Campgrounds of Zion

Zion is the most popular national park in Utah, and its campgrounds share that popularity. There are two large developed campgrounds, nearly next to each other and adjacent to the visitor center. These campgrounds are quite hard to get a site in during the entire summer season, and often the spring and fall as well. There is also a very primitive camping area at Lava Point, located very far from the Zion Canyon area.

South Campground

Size & Cost: 127 sites, $20 per site
Open: March through October
Reservations: No, first come, first served
Location: Off of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, 0.3 miles from the south entrance, just 0.2 miles past Watchman Campground .
Amenities: Running water, flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables. Showers and laundry are not available, but may be found in Springdale. A dump station is also available.
Demand: Very high. This campground always fills in the summer months, and often even in shoulder seasons. Arrive early if you expect to get a site.
Reviews: South Campground reviews on TripAdvisor

Watchman Campground

Size & Cost: 178 sites, $20-$30 per site
Open: All Year
Reservations: March through November, Online
Location: Off of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, just inside the south entrance, right next to the visitor center.
Amenities: Running water, flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables. Some sites have electric hookups. Showers and laundry are not available, but may be found in Springdale. A dump station is also available.
Demand: Extreme. Located right next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, this is a very popular campground. It is full most of March through November, mostly by advance reservation.
Reviews: Watchman Campground reviews on TripAdvisor

Lava Point Campground

Size & Cost: 6 sites, no fee
Open: June through October
Reservations: No, first come, first served
RVs allowed: No
Location: Located at the end of the unpaved Lava Point Road, off Kolob Terrace Road. The access road may become impassable when wet. It is about a one hour drive from Zion Canyon. The photo below shows the Lava Point area, not the campground itself.
Amenities: No water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables. This is a very primitive area, and no amenities are nearby.
Demand: Moderate. This campground is small and quiet, and far removed from the heavily visited areas. For tent campers who are prepared, and wish to explore this region, it can make a good base.