Zion National Park Camping: Guide to Utah’s Red Rock Paradise

Zion National Park offers a breathtaking escape into Utah’s red rock landscapes, with diverse camping options to suit adventurers of all types. From convenient campgrounds like Watchman to remote hike-in wilderness sites like Wildcat Canyon, you will have outstanding access to Zion’s natural wonders. However, proper planning is essential with its popularity and unique challenges like flash floods, road conditions, and temperature extremes. This guide covers everything you need to know about camping in Zion, including the best spots, gear recommendations, and safety tips for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Can I Camp Anywhere in Zion National Park?

No, you can only camp in designated campgrounds and wilderness sites. Sleeping in parking lots in your vehicle is not permitted. 

Which Campground Is Best in Zion?

Which campground is best depends on your camping style. There’s everything from convenient options for those who like modern amenities to dispersed wilderness sites for the more adventuresome types. 

Watchman Campground

Watchman Campground is conveniently located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, just ¼ miles from the South Entrance. It offers year-round tent and RV campsites with picnic tables, fire ring access, potable water, flush toilets, and RV dump sites. Just a short distance from parking, there are also 18 tent-only walk-in campsites, perfect for backpackers and bicyclists. 

If you’re summer camping, temperatures can rise above 100 during the day, so be prepared. You can use the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner with up to 8 hours of wireless cooling and recharge it using DC, AC, a portable power station, or solar panels. It also doubles as a heater for staying warm for those camping in winter.  

• You must make a reservation for all sites, including walk-ins.   
• Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, and generators are never permitted. However, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series has no motor, offering quiet energy at any time. 
• No fires are permitted during Fire Restrictions.
• Shaded sites cannot accommodate vehicles taller than 12’6″.

Lava Point Campground

Whether you are solo camping or out with your family looking for high-elevation adventure, the Lava Point Campground is a beautiful wilderness spot open May through September, weather permitting. The weather can change rapidly, given that it’s 7890 feet above sea level, and road access along the 1-hour and 20-minute drive along Kolob Terrace Road can be unpredictable. Pit toilets and trash cans are available, but no water is available. Be sure to keep your food in a vehicle or hard-sided lockable container to keep it from the wildlife. 

There’s no power, so it’s a good idea to bring the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) to recharge your electronic devices and run lights.  

• Reservations are available on a 2-week rolling window and must be made in advance.
• Vehicles over 19 feet long are not permitted on the access road.
• Always check the current road conditions before setting off. 
• Backpackers must still make reservations for each night to guarantee a spot.

Wildcat Canyon Dispersed Camping

Wildcat Canyon is a dispersed wilderness camping area, with the shortest hike-in of 4.2 miles round trip from Wildcat Canyon Trailhead to Northgate Peaks. Alternatively, you can do the 9-mile hike from Hop Valley Trailhead to West Rim Trailhead. Enjoy hiking through ponderosa pine forests and open meadows before you reach Wildcat Canyon, which has sweeping vistas. The best times to camp here are in late spring, summer, and fall, but the nights can get cold, so plan accordingly. Freshwater from the Wildcat Spring is available, but you must pack water for the hike. There’s no power, but you can bring the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus, compact enough to fit inside a backpack.

• Download the Wilderness Map to view trails, campsites, and the official guide for additional planning resources.
• Check current conditions for trail closures due to wildfires, rockfalls, and flash floods, and have a backup plan in place. 
• Snow melt can continue well into summer, making trails wet and muddy.
• This site has no established campsites, but dispersed camping is allowed near the trail. 
• A wilderness permit is required. 

La Verkin Creek Trail Wilderness Camping

La Verkin Creek Trail is another hike-in wilderness site for adventurous campers. The 14-mile round trip from Lee Pass Trailhead to Kolob Arch has a 1,037-foot elevation change. You’ll enjoy hiking through the Kolob Canyons before descending to La Verkin Creek. From there, the trail heads upstream with amazing cliff views and passes Kolob Arch, one of the world’s largest free-standing arches. 

You can also extend your trip and travel farther up to Bear Trap Canyon and Willis Canyon. Bring the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank to recharge your phone for long hikes in the backcountry. It’s small and lightweight, so there’s no need to worry about it taking up too much space.  

• Camping in designated sites only. There are 10 sites between Lee Pass and Kolob Arch and three more upstream.
• Seasonal rain or snow may cause muddy trails and snowy conditions. 
• Creek crossings can be difficult during or following heavy rain. 

Kolob Campground

Kolob Campground is located on the shores of the Kolob Reservoir, not far from Zion National Park, offering quick access to Zion, the West Rim Trail, Wildcat Canyon Trail, Hop Valley Trail, and Subway Canyon. Sites are available for tents and pull-through RVs. Potable water and vault toilets are available near the camp. 

Wi-fi is available upon request at the nearby Kolob Adventure Rentals, where you can also rent canoes, kayaks, and SUPs. While fire pits are available, Kolob Mountain has a fire ban, but the campground offers propane firepits for your entire stay for $50, including propane. 

• Book your reservations on Hip Camp.
• Contact the camp host for details on RV site availability. 
• Due to a fire ban, charcoal and open fires are not allowed, but gas stoves and BBQs are permitted.

What Should I Pack for a Zion National Park Camping Trip?

• A portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) since no power is available. 
• Cool, loose-fitting clothing for daytime and warm sweatshirt, pants, and socks for cool nights.
• Sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 
• Water is scarce, so pack your own. Some wilderness water is available, but make sure you treat it first.
• A good-quality 3-4-season tent is necessary for high-elevation camps. It should also have a good rain fly. 
• Warm sleeping bags because it can get chilly at night, even in summer.  
• Cooking utensils, including gas stoves and BBQs, will be necessary during fire bans. 

4 Zion National Park Camping Tips

1. This is a popular destination, with campgrounds generally at full capacity from March to November. While some first-come, first-served sites are available, you should arrive extra early to get one. 
2. Be prepared for cold weather at high-elevation sites, even in summer.
3. Many campsites in the Watchman Campgrounds are located near the North Fork of the Virgin River, which is contaminated with toxic cyanobacteria. 
4. Flash flooding is also a risk, especially in the Virgin River area. Use the area cautiously during the rainy season and avoid all dry creekbeds when it rains. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Zion National Park is a camper’s dream, blending stunning landscapes with adventures for every skill level. From accessible campgrounds to secluded wilderness sites, each option offers ample hiking through pine forests and marveling at the red rock wonders for an unforgettable camping experience. Planning ahead, checking the road and trail conditions before you go, choosing the right campsite, and packing essential gear like the EcoFlow River 3 Series portable power stations ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in one of Utah’s most iconic destinations.