Zion National Park Camping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Camping in Zion

Article Summary: Camping in Zion National Park, Zion National Park Camping

Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country, and it can be challenging to decide where to stay. Camping in Zion National Park allows you great proximity to some of the park’s best attractions.

There are only a few campgrounds in Zion, but you’ll find plenty of lodges and campgrounds nearby. Zion’s campgrounds are full almost every night, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Below, you’ll find the ultimate Zion National Park camping guide with every detail you need to know about booking, locations, prices, and more. That includes the campgrounds in Zion National Park, places to stay near Zion, and everything else you need to know about Zion camping.

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Zion National Park Camping Regulations

The following list of regulations is from the park’s official website. Make sure you follow these regulations carefully during your visit.

• Campsites are limited to a maximum of two vehicles or one RV or trailer. Campsites also have a limit of six people and two tents.
• Hammocks are allowed, but only on the footprint of your campsite.
• Checkout time is 11 a.m.
• Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire grates. In South and Watchman campgrounds, bathrooms include flush toilets, trash bins, and cold, potable water. There are no showers and there is no electricity in any of the campgrounds in Zion (except for the electric RV hookups in Watchman Campground).
• Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Generators are permitted from 8 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
• Pets are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Hiking with pets is only allowed on park roads and the Pa’rus Trail.
• Camping in Zion is limited to 14 nights from March to November. Between November and March, the limit is 30 nights.
• Camping is only permitted in designated campsites. Do not camp in pullouts or parking lots.

Important Note: Most campsites in Zion get no shade. Plan ahead! Bring plenty of water, a hat, long sleeves, and sunscreen.

Reserving a Campsite

There are only three campgrounds in Zion National Park: South, Watchman, and Lava Point. Reservations are required for South and Watchman Campgrounds in 2021. You can make a reservation over the phone at (877) 444-6777 or online.

Lava Point Campground does not accept reservations and is closed in 2021.

Reservations are required for all group sites. Prices do not include your park entrance fee.

In order to save money, I would recommend purchasing a national parks pass. These cost $80 and are valid for a full calendar year (from the date of purchase) at all public lands in the United States. After you visit 3 national parks, it’ll have paid for itself. It also makes a great gift for national park enthusiasts! Learn more about park entry fees.

Zion National Park Campgrounds

Below you’ll find a brief overview of each campground in Zion National Park.

Map of Campgrounds in Zion National Park

Lava Point Campground

If you’re looking to stay off the beaten path while camping in Zion National Park, Lava Point Campground is perfect for you.

Nearly 90 minutes from the south entrance of the park, this is easily the most secluded of the Zion campgrounds. No reservations are accepted for the six primitive campsites. Yes, the sites are primitive; only trash cans and pit toilets are provided.

Vehicles are limited to a maximum of 19 feet in length. Check road conditions before driving Kolob Terrace Road to the campground. Conditions can change rapidly, especially in spring and fall. 

The primitive nature of Zion National Park camping at Lava Point means there is no potable water available at this campground. Bring plenty of water with you if you plan to stay here! In the desert of Zion National Park, each person should plan to drink two gallons per day. 

With an elevation of 7,800 feet, this is also the coolest place to camp in Zion (literally).

If you are backpacking in Zion, your itinerary cannot include Lava Point. This is a front-country campground only. Backpackers should stay in campsites designated for wilderness travel. 

Cost: Free

Facilities: Pit toilets, trash containers 

Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served.

RVs?: No, Lava Point is a tents-only campground.

Season: May through September (subject to change, weather dependent)

Sites: 6

South Campground

While it’s not as close to Springdale as the Watchman Campground, South Campground is only 1/2-mile from the south entrance of Zion National Park. If you’re a camper who enjoys the conveniences of modern amenities, staying here would suit your needs.

For anyone trying to avoid the sun, South Campground is some of the best Zion National Park camping you can find. Many of the campsites have some tree coverage, making this one of the best places to camp in Zion. 

