Lava Point Campground

Star4.38
98 reviews

Quick Facts

7,890 ft

Price

$20 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Typically open May t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Zion National Park site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Lava Point Campground
$20.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Each individual campsite costs $25 per night during peak season (June through September 28). Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov....
Show more
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(435) 772-3256zion_fee_management@nps.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 98 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlysites

"User reviews for Lava Point Campground highlight the serenity, scenic views, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Common praises include the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the beauty of the nearby overlook. Criticisms focus on the lack of water, limited privacy between sites, and the occasional presence of bees."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lava Point Campground

37.3839, -113.0328

Driving directionsLava Point Campground can be reached by taking the Kolob Terrace Rd. for 25 miles North of the town of Virgin, UT. Turn right on Lava Point Rd. and follow for a short distance to the signed campground entrance.
The campground is accessible via Kolob Terrace Road, which is 25 miles north of Virgin, UT. Vehicles longer than 19 feet are not permitted on the road due to sharp hairpin turns, which could present challenges for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Virgin, UT: 25 miles (45 minutes drive)
Springdale, UT: 1 hour 20 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries and fuel can be found in Virgin, UT, approximately 25 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Lava Point Campground

At nearly 8000 feet elevation, Lava Point offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat that dominates lower Zion Canyon. Summer days are pleasantly warm while nights can be surprisingly crisp, with temperature swings often exceeding 30°F between afternoon highs and pre-dawn lows. Pack layers even in July and August. Winter transforms this high-altitude retreat into an inaccessible wonderland, as heavy snows close the access road and blanket the landscape in pristine white from late fall through early spring.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Pleasantly cool summer days, crisp nights, scenic trails and prime stargazing (peak season).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into late September; closure from October limits full fall access and services.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open from May depending on snow clearance; May reviews positive but access can vary.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed October through April due to snow; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 11, 2025 - September 28, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Typically open May through September, exact dates depend on snow clearance on Kolob Terrace Road. Closed October through April.
  • Current Alerts: Weeping Rock Shuttle Bus Stop, Parking Area, and Trail Closed due to rockfall.

About Lava Point Campground

Perched at an impressive 7890 feet above sea level, Lava Point Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience in Zion National Park. This remote primitive campground rewards those who make the journey with some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the park, pristine night skies perfect for stargazing, and direct access to iconic trails including Barney's Trail and the legendary West Rim Trail. Here, far from the crowds of Zion Canyon below, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where wildlife roams freely and the silence is broken only by the whisper of wind through ancient pines.
Lava Point Campground offers primitive camping with six sites designated for tents. There are no RV-specific sites, group camping, or glamping options.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 noon MT
Check-out
11:00 AM MT
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is limited to 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to scenic trails such as Barney’s Trail, connecting to Lava Point Overlook and the West Rim Trail. Wildlife watching, stargazing, and visits to the Kolob Reservoir for fishing and water activities are popular activities for campers.
HikingBarney's Trail starts from the campground, providing access to Lava Point Overlook and the West Rim Trail. Campers mention the trails are scenic and suitable for leisurely walks or more extended hikes.
FishingFishing opportunities are available nearby at Kolob Reservoir, located a few miles south of the campground.
BoatingWater activities, including boating, are available at Kolob Reservoir, just a few miles away.
Wildlife viewingCampers frequently report seeing mule deer, owls, and other wildlife around the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife presence such as bees (reported as excessive at some campsites) and sharp hairpin turns on the access road.
Active AlertsWeeping Rock Shuttle Bus Stop, Parking Area, and Trail Closed due to rockfall.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Lava Point Campground

Reviews

4.4
98 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Lava Point Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Lava Point Campground highlight the serenity, scenic views, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Common praises include the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the beauty of the nearby overlook. Criticisms focus on the lack of water, limited privacy between sites, and the occasional presence of bees.
Review Summaries
Based on 98 reviews

What Campers Love

"The bathrooms were clean, campsites were simple and nice." "The campsite host, Guy, was friendly and knowledgeable." "Light pollution is practically non-existent, making it great for stargazing."...
Show more
Based on 98 reviews

Common Concerns

"No running water on-site, so bring plenty of water." "Not a lot of space between campsites, reducing privacy." "Some reviewers mentioned a large number of bees at certain sites."
Based on 98 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water and provisions since there is no potable water on-site. Be prepared for the primitive setting. Visit the nearby Lava Point Overlook for stunning views.
Based on 98 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most reviews praise the cooler temperatures during summer, while the campground is closed during the snowy winter months. Wildlife sightings and clear skies for stargazing are mentioned as highlights...
Show more
Based on 98 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice place to camp, pretty awesome, so quiet." "The bathrooms were clean, campsites were simple and nice." "The campsite host was a highlight—friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful."
Based on 98 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 4 is described as "large, flat, and somewhat shaded." Site 5 is noted for its "convenient fireplace and partial shade." Site 3 was criticized for excessive bees, making outdoor dining...
Show more
Based on 98 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews mention the accessibility features of the campground, but the primitive conditions suggest limited accessibility.
Based on 98 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be restrained at all times. One reviewer noted that the camp host graciously helped watch their dog while they visited areas where pets were not permitted.
Based on 98 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Lava Point Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated February 17, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Utah

Campgrounds
Zion National Park
Lava Point Campground