Boondocking near Zion National Park is the pinnacle of RV life. At least according to me.
The number of outstanding dispersed camping areas will leave you spoilt for choice.
In fact, it is not just the quantity, it is the diversity of the camp areas that I appreciate the most.
Thanks to the captivating terrain and landscape of the state of Utah, the best campsites are often in scenic spots providing breathtaking views.
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Free vs Paid Boondocking Spots near Zion National Park
As I have mentioned already, the choices are abundant for boondocking near Zion National Park.
You can even go boondocking within Zion National Park at three designated camp areas.
However, what you should to keep in mind is that not all BLM land or public lands are free to use.
There are several that do charge a nominal fee. This is usually to provide certain facilities like limited electric connections or restrooms for campers.
Typically, boondocking would entail going all-natural. Just in case though there are certain amenities that are important to you, do make a list of them and then choose your boondocking spot.
Both free and paid boondocking spots offer the same soulful experience. You get the same natural landscape, forest trails, hiking routes, rivers and canyons.
The difference lies in the amenities you get to access. These amenities are basic or bare minimum that campers need. Remember, this is not glamping. So do not expect hot showers and other modern amenities.
Boondocking inside Zion National Park
Zion National Park has three entrances.
The first and most popular entrance is the South Entrance. It is considered as the main entrance to Zion. The entrance is located near the town of Springdale in Southern Utah.
Second, is the East Entrance. This entrance can be accessed from Route 9 on the Utah State highway.
The third entrance is the Kolob Canyons entrance.
Zion’s south entrance is where you need to be for boondocking inside Zion National Park.
Zion Visitor Center is a short drive near the South Entrance. Those coming by car, can park their vehicles at the parking lot for a fee. Remember, parking slots are provided on a first come first serve basis.
If you do not get parking at the Zion National Park Visitor Center, just park at Springdale and take one of the shuttle buses to Zion.
Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground is the largest and most sought-after boondocking spot inside Zion National Park.
It is located just a quarter mile from the south entrance.
This spot is ideal for both RV campers and tent campers. There are a total of 176 campsites at Watchman Campground.
Out of all the campsites, 65 sites are for RV only and 69 for tent only.
You also get 95 campsites with electric hookups.
You need to reserve your spot by paying a nominal fee. Reservations can be done up to six months in advance.
Watchman Campground is open all year round.
Facilities at Watchman Campground include campsites for both RV and tents, place for a picnic table, access to a fire ring, trash collection, dump station, potable water, flush toilets and staff on site for assistance.
Charges for boondocking at Watchman Campground inside Zion National Park are as follows:
$30 for electric hookup campsite
$20 for tent only campsite
$50 for group campsites
There are also two wheelchair accessible campsites that charge $10.
Please do make prior reservations and follow all fire regulation guidelines when at Watchman Campground.
Those who plan on hiking to the famous but demanding Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park, should definitely opt to camp here.
South Campground
South Campground is the second largest boondocking spot inside Zion National Park. It is only half a mile from the South Entrance.
This site is open from around March to October. Hence it is a seasonal boondocking spot inside Zion National Park.
There are a total of 117 campsites at South Campground. These sites can be utilized for both RV and tent campers.
However, unlike Watchman Campground, South Campground does not have any electric hookups.
Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance.
All campsites at South Campground provides a place for a picnic table, access to a fire ring, flush toilets, seasonal dump station and potable water.
Charges for boondocking at South Campground inside Zion National Park are $20 for standard tent or RV and $50 for group campsites.
South Campground is a short walk from Watchman Campground at about 0.3 miles.
Lava Point Campground
If primitive camping is your thing, then you will enjoy boondocking at Lava Point Campground.
This site offers only 6 primitive campsites which need to be reserved in advance.
Lava Point Campground is a 1 hour 20 minute-drive from the South Entrance to Zion National Park.
It is 25 miles from the town of Virgin, off Kolob Terrace Road.
Those with a large RV need to note that vehicles over 19 feet are strictly not allowed at Lava Point Campground.
I would not suggest large vehicles anyways as the campsite is on a dirt road which is quite narrow. Road conditions could be tricky after the site opens once the snow melts.
Lava Point Campground is open only from May to September, depending upon the snow cover.
This is a remote location and facilities are bare minimum. You do get trash cans and pit toilets but no water.
However, the reason to go boondocking at Lava Point Campground is to be one with Zion National Park.
The primitive location is at 7890 feet above sea level, surrounded by the forests and canyons of Zion.
You get a great spot with beautiful views and several forest trails, backpacking routes and wonderful scenery.
Lava Point Campground offers free camping and is ideal for those who want to be lost within nature without any electric connections, mobile interference or unnecessary disturbances.
Best Spots for Boondocking near Zion National Park
There are several outstanding spots for boondocking near Zion National Park.
Each of these locations have a charm of their own. Most of them are free campsites with only a few charging a nominal fee.
I have marked the ones that come under free campgrounds, dispersed campsite or paid camping.
Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area
Also known as: Virgin River Canyon Campground
Type: Paid campground for tent camping, RV camping and day use.
Cost: Starting at $2 for day use and $8 for overnight for 2 vehicles.
Location: Cedar Pocket Rd, Littlefield, AZ 86432
Latitude: 36° 57′ 4.0212″ N
Longitude: 113° 47′ 36.4560″ W
Access: Via Interstate 15, Cedar Pocket Exit, Mile Post 18.
The areas along Virgin River are quite sought-after for boondocking with a few free campgrounds and paid ones owned by the Bureau of Land Management.
I am going to start with the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, which is a superb spot for any kind of camper or boondocking.
This site is also known as Virgin River Canyon Campground and is actually located in Littlefield, Arizona.
The Virgin River Canyon Campground is about 60 miles to the Zion National Park, south entrance. It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes by road between the two locations.
For the nominal cost being charged, Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area offers a lot of facilities to campers.
You have access to fire pits, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, parking area and a lot more.
Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is also a great place for hiking trails and scenic walkways with rivers and canyons for company.
This is one of the best places for boondocking about an hour from Zion National Park.
You can reserve your spot in advance via the BLM website.
Virgin River Dam Free Boondocking
Type: Free camping
Location: La Verkin, Near Virgin Dam Trailhead
While the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is an excellent campground, if you want to be closer to Zion National Park and prefer something completely free, you need to drive towards the Virgin Dam Trailhead at La Verkin.
At about 20 to 30 minutes from Zion National Park, you will find a possible dispersed campsite.
This is pure boondocking with just you, the desert and the Virgin River. The roads can get a bit tricky here with the dirt tracks so do be careful.
One thing to note, some of the land near Virgin River Dam are actually private land. Hence, you need to ensure you are on BLM land before setting up camp.
If you do find a good spot, the views are outstanding, nights are chilly and the terrain is simply breathtaking especially as the sun starts to go down.
Sheep Bridge Road
Type: Free camping
Location: Hurricane Cliffs and La Verkin
At about 30 minutes or 18 miles from Zion National Park, South Entrance, you will find Sheep Bridge Road.
This road is part of Hurricane Cliffs and quite near to La Verkin as well. It can be accessed via UT-9.
Sheep Bridge Road is an awesome boondocking spot especially for those with large vehicles or RVs.
Certain open campsites have fire rings while you can drive further to find a spot that is completely raw.
It can get busy with several RVs on Sheep Bridge Road. Lately, there are some restrictions on the number of RVs allowed for overnight camping.
It is advisable to visit the BLM website and check on updated terms for boondocking at Sheep Bridge Road. Overall, you should not have a problem unless the number of vehicles increase to over the permitted limit.
Twin Hollows Canyon Campground
Type: Free camping
Location: US Hwy 89, Mount Carmel, UT 84755
Boondocking at Twin Hollows Canyon has an added benefit of being close to both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Twin Hollows Canyon is only 12 miles from the East Entrance of Zion National Park. It is about 60 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park.
Although the actual campground is quite raw with no facilities, you can drive just about one mile from the site for gas stations and basic restaurants.
The views are quite nice from this area with good options for hiking. There is an enthralling cave trail known as The Belly of the Dragon. It is definitely a fun trail perfect for families and explorers.
The drive between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park makes a great scenic road trip that you must experience.
Gooseberry Mesa Trailhead
Type: Free camping
Location: Between Hurricane and Apple Valley, UT
Gooseberry Mesa is not just one of the most popular free boondocking spots near Zion, it is also famous for the number of brilliant hiking trails at your disposal.
