
122
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT)
Overview 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. 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. The Zion visitor center and the park shuttles 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. Facilities 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. The Zion visitor center and the park shuttles 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. 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 has carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the site. 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. Be Advised: 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. 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. Charges & Cancellations Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation after 12:00 am Eastern Time the day of your arrival you must contact campground staff at zion_south_campground@nps.gov. Group campsite: Customers who cancel a group site reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
- 122 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (122).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT) special
South Campground is Zion National Park's original campground and remains one of its most charming, set along the banks of the Virgin River beneath soaring canyon walls in Springdale, Utah. The towering red rock formations that define Zion rise directly above the campground, creating an amphitheater of stone that glows in shades of crimson and gold as the sun moves across the sky. With 122 sites arranged in a compact, walkable layout, South Campground has a welcoming community feel. Sites are shaded by large cottonwood trees and are well-suited for tent camping, though smaller RVs can be accommodated. The campground sits right at the mouth of Zion Canyon, with direct access to the Pa'rus Trail — a paved, pet-friendly path that follows the river toward the Canyon Junction shuttle stop. One of South Campground's key advantages is its reservation system. Sites can be booked up to 14 days in advance on Recreation.gov, giving spontaneous travelers a realistic shot at securing a spot when Watchman Campground is already full months out. Check the site regularly, as cancellations do pop up. Spring and fall are the prime seasons, offering comfortable temperatures for tackling bucket-list hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Summer brings heat and crowds, while mild winter days can be surprisingly pleasant. The campground's riverside setting and intimate scale make it a favorite among returning Zion visitors who prefer a quieter, more connected-to-nature experience.
Campsite Inventory
122 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Double, Single
Check-in time
12:00 PM
Check-out time
11:00 AM
Driveway entry
Back-In, Parallel, Pull-Through
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway surface
Gravel
GRILLS
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
Hike In Distance to Site
186, 214, 309, 358
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
15, 6
Max vehicle length (ft)
19, 20, 25, 30
Minimum guests
Yes, 7
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Proximity to Water
N/A, Riverfront
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
435-772-3256
zion_south_campground@nps.gov
Getting There
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 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 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 to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles, 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 to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles, 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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT).
How do reservations work for SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT)?
Reservation availability for SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT) can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT)?
SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT) currently lists Unknown (122).
Where is SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT) located?
SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT) is in Utah near Springdale. Coordinates: 37.2017, -112.9856.
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