Notable Campgrounds
- Best for ditching the crowds: Lava Point is a primitive campground off Kolob Terrace Road in a far-flung corner of the park.
- Best for hikers: South Campground connects campers with the Pa’rus Trail and the Watchman Trail.
- Best for year-round camping: Watchman Campground offers first-come, first-served campsites in winter.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Campsites in South Campground are available by reservation only. They can be booked up to two weeks in advance at www.recreation.gov. The campground is typically open from March through October.
- Watchman Campground is open year-round and sites are available by reservation at www.recreation.gov from mid-March through November or December depending on location. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Sites are first-come, first-served the rest of the year.
- The six primitive sites at Lava Point Campground are first-come, first-served.
When to Go
May through September is high season, so expect very heavy crowds and temperatures that consistently exceed 100°F. Wildflowers begin to bloom in spring, but the Narrows may be closed if heavy snowmelt raises the level of the river. March crowds can be heavy with spring breakers. October and November are a pleasant time to visit with slightly lighter crowds than summer. Fall foliage hits its peak in the lower canyon in late October and early November.
Know Before You Go
- Entry into Zion Canyon is by shuttle only from mid-February through late November, and then again over the December holidays. This means your personal vehicle is not allowed in the canyon or along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive unless you’re staying in Zion Lodge. Shuttle reservations are required and must be made ahead of time online.
- A free shuttle links the park with various stops in the adjacent town of Springdale.
- Large vehicles require a permit for travel through the narrow Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, which leads to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Zion National Park Yurt Rentals
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. Although no yurts are available inside Zion, multiple yurt rental options can be found just outside of the park near Utah cities like Springdale, Rockville, and St. George. (The park even runs a free shuttle from Springdale to its entrance). 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. Private yurt rentals typically feature amenities such as electricity, air conditioning, heating, and access to showers and restrooms. For extra glamping comforts, look out for Zion yurts with wifi and fire pits.
Nearby Attractions
For killer views and tranquility, camping near Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is unbeatable. Experience a Red Cliffs camping adventure filled with spectacular hiking, striking red-rock landscapes, and native wildlife encounters.
Zion National Park
Lush Zion Canyon in Utah wows hikers with thrilling trails and unique cliff-side formations.
The knife-sharp ridge that soars to Angels Landing might be daunting, but it’s best to tighten your laces, grab the safety chain, and avoid looking down as you make the final push between two sheer cliffs. Your reward? A bird's-eye view of ruddy cliffs rocketing above the Virgin River and its riparian greenery. Yep, Zion Canyon is a captivating place, dotted with natural attractions straight from a fantasy novel: weeping rocks, hanging gardens, hidden pools, and a serpentine river trail through a tight canyon known as The Narrows. A striking sandstone formation dubbed The Watchman overlooks its namesake campground beside the town of Springdale.
The knife-sharp ridge that soars to Angels Landing might be daunting, but it’s best to tighten your laces, grab the safety chain, and avoid looking down as you make the final push between two sheer cliffs. Your reward? A bird's-eye view of ruddy cliffs rocketing above the Virgin River and its riparian greenery. Yep, Zion Canyon is a captivating place, dotted with natural attractions straight from a fantasy novel: weeping rocks, hanging gardens, hidden pools, and a serpentine river trail through a tight canyon known as The Narrows. A striking sandstone formation dubbed The Watchman overlooks its namesake campground beside the town of Springdale.
Activities in the park
3 campgrounds in Zion National Park
Not only can you camp at Zion's highest point, but you can also camp there for F-R-E-E! These first-come, first-served sites offer access to the lesser traveled part of Zion Canyon, Kolob Terrace, and Lava Point. It's also an excellent jumping off point for one of Zion's best hikes: “The Subway. " Lava Point Campground is just off of Kolob Terra Read more...
If you like to gamble and never lose, then place your bets on Watchman Campground. There are sites to for RVers, walk-in lovers, and first-come, first-served last-minute planners (you know who you are). You'll get some serious face time with the monoliths at Zion here. 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. Reservations for South Campground are available 14 days ahead of arrival. 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. The canyon and most o Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
May through September is high season, so expect very heavy crowds and temperatures that consistently exceed 100°F. Wildflowers begin to bloom in spring, but the Narrows may be closed if heavy snowmelt raises the level of the river. March crowds can be heavy with spring breakers. October and November are a pleasant time to visit with slightly lighter crowds than summer. Fall foliage hits its peak in the lower canyon in late October and early November.
Know Before You Go
Zion National Park Yurt Rentals
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. Although no yurts are available inside Zion, multiple yurt rental options can be found just outside of the park near Utah cities like Springdale, Rockville, and St. George. (The park even runs a free shuttle from Springdale to its entrance). 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. Private yurt rentals typically feature amenities such as electricity, air conditioning, heating, and access to showers and restrooms. For extra glamping comforts, look out for Zion yurts with wifi and fire pits.
Nearby Attractions
For killer views and tranquility, camping near Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is unbeatable. Experience a Red Cliffs camping adventure filled with spectacular hiking, striking red-rock landscapes, and native wildlife encounters.
Frequently asked questions
Is camping free at Zion National Park?
Camping within Zion National Park is not free. There are three campgrounds within the park: South Campground, Watchman Campground, and Lava Point Campground. 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).
Outside of the park, you can find dispersed camping on nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, which is typically free. However, these sites are primitive and have no facilities, so you'll need to come prepared. For more camping options near Zion, consider these sites:
How much does it cost to camp at Zion National Park?
Camping fees at Zion National Park vary depending on the campground and type of site. There are two campgrounds within the park: South Campground and Watchman Campground. 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. For group sites, the fees can be higher. Additionally, there are private campgrounds near Zion National Park with varying prices. You can explore more options on Hipcamp.
Which is the best campground at Zion National Park?
Zion National Park has two main campgrounds: South Campground and Watchman Campground. Both are excellent choices, but each has its own advantages.
South Campground:
Watchman Campground:
Ultimately, the choice between the two campgrounds depends on your preferences and needs. If you prefer a more primitive camping experience and are planning a last-minute trip, South Campground may be the better option. If you have an RV or want to reserve a site well in advance, Watchman Campground is likely the better choice. You can learn more about both campgrounds on Hipcamp.
Can you camp anywhere in Zion National Park?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in Zion National Park. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds within the park. There are three campgrounds in Zion National Park: South Campground, Watchman Campground, and Lava Point Campground. South and Watchman Campgrounds are located near the park's main entrance, while Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive from the main entrance and offers more primitive camping. Reservations are required for Watchman Campground, while South and Lava Point Campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on camping in Zion National Park, you can visit the official park website.
Is it hard to get a campsite in Zion National Park?
It can be challenging to get a campsite in Zion National Park, especially during the peak season (spring and fall). There are two main campgrounds within the park: South Campground and Watchman Campground. Both campgrounds are popular and often fill up quickly. Reservations can be made for Watchman Campground, but South Campground is first-come, first-served. To increase your chances of securing a campsite, try making a reservation at Watchman Campground up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. For South Campground, arrive early in the morning, as spots tend to fill up by mid-day. Alternatively, you can explore camping options outside the park, such as private campgrounds and BLM land. Some options include Zion View Campsite, Zion on the 9, and RV Camping near Zion.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Zion National Park?
Securing a Zion National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Zion National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Zion campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Zion National Park?
Most Zion National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Zion National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Zion campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —