Camping Near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon

Camping in Zion National Park offers amazing landscape views you can’t find anywhere else!

There are three campgrounds at Zion and two campgrounds at Bryce Canyon. Keep reading to know when they are open, what facilities are available, and if reservations are required.

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.

Check out our Zion National Park travel guide to help you plan your vacation with things to do, what to pack, best photo spots, and more!

camping near zion and bryce canyon national parks

Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.

CAMPING IN ZION

There are three campgrounds at Zion National Park: Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground. 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.

From 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.

Thors-Hammer-foreground-Bryce-Canyon-hoodoos-midground-Photo-Jeepers-1080x719

WHERE TO CAMP NEAR ZION AND BRYCE CANYON

Several area campgrounds are located between Zion and Bryce Canyon:

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.

BUY AT AMAZON: Zion National Park Guides and Maps

Plan Your Vacation To Zion National Park

Plan Your Bryce Canyon Vacation

National Park Packing List

When you are visiting US National Parks it is important to be prepared. This includes wearing the proper clothes and shoes to be comfortable for the climate and the terrain.

→ CHECK OUT: National park packing lists for spring, summer, fall and winter!