Camping

Camping in Zion National Park

Zion has three campgrounds, all booked on Recreation.gov. From mid-March through late November they are full almost every night, so reserve early.

Last checked: Oct 2026, against the NPS camping page.

Park campgrounds

Watchman

By the South Entrance. Open year-round. Reserve up to 6 months ahead.

South

Next to the South Entrance. Closes seasonally. Reserve up to 14 days ahead.

Lava Point

High on Kolob Terrace Road, about 1 hour from Zion Canyon. Closes seasonally, no potable water. Reserve up to 14 days ahead.

Reservations are required at all park campgrounds. Camping or sleeping in parking lots is prohibited.
You also need a park entrance pass. See NPS fees.
The South Entrance area is desert: summer daytime highs often exceed 95°F, with very few trees.
Campground alerts are on NPS current conditions.

Backpacking

All overnight wilderness trips need a Wilderness permit. See NPS backpacking.

Campgrounds outside the park

NPS points to these for nearby options: East Zion, the St. George Area Visitor Bureau, and the BLM St. George camping brochure.

Pack list: the campground kit. Prefer a bed? See where to stay.