Go camping at Zion National Park

There are 2 campgrounds in the Zion National Park.  The South campground and the Watchman campground are located in the Zion Canyon.

The South campground is open year round.  There are 180 campsites and a dump station.  The South campground is located half a mile north of Springdale.  It is on the main park road.  The campsites have fire pits, picnic tables and water.  There are bathrooms with flush toilets.

The Watchman campground is open from March 15 to November 1.  There are 170 campsites and a dump station.  The campsites have fire pits, picnic tables and water.  There are bathrooms with flush toilets.  This campground is less than half a mile north of Springdale.  It is just south of the South campground. 

An additional campsite is located about a 1 hour drive from the main canyon of the park.  It is the Lava Point campground.  It has 6 campsites and no water.  Lava Point is closed in the winter.  Lava Point campground is open from May to October.  It has fire pits, picnic tables and pit toilets.

The Zion Backcountry is a primitive area.  Backcountry camping is allowed on a limited basis.  You must get a backcountry permit for camping in this area.  Charcoal or camp stoves are recommended for cooking.  Camp stoves are required for backcountry camping.

You must carry out your garbage and waste from this area.  Water sources are unreliable.  Each person should have 1 gallon of water for each day they are staying.

The Zion Canyon campgrounds are near the south entrance at Springdale.  This area is desert.  There are few trees in this area.  The temperatures will reach 95 degrees in summer.  The Virgin River runs along the edge of each campground.

The campsites allow only 2 vehicles per site.  Only 1 RV or trailer is allowed per site.  Each campground has overflow parking.

Many hikers that have some experience want to hike the Zion Narrows.  You will need some experience before you tackle the Narrows.  Much of the Narrows hiking is wading in cold water.  The Zion Narrows has 12 small campsites available.  The Narrows campsites accommodate 4 people and some accommodate 6 people.  There is 1 campsite that will accommodate 12 people.  All of the Narrows campsites are very good.  You must obtain a permit to stay overnight in the Narrows.  You must also carry out all of your waste.

Zion National Park is a fabulous place to go camping.  Camping at Zion is a great way to experience Zion National Park.

Article sources:

http://www.zion.national-park.com

http://www.nileguide.com

http://www.takemytrip.com