Overnight Accommodation in Zion National Park
**Zion National Park Camping Regulations and Fees Updated for 2025**
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy two campgrounds within the park, each with its unique features and regulations. Here's a breakdown of the camping options available at Zion National Park as of 2025.
The **South Campground**, located near the South Entrance, is currently closed for camping in 2025. This campground is not open for camping, and visitors are advised to avoid it during their visit.
The **Watchman Campground**, situated near the South Entrance and close to Zion Canyon, requires advance reservations. Campers can make reservations via Recreation.gov. Fees apply, and the campground offers bear-proof boxes at each site, walk-in camping availability, and a quieter atmosphere due to its proximity to the main canyon.
However, due to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, open fires are not permitted in Watchman Campground. Only camp stoves fueled by petroleum or propane gas are allowed. Visitors are also reminded to store food safely and follow a pack-in, pack-out policy. Parking is only permitted in designated areas.
The **Lava Point Primitive Campground** is a more remote option, located near the end of Kolob Terrace Road. This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require reservations. It offers a more primitive and isolated camping experience, with fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets, but no water. A fee applies, and visitors should be prepared for limited services.
Visitors should be aware of the following regulations and information when camping in Zion National Park:
- Fire Restrictions: No open fires of any kind are allowed in Watchman Campground due to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions; only camp stoves fueled by petroleum or propane gas are permitted. - Reservation System: Watchman Campground requires advance reservations because it fills quickly in peak season; Lava Point operates on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. - Water Safety: Visitors are advised not to drink water from the Virgin River and to use bear-proof boxes to store food safely at campgrounds. - Leave No Trace: Zion enforces strict "Pack it In – Pack it Out" policies to protect the environment. - Camping Fees: Fees apply at all developed campgrounds, including Watchman and Lava Point, though fees vary by site and season; reservations are generally made through Recreation.gov.
For the most accurate fees and to secure a reservation at Watchman, use the official Recreation.gov website well in advance, especially for peak season dates. Always check for the latest fire restrictions and park alerts before your trip.
Camping is limited to 14 days and is permitted only in designated sites or in the back country. Permits for Lava Point Primitive Campground can be obtained at the visitors center. Backcountry Camping in Zion requires a permit, which costs $5.00 per person per night.
During May through September, the campgrounds fill by 11:00 am. Campfires are not permitted in the back country. South Campground is open year-round, while Watchman Campground is open from March 15 to November 1. Lava Point Campground is open from June 1 to October 15.
Watchman Campground is located 0.4 mile north of Springdale and just south of South campground. Some sites at both South and Watchman Campgrounds are reserved for people with disabilities. Lava Point Campground is about 1 hour from the main canyon of the park and is closed in the winter.
Tent, electricity, group, and riverside sites are available at both South and Watchman Campgrounds, with varying prices. Zion National Park has two campgrounds: South and Watchman Campgrounds. Reservations for Group Camping can be made online or by phone at 1-800-365-CAMP. Group Camping reservations can be made for groups of 9 to 40 individuals, with a 50% deposit of the group fee ($3.00 per person).
In summary, Watchman Campground is the main developed, reservation-required campground open near the South Entrance of Zion, offering more amenities but with strict fire and sanitation rules, while Lava Point Campground is more primitive, remote, and operates on a first-come basis. The South Campground is currently closed in 2025 and not available for camping.
- Visitors to Zion National Park can find camping options in two campgrounds, South Campground and Watchman Campground, each with unique features.
- The South Campground, located near the South Entrance, is not open for camping in 2025 due to unspecified reasons.
- The Watchman Campground, found near the South Entrance and close to Zion Canyon, offers a more developed camping experience with bear-proof boxes, walk-in camping, and a reservation system.
- The Lava Point Primitive Campground, located near the end of Kolob Terrace Road, offers a more remote and isolated camping experience, operating on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations.
- Camping fees apply at all developed campgrounds and reservations are made through Recreation.gov. For peak season dates, it's recommended to secure a reservation on the official Recreation.gov website well in advance.
- Camping is limited to 14 days and is permitted only in designated sites or in the backcountry with a permit, which costs $5.00 per person per night.
- Zion National Park enforces strict "Pack it In – Pack it Out" policies to protect the environment, and visitors are advised not to drink water from the Virgin River, store food safely, and follow all fire restrictions.
