Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Star4.35
652 reviews
X624+67, Littlefield, AZ, 86432
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

2,251 ft

Price

$2 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

108 campsites

Season

Peak season: Februar...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area
$2.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight Use is $8/night for up to two vehicles. Day Use is $2/vehicle. Discounts of 50% apply with Senior or Access America the Beautiful Pass....
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$8.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
435-688-3200BLM_AZ_ASDOWEB@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 652 reviews

505 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noiseroad noisereservation

"Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area receives generally positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.0. Visitors praise the natural beauty, clean facilities, and affordability, though some express concerns about noise from I-15 and occasional maintenance issues."

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Campground Map

X624+67, Littlefield, AZ, 86432

Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

X624+67, Littlefield, AZ, 86432

Driving directionsVirgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located along Interstate 15 approximately 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and approximately 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada. The recreation area is at the Cedar Pocket Exit (Mile Post 18).
The campground is accessible via a paved road from Interstate 15, Cedar Pocket Exit. The road provides easy access for both RVs and passenger vehicles. No seasonal closures are mentioned, but the road may occasionally experience closures for maintenance.
Nearby places
St. George, Utah (20 miles, approx. 20 minutes), Mesquite, Nevada (20 miles, approx. 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in nearby St. George (20 miles away) and Mesquite (20 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

In this slice of the Mojave Desert, nature writes its own dramatic script. Summer arrives with fierce intensity, painting the landscape in shimmering heat waves and brilliant sunshine that transforms the canyon walls into a glowing amphitheater. Winter brings a gentler touch, with mild temperatures perfect for exploration. The canyon's towering walls create a natural wind tunnel, occasionally orchestrating desert breezes into theatrical gusts that remind visitors of nature's raw power.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summer brings extreme heat and wind; reviews note discomfort and harsh conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Fall is praised for ideal camping conditions and pleasant weather.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in AZ

Peak season (Feb 16–May 31); spring widely praised as ideal with runoff and great conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in AZ

Mild winters and a quieter campground atmosphere in reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: February 16 - May 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season: February 16 - May 31; Non-peak season: June 1 - September 30.

About Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Where the thundering waters of the Virgin River carve through ancient stone, Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area beckons travelers with its remarkable beauty and unbeatable value. At just $8 per night, this hidden gem along Interstate 15 offers more than just a place to rest—it's a gateway to adventure. Wake up to towering canyon walls painted in desert hues, explore winding hiking trails that reveal the river's sculptural masterpiece, and enjoy the comfort of well-maintained facilities that make roughing it feel refined.
The campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV camping, tent camping, and group camping. There are no glamping or cabin options.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
  • Upper Loop: 14-night maximum
  • Lower Loop: 1-night maximum.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The recreation area offers ample activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, water play, and access to two designated wilderness areas. Scenic trails lead to the Virgin River and other natural attractions.
HikingHiking options include the Sullivan Canyon Trail, which extends three miles into the Paiute Wilderness, as well as shorter trails leading to the Virgin River and Joshua Tree groves. User reviews highlight the trails' scenic beauty but note some are poorly marked.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
SwimmingThe Virgin River offers opportunities for casual swimming, particularly during warmer months. Some user reviews highlight the sandy beaches and relaxing river access.
BoatingThe Virgin River is occasionally runnable for small whitewater boats during spring runoff. Campers are advised to check flow conditions before attempting.
Wildlife viewingThe area supports hundreds of species, including endangered ones like the Virgin River chub and woundfin. Reviewers mention sightings of wildflowers, lizards, and birds.
Beach activitiesThe campground features sandy river beaches, which users describe as good for relaxation and light activities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high winds, unstable river runoff areas, and wildlife such as snakes and ants.

Weather at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Reviews

4.4
652 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area receives generally positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.0. Visitors praise the natural beauty, clean facilities, and affordability, though some express concerns about noise from I-15 and occasional maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 652 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments include 'spectacular views,' 'clean restrooms,' 'affordable rates,' and 'spacious, well-maintained sites.' Campers appreciate the scenic trails and river access.
Based on 652 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve road noise from I-15, lack of clear signage for reserved and first-come-first-serve sites, and limited privacy between campsites. Some users also noted issues with campsite...
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Based on 652 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing earplugs due to road noise, checking site availability in advance, and downloading the Recreation.gov app for easier payment. Sites on the Upper Loop are noted for being...
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Based on 652 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention extreme heat and wind, while winter reviews highlight the mild climate and quieter campground atmosphere. Spring and fall are praised for ideal camping conditions.
Based on 652 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautifully landscaped campground; clean restrooms; stunning natural environment." - Beverley Lynne Harris. "Bathrooms were clean and nice. Some hiking trails took you down to the river." - Austin...
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Based on 652 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 99, 33, and 13 are favorites for tent campers. Accessible sites like 70 and group site 103 receive praise for their features. Some users indicate lower satisfaction with sites close to busy...
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Based on 652 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites are well-regarded, but a few users note that signage could be improved to identify these spots more clearly.
Based on 652 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users report positive experiences bringing dogs to enjoy the river and trails. Leash rules are emphasized in the campground policies.
Based on 652 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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