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Zion National ParkRV camping in Watchman Campground
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Zion National Park
Campgrounds in Zion
 

Camping
Zion National Park has three campgrounds. South and Watchman Campgrounds are in Zion Canyon. The Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive from Zion Canyon on Kolob Terrace. There are no campgrounds in Kolob Canyons. Camping is permitted in designated campsites, but not in pullouts or parking lots. Camping is popular; all campgrounds are often full by early afternoon on weekends and holidays. During June, July, and August, the campgrounds are full every night. Reservations at Watchman Campground (see below) are recommended if you would like to guarantee a camping spot. If you are unable to make a reservation, the earlier in the day you arrive, the better your chance of getting a campsite. Several private campgrounds are a short drive from the park. Please click here www.zionpark.org for more information.

Zion Canyon Campgrounds
South and Watchman Campgrounds are near the south entrance at Springdale. This part of the park is desert. There are few trees to provide relief from the heat. Some campsites get shade for part of the day, but many get no shade at all. Summer temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C) and lows rarely dip below 65°F (18°C); staying cool is a challenge. Remember these temperatures and the possibility of a sunny campsite when planning. The Virgin River runs along the edge of each campground; there are a few riverside campsites.

All campsites are drive-up and allow a maximum of two vehicles. One RV or trailer is allowed. Any RV, including motorhomes, cabover campers, and camper vans, or any trailer, including 5th wheels, pop-up campers, and cargo or boat trailers, are vehicles and count toward the limit. Each campground has overflow parking for excess vehicles. Each campsite allows a maximum of six people and two tents; plan accordingly. Check out time is 11:00 a.m.

Comfort stations provide flush toilets, cold running drinkable water, and trash containers, but no showers or electrical outlets. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with attached grill. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. Hiking in the park with pets is allowed only on the roads and Pa’rus Trail.

Springdale is adjacent to Zion Canyon; pay showers, a small market, firewood, laundromats, a limited medical clinic, and restaurants are available. Springdale can be reached from the campgrounds by car, foot, bicycle, or free shuttle (April through October).

From April through October, the park-wide camping limit is 14 nights. An additional 30 nights is permitted the rest of the year. These limits include at all park campgrounds. 

NRRS Policies (reservation cancellation policy)

Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground
Open all year
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South Campground
South Campground
First Come, First Served
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Lava Point
Lava Point
Elevation 7980 feet
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Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Logo  

Did You Know?
The Olympic Torch passed through Zion National Park enroute to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics

Last Updated: August 22, 2008 at 17:24 EST