Facilities
Campsite Amenities (108 overnight sites) - 14-night stay limit
- Paved access road
- Pull-through parking
- Drinking water
- Flush toilets (ADA compliant at middle restroom)
- Picnic table
- Grill and/or fire pit
- Vehicle or RV parking
- 8 sites that are ADA compliant
- 12 sites with shade shelters
** The campground has no electrical or waste dump hook ups. **
Day-Use Amenities - daylight hours only
- Paved access road
- Pull-through parking
- Drinking water
- Flush toilets
- Shade shelters
- ADA compliant sites
- Access to Sullivan Canyon Trail in the Paiute Wilderness
- Access to interpretative trail
- Trail access to the Virgin River
Natural Features
The Virgin River Gorge, where the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area resides, was cut by the Virgin River. Though the Virgin River is relatively small, it is incredibly steep, dropping an average of 70 feet per mile - 10 times steeper than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This steepness, caused by the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, has given the Virgin River the ability to cut through sandstone and limestone canyons.
The gorge provides a stunning and colorful mountain desert setting. The gorge mimics, on a smaller scale, the colorful layers and striking depths of the Grand Canyon. In fact, many of the very same geologic formations are present in both areas. The gorge connects the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau and the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert.
The climate of the gorge is typical of the Mojave Desert with hot summers and mild winters. This desert climate allows for some of the most northern Joshua Tree populations. The canyon is usually about 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than St George, Utah, however the canyon can occasionally amplify winds.
Many species depend on the water of the Virgin River. The Virgin River directly supports hundreds of wildlife species including, woundfin, Virgin River chub, Virgin spinedace, flannelmouth sucker, desert sucker, speckled dace, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Many of these species are endangered or are considered sensitive species within the State of Arizona and Utah.
Recreation
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area provides many recreational opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, water play, and more. It is surrounded by two designated wilderness areas. The Paiute Wilderness east of Interstate 15, and Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness to the west. The Sullivan Canyon Trail starts within the recreation area and heads into the heart of the Paiute Willderness.
The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the Virgin River. The Virgin River is occassionally runable to small whitewater boats during spring runoffs. Please check for information on the fish barriers and flow conditions prior to running.
Additional opportunities for recreation are available outside of the recreation area. A short drive on the Cedar Pocket Road (directly across the interstate from the campground) leads to the Cedar Pocket Wash Trailhead. This trail leads down a steep path to the narrows of the Cedar Pocket Wash and is a nice short stroll through a Joshua Tree forest. A local trails map is available here.
The Virgin River Gorge is also frequented by rock climbers and canyoneers. Additional information about recreation available in the area can be obtained by calling the visitor center at 435-688-3200.
Recreation Sites
- Rv Nonelectric
- Tent Only Nonelectric
- Parking
- Group Shelter Nonelectric
- Management
- Overnight
Activities
- Camping
- Day Use Area
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Amenities
- Accessible Campsites
- Accessible Drinking Water
- Accessible Flush Toilets
- Accessible Parking
- Accessible Picnic Area
- Accessible Picnic Shelters
- Accessible Trails
- Accessible Walkways
- Campfire Rings
- Drinking Water
- Flush Toilets
- Grills
- Interpretive Trails
- Paved Parking
- Paved Roads
- Picnic Area
- Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Tables
- RV Parking
- River Access
- Scenic Overlooks
- Shade
- Tables
- Tent Pads
- Trailheads
- Water Spigot
Nearby Attractions
- The recreation area has an easy, short paved trail accessed near the fee instruction station. This trail goes up to a Joshua Tree grove and a nice developed viewpoint of the Virgin River Gorge.
- The recreation area also has a trailhead to Sullivan Canyon. This trail crosses the river and traverses 3 miles through wilderness to Sullivan Canyon.
- Follow the high clearance road about 2 miles northwest across from the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, you will reach the Cedar Pocket Wash trailhead. Here, there is a short trail to a Joshua Tree grove and plenty of views. A side trail leads steeply down to the wash where you can hike through a limestone slot canyon.
Getting Here
Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located along Interstate 15 approximately 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and approximately 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada. The recreation area is at the Cedar Pocket Exit (Mile Post 18).
Need to Know
Cell Coverage
The Recreation Area has spotty Verizon and T-Mobile cell phone coverage. There is no AT&T coverage. Due to the cell towers being remote and off grid, long outages can occur.
Supplemental Rules
- You must not remain or camp within the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area for more than 14 consecutive days in a 28-day period. After the 14th consecutive day, campers must move beyond a 30-mile radius from the boundary of the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area.
- Quiet Hours are from 10 pm to 7 am Arizona Time. No person shall operate noise-producing devices or by other means create noise enough to disturb other visitors during these hours.
- Campfires allowed only in firerings and grills. No campfires allowed during high winds. Follow the summer fire restriction orders that usually limit fire use to properly operated stoves. Fire restrictions will be posted around the entrance to the recreation area.
- No shooting allowed within the recreation area.
- Dogs, and other pets, must be on leashes.
- No person shall dispose of any waste water, including that commonly called “grey water,” from a vehicle or container onto the ground or into a body of water.
- Cutting firewood and damaging or removing vegetation is prohibited.
- Leaving personal belongings unattended for more than 72 hours is prohibited.
Contact Information
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (435) 688-3200.
BLM_AZ_ASDOWEB@blm.gov
