Camping Regulations

Camping Information

 

Developed Campgrounds

Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground are developed campgrounds. Rules and regulations are in place to protect park resources and preserve a family-friendly environment. It is your responsibility to understand and follow the regulations below:

Maximum Occupancy

With the exception of Watchman Campground Loop E and the 4 group sites in South Campground (large group campsites), developed campsites have the following limits:

Occupants

Maximum of 6 people, excluding children under 24 months of age.

Vehicles

Maximum of 2 vehicles or 4 motorcycles. RVs and camping trailers count as vehicles. Only 1 RV or camping trailer is permitted per site. Vehicles must fit within the delineated parking area provided at each site.

Tents

Maximum of 3 tents per site. Tents (including stakes and guy lines) must fit within the campsite boundaries.

Check-In and Check-Out

Check-Out: 11:00 am Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Check-In: Any time after 12:00 pm Mountain Standard Time (MST)

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm - 8:00 am.

Quiet hours are enforced for people, pets, and property (like radios or generators). Please be respectful of your neighbors and limit noise during these hours.

Generators

Generators are not permitted in Watchman Campground.

Generators may be used at South Campground or Lava Point Campground, but only between the hours of 8 am - 10 am and 6 pm - 8 pm.

Campsite Boundaries

Camping equipment and vehicles must remain within the assigned site boundaries and parking pad. This boundary also affects stakes, guy lines, etc. Vehicles and equipment cannot be on vegetation.

Hammocks, Slacklines, and Recreation Equipment

Nothing can be attached to (or hung on) park structures, trees, or vegetation. These items cause damage to park resources and detract from the scenery.

• The use of hammocks and slacklines is prohibited.
• "Tree tents" are not permitted.
• String lights, clotheslines, candles, and lanterns cannot be hung from trees, vegetation, or park structures.
  • A single clothesline may be hung between private equipment (such as cars, tents, or chairs), but it may not exceed 15 feet in length.

Likewise, installation of any sports equipment that requires the placing of stakes or other items into the ground (or otherwise cause resource damage) is prohibited.

• Examples include (but are not limited to) horseshoe stakes, volleyball nets, lawn darts, etc.

Fires and Stoves

Campers are responsible for understanding current fire restrictions. Ask a ranger/camp host or visit the Current Conditions page to check for active fire restrictions.

• Fires are permitted in the furnished grates at each site.
  • Construction of fire rings or fire pits is not allowed.
  • Private enclosed grills may be used if there is no scorching of the ground. All ashes must be extinguished, cooled, and removed or placed in trash receptacles.
• Fires may be ignited and maintained only by using common fuel sources, such as natural firewood or charcoal briquettes.
  • Other materials like flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, manufactured materials, or synthetic materials are prohibited.
• Wood gathering is prohibited in the park. Wood is available for purchase in nearby communities.
• Fires should never be left unattended. Fires must be extinguished using water and must be cool to the touch before leaving.

Gas or liquid-fueled stoves and lanterns are allowed, but they should only be lit on bare ground away from vegetation. Lanterns may not be hung from trees.

For more information on fire regulations, check out the Superintendent's Compendium section on fires.

Food and Waste Storage

Throughout Zion National Park, all food products and garbage must be stored in a bear resistant container or disposed in a proper receptacle. "Food" includes all food, drinks, toiletries, cosmetics, pet food and bowls, and other scented/odorous items.

These restrictions do not apply to food that is being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption. 

Backpacks, daypacks, or tents containing food items may not be left unattended.

The park is not responsible for property lost or damaged by wildlife.

Pets

Pets are allowed in developed campgrounds so long as owners follow the regulations in the Superintendent's Compendium:

• Pets must be properly restrained at all times.
• Excrement must be picked up and properly disposed of by the animal's owner.
• Pets may be left unattended secured in a cage or tied to an object (in developed campgrounds) provided all other requirements are met.
  • Unattended pets may not make unreasonable noise.
  • Pets may not be left unattended in vehicles with environmental conditions that pose a health risk to the animal.

 

Wilderness Permits

 

Wilderness Camping

Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips, overnight climbing bivouacs, and any other wilderness camping activity.

Permit Conditions

Follow all terms and conditions of your permit.

• Permits must be carried with you and shown upon request.
• Permits may be picked up the day before, or the day of your trip at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
• Permits are non-transferable.
• Group size limits are strictly enforced.

Approved Camping Locations

Wilderness camping in Zion National Park is limited to areas outlined in the current edition of the Zion National Park Wilderness Planner. Additional areas include climbing routes, where camping is allowed on cliff faces, and Heaps and Imlay Canyons.

In designated camping areas (Kolob Canyons, West Rim, The Narrows, Southwest Desert), camp only within the previously disturbed area.

In "at-large" camping areas (Wildcat Canyon, East Rim), campsites should be 200 feet from all streams and trails. Camping in previously disturbed areas is encouraged.

No camping is permitted in the following areas:

• Within sight of trails
• Under rock overhangs
• On private land holdings
• Within 1 mile of roads
• Within ¼ mile of a spring
• Within ¼ mile of the park boundary

Maximum Stay

Camping in the wilderness is limited to 14 days per permit, with the exception of a one-night limit in the Virgin River Narrows and in Hop Valley Site A (when used as a horse camp). After camping for 14 days, persons must wait a period of 14 days before camping again within the park’s wilderness.

Hammocks and Tree Tents

Nothing can be attached to (or hung on) park structures, trees, or vegetation. These items cause damage to park resources and detract from the scenery.

• The use of hammocks or "tree tents" is prohibited.
• String lights, clotheslines, candles, and lanterns cannot be hung from trees, vegetation, or park structures.
  • A single clothesline may be hung between private equipment (such as tents or chairs), but it may not exceed 15 feet in length.

Fires and Stoves

Do your part to prevent wildfires: Campfires are prohibited in the Zion Wilderness. Gas or liquid-fueled stoves and lanterns may be used, but they should only be lit on bare ground away from vegetation.

Food and Waste Storage

Throughout Zion National Park, all food products and garbage must be stored in a bear resistant container or disposed in a proper receptacle. "Food" includes all food, drinks, toiletries, cosmetics, pet food and bowls, and other scented/odorous items.

For backcountry campsites, storing food at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet horizontally from a post, tree, or other object is also acceptable.

These restrictions do not apply to food that is being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption. 

Backpacks, daypacks, or tents containing food items may not be left unattended.

The park is not responsible for property lost or damaged by wildlife.