Zion Wright Family Ranch-ecocamping

Probably the best campsite I’ve ever stayed at. It’s a huge ranch where you can pick your own spot once inside. There are also cows that graze on the ranch so expect to see them. It is not crowded and we could barely see anyone else. The views of the canyon from the campsite are also really pleasant and tranquil. Would definitely recommend! It is part of what made our Zion trip so incredible. Fires are also allowed and there’s a restroom there. No running water but we picked up everything we needed from the supermarket in town.

First off, this campsite was beautiful. But mainly, DO NOT attempt to reserve here unless the forecast is sunny with zero chance of rain; you may not be able to get in/out (despite the warning in the description, the roads take much longer to dry--at least in mid-March).
Our original travel plans had us delayed a few hours, so we drove in at night (maybe our first mistake). However, we had no trouble following the directions from the coordinates. It's a one-lane, winding road that has extremely steep drop offs. We made sure to check the forecast for the surrounding areas beforehand, and although there was a 30-40% chance of rain, we were only a day away from our reservation. So we couldn't cancel...strict 3 day cancellation policy.
When we arrived Tuesday, the rain had stopped for about 2-3hrs; it must've been a light rain because we had no issues getting into the site. We experienced some wind and rain Wednesday night, but it stopped before we woke up and dried up enough for us to leave on a day-trip out to Page, AZ Thursday morning. We only brought food and clothes to change into because we were heading to the paid showers (thanks for the tip) before we hit the road. Well, by the time we were heading back to the campsite, the forecast said the rain would clear up by 8/9pm (only about a 50% chance of rain at that hour), so we figured by 10:30/11pm we would be alright. WRONG.
We made it about 900 ft. up the road and hit a huge patch of mud. My partner has experience driving in hard conditions, but we were sliding sideways. Being so late at night, we decided to turn around than risk sliding too close to a drop-off. At least in the daytime, someone would've come along to help out...
We were left without our belongings, and the host didn't answer our text until 10:30am Friday morning. We had to drive 30mins down the road to get to a hotel that had vacancies and wasn't +$279/night! When the host contacted us back, he was very unapologetic and basically blamed us for not having experience enough to make the drive. He said *only 3 people have ever gotten "stuck" (his words) and that many people have ranches/property off dirt roads and handle it. He said that he checked the roads that morning and they were "slick" but passable (why wouldn't he get back to us about the road conditions sooner then if he had checked?). And that the road is Zion NP maintained, so they wouldn't keep it open if they didn't seem it safe....when we went to brave the drive again that afternoon, many areas were still very wet and our 4x4 FJ Cruiser was still sliding--especially the entrance to this campsite.
We packed up and got out of there while the sun was still out from the clouds.
Again, this campsite was beautiful. But be warned about the weather. If the forecast isn't sunny, I would try another camp; you may be stuck out there (or in our case, away from all our gear).
Unless you live on a dirt road where you experience all seasons, I couldn't imagine getting in/out with a smaller car. I just can't.

This was a terrific spot to camp! As other people have mentioned, it's a primitive site...which is exactly what we wanted. It was crazy secluded, and we woke up each morning to horses, cows, and amazing views. You can see TONS of stars at night, and we loved kicking back at night over a nice, warm fire. Definitely camp here if you want easy access to Zion (but without the cramped sites inside the park).

Response from Bill, the Host, on February 26th, 2018

Thank you for your visit! We are always thrilled guest come and enjoy their stay! Winter is slow and quiet but still great weather-Thank you!

Helpful

0

Helpful

0

Remove vote :(

Wow! This campsite is an incredible hidden gem! Tucked into the backcountry of Zion with gorgeous 360 degree views, this campsite was exactly what we were looking for! It is primitive, just as described but that is our preference. We wouldn’t want it any other way. The property is very secluded and peaceful, my kids said they had the best sleep they’ve ever had! We will always come back to this site whenever we visit Zion. In fact, we just booked our next stay already! Also, Bill was really helpful and answered all my questions (we were towing a boat on the way home from Lake Powell). Thank you Bill for sharing your beautiful ranch was us campers ❤️

Beautiful and peaceful. We arrived on the Friday of a holiday weekend and found the place empty. The gate is easy to find and once through there are ports-a-potties and fire pits scattered throughout, although you can set up camp anywhere.

We didn’t see any other tent campers and only a few cars passing through during our stay. Plenty of cows and deer though (it is a working ranch so the cows might wander close by).

The daytime backdrop was the beautiful rocks of Zion, and at night the stars were bright and clear. The owner, Bill, stopped by on his horse to say hello as we were packing up to head out.

Overall a great place to stay if you’d like to be close to Zion but avoid the fees, crowds, and noise.

Response from Bill, the Host, on February 26th, 2018

Thank you for your visit! We are always thrilled guest come and enjoy their stay! Winter is slow and quiet but still great weather-Thank you!

Helpful

1

Helpful

1

Remove vote :(

Wonderful property with rock fire rings, beautiful views, and well-spaced sites. We picked one with a porta-potty nearby. Everything was great until the morning...we woke up to snow and rain. We quickly packed our things but the road is impassable when wet (according to area maps, signage, AND all the cars that were waiting all day for it to dry). We waited about five hours and finally passed through, but unless you have four-wheel drive and tons of experience driving through muddy cliff-faces, check, double-check, then triple-check the weather for any precipitation!

This was a great property to stay at and I would definitely recommend it.

The only issue I had was that we arrived after sundown and in the pitch dark, it was hard to know that we were heading in the right direction. Once we came across a fire ring and we were confident, we camped out - and woke up to a completely private campsite with gorgeous views of nature.

Also the directions for his property were a little vague once you arrive. It says to enter the property and drive for a few minutes down the dirt road. There were
actually a few dirt roads that branches off the main one and it was hard to know that we were heading the right way. It would be great if the owner clarified a bit.

I would highly recommend this campsite. It really is a hidden gem! My daughter was thrilled to wake up to cattle in the pasture. Thanks Bill for providing such a spectacular place to stay!

This campground is quite simply a hidden gem. The views and seclusion of the location, coupled with the spaciousness and cleanliness of the campground, cannot be beat so close to Zion.

Response from Bill, the Host, on February 26th, 2018

Thank you for your visit! We are always thrilled guest come and enjoy their stay! Winter is slow and quiet but still great weather-Thank you!

Helpful

0

Helpful

0

Remove vote :(