Discover Utah's first national park with towering red cliffs, emerald pools, and the famous Narrows. Your complete guide to RV camping in one of America's most spectacular landscapes.
Zion National Park offers some of the most dramatic canyon scenery in the Southwest, with towering sandstone cliffs rising over 2,000 feet from the canyon floor. RV camping puts you right in the heart of this red rock wonderland, with easy access to world-famous hikes and stunning viewpoints.
🏕️ Campground Comparison
Inside Zion National Park
Name
Sites
Max RV Length
Hookups
Dump Station
Price/night
Best For
Watchman
190 sites
Check per site
Loops A,B: 30-amp electric!
Potable water (carry)
$20-30/night
Best in park, reserve 6mo ahead
South Campground
117 sites
Standard
No hookups
No dump
$20/night
Walk to shuttle
Lava Point
6 sites
Small only
Primitive
None
Free!
Remote, elevation
Outside Park (Private)
Name
Distance
Sites
Hookups
Best For
Gateway Luxury RV Resort
9 mi, La Verkin
81 sites
Full hookups, pull-thru
Spacious
Range RV
10 mi, Apple Valley
64 sites
Full hookups
Year-round
🚨 CRITICAL: Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel — vehicles wider than 11'4" or taller than 13'1" need RANGER ESCORT (free, 7am-7pm, sign up at East Entrance). Many Class C RVs need this!
Watchman Details: Loops A,B = RV with electric, Loop C,D = tent only, Loop F = walk-in RESERVATION: recreation.gov, 6 months ahead, NO first-come-first-served
⚠️ RV Size Restrictions: The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel has strict height (11'4") and length (40ft) limits. Larger RVs need escort through tunnel ($15 fee) or must use alternate routes.
🥾 Must-Do Hikes and Activities
Iconic Zion Adventures
Angels Landing
🥾 5.4 miles RT⏱️ 4-6 hours📈 Strenuous🎫 Permit required
Zion's most famous hike. Exposed spine ridge with chain-assisted climbing and incredible views. Advance reservations required at recreation.gov. Not for those afraid of heights! Scout Lookout (2.4 miles) is a good alternative.
The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
🥾 1-9 miles⏱️ 2-8 hours🌊 River hiking👟 Special gear needed
Hike through the Virgin River. Walk upstream through slot canyon walls towering 1,000 feet overhead. Rent waterproof boots, neoprene socks, and walking stick. Check weather and flash flood conditions.
Canyon Overlook Trail
🥾 1 mile RT⏱️ 1 hour📈 Moderate🏃♀️ RV accessible
Perfect for RV campers. Short hike starts near the tunnel (great for RV parking) and offers spectacular views of Zion Canyon. Best photography light in early morning or late afternoon.
Family-Friendly Activities
Emerald Pools Trails: Easy to moderate hikes to three different pools and waterfalls
Riverside Walk: Paved 2.2-mile walk along Virgin River to Narrows entrance
Weeping Rock: Short 0.4-mile hike to hanging gardens and dripping alcove
Pa'rus Trail: Paved 3.5-mile bike/walk path perfect for families
🚌 Zion Shuttle System
From March through October, private vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon. The free shuttle system connects campgrounds, visitor center, and trailheads every 6-10 minutes.
Shuttle Route & Stops
Stop 1: Visitor Center & Museum
Stop 2: Human History Museum
Stop 3: Canyon Junction Bridge (Watchman Trail)
Stop 4: Court of the Patriarchs
Stop 5: Zion Lodge
Stop 6: The Grotto (Angels Landing trailhead)
Stop 7: Weeping Rock
Stop 8: Big Bend
Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava (Narrows trailhead)
💡 Shuttle Pro Tip: RV campers have easy access to shuttles from campgrounds. Start hikes early (7-8 AM) to beat crowds and heat. Return shuttles are most crowded 3-6 PM.
