutes from Zion’s backcountry trails in the Kolob Terrace Region and approx. 40 minutes to the main gate of Zion NP. Bill Wright is the father of the legendary "Wright Brothers" the family of Professional Rodeo Saddle Bronc riders. You will often see Bill tending the land and moving cattle and horses from your campsite. This off the grid ranch has some of the most stunning views you'll ever encounter. Want a little adventure during your stay? Reserve a 2-hour horseback ride with Bill. He'll finish your ride with one of the most breathtaking vistas you can find of Zion National Park. Our property features many spaced out sites to choose from with bathrooms onsite. Pets and campfires are also allowed.

2. Kolob Campground

91%

(1949)

38mi from St George · 23 sites · Tents, RVs

The perfect way to escape the heat of summer, and the crowds of Zion National Park. Kolob Campground, Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Reservoir is a quiet location nestled between the main canyons of Zion National Park and the remote Kolob Finger Canyons Complex at Zion National Park, about 40 minutes from Virgin Utah. With quick access to West Rim Trail, Subway Canyon, Hop Valley Trail, and Wildcat Canyon Trail, this area of Greater Zion is not to be missed. Located in a private gated area on the shores of Kolob Reservoir, Kolob Campground is the premiere location for camping on Kolob Mountain in the Greater Zion National Park area. Kolob Campground is located adjacent to the Kolob Reservoir boat ramp and dock, including four acres of private shoreline. Just a few feet from the paved road, nestled in tall aspen, oak, and pine trees. Access to potable water is available adjacent to camp, and public restrooms (vault toilets) are only a short walk from camp. WiFi access is available nearby at Kolob Adventure Rentals/Adventure Beach (3 minute walk). WiFi location and password provided by host upon request. This is an exclusive benefit available to our guests, and the only WiFi available to campers in the area. Canoe, kayak and SUP rentals, snacks and beverages are also located nearby. LP(propane) fires are allowed and LP fire bowls can be provided through the camp host. LP fuel is also available for purchase. Wood burning, charcoal, and smoking currently not allowed due to area restriction.

3. Zion Glamping Adventures

87%

(72)

34mi from St George · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Located in a spectacular spot in Hildale, Utah, just an hour drive from Zion National Park. Escape the crowds and indulge in this extraordinary retreat! Accommodations > 20 units of Glamping Tents > 2 units of Rock Cave > 7 sites for the RV Park The campsite has five fully operational bathrooms equipped with running water, hot showers, and flush toilets. Basic toiletries are provided for your convenience. There is a common kitchen area where you'll find a fridge, microwave and propane grills. Every morning, our host expertly prepares a delectable breakfast consisting of steaming cups of coffee and mouthwatering pancakes, ensuring that all guests can savor a delightful start to their day. In the evening, the host creates a spacious campfire that invites all guests to gather together and forge connections. It's an opportunity to engage with fellow campers, share captivating tales, and indulge in the delightful combination of s'mores. Make sure not to overlook our highly sought-after array of activities, including exhilarating side by side tours, captivating guided hikes, memorable horseback rides, scenic wagon rides, creative paint and wine sessions, and rejuvenating yoga classes!

4. Dixie National Forest

89%

(22)

466 sites · Cedar Fort, Utah

This forest is a land of extremes, in scenery and in climate.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Zion Backcountry Sheep Camps

100%

(56)

45mi from St George · 2 sites · Lodging

This land has been in our family for four generations to graze our herd of sheep. We renovated our camps to provide a comfortable glamping space to those who want a one-of-a-kind experience in the backcountry. One of our best features is the solitude and exposure to Mother Nature. Here, you won't find quiet hours, disruptive campers, or noise and light pollution. These sites provide the ultimate experience for those willing to go off the grid, off the main road, and into the backcountry. This space is where the tourist crowds disappear and the rugged, raw beauty appears. As the crow flies, the property is just over three miles from the east boundary of Zion National Park. This land is where our family calls home and has been in the Lundgren family for four generations. It is still used for agriculture purposes today. In early June, you may see sheep grazing in the nearby meadows and mid-to-late summer, cows roam the area adding to the uniqueness of the experience. This part of the country is home to textured red rock, blue skies, and numerous desert flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for photographers. Some of the animals you might spot include owl, bear, mountain lion, bobcat, deer, coyote, turkey, snakes, lizards, as well as many different types of birds. There is very little light pollution making the night sky dazzling and unforgettable.

Public campgrounds near St George

Pine Valley Guard Station

22mi from St George · 1 site · in Dixie National Forest

Honeycomb Rocks Campground

34mi from St George · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dixie National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Setting up our camp fire in the nice, established pit.

R

Ryan

November 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

Awesome experience. Early winter Monday night. Only one other camper around. Beautiful views. Easy access (I have front wheel drive only). Grazing cows very nearby was a unique and enjoyable experience. I would stay here again and recommend to others.

I

Isaiah

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

Wow… what a spot. Probably the coolest spot I’ve ever camped. I love that There aren’t designated spots, there are just random fire pits and Porta potties sprinkled around the land. You basically just pick wherever you want to camp.

Suz

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

Beautiful views and isolated out of the way camping. The road was rough but not difficult. All kinds of vehicles, campers, vans, cars etc on the land all. Lots of space to separate and enjoy nature.

C

Connie

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

Such a beautiful piece of land to camp! The wide open spaces and space between campsites was really special.

P

Piper

October 2025

22 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

This was one of the greatest experiences!!! Such beautiful land :) We had an amazing time!

K

Kyla

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kolob Campground

Loved the location as it was convenient to access the West Rim Trail along with a couple others nearby . View of the lake was beautiful and the campsite itself wasn't busy during my time of visit . Beautiful time to go see Zion . Owner was very informative as well . Amazing trip to say the least !

A

Angelique

October 2025

16 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

Beautiful sunrises! Peaceful and lots of space! I could see the road being hard to travel when wet/raining.

i

indy

October 2025

21 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kolob Campground

We LOVED the drive up to the reservoir and the sunset was absolutely amazing. It’s a no frills campground, but gives you good access to some lesser known trail heads. The bathrooms were not great :(

E

Elena

October 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

The most beautiful campground I’ve seen. The view was just incredible, so quiet and chill place! Loved it

Nerea

October 2025

23 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

We loved camping at Bill's land. The views are a spectacle, the sites are far apart and very private, and the fire rings work perfectly. The road here was also very easy. In fact, we requested an extension to our stay! We loved it!

K

Kade

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

Phenomenal scenery. Beautiful piece of land. Highly recommend!!

L

Luzell Audee

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Kolob Campground

Kolob is always beautiful! It was also my friends’ first time visiting, and they absolutely loved it. A few things though ; we weren’t informed ahead of time that the General Store was closed, so we had to drive back to town (about 45 minutes each way) to grab some last-minute essentials. Unfortunately, we had to go home a day early because there was construction right in front of our campsite, which really ruined the whole camping experience. On the bright side, I have AT&T and surprisingly had signal, so I was able to call and update my family.

M

Mehmet

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

First time camping off the beaten path, just look up at night and the location speaks for itself! 10/10 would recommend.

Lauren

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

The views are worth not having a picnic table. When we first arrived and left for Zion in the morning it was dark so we had no idea how amazing the view was, and I was actually 2nd guessing my choice of campground. But when we returned and saw the place in the day time .. OMG WOW!! IT WAS AMAZING!! We even watched the meteor shower our last night. The drive to the main entrance is a little far, but the drive isn't bad, you're there B4 you know it. We would definitely stay here again!!

Charmine

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

beautiful site! perfect for stargazing and the roads leading to it were scenic too. plenty of campers with lots of space. there’s a porta potty in one of the sites. my sedan made it fine, but also, the roads were dry. will come back!

Paul

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

The Wright Ranch was even better than expected. The sites were well kept. There was no liter and the port-a-potty had toilet paper. The views were breath taking. The whole family enjoyed the stay. Easy to get to and plenty of space to enjoy yourself.

M

Mattea

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Kolob Campground

The campsite was great! The instructions to get there were great, and the campsite was clean and well taken care of. Watch out for tree stumps if you’re sleeping in a tent for site 17, but other than that it was great!

K

Katelyn Ann

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Kolob Campground

Kolob was a wonderful getaway for my birthday! Was trying to find a campsite close to Zion (that wasnt already booked out) and Kolob had a lot of availability! It was everything I was looking for in the sense of no light polution and getting off the grid, while also maintaining a great level of accomodation and safety! The stars were absolutely stunning! The campground was large and not as much rocks/uneven grounding for the tent. Only downside was the paddleboard/kayak rental was off season, and it would have been so fun but that just means we have to go back in the Summer!

K

Kyle

October 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

Great spot for a last-minute booking. Lots of spots that are nicely-spaced. Busier than expected, but we still found a spot within 5-10 minutes of searching when we arrived after dark.

Lisa

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

Picturesque views of rugged mountains, a sky illuminated by stars in every direction and plenty of space between camp sites…that’s what awaits you!!

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near St George

89%

(22)

Dixie National Forest

Cedar Fort, Utah

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

George make a stunning backdrop for desert camping.

The best forest camping near St George guide

Where to go

St. George Surrounds

St. George borders Pioneer Park, a 52-acre red rock playground with excellent rock climbing, hiking, and slot canyons. North of Pioneer Park lies the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a 69,000-acre park with mountain biking and hiking trails. Keep an eye peeled for Mojave Desert tortoise, gila monsters, and chuckwalla. Dino lovers will also want to hit the BLM’s Red Cliffs Campground.

Snow Canyon State Park

Just 15 minutes north of St. George, Snow Canyon State Park has tons of desert features to explore, including red and white sandstone canyons, lava tubes, lava flows, sand dunes, and an extinct volcano. The scenic campground features tent sites and RV sites with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.

Sand Hollow State Park

At Sand Hollow State Park you can swim or paddle in a deep blue reservoir ringed by red rock and dunes. Kayak, SUP, and ATV rentals are available on-site.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park’s south entrance in Springdale is just one hour from St. George, making this iconic national park a feasible day trip away from a St. George basecamp. The park’s Kolob Canyons are closest to town offering sandstone cliffs and panoramic views perfect for a photo opp.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

About a 75-minute drive east of St. George, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is an otherworldly site where you can frolic on pink sand dunes made of Navajo sandstone. Sand sledding and ATV adventures are popular here.

When to go

Spring and fall are the most temperate seasons for camping in St. George, while summers run extremely hot (average July and August highs are in the triple digits. Summer visitors must be extremely careful about outdoor activity, hydration, and sun/heat exposure. Winters are pleasant in St. George, but nighttime temperatures do reach freezing and snow is possible.