Camping

A person sets up a bright blue tent at a campground.
Camping in Zion is popular year-round, due to the park's natural beauty and dark skies.

NPS Photo / Abi Farish

 
 

Zion Campgrounds

Zion National Park has three campgrounds, two of which are located by the park's South Entrance. This area of the park is desert - daytime temperatures often exceed 95°F (35°C) in the summer months. There are also very few trees. Keep these facts in mind when planning your visit.

Reservations are required to stay at park campgrounds. From mid-March through late November, the campgrounds are full almost every night. Visit the links below to learn more about each campground and make a reservation:

  1. Watchman Campground is located by the park's South Entrance. The campground is open year-round, offering reservations up to six months in advance.
  2. South Campground is also located next to the South Entrance. This campground closes seasonally and offers reservations up to two weeks in advance.
  3. Lava Point Campground is located high on the Kolob Terrace Road, about 1 hour away from Zion Canyon. This campground closes seasonally and offers reservations up to two weeks in advance.
 
Watchman Campground Reservations
A tent in a gravel campsite. A large sandstone peak stands in the background.
Check availability and make reservations on recreation.gov. Standard sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance.
South Campground Reservations
A picnic table and elevated fire pit on a flat surface.
Check availability and make reservations on recreation.gov. Sites can be reserved up to 14 days in advance.
Lava Point Campground Reservations
A campground with a picnic table, firewood, and a bear box. Lush plants surround the site.
Check availability and make reservations on recreation.gov. Sites can be reserved up to 14 days in advance.
Camping Regulations
Two people unpack food at a picnic table in a campground.
Learn about quiet hours, proper food storage, and other rules for camping.
Backpacking
A hiker with a backpack walks along a trail.
Overnight trips require a Wilderness permit. Explore your options and reserve permits in advance.
 

Wilderness Camping

Zion Wilderness offers over 90 miles of trails and dozens of backpacking sites. All overnight backpacking trips require a Wilderness Permit. Visit the park's backpacking page to plan your trip and apply for permits.

Local Area Campgrounds

Several campgrounds can be found a short drive from the park. Please check the links below for more information:

 
Shuttle Schedule & Information
A Zion Canyon shuttle on a red road, with red sandstone formations in the background.
Learn about the free shuttle service in Zion Canyon and the neighboring town of Springdale.
Maps and Information
A screenshot of the Zion Information Guide, listing hiking trails and a shuttle map.
Planning a trip to Zion National Park can be as much fun as exploring the park. Read park publications to get oriented.
Permits & Reservations
A ranger stands at a counter with a visitor. The two people both look at a printed guide.
Apply for permits to visit Angels Landing, camp in Zion Wilderness, or carry out other special activities.

Last updated: June 17, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale, UT 84767

Phone:

435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov. You can also listen to pre-recorded information by calling at any time. Rangers answer phone calls from 10 am to 5 pm Mountain Time, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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