Campground

South Campground

Campground
A grassy campground with flat, gravel sites and a nearby paved pathway.

South Campground sits just ½ mile from Zion's South Entrance, between the Visitor Center and Nature Center. The 124-site developed campground offers a mix of 18 tent-only and 106 mixed-use sites (tent/RV), all with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. Expect close quarters with other campers and some highway noise—this is a convenience base camp, not a wilderness retreat. Proximity to Zion Canyon and trailheads like Pa'rus and Riverside Walk is the main draw.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Up to 14 days in advance
Reservation Tips
Weekday slots more available than weekends. Set alarm for 6 am Mountain Time, 14 days before trip. Recreation.gov opens new dates at 8 am but sites vanish within minutes during peak season (May–Sept). First-time Zion visitors should book 2–3 backup dates or apply for lottery.
Season Dates
Mid-March through October 31

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Up to 14 days in advance
Reservation Tips
Weekday slots more available than weekends. Set alarm for 6 am Mountain Time, 14 days before trip. Recreation.gov opens new dates at 8 am but sites vanish within minutes during peak season (May–Sept). First-time Zion visitors should book 2–3 backup dates or apply for lottery.
Season Dates
Mid-March through October 31
Fills Up Speed
Books instantly
Per Night Cost
$35 per site
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers park entrance fee; camping fee ($35/night) is separate and required

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
124
Site Types
Tent, RV/Camper
Site Type Breakdown
18 tent-only, 106 mixed-use (tent/RV)
RV Max Length
40 feet
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
Dry camping only
Site Features
Picnic table, fire ring (iron grate), food storage box, parking space
Ground Type
Gravel and packed earth; paved areas at accessible sites
Site Privacy
Limited. Sites close together. Parking-lot style density in some rows. You'll hear and see neighboring campers.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets (year-round)
Potable Water
Spigots available (seasonal, typically spring through fall)
Dump Station
Yes (seasonal)
Trash Service
Dumpsters provided (year-round) with recycling
Camp Store
No on-site store. Springdale (½ mile) has supplies, restaurants, gas
Firewood Availability
Not sold on-site. Wood gathering prohibited in park. Purchase firewood in Springdale (½ mile away)
Cell Service
Good signal (year-round; signal can be spotty depending on carrier and network load)
Nearby Facilities
Springdale, Utah (½ mile away): Sotelos Mexican Food, Wild Thyme Café, Black Sage restaurants; gas; grocery; laundry; paid showers (15–20 min drive); medical clinic. All services within 5-minute drive.

Access

Road Type
Paved
Road Conditions
Well-maintained paved access off Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Easy entry for all vehicles. Minimal washboard or rough sections.
Vehicle Restrictions
RVs and trailers up to 40 feet permitted
Clearance Needed
Standard
Gate Hours
All day (open during season; check-in typically after 12 pm, checkout 11 am)
Distance From Entrance
½ mile from South Entrance
Nearest Gas Services
Springdale, Utah (½ mile): gas, grocery, restaurants, medical clinic
Elevation
Approximately 4,040 feet
Accessibility
9 ADA accessible sites with paved paths to restrooms. Fire grills elevated, picnic tables extended for wheelchair access. Pa'rus Trail (paved, wheelchair-accessible with assistance) connects campground to Visitor Center. Flat terrain most areas.
ADA Accessible Sites
9 ADA accessible sites with paved connections to restrooms. Fire grills elevated, picnic tables extended. Pa'rus Trail (paved, wheelchair-accessible) connects to campground and Visitor Center.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Food storage boxes provided at each site. All food and waste must be properly stored in boxes or disposed of appropriately. 100-yard safe distance from bears.
Fire Restrictions
Fires only in furnished grates at each site. Seasonal fire restrictions common—check with camp host or ranger. No burning of trash or synthetic materials. Fires must be fully extinguished before leaving.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Pets must be leashed (6 feet or less) and under control at all times. Owners must clean up after pets. Pets not permitted on most park trails.
Generator Hours
8 am–10 am and 6 pm–8 pm
Quiet Hours
10 pm to 8 am
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Ranger-led programs at amphitheater (seasonal). Immediate access to trailheads: Pa'rus Trail (paved, ¼ mile), Riverside Walk, Weeping Rock, Angels Landing (nearby). Zion Canyon Visitor Center adjacent.
Trailheads Nearby
Pa'rus Trail (paved, accessible) connects directly. Riverside Walk, Weeping Rock, Angels Landing, Canyon Overlook within 1–3 miles.
Fishing Details
No fishing at campground. Virgin River fishing available in the park with valid Utah fishing license.
Wildlife Viewing
Black bears, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats. Bears present—store food securely. Safe viewing distance: 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from other wildlife.
Stargazing Quality
Modest. Nearby Springdale lights reduce dark-sky views. Better stargazing at higher elevations in the park.
Shade Coverage
Mix of open and lightly shaded. Some sites near cottonwoods; others in sun-exposed areas.
Scenic Views
Zion Canyon red-rock formations and Virgin River nearby. Views vary by site; some overlook canyon, others face neighbors.
Noise Level
Moderate. Highway drone from Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, especially evening hours. Quiet hours 10 pm–8 am enforced.
Best Time To Visit
April–May and September–October. Mild temps (60–75°F), fewer bugs than summer, fewer crowds than peak July–August.
Vibe Check
This is a *developed convenience campground*, not a wilderness hideaway. Parking-lot style in many rows. Family-oriented. Bathroom and potable-water infrastructure solid. Highway noise present. Trade solitude and privacy for proximity to everything Zion Canyon offers. Expect crowds mid-May through mid-September.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want car-camping convenience steps from Zion Canyon trails and the Visitor Center. First-time national park visitors. Families needing full facilities (toilets, water). RVers with rigs up to 40 feet. Impatient hikers who want minimal commute from camp. ❌ SKIP IF: You crave wilderness solitude or backcountry quiet. You need hookups (water/electric). You dislike highway noise. You're a tent purist seeking a forested, secluded setting.
Tips Advice
  • Set alarm for 6 am MT on day 14 before trip—recreation.gov releases dates at 8 am; popular sites book by 6:05 am
  • Bring layers; nighttime temps drop 30°F+ from daytime
  • Fill water containers early; seasonal spigots can be slow during peak hours
  • Stake tent securely; afternoon winds are common in canyon
  • Pack bear bags for multi-day hikes; food boxes mandatory at camp
  • Fireplace fires only; wood gathering prohibited—buy firewood in town
  • Plan for checkout by 11 am; morning departures cause bottlenecks in peak season

