The Ultimate RV Guide to Zion National Park

The Zion National Park is a 229-square mile natural place of wonder, a place that looks so much like something from an artist’s imagination that it must be seen to be believed.

It was the first of Utah’s national parks when it was declared in 1919, and has quickly become known as one of the best national parks in the world for motorhome travellers. It’s a smorgasbord of epic scenery, adventure activities, and fantastic wildlife. More than six million people visit every year, and if you plan on being one of them, you can easily pick up a motorhome rental for a long weekend, a dedicated visit, or a stop during a road trip, such as one from Denver to San Francisco.

Read on to discover our ultimate RV guide to the Zion National Park, including what to see, where to camp, and helpful logistical advice about the park.

Things to see with your campervan in Zion

There’s a lot of terrain to cover if you want to see all of Zion National Park, but you can prioritise your sightseeing by visiting some of the best places in the park.

● Zion Canyon: This unmissable canyon is the most popular location in the park for its surreal scenery. You’ll drive through the bottom of the canyon with towering rugged red walls looming on both sides, and end at the entrance to the Narrows and other park attractions. From March to November, this road is only accessible by free shuttle bus to cut down on traffic, but you can take your own motorhome through over winter.

Image: Elin B (Own work), CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

● Weeping Rock: The Weeping Rock is one of the top sights along the Canyon Drive (your shuttle will make stops so you can take a closer look). It takes a half mile to walk there, but when you arrive, you can stand under a ginormous overhanging rock and look up as water trickles - or tumbles, depending on the season - down around you.

● Canyon Overlook Trail: A hike that offers some of the best views in the park overlooking the canyon. It’s a short walk from the car park, and you’re best to arrive early in the morning or late in the evening as spaces fill up quickly.

Image: Bryan Pocius (Own work), CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Flickr

● Checkerboard Mesa: A bizarre and beautiful natural phenomenon where a towering sandstone cliff is cracked in uniform square shapes - hence the checkerboard name. The mesa is close to the entrance at the east side of the park, and the area is worth a wander if you can nab a parking spot.

● The Narrows: The slimmest part of the canyon where you can get out of the shuttle and follow the Riverside Walk for the best views of the area. If you want to go further, you’ll need to prepare to get wet feet, or even swim, as the water level can rise significantly along the path.

Where to camp with a motorhome in Zion National Park

Unlike many National Parks around the United States, there are only a handful of designated campgrounds within the park. Learn more about where you can camp in the park and how and where you can camp nearby so that you’re still on the park’s doorstep when you wake up each day.

Campgrounds inside the Zion National Park

Image: Jeff Turner (Own work), CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are three campgrounds within Zion National Park: The Lava Point Campground, South Campground, and the Watchman Campground. You are not permitted to park in pullover areas or parking lots, so you must find a space in one of these sites if you wish to stay.

● Lava Point Campground: The Lava Point Campground is roughly 1.5 hours from the south entrance of the Zion Canyon, and is open from May through to September. There is no charge for camping, and there are just six basic sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. There is no water on site, but there are trash cans and pit toilets. The access road to the campground allows vehicles of up to 19 feet in length, so you will only be able to stay here with a compact campervan.

● South Campground: This campground is just half a mile from the south entrance of the park, and there are 117 campsites here in total. There are no hook-ups on site, but you can access a dump station with potable water. The site allows generators to run between 8 am and 10 am, and from 6 pm to 8 pm. Due to shaded areas with trees, the maximum permissible height for RVs is 12 feet 6 inches (3.84 metres). You can book exactly two weeks prior to your arrival date, and you will need a reservation as the campground is always full during summer.

● Watchman Campground: The Watchman Campground is also close to the south entrance. Generators are not permitted at all, but there is a dump station and restrooms. Maximum vehicle heights are 12 feet 6 inches, and sites in the C and D Loops can only accommodate vehicles up to 19 feet. You can make reservations six months prior to your arrival date.

You can make a reservation on the Recreation website, or call 877-444-6777.

Campgrounds near the Zion National Park

As campsite space within the park is limited, you may find it easier to book a site close to the Zion National Park. Here are some of the closest motorhome campsites next to the park and a little information about each one.

● The Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort: Located just outside the south entrance, this campground has large RV sites, as well as a pool, laundry, and showers.

● The Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground: Roughly 20 minutes from the park, this campground is well equipped with full hookups, WiFi, showers and restrooms, a pool, and shuttles to and from the park.

● Hi-Road Campground: A basic campground just outside the east gate with pull-through sites, simple facilities, and full hookups.

● Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Roughly 40 minutes from the Zion Park, but a gorgeous State Park in its own right with a campground on site. Each campsite has pull-through parking, a grill, and a picnic table, and you can explore the nearby sand dunes before driving to Zion.

Important Zion RV notes

Image: Ken Lund (Own work), CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

● Expect a small fee if you plan to drive through the tunnel on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

● A self-contained motorhome is recommended due to the lack of facilities on site.

● Feeding wildlife is prohibited, and all food and cooking equipment must be kept inside your motorhome when not in use, or in locked storage bins on site.

● You are not permitted to collect firewood in the Zion National Park.

● Read our motorhome camping etiquette guide to be a good campground neighbour.