South Campground

With a little luck and a lot of planning, you can stay at South Campground just outside Zion National Park

In Zion National Park, camping spots can be hard to find. Near the park’s south entrance, just outside Springdale, Utah, there are two park campgrounds that fill quickly. South Campground has 117 spots and is open from March – October. Reservations are available up to 14 days before your stay.

South Campground is sandwiched between UT 9 and the Virgin River. Most sites are close together or face the road, but a few have river access. Cottonwood trees shade the campground, and towering cliffs hint at the beauty that awaits in Zion Canyon.

You can access two park trails, Pa’rus and Watchman, from the campground with Zion’s other trails just a shuttle bus ride away. Nearby Springdale, Utah offers guiding services, restaurants, and gift shops. Certain areas and routes require backcountry permits. Make sure you know your way around the permit process before heading to Zion.


Amenities

  • Drinking water
  • Picnic tables
  • Fire pits
  • Trash collection
  • Bathrooms

Directions

From Mt. Carmel Junction, on US 89, drive west on UT 9 for 24 miles, passing through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel and park’s east entrance station. Just before the town of Springdale, watch for signs for Zion South Campground and turn left.

Green cottonwoods trees shade sites in the campground
The contents of the adventure kit: black hat with Grand Canyon Trust logo, map of grand canyon, bookmark, sticker of grand canyon logo, plus four scenic notecards

Special membership offer

Join the Grand Canyon Trust today to receive your adventure kit:

  • $25 donation: a Grand Canyon map, The Advocate magazine subscription, bookmark, and sticker
  • $75 donation: everything above plus four stunning note cards
  • $100 donation: all the benefits of the $75 level, plus a Grand Canyon Trust hat

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