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!

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.

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 the larger vehicles.

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, 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 shows campgrounds with a variety of services and amenities.

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 shower and outhouses. Yard games.
• Zions 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 bath that can accommodate up to four people. Private deck. Wood-burning stove.
• Zion Ponderosa Ranch – Orderville. Amenities: Wagons sleep 6 and includes breakfast. 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, 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.

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.

Additional Resources

• Zion Itinerary
• Zion Trip Planner