Red Cliffs Campground
4.45167 reviewsBureau of Land Management, SGFO-Recreation, 345 E Riverside DR, St. George, UT, 84745
Quick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsRed Cliffs Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $15 per night, which includes shade shelters, picnic tables, potable water, and grills. An additional non-refundable reservation fee...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider435-688-3200blm_ut_st_george_mail@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.45
Recommended
Based on 167 reviews
260 Google reviews
Most mentioned
locationhiking
Some mention
noisereservation
"Reviews are mixed: Positive sentiments focus on the stunning scenery, proximity to hiking trails, and peaceful nighttime atmosphere. Complaints include noise from day-use visitors, limited privacy, and issues with campsite management when visitors occupy the wrong reservations."
Fees & Passes at Red Cliffs Campground
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 consecutive days within a 60-day period.
Cancellation: Cancellations are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within 1 day of arrival) al...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bureau of Land Management website.
Best Time to Camp at Red Cliffs Campground
Mother Nature paints each season with a different brush at Red Cliffs. Summer arrives with the intensity of a desert furnace, sending temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C) from May through October—a time when early morning hikes and afternoon siestas become the rhythm of camp life. Winter transforms the campground into a mild-weather haven, with sun-warmed days perfect for exploration. But it's during the magical months of spring and fall when Red Cliffs truly shines, offering that perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and spectacular scenery that makes every outdoor moment memorable.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: January 1 to December 31 (year-round peak pricing).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
About Red Cliffs Campground
Nestled beneath towering walls of crimson sandstone, Red Cliffs Campground offers an intimate desert escape where ancient geology meets modern adventure. This hidden gem within the Red Cliffs Recreation Area welcomes visitors with 11 thoughtfully placed sites, each offering front-row seats to nature's grandest theater. Whether you're pitching a tent under the star-studded desert sky or settling in with a small RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where crystal-clear Quail Creek winds through groves of whispering cottonwoods, creating a surprising oasis in the heart of red rock country.
The Red Cliffs Campground includes options for tent camping, RV camping, and accessible sites. Primitive camping is not available.
Historical SignificanceEvery step through Red Cliffs is a journey through time itself. Prehistoric giants once roamed these lands, leaving their massive footprints preserved in stone for modern explorers to discover. The Ancestral Puebloans called this place home a thousand years ago, their 10th-century settlements still whispering stories of ancient life among the cliffs. Later, 19th-century pioneers carved their own tales into this landscape, creating a rich tapestry of human history that spans millennia. Here, the past isn't locked away in museums—it's written in the very rocks beneath your feet.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints each season with a different brush at Red Cliffs. Summer arrives with the intensity of a desert furnace, sending temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C) from May through October—a time when early morning hikes and afternoon siestas become the rhythm of camp life. Winter transforms the campground into a mild-weather haven, with sun-warmed days perfect for exploration. But it's during the magical months of spring and fall when Red Cliffs truly shines, offering that perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and spectacular scenery that makes every outdoor moment memorable.
ElevationPositioned at the characteristic desert elevation of Southern Utah's iconic landscape, Red Cliffs offers that quintessential high desert experience. The campground sits at just the right altitude to showcase the region's famous clear skies and dramatic temperature swings between day and night, creating perfect conditions for both sun-soaked adventures and cozy campfire evenings.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the soft rustle of cottonwood leaves overhead while shafts of morning light paint the surrounding cliffs in shades of coral and vermillion. Red Cliffs Campground delivers a sensory feast where towering sandstone walls create a natural amphitheater, and ancient willows provide welcome shade along the banks of babbling Quail Creek. This vibrant ecosystem hosts an enchanting cast of desert dwellers—from the cheerful calls of Gambel's quail darting between campsites to the melodic songs of canyon wrens echoing off cliff faces. Lucky visitors might even glimpse the prehistoric-looking Mojave desert tortoise or the striking patterns of a sunbathing Gila monster, reminders that this desert oasis pulses with life.
Geological RegionAt the dramatic base of the Navajo Sandstone cliffs, Red Cliffs Campground serves as your gateway to a geological wonderland. The surrounding red rock formations tell a story written over millions of years, while Quail Creek has carved its own chapter through the landscape, creating a ribbon of life through the arid terrain. Mature cottonwood trees and willows line the creek, their presence a testament to the water's life-giving force. Beyond the campground, the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness beckons with its raw beauty, offering endless opportunities to explore one of nature's most stunning galleries of wind and water-carved stone.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySites 8 and 11 are accessible for visitors with disabilities. Vault toilets between sites 5 and 7 are also accessible.
Sites SizeThe campsites vary in size. Some are suitable for small tents while others are pull-through sites accommodating two vehicles. Site-specific reviews indicate differences in tent space.
