Where to Camp at Zion National Park

Visiting Zion National Park and want to know your camping options?

Zion National Park has 2 campgrounds near the main park entry. These campgrounds are in high demand because they are located in the beautiful Zion Canyon. If these are not available, there are many camping, glamping, and boondocking options near Zion National Park.

We’ve camped at Zion National Park many times, and we love it. If you’re visiting Zion soon and want to know your camping options, keep on reading!

• Find out Is Zion Too Crowded? What Every Traveler Needs to Know.

How Much Does it Cost to Camp Near Zion NP?

The cost of camping in and around Zion National Park ranges from free (boondocking) to $499 and up for glamping. Costs vary depending on location and type of camping facilities.

Option	Cost (per night)	Amenities
National Park Campgrounds	~$20 tent ~$30 RV	Fire pits, picnic tables, water stations, flushing toilets. Seniors/Golden Age Access pass to receive 50% off individual campsites
Forrest Service Campgrounds	~$23	Fire pits, picnic tables, water stations, flushing toilets. Seniors/Golden Age Access pass receive 50% off individual campsites
Private Campgrounds	~$35 and up	Full hookups, swimming pools, activities and laundry facilities. Cabins also available at some locations
Glamping	~$110-$499	Luxury bungalows, canvas tents, yurts or covered wagons
Boondocking	Free	Nothing. Can do this on some federally owned land and some private businesses

National Park Campgrounds

There are three campgrounds inside the park:  Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground (1 hour 20-minute drive from Zion Canyon).  Watchman and South are located right next to each other at the south entrance of the park.  They are walkable to the shuttle pick-up.  These campgrounds are along the Virgin River and nestled inside the beautiful walls of the canyon.

These campgrounds are full almost every night from mid-March to late November, so be sure to PLAN AHEAD.  Reservations can be made six months in advance for Watchman Campground and up to two weeks prior for South Campground at www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. 

Advantages of Camping Inside Zion National Park

Camping inside the park has definite advantages. You are camping right inside the canyon, surrounded by the beauty of Zion. Watchman Campground and South Campground are just inside the south entrance and within walking distance (1/4- 1/2 a mile) to the shuttle pick-up – no need to drive and wait in line to enter the park. The city of Springdale with shops and restaurants is right down the road with shuttles taking visitors from the Zion Visitor Center to the town.

Each campsite allows a maximum of six people, two tents, and two vehicles. Any type of automobile, RV, trailer, motorhome, boat trailer, or cargo trailer counts toward the limit.

Large RVs & the Zion Tunnel

If you are bringing a large RV into one of the campgrounds, keep in mind Large vehicles coming from the east side of the park will need to obtain a tunnel permit in order to pass through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. This includes vehicles 11’4″ tall or taller or 7’10” wide or wider, including mirrors, awnings, and jacks. The permit instructs rangers posted at both ends of the tunnel to convert two-way tunnel traffic to one-way for larger vehicles.

• Don’t miss Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park nearby.

Private Campgrounds

There are many private campgrounds in close proximity to the park. Below is a list of several that are within a one-hour drive. Keep in mind, that vehicles coming through the eastern boundary of the park will need to pass through the Zion tunnel and switchbacks. RVs will need to pay an “escort” fee to go through the tunnel. Unless otherwise noted, the distance shown is to the south entrance of the park.

This list is not complete but it shows campgrounds with a variety of services and amenities.

Campground	Distance from Park & Location	Price	Amenities
Zion Canyon Campground	.5 miles Springdale	Tent: ~$101 RV full hookups: ~$101-$111	Swimming pool, playground, BBQ grills, showers, laundry
Zion Crest Campground & RV Park	8.2 miles to east entrance	RV under construction through August 2024 Tents: ~$49	Internet, full hookups, laundry, pets allowed, full access to amenities at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Zion River Resort	13.5 miles Virgin	~$45-$93 depending on season and hookups	Swimming pool, social hall, game room, activity area, playground, off-leash dog area, store, Ice cream shop, laundry, showers, shuttle to Zion (March to October), Wi-Fi, cable
Zion Family Ranch Campground	23.2 miles to east entrance Glendale	Tents: ~$49 RV: ~$75	Fire pit, kayaks, WiFi, showers, flush toilets, fishing, pets allowed, fresh water ponds
Zion Wright Family Ranch	22.9 miles Virgin	~$35	Off-grid primitive camping, bring water. No tables. Porta potties and fire rings on site. Pets are allowed. Horseback rides (fee)
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort	7.9 miles to east entrance Orderville	Tent: ~$49 RV under construction throught August 2024	Laundry, showers, internet, pets allowed
Red Ledge RV Park	45 miles Kanarraville	RV: ~$38-$40 Tent: ~$30	Hookups, WiFi, dump station, playground, showers, laundry
Willow Wind RV Park	24.3 miles Hurricane	~$59-$85	WiFi, hookups, showers, clubhouse, cable
Zion West RV	31 miles Leeds	RV: ~$45-$47 Tent: ~$25	Showers, laundry, internet
Cedar Breaks RV Park	60.8 miles Cedar City	~$52-$66	Hookups, WiFi
Kolob Campground	37.4 miles Private, gated area near Kolob Reservoir	~$38	Adjacent to boat ramp and dock. Potable water and vault toilet access available adjacent to camp. Water sports rentals available nearby.
Quail Creek State Park Campground	44 miles Hurricane	~$25	Open year round, reservations boat ramp

Glamping

“Glamping” refers to glamour camping.  The term was officially added to the dictionary in 2016. 

Glamping may be an appealing choice for those who are looking for a back-to-nature experience without giving up modern conveniences. Accommodations include luxury tents, tiny houses, yurts, covered wagons, cabins, teepees, and even tree houses.  “Luxuries” can differ greatly.  Some include kitchens and bathrooms.  Others have shared showers and kitchen facilities.  You can choose from a wide variety of options for the amount of “glam” you want in your camping experience.

Glamping venues are typically in rural, off-the-beaten-path areas but in close proximity to favorite national parks and tourist areas.  Sites may be very remote, out on a ranch, or associated with a resort with amenities such as pools and activities.

Glamping near Zion National Park can be found in neighboring communities of Glendale, Orderville, Springdale, Virgin, Leeds, Hildale, Hurricane, Kanab, and St. George, UT.  Costs start around $110 per night and go to $500+. 

Places book up early for the popular season, so plan ahead if you want to have the glamping experience.

Glamping Hub is an online resource for glamping adventures throughout the country.  Airbnb also has glamping options. 

Here are some resorts and ranches with glamping accommodations near Zion National Park.

• Zion Wildflower Resort is located in Virgin. Amenities include covered wagons, canvas tents, and bungalows. Luxury bathhouses with lockable bathrooms. Yard games. Complimentary bicycles. Seating areas and hammocks spread across the property.
• Zion Glamping Adventures is located in Hildale. Amenities: One and two-bed tents. Firepit, grill, and picnic table. Shared outdoor showers and outhouses. Yard games.
• Zion View Camping is also located in Hildale. Amenities: One and two-bed tents. Chairs, picnic table, and fire pit.
• Under Canvas Zion is located in Virgin. Amenities: Luxury tents with private baths that can accommodate up to six people. Private deck. Wood-burning stove.
• Zion Ponderosa Ranch – Orderville. Amenities: Wagons sleep 6. Glamping tents with furnishings and wooden decks. Pool.
• Base Camp 37 – Kanab. Amenities: Luxury tents. Shared kitchen and grills. Shared showers. Nightly smores. Solar power.
• Zion Luxury Camping – Hildale. Amenities: Luxury tents. 13 tents. Shared bathrooms and showers. Daily housekeeping.
• Whispering Pines Glamping Resort – between Zion and Bryce National Parks. Amenities: Covered wagons. Private shower/bathroom. Microwave, fridge. AC/heat. Common area with waterfalls, horseshoe pit, pavilion, trampoline, frisbee golf, swings, and hammocks.
• Hi-Road Tiny Cabins – Mount Carmel. Amenities: Tiny cabins – 400 sq. ft. Full bathroom, AC, WiFi. Can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.

Forest Service Campgrounds

Forest Service campgrounds are generally inexpensive and offer basic services such as flush or vault toilets and water. Owners of an Interagency Senior/Golden Age or Interagency Access pass receive a 50% discount on individual sites. Here are a few near Zion NP.

Campground	Distance from Park	Cost	Reservations or First Come/First Serve
Navajo Lake Campground 27 sites May 26-September 17	53.9 miles to east entrance	~$23	First come/first serve Some sites reservable at recreation.gov
Duck Creek Campground 97 sites May 26-September 17	48.6 miles to east entrance	~$23	Reservations at recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 Some sites are first come/first serve
Spruces Campground 28 sites May 26-September 4	53.1 miles to east entrance	~$23	Reservations at recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777
Red Canyon Campground 37 sites May 5-October 9	60 miles to east entrance	~$23	First come/first serve

Boondocking (Free Camping)

Boondocking is commonly referred to as free camping. It could be an overnight stay in a Walmart parking lot, but most likely it involves camping off-the-grid and away from services.

There are many boondocking options near Zion National Park. Since we haven’t boondocked here, we’ll just point you to Campendium, which usually has all the campgrounds listed.

What Else Should I Know?

Planning a vacation shouldn’t be stressful. We created a step-by-step itinerary so you can visit the best places at the right times.

Not only that, but we’ll tell you about the park while you drive with our audio guide!   Stop planning and start having the vacation of your dreams now!