Due to the recent toxic bacteria found in the North Fork of the Virgin River, the National Park Service advises visitors against contacting the water. Some campsites in South Campground are adjacent to the river. 

Cost: $20 per night for standard sites. $50 per night for group sites.

Facilities: Dump station, potable water, flush toilets 

Reservations Accepted?: Reservations are accepted up to two weeks in advance. You can make a reservation over the phone at (877) 444-6777 or online.

RVs?: Yes

Season: Mid-March through October.

Sites: 117

More Information: click here

Watchman Campground

Only 1/4-mile from the entrance, Watchman Campground is the best option for those who wish to be close to the park, but also close to Springdale and its many amenities. Taking the Zion shuttle from here is a great option to avoid the headache of parking.

While there is less shade available here than in nearby South Campground, fewer trees mean better views. Enjoy the surrounding red rock walls and the famous Watchman itself from your campsite. 

Generators are not permitted in Watchman Campground.

Due to the recent toxic bacteria found in the North Fork of the Virgin River, the National Park Service advises visitors against contacting the water. Some campsites in Watchman are adjacent to the river.

Cost: $30 for electric campsites, $20 for non-electric campsites, 

Facilities: Picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets

Reservations Accepted?: You can make a reservation over the phone at (877) 444-6777 or online. During certain times of the year, Watchman Campground may be first-come, first-served only. Reservations, when accepted, can be made up to six months in advance.

RVs?: Yes; no full hook-ups.

Season: Year-round 

Sites: 190

More Information: click here

RV Camping in Zion National Park

There are no RV campsites with full hook-ups in any of the campgrounds in Zion National Park.

The following Zion campgrounds accommodate RVs or truck/trailer combinations:

• South Campground
• Watchman Campground

Backcountry Camping in Zion National Park

The best source for backcountry camping information is the official website. I have summarized many of the logistics below, however, I still recommend reading the park’s official webpage.

Zion National Park Camping in the Backcountry

Fees: Fees for backpacking in Zion depend on the number of people in your group. It’s $15 for 1-2 people, $20 for 3-7 people, and $25 for 8-12 people.

Permits: Permits are required. Half of the permits require reservations and half are left as first-come, first-served.

Plan Ahead: Know where you want to go so you know which region of the park to request a permit for. On the fifth of every month, reservations become available for the following month (for example, reservations for July are available on June 5). 

Pets: Pets are permitted only in developed areas, on park roads, or on the Pa’rus Trail. Pets are not allowed in the Zion wilderness.

What to Pack for Camping in Zion National Park

The following list of items should be included in your pack.

• Detailed topographic maps and a good overview map
• Compass
• First Aid Kit
• High-calorie food
• Shelter
• Sleeping bag and pad
• Appropriate footwear
• Wool or synthetic clothing to layer (dry clothes to sleep in)
• Rain jacket and pants
• Lightweight camp shoes
• Water container and water filter
• Campstove and fuel
• Emergency signaling device

Zion National Park Lodging

If the campgrounds in Zion National Park are full, consider staying at Zion’s only in-park hotel, the Zion National Park Lodge.

Where to Stay if Everything is Full

Here are some campgrounds near Zion if the three in the park are full:

• Zion Glamping Adventures
• Glampers Inn RV Resort
• Duck Creek Village
• Dark Sky RV Park
• Cedar Breaks RV Park

Here are the hotels near Zion I recommend if everything else is full.

• Pioneer Lodge
• Driftwood Lodge
• Bumbleberry Inn
• Flanigan’s Inn
• Harvest House Bed and Breakfast
• Zion Canyon Lodge
• Best Western Plus
• Hampton Inn

Pin the Parks Expert Zion Camping Guide

If you’re still planning your trip, you might also find our article on how to get to Zion National Park helpful!

Do you have a favorite campground in the park? Share it with us in the comments.