Campground

South Campground (UT)

Near Springdale, Utah

Reservations for South Campground are available up to 14 days before your arrival and may extend up to two days beyond this 14-day booking window.

For visitors to Zion National Park, South Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately the end of February until the end of November each year.
Season Dates: South Campground is open from early March to the end of October. Reservations are available up to 14 days before your arrival. For example, if you want to make a reservation for March 14 to 16, you may book this reservation beginning on March 1. Reservations that extend beyond the 14 day booking window cannot be altered.

For reservations more than 14 days ahead of arrival, please check Watchman Campground which offers reservations six months in advance of arrival.

Facilities

Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, firepits and a dump station are provided at this facility. Four group sites are available that can accommodate RVs and tents. There are no hook-ups in this campground. Generators can be used during specific hours.

Natural Features

Zion is known for its dynamic geologic history. The South Campground and Amphitheater were built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the early 1930s. The project was completed and opened to the public in the spring of 1935. The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the campground. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.

Notice: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. August and September bring yellowjackets. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted.

Recreation

Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. For more information, visit the park's Zion Canyon Trail Descriptions page.

The Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Zion Canyon Shuttle System are a short walk from the campground. Many popular rock climbing routes are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon.

Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park.

Recreation Sites

Standard Nonelectric
Tent Only Nonelectric
Group Standard Nonelectric
Management
Walk To
Overnight

Activities

Day Use Area
Hiking
Camping

Amenities

Picnic Table
Grills/Fire Ring
Tent Pad
Accessibility

Nearby Attractions

The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, shower facilities, restaurants. equipment rental businesses, gas stations, markets, bike rentals, library and health clinic.

Getting Here

Latitude

37° 12' 6.0001" N

Longitude

112° 59' 8.0002" W

From Las Vegas, St. George or other points south on Interstate 15: Travel north to Exit 16, towards Hurricane. Follow State Route 9 east for 12 miles (19 km) to La Verkin and turn right to continue on State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance of Zion. Take the second right after the entrance station. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite.

From Salt Lake City, Interstate 70 or other points north on Interstate 15: Travel south to Exit 27, towards Toquerville. In 6.1 miles (15.5 km) turn left onto State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance. Take the second right after the entrance station. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite.

From Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Kanab or other points south on U.S. 89: Travel north to State Route 9. Turn left and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles (33 km) to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles (19 km), then turn left at the sign for South Campground. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite.

From Bryce Canyon National Park, Panguitch or other points north on U.S. 89: Travel south to State Route 9. Turn right and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles (33 km) to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles (19 km), then turn left at the sign for South Campground. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite.

Need to Know

Photo ID: The primary occupant listed on the camping reservation must present a photo ID upon check-in at Zion National Park campgrounds. The name of the primary occupant cannot be changed once a reservation is made. This rule is in place due to the competitive nature of the location and to prevent visitors from re-selling their site.

Entrance fee: Zion National Park collects a separate park entrance. You may pay this fee upon arrival or purchase in advance. The park also honors valid America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes (also known as interagency passes, e.g., Senior, 4th Grade, Military, etc.). Visit the park's Fees & Passes web page for details.

Pass Discounts. Lifetime Passes (e.g., Senior, Access, Golden Age Senior and Golden Age Access) may allow a 50% discount off camping. The pass must be present upon check-in with valid ID. The pass only allows a 50% discount on one site (group sites are not discounted).

VEHICLE SIZE LIMITS. There are size limits to drive on Utah State Route 9 between the East Entrance and the campgrounds:

• Vehicle Length Limit: Single or combined vehicles over 50 ft. (15 m) long are prohibited from traveling through the park between the East Entrance and the campground. If your total length is greater than 50 ft., you must enter the park through the South Entrance near the town of Springdale.

• Vehicle Height Limit: Vehicles taller than 13 ft. (33 m) are prohibited from traveling through the park between the East Entrance and the campground.

• Vehicle Width Limit: Vehicles 7'10' (2.4 m) in width or 11'4' (3.4 m) in height or larger require one-lane traffic control through the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel, located between the east entrance and the campground. Nearly all RVs, trailers, fifth-wheels, dual-wheel trucks and campers require a tunnel escort. Visitors requiring this service must purchase a $15 tunnel permit at the entrance station, valid for two trips through the tunnel for the same vehicle during a 7 day period. The Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel is open for over-sized vehicles from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during peak season with reduced hours during non-peak season. Visit the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel web page operation hours.

Maximum Stay. There is a 14 day maximum stay.

Generators. Generators are allowed from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

No Shower or Laundry Facilities. These amenities can be found in the town of Springdale.

Hammocks. Hammocks are only allowed in the footprint of the campsite. If attaching to trees, the tree diameter must be greater than 10 inches (25 cm) and be padded.

Tree Tents. Tree Tents are not allowed in Watchman or South Campground.

Campfire Restrictions. Visit the park's Current Conditions page for current fire restrictions.

Food and garbage must be stored properly at all times. Food should be stored inside a vehicle or a lockable hard sided container. Garbage should be secured in the same way or be disposed of in the receptacles provided in the campground. Food is defined as food, drinks, toiletries, cosmetics, pet food and bowls, and any other scented items. Coolers, dirty stoves, grills, non-disposable tableware and cookware must be washed or stored in the same manner as food. Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited.