Camping at South Campground UT

Overview of South Campground UT

South Campground is one of the main campsites in Zion National Park, Utah, offering visitors a chance to stay overnight within the beautiful setting of one of America's most famous national parks. The campground is ideally situated near the south entrance of the park, close to the Springdale shuttle stop, and within a short walk of the visitor center.

Campground Features

• Location: Situated near the park's south entrance, adjacent to the Virgin River.
• Sites: Approximately 117 campsites available for tents, RVs, and trailers.
• Amenities: Includes restrooms with flush toilets, cold running potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and a dump station. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at the sites.
• Reservations: Required and can be made up to two weeks in advance through the Recreation.gov website.
• Accessibility: Some sites are ADA accessible.
• Pets: Allowed but must be leashed and are not permitted on most trails in the park.

Activities and Attractions

• Hiking: Access to the park's trail network, including the popular Watchman Trail, which is close by.
• Biking: Bicycles can use the Pa’rus Trail and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive when the shuttle buses are not in operation.
• Scenic Views: Views of the surrounding cliffs and natural landscapes, including the Watchman Peak.
• Ranger Programs: Participate in educational programs provided by park rangers.

Camping Regulations and Tips

• Check-in/Check-out: Check-in upon arrival, and sites must typically be vacated by 11:00 am on the day of check-out.
• Quiet Hours: Observe quiet hours typically from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am.
• Food Storage: Store food in bear-proof containers or vehicles, as the park is home to wildlife, including squirrels, mule deer, and other animals.
• Fire Safety: Follow the park's regulations regarding fires. Use fire rings for campfires and never leave a fire unattended.
• Trash: Utilize designated trash and recycling bins. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

Weather Conditions and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit South Campground and Zion National Park is during spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the park is less crowded than in the summer months. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions and check the forecast before your trip.

Reservations and Fees

• Reservations: Can be made on the Recreation.gov website up to 14 days in advance.
• Camping Fees: Rates are subject to change, so check the current rates on the National Park Service's official website or the Recreation.gov website when you book.

Getting There

South Campground is located inside Zion National Park, just a short walk from the main park visitor center. The closest town is Springdale, UT. From Springdale, head north on Zion – Mount Carmel Highway (UT-9) until you reach the park's south entrance. Take the first right after the entrance station to reach the campground. When using GPS, the address for the visitor center can be used as a nearby reference point.