🌡️ When to Visit Zion
Peak Season (March - May, September - October)
Weather: Perfect 70-80°F days, comfortable for all hiking
Crowds: Very busy, especially weekends and holidays
Reservations: Essential for campgrounds and Angels Landing permits
Activities: All trails open and comfortable
Summer (June - August)
Weather: Hot 95-100°F+ days, but great for water activities
Crowds: Peak crowds, arrive early for parking and shuttles
Activities: The Narrows perfect for cooling off
Strategy: Hike early morning or late afternoon
Winter (November - February)
Weather: Mild 50-60°F days, can get snow at higher elevations
From Las Vegas: I-15 North → UT-9 East (avoids tunnel)
From St. George: UT-9 East directly to Springdale
From Cedar City: I-15 South → UT-9 East
Eastern approach: Only via tunnel (escort required for large RVs)
⚠️ Important: Measure your RV carefully including air conditioning units, antennas, and any roof cargo. The tunnel clearance is strictly enforced for safety reasons.
📍 Getting to Zion from Irvine
Route: I-5 North → I-10 East → I-15 North → UT-9 East → Springdale
Distance: 350 miles (6.5 hours driving time)
Fuel Cost: Approximately $140-180 for Class C RV (round trip)
Recommended Stops En Route
St. George, Utah: Last major supply stop, restaurants, fuel
Hurricane, Utah: Walmart and grocery stores for stocking up
La Verkin, Utah: Final fuel stop before Springdale
Springdale: Park gateway town with restaurants and shops
Scenic Detour Options
Red Canyon (Bryce area): Add 2 hours for incredible red rock scenery
Cedar Breaks National Monument: High-altitude amphitheater views
Kolob Canyons: Northern section of Zion with different perspectives
🎒 Zion Packing Essentials
Hiking Gear
Sturdy hiking boots with good traction for slickrock
Trekking poles helpful for steep descents
Day pack with plenty of water storage
Electrolyte supplements for hot weather hiking
Headlamp for early morning starts or slot canyons
Narrows Specific Gear
Waterproof hiking boots (rent in Springdale)
Neoprene socks to prevent blisters in wet conditions
Walking stick/pole essential for river crossing stability
Dry bag for camera and phone protection
Quick-dry clothing that works when wet
RV Camping Supplies
Extra water containers - dry camping at South Campground
Portable shade - awning or pop-up canopy
Camping chairs for enjoying canyon views
Binoculars for wildlife and distant rock features
Star chart - Zion has excellent night sky viewing
💡 Gear Rental Tip: Rent Narrows gear (boots, walking sticks, neoprene socks) in Springdale rather than buying. Multiple outfitters offer complete packages for $25-35/day.
🏕️ Free Camping/Boondocking
Free Dispersed Camping Near Zion
Lava Point Campground: 6 free primitive sites at 7,900 ft elevation (May-Oct only)
BLM Land near Hurricane: Multiple dispersed camping spots off UT-9, 30 minutes from park
Dixie National Forest: Free primitive camping in designated areas, check current regulations
Virgin River Gorge (AZ): 45 minutes south, BLM camping with spectacular red rock views
Gooseberry Mesa: Popular with mountain bikers, primitive camping with views
Note: All free camping is dry camping (no hookups). Bring extra water and be prepared for self-contained camping.
🚰 Dump Stations & Water
RV Dump Stations & Water Fill
Zion Visitor Center: Water available, no dump station
Watchman Campground: Dump station for registered campers only
Shell Gas Station (Hurricane): $10 dump fee, fresh water available
Ready to explore towering canyons and world-famous hikes? Our RVs are perfectly sized for Zion's access roads and provide the comfort you need after epic adventures.
⚠️ Disclaimer: All information on this page is provided for general reference only. Prices, amenities, availability, phone numbers, and policies may change without notice. For the most current and accurate information, please contact the campground, park, or service provider directly. RV We Go is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to third-party information. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.