More details

Park Area
Zion Canyon
Sites Tent Only
18
Family Friendly Notes
Good for families. Ranger programs at amphitheater (seasonal) engage kids. Flat sites suit toddlers. Potable water and flush toilets essential. Virgin River nearby for summer wading. Close to Visitor Center exhibits and nature programs.
Amphitheater
Yes (seasonal ranger programs)
Boat Launch
None (no water boat access)
Nearby Attractions
Zion Canyon Visitor Center (adjacent). Zion Nature Center (½ mile). Pa'rus Trail, Weeping Rock, Temple of Sinawava, Court of the Patriarchs, Canyon Overlook Trail (1–3 miles).
Terrain Type
Flat to gently sloping
Temperature Ranges
Spring (Mar–May): 50–80°F days, 30–50°F nights. Summer (Jun–Aug): 85–95°F days, 60–70°F nights. Fall (Sep–Oct): 60–80°F days, 40–60°F nights. Nighttime temps can drop 30°F+ from daytime highs.
Snow Season
Rare snow at this elevation. Winter closure typically late October through mid-March.
Monsoon Season
July–September: Afternoon thunderstorms possible. Flash flood risk in narrow canyons; heed park warnings.
Wind Exposure
Moderately exposed, especially near canyon rim. Afternoon winds common. Stake tents securely.
Bug Season
Spring–early summer (April–June): Mosquitoes near Virgin River. Bring insect repellent.
Setup Strategy
Mix of pull-through and back-in sites. Mostly gravel internal roads with paved main access. Most sites level; use leveling blocks if needed. Big rigs (up to 40 ft) navigable but watch overhead clearance. On-site parking required; no overflow lot. Arrive early for setup (after 12 pm check-in).
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers or laundry on-site. Nearest paid showers and laundry in Springdale (½ mile; 15–20 min drive). Plan multi-day stays carefully; laundry will require a town trip. Flush toilets on-site full season.
Review Summary
Campers praise the location—steps from canyon trailheads and Visitor Center. Top complaints: tight spacing, highway noise, and that shade is limited. Consensus: trade solitude for convenience; ideal base camp for Zion first-timers.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Will my 40-foot RV fit?

Yes, maximum length is 40 feet. Recreation.gov shows site-specific dimensions; confirm your rig fits your assigned spot before arrival.

Are there bears?

Yes, black bears live here. Store all food in provided boxes; encounters are rare when food is secured. Maintain 100-yard distance if you spot one.

Do I need reservations?

Yes, always. All 124 sites require recreation.gov reservations (up to 14 days ahead). No first-come, first-served spots exist.

Is it quiet at night?

Quiet hours are 10 pm–8 am (enforced). Expect highway noise, especially early evening. Not a remote experience.

What's the nearest town?

Springdale is ½ mile away—restaurants, gas, groceries, laundry, paid showers, medical clinic all within 5-minute drive.

Are showers available?

No on-site showers. Flush toilets and potable water year-round. Paid showers in Springdale (15–20 min away).

Watchman Campground

Watchman Campground: Zion riverfront basecamp with 30A/50A options and no on-site showers.

Lava Point Campground

Six primitive tent sites at 7,890 feet - no water, big quiet, and cool mountain nights above Zion Canyon.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.