Camping in Zion: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Fees
Zion National Park has three official campgrounds. Two sit at the south entrance, accessible from Springdale. The third sits more than 7,900 feet above sea level on the Kolob Plateau. The short answer is yes, you can camp inside the park, but during peak season, your chances of finding an open site without a reservation are close to zero. Reservations open on recreation.gov six months before your arrival date.
Campgrounds in the park (3)
- Campground Watchman Campground recreation.gov · 184 sites Directions ↗
- Campground South Campground recreation.gov · 124 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Lava Point Campground first come, first served · 6 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can You Camp Inside Zion?
Yes, Zion has three campgrounds of its own: Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground. You can't camp outside a designated site without a wilderness permit. The park is open 365 days a year, and during peak season, it fills up practically every night.
Campgrounds Inside the Park
Watchman Campground
Watchman is Zion's main campground, with about 177 sites. It sits along the Virgin River, just a few minutes' walk from the Visitor Center and the shuttle stop. Open year-round, it accommodates tents and RVs, with electrical hookups at some sites. Everything operates by reservation through recreation.gov.
When we visited in May, it took five minutes to walk from Watchman to the first shuttle of the morning. That's a real advantage if you want to reach the Angels Landing or The Narrows trailheads before the crowds.
South Campground
South Campground is next to the main entrance, less than 1,640 feet from the Visitor Center. Its 127 sites are reserved for tents and small vehicles, with no electrical hookups. It opens in the spring and closes in the fall, with dates that vary depending on conditions. Reservations are required through recreation.gov.
This is the campground closest to the shuttles, which is a real advantage for hikers who want an early start without wasting time in the car.
Lava Point Campground
Lava Point is Zion's low-key campground. Six primitive sites sit about 7,900 feet above sea level on the Kolob Plateau, with no running water or electricity. The access road is unpaved, and large vehicles aren't recommended. In return, you'll get significantly cooler temperatures than on the canyon floor in summer, along with far fewer visitors. It's open roughly from June through October, depending on snow conditions.
RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?
For RVs, Watchman is the only campground in the park with electrical hookups. The maximum permitted length varies by site, so check the details when you make your reservation on recreation.gov. Very large RVs may face restrictions on some sections of road inside the park. The Zion RV camping guide explains these specific restrictions and the alternatives for large vehicles.
For tents, South Campground offers more vegetation and a more enclosed atmosphere.
Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park
When the NPS campgrounds are full, Springdale offers private alternatives within walking distance or accessible by the free municipal shuttle, the Town Shuttle. Other private campgrounds are available in the towns of Virgin and Rockville, about a 15-minute drive from the south entrance. Rates are comparable to those in the park, sometimes with additional amenities such as showers, a small grocery store, and Wi-Fi.
For lodging outside campgrounds, including lodges, motels, and hotels, see the Zion lodging options.
Wilderness Camping and Backcountry Camping
Spending the night in Zion's backcountry is allowed at designated sites with a required permit. You can get these permits on recreation.gov or in person at the Visitor Center, but quantities are strictly limited. Demand is high during peak season, so plan several weeks ahead. Open fires aren't allowed, and Leave No Trace rules apply without exception. Our Zion hiking guide covers the multi-day routes that work for backcountry camping.
How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Zion
Reservations open six months before your arrival date on recreation.gov, precisely at midnight Mountain Time. During peak season, the most sought-after sites at Watchman Campground and South Campground go within minutes, so set your alarm for the right time zone.
Cancellations release spots about two weeks before the arrival date. It's a possible backup plan, but not a reliable strategy.
In winter, from November through February, Watchman accepts walk-in arrivals at some of its sites. Check the current policy on recreation.gov before you leave, since it changes with the season.
Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Zion?
NPS sites range from $20 to $30 per night, depending on the type, with or without electrical hookups. You also have to pay the park entrance fee, which is $35 per vehicle. If you plan to return to Zion during the year, the $70 annual park pass covers unlimited entry. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.
Private campgrounds in Springdale charge similar or slightly higher rates in exchange for additional amenities.
Camping Safety and Best Practices
Flash floods. This is the main risk in Zion, especially from mid-July through September during monsoon season. A storm several miles away can trigger a flash flood in a narrow canyon within minutes. Check the weather forecast every morning, review the alerts posted at the Visitor Center before entering The Narrows or any other slot canyon, and get out immediately if you hear a low rumble coming from downstream. The Zion weather forecast and the park rules and safety information cover this topic in detail.
Food storage. Coyotes regularly visit the campgrounds. Use the metal food lockers available at every site. Store food, first-aid kits, and toiletries in them as soon as you leave your site. A cooler in the trunk of your car isn't enough.
Summer heat. In July and August, temperatures in the canyon regularly climb above 100°F. Hydrate before you even leave your tent, and avoid trail climbs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Rattlesnakes. They're present around the campgrounds and on the trails. Always watch where you place your hands and feet, especially between rocks and under brush.
Which Campground Should You Choose?
Tent hikers leaving early: South Campground, closest to the shuttles.
RV or converted van: Watchman Campground, with sites that have electrical hookups. Make your reservation as soon as the six-month booking window opens.
Quiet, cool temperatures, and high elevation: Lava Point, but bring your own water.
The park is full: Private campgrounds in Springdale, Virgin, or Rockville.
Wilderness overnight: Reserve a wilderness permit on recreation.gov well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Camp Inside Zion National Park?
Yes, camping inside Zion is entirely possible. The park has three official campgrounds: Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground. A reservation on recreation.gov is essential from March through October.
Which Campground Should You Choose in Zion?
The right Zion campground depends on your trip. Choose Watchman Campground for RVs, thanks to its electrical hookups and easy shuttle access; South Campground for tent hikers; and Lava Point for solitude and cooler temperatures at higher elevation.
When Should You Reserve a Campground in Zion?
You need to reserve your Zion campsite exactly six months before your arrival date on recreation.gov, at midnight Mountain Time. During peak season, the most sought-after sites go within minutes.
How Do You Camp in Zion's Backcountry?
Camping in Zion's backcountry requires a specific permit, available on recreation.gov or at the Visitor Center. Overnight stays are allowed only at designated sites, and you must follow Leave No Trace rules.
How Much Does a Night of Camping in Zion Cost?
A night at an NPS campground costs between $20 and $30 per site, depending on the type, with or without electrical hookups, excluding the park entrance fee of $35 per vehicle.
Are There Dangerous Animals in Zion's Campgrounds?
Coyotes visit Zion's campgrounds, so you must store food in the metal lockers. Rattlesnakes are present on the trails and around the sites. The most underestimated danger, however, remains flash floods, especially from July through September.