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.

From mid-March through late November, the campgrounds are full almost every night. Reservations are needed to guarantee a site. 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. Reservations can be made up to six months before your visit.
    • Reservations are required to stay at Watchman Campground. No first-come, first-served spots are available.
  2. South Campground is also located next to the South Entrance. This campground is currently closed for a rehabilitation project.
  3. Lava Point Campground is located high on the Kolob Terrace Road, about 1 hour away from Zion Canyon. This campground closes seasonally and is available by reservation only.

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.

 
A tent in a gravel campsite. A large sandstone peak stands in the background.
Watchman Campground Reservations

Check availability and make reservations on recreation.gov. Standard sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance.

A campground with a picnic table, firewood, and a bear box. Lush plants surround the site.
Lava Point Campground Reservations

Check availability and make reservations on recreation.gov. Sites can be reserved up to 14 days in advance.

A hiker with a backpack walks along a trail.
Backpacking

Overnight trips require a Wilderness permit. Explore your options and reserve permits in advance.

Two people unpack food at a picnic table in a campground.
Camping Regulations

Learn about quiet hours, proper food storage, and other rules for camping.

 

Local Area Campgrounds

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

 
Shuttle Information
Shuttle schedule & information

Learn about the Free Zion Canyon Shuttle Service.

Cover of map and guide newspaper. Towers and Temples of the Virgin with fall color trees.
Publications

Maps, shuttle schedules, hiking, and camping information. Check here for materials translated into languages other than English.

A ranger hands a visitor a map and newspaper about Zion National Park
How and when to apply for permits

Apply for permits to visit Angels Landing, to canyoneer, and to camp in Zion Wilderness

Last updated: January 21, 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. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected