Zion Where to Stay

There are several options to enjoy an extended stay in or near the park, whether in a lodge, hotel, bed and breakfast or campsite. Take the time to find the right basecamp for you, commonly either Springdale, St. George, Cedar City, East Zion, La Verkin or Kanab.

Lodging and Accommodations

Inside Zion National Park

The beautiful Zion Lodge lies in the middle of a majestic hiker’s paradise. With the lodge open year-round and offering special winter rates and packages, our guests can easily experience Zion National Park. Accommodations include historic cabins with two double beds, full bath, gas log fireplace and private porch and hotel rooms with a private porch or balcony. All rooms feature air conditioning, phones, radio alarm clocks and hairdryers.

Nearby Accommodations

Numerous lodging options, from hotels to bed and breakfasts, are also available in nearby Springdale, along S.R. 9, East Zion (Zion Ponderosa Resort) and in St. George, Utah. Visitors may also opt for overnight accommodations in or near the less-trafficked parts of Zion: Cedar City is an excellent gateway to the Kolob Canyons section while Kanab, smaller towns on U.S. 89 and lodging on S.R. 9 access the East Entrance.

Learn more below about the different points of access to Zion National Park, including the most popular traveler gateway, Springdale, and two lesser trafficked sides of the park, Kolob Canyons and the East Entrance.

Camping

Zion National Park has three campgrounds. South Campground and Watchman Campground are in Zion Canyon. The Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive from Zion Canyon on the Kolob Terrace Road. There are no campgrounds in Kolob Canyons. Camping is permitted in designated campsites, but not in pullouts or parking lots. Camping is popular; all campgrounds are often full from mid-March through November. Thus, reservations at South Campground and Watchman Campground are recommended if you would like to guarantee a camping spot. If you are unable to make a reservation, the earlier in the day you arrive, the better your chance of getting a campsite.

Summer temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C) and lows rarely dip below 65°F (18°C); so staying cool is a challenge. Guests are encouraged to remember these temperatures and the possibility of a sunny campsite when planning. The Virgin River runs through Zion Canyon along the edge of each campground; there are a few riverside campsites that offer a pleasant view and ambient sound.

All campsites are drive-up and allow a maximum of two vehicles. Only one RV or trailer is allowed. Any RV including motorhomes, cabover campers and camper vans, or any trailer including 5th wheels, pop-up campers, and cargo or boat trailers are vehicles and count toward the limit. Each campground has overflow parking for excess vehicles. Each campsite allows a maximum of six people and three tents; plan accordingly. Check out time is 11:00 a.m.

Campgrounds

Private Campgrounds and Dispersed Camping

Several private campgrounds, such as Zion Crest Campground, are a short drive from the park and are a great place to spend a few nights in the area. Please check the following links for more information and resources.

Zion Canyon Visitors Bureau
East Zion Tourism Council
St. George Area Visitor Bureau
Kane County, Utah (including Kanab)

For dispersed BLM camping contact the St. George Field Office.