Zion National Park Camping

Open year-round, Watchman Campground is a mere quarter-mile from the south entrance of Zion. There are 203 sites (190 regulars, seven wheelchairs, six large group), including standard sites without electric hook-ups, suitable for tents, RVs or trailers ($20 per night) and electric hook-ups for RVs and trailers ($30 per night). Reservations are highly recommended from March through November — though 18 first-come, first-serve tent-only sites are available. Making reservations six months in advance, as sites book quickly during peak season. Group sites accommodate up to 40 people and range from $50 to $130 per night. All sites have fire rings and access to clean drinking water and toilets. A few lucky sites offer shade, but be sure to bring shade tents/shelters as summer daytime temperatures rarely drop below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, note that generators are not allowed in Watchman.

Open early March through October, South Campground is a half-mile into Zion from the south entrance. South Campground has no electric hookups, though generators are allowed. There are 117 sites (114 regular, three wheelchairs), each with a fire ring and a picnic table. Individual campsites are $20 per night and group sites are $50. There are toilets, potable water sources, RV waste dumps and access to the waters of the Virgin River. Like Watchman, however, there is little shade. Making reservations six months in advance is recommended, as sites book quickly during peak season.

Typically open May through September (as weather allows), Lava Point Campground is a remote car camping destination about a 45-minute drive on Kolob Terrace Road from the town of Virgin (or an hour and 20 minutes from the south entrance). At 7,890 feet above sea level, it's one of the highest points in the park and services some of the more remote adventures in Zion. There are 6 primitive campsites that are best suited for tents (vehicles over 19 feet aren't allowed on the road). There are pit toilets and trash cans, but no water. Reservations must be made online in advance.