While this is free dispersed camping, there are a few fire rings and pit toilets along the way.
You do need to be a bit careful while driving as the road is mainly gravel tracks. Most advise not to take large RVs to this spot.
If you do manage to get here, the views of Zion National Park and the red sandstone mountain sides are outstanding. The hiking as well as biking trails here are some of the best you can get in Utah.
Kolob Reservoir Campground
Type: Paid campground for RV and tent camping.
Cost: Approx. $50 per night
Location: Kolob Campground, Terrace Road, Virgin, UT 84779
Kolob Campground is the only place for camping near Kolob Terrace Road, right on the gorgeous Kolob Reservoir.
It is about an hour away from Cedar City and Zion National Park. The drive from Kolob Reservoir to Zion National Park is simply breathtaking. One of the favorite drives by all campers exploring the area.
Even though Kolob Reservoir is one of the most sought-after locations for boondocking, there is no dispersed camping anymore as it is all private property.
If you do not mind the cost and the bare minimum facilities, Kolob Campground is quite a beautiful spot for camping.
Out of the 21 camping sites available, all are good for tent camping and about 8 are usable for RVs.
Being right on the lake, this is the best camping spot for those looking for water-based activities such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing etc.
The hiking trails are brilliant as well with a number of routes through the forest and on the shoreline.
Elevation of Kolob Campground ensures cool weather all year round. Lakes, forests, mountains and a scenic drive, just perfect for nature-lovers.
Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway
Type: Free dispersed camping – tent camping only.
Location: Smithsonian Butte Rd, Rockville, UT
Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway, is in Rockville, hardly 7 miles from Zion National Park and extremely near to the town of Springdale.
Now, I am listing this because it is the closest point for dispersed camping just outside of Zion National Park, South Entrance. However, do note that it is part of a small town and hence you cannot just camp anywhere.
You need to be at least half a mile from the byway on either side to be able to setup camp. Anywhere closer is strictly prohibited as it comes under Federally Managed Land.
You can setup camp when you go up the hill. Believe me, it is absolutely gorgeous up here. It is the reason why both locals and tourists absolutely love camping at Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway.
Another thing to note, there is some local posted information for campers here. You must follow this information and be respectful of the surroundings if you choose to camp at this location.
Things to consider before boondocking near Zion National Park
There is no doubt boondocking inside or near Zion National Park is simply the best experience.
Nevertheless, before you leave for your trip, you need to keep a few things in mind.
1) Several of the best boondocking spots inside or near Zion National Park need prior reservation. You can reserve your spot either via BLM website, Zion official site or the respective booking websites.
2) Places that do not take advanced booking, have a first come first serve policy. So, do not be disappointed if your favorite spot is already full when you reach.
3) Free dispersed camping spots are on the decline. This is due to overuse, abuse and mess left behind by an ever-increasing number of campers.
Please always clean up after yourself, respect your surroundings and ensure you leave a site exactly how you found it with no additions or subtractions.
This includes collecting your trash and anything else that may need picking up.
4) If you are wondering whether to camp inside Zion National Park or somewhere near it, think about your trip intentions.
If you want to explore everything Zion has to offer such as Angel’s landing, stay inside. If you want to check out a new place, out in the open on a daily basis, boondocking near Zion is a better option.
5) Be cautious and drive carefully on gravel tracks, dirt roads or an unpaved road. This is especially if you have a large RV as it can get tricky at certain points.
6) Please check in advance if a desired boondocking spot is better for tent camping or RV camping. Some locations have access only for small vehicles, SUVs or mini-RVs.
7) If you need better facilities, you can opt for a RV park or RV resort near Zion National Park such as Zion River Resort.
In most cases, the simple paid campgrounds inside Zion or nearby are more than adequate for campers.
8) Remember, certain spots may have fire regulations in place. This includes usage of fire pits, fire rings, gas stoves etc.
Please do check for local regulations and be responsible when lighting up a fire for cooking or to stay warm.
Finally, have fun, enjoy the rivers, canyons and landscape of the beautiful state of Utah. Don’t forget stargazing at night and explore as many hiking trails as you can.
Make memories of a lifetime boondocking near Zion National Park.
