Camping Near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon
If you want to wake up to stunning landscape views, we recommend camping near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon!
We also have travel guides for each park to help you plan your full vacation with things to do, what to pack, best photo spots, and more: Bryce Canyon travel guide and Zion National Park travel guide.
There are three campgrounds at Zion and two campgrounds at Bryce Canyon.
We also share a list of other places to camp near Zion and Bryce Canyon if you’re looking for a location between the two parks.
Keep reading to know when the campgrounds near Zion and Bryce Canyon are open, what facilities are available, and if reservations are required.
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Camping Near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon
The distance between Zion and Bryce Canyon is 72.4 miles. The drive takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
There are really three camping options to choose for your trip to visit both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks:
- Stay in either of the parks and “commute” to see the other park.
- Stay in one park then travel and stay in the other park.
- Stay in one of the towns between the two parks.
You’ll need to decide what’s best based on the Utah National Park road trip itinerary you’ve created.
Below we’ll list camping options for staying at Bryce Canyon, Zion and the towns located between the two parks. Here are more accommodation ideas for staying near both parks:
Camping in Zion National Park
There are three campgrounds at Zion National Park: Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground. The Watchman Campground is the only one open for winter camping in Zion National Park
Always check the NPS website for the most current camping information and rates.
Camping in Zion National Park is only permitted in the campground designated campsites. You cannot camp in pullouts or parking lots.
March through mid-November, the park-wide camping limit is 14 nights. An additional 30 nights is permitted the rest of the year. These limits apply to all park campgrounds.
The Watchman Campground is next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. It’s about a quarter of a mile from the South Entrance of Zion in Springdale. This is the only campground at Zion open year-round, but has reduced availability in the winter. All campsites at Watchman Campground require reservations, which may be made six months prior to your arrival date online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
The South Campground is near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. It’s about one-half mile from the South Entrance of Zion in Springdale. This campground is usually open March through October, and closes in the winter. All campsites at South Campground require reservations, which may be made two weeks prior prior to your arrival date online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
The Lava Point Campground is the right location if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy the Zion Wilderness area in the Kolob Terrace area. It’s usually open May through September, depending on weather. Its high elevation is 7890 feet above sea level! Lava Point is toward the end of the scenic Zion National Park scenic drive, Kolob Terrace. It’s 25 miles north of the town of Virgin, and takes about an hour and twenty minutes to drive there from Springdale.
Camping in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park camping is available at the two campgrounds in the park near the Visitor Center and the main Bryce Amphitheater.
Keep in mind that Bryce Canyon sits at 8,900 feet above sea level so pack for the weather conditions. Be prepared for the drop in temperature at night. During the winter temperatures can fall below freezing, so pack warm clothing, especially if you’re tent camping. Rain and storms can pop up quickly here as well, so packing waterproof camping gear is a good idea as well.
Sunset Campground is open April 15th – October 31st. It has 98 first-come, first-served sites and 3 reservable sites through Recreation.gov. It’s a primitive campground that does not offer electrical hookups or water/sewer. If you’re camping during the summer months, you will be able to use the dump station near the North Campground for no extra charge.
North Campground requires reservations through Recreation.gov from May 27 to October 1. From October 2 to May 26 all sites are first-come, first-served. There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups at this campground. There is a dump station available during the summer months.
Bryce Canyon winter camping is available along loop A of North Campground. Sites are first come, first serve.
If you can’t get a camping spot, here are more Bryce Canyon lodging options:
Where to Camp Near Zion and Bryce Canyon
Several area campgrounds are located between Zion and Bryce Canyon:
- Boondocking Near Bryce Canyon
- BLM Camping Near Zion
- East Zion Tourism Council
- Zion Family Ranch Campground
- Bryce Zion Campground
- Riverside Ranch
- Red Canyon Campground
RV Parks Near Zion and Bryce Canyon
There are quite a few RV parks near Zion National Park located on the Eastern side of the park for easy access to both Zion and Bryce Canyon.
- Zion Crest Campground & RV Park
- Thunderbird RV Park
- Mt. Carmel Motel and RV
- Cliffside Cabins & RV Park
- Bauer’s Canyon Ranch RV Park
- Riverside Ranch
BUY ZION GUIDES & MAPS AT AMAZON
Plan Your Vacation To Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Itinerary
- Zion National Park Packing List
- Best Time to Visit Zion National ParkThings to do at Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Tours
Plan Your Bryce Canyon Vacation
- Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon Packing List
- Things to Do at Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
- Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon Tours