Sites PrivacyLimited privacy as sites are visible from neighboring sites and roads. "The sites do not feel private to me, they are visible from the road and often from the neighboring sites." - User review.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 7 is ideal for families with children due to large rocks for climbing. Site 8 has a great tent pad and is secluded. Site 2 is near the day-use area, but experiences more traffic.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days within a 60-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
2vehicles and up to a reasonable number of guests per site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout11 sites with varying amenities. Sites 8 and 11 are accessible for visitors with disabilities. Sites 6, 7, and 10 have pull-through parking. Shade structures are available at most sites but not at site 4.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservable only on www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst come, first served camping is not permitted. All camping must be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within 1 day of arrival) also forfeit the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 penalty and forfeit the first night’s fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is popular for hiking, birding, and photography. It is situated near the Red Reef Trail that leads into the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness. The area also facilitates mountain biking and picnicking.
Hiking
"Great hiking right from the campground with trails leading to dinosaur tracks and historic sites." - Many users highlighted the variety and beauty of the trails.Climbing
Climbing 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.Biking
"Mountain biking trails are connected to the campground, offering moderately challenging rides." - Based on user reviews and authoritative content.Wildlife viewing
Visitors may see Gambel's quail, canyon wrens, desert tortoises, and even Gila monsters. "Owls hooting at night, coyote scat by the picnic table" - User review.Cultural and Educational Programs
The area features interpretive trails with access to archaeological sites, such as Anasazi pit houses. Dinosaur tracks are also a major draw.Winter Activities
Visitors can enjoy hiking trails even during winter, though extreme cold may make activities less accessible.Water Sports
Water sports are not available at this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood collection is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are from 9 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is extremely hot in the summer, posing a risk of heat-related illnesses. Wildlife, including rattlesnakes, Mojave desert tortoises, and Gila monsters, may be present. Visitors should stay on designated trails to protect sensitive habitats.
Weather at Red Cliffs Campground
59
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Nearest hospital and emergency services are in St. George, approximately 15 miles away. Police and ranger services are managed by the Bureau of Land Management in St. George.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31 (year-round peak pricing).
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. Visitors are advised to take their trash with them if bins are full.
Proximity to water featuresQuail Creek runs through the campground, providing scenic and shaded areas.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the $8 reservation fee, lack of a campground host, issues with squatters taking reserved sites, and excessive day-use traffic. Additionally, some sites lack adequate shade, and noise from visitors outside quiet hours can be disruptive.
HostNo on-site host is mentioned. Rangers from the Bureau of Land Management patrol the area occasionally.
Campground Map
Bureau of Land Management, SGFO-Recreation, 345 E Riverside DR, St. George, UT, 84745
Driving directionsFrom St. George: Take Interstate 15 north to Exit 22/228 N-Leeds. At the end of the off-ramp, turn right onto Old Highway 91. Travel south 1.5 miles and turn right. Continue under two freeway tunnels (tunnels restrict vehicle size to less than 12 feet in height and width), turn left and follow the paved road for 1.3 miles into the campground. From the north: take I-15 South and exit at Exit 23/228 S/Leeds and go left under highway. Turn right on S. Main Street for 3.2 miles. Take right and continue under two freeway tunnels (tunnels restrict vehicle size to less than 12 feet in height and width), turn left and follow the paved road for 1.3 miles into the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but large vehicles over 11' 9" in height cannot access the area due to tunnel height restrictions. Seasonal closures or significant challenges to road access are not mentioned.Nearby places
St. George (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Leeds (approximately 3 miles, roughly 5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are likely available in St. George, 15 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
167 reviews
Red Cliffs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed: Positive sentiments focus on the stunning scenery, proximity to hiking trails, and peaceful nighttime atmosphere. Complaints include noise from day-use visitors, limited privacy, and issues with campsite management when visitors occupy the wrong reservations.
Review Summaries
Based on 167 reviews
What Campers Love
"The campground is beautiful, surrounded by red cliffs, and offers amazing hiking trails." - Many users praised the scenic location and access to trails.
Based on 167 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Day-use visitors were noisy and sometimes parked in reserved campsites." - "Vault toilets were smelly during hotter months." - "Campsites lack privacy." - "Reservation system creates issues with...
Based on 167 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early for easier access to trails. Bring earplugs for potential noise and plan ahead for shade during hot seasons. Avoid heavy weekends like spring break to minimize traffic.
Based on 167 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring is the most popular and scenic season due to moderate weather and flowing water in the creek. Summer months are extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 115°F, making it difficult for...
Based on 167 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is just the best alternate to Zion." - "The scenery is breathtaking, but the campground feels understaffed." - "Lovely spot backed by red sandstone cliffs."
Based on 167 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 4: "No ramada, not suitable for large tents." - Site 11: "Great for accessibility, but far from restrooms." - Site 8: "Secluded with a great tent pad." - Site 6: "Wonderful flat location for a...
Based on 167 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Sites 8 and 11 are specifically noted as accessible for visitors with disabilities, and vault toilets are also accessible.
Based on 167 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than six feet. "Some campers mentioned loose pets disturbing others."
Based on 167 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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