How much does camping cost at South Campground?

Camping fees at South Campground range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is South Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

South Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at South Campground before I book?

Yes! South Campground has 30 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit South Campground?

South Campground is open South Campground is open from early March to the end of October each year.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at South Campground?

South Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at South Campground?

Cell phone service at South Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does South Campground have?

South Campground has 126 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at South Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at South Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at South Campground?

South Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

South Campground (Ut)

Q: Can I have a campfire at South Campground?

Fire policies at South Campground: Campfires. Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings. The park will post any fire restrictions on the Current Conditions page. Campers are responsible for understanding current fire restrictions. Do not leave fires unattended. Extinguish them with water until they are cool to the touch. Wood gathering is prohibited in the park.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.28

868 reviews

State Hwy 9, Springdale, UT 84767, USA

Top 24% in UTFall

StargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Zion#2 Camping Near Zion National Park#2 Hiking Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,940 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

126 campsites

Season

South Campground is ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,940 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

126 campsites

Season

South Campground is ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

South Campground (Ut)

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00; WALK TO: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-772-3256zion_south_campground@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

State Hwy 9, Springdale, UT 84767, USA

South Campground (Ut)

State Hwy 9, Springdale, UT 84767, USA

Nearby places

Springdale, UT (0.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes walking)

Hurricane, UT (18 miles, approximately 25 minutes driving)

St. George, UT (42 miles, approximately 45 minutes driving)

Kanab, UT (40 miles, approximately 50 minutes driving)

Driving directionsFrom Las Vegas, St. George or other points south on Interstate 15: Travel north to Exit 16, towards Hurricane. Follow State Route 9 east for 12 miles to La Verkin and turn right to continue on State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance of Zion. Take the second right after the entrance station. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite. From Salt Lake City, Interstate 70 or other points north on Interstate 15: Travel south to Exit 27, towards Toquerville. In 6.1 miles turn left onto State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance. Take the second right after the entrance station. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite. From Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Kanab or other points south on U.S. 89: Travel north to State Route 9. Turn left and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles, then turn left at the sign for South Campground. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite. From Bryce Canyon National Park, Panguitch or other points north on U.S. 89: Travel south to State Route 9. Turn right and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles, then turn left at the sign for South Campground. Stop at campground kiosk and speak with hosts to check-in and for directions to your campsite.

Weather at South Campground (Ut)

Current alerts(9)

Entrance fee: Zion National Park collects a separate park entrance. You may pay this fee upon arrival or purchase in advance. The park also honors valid America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes (also known as interagency passes, e.g.,…
Food and garbage must be stored properly at all times. Food should be stored inside a vehicle or inside the food storage locker provided on each site. Garbage should be secured in the same way or be disposed of in the receptacles provided in the campground.
Generators . Generators are only allowed from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Hammocks . Hammocks are not allowed in any of the park's campgrounds.

Best Time to Camp at South Campground (Ut)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to low-80s°F in September–October), thinning crowds after peak summer, and spectacular cottonwood color along the Virgin River in late October. Hiking, biking, and photography are at their peak as trails are dry and the light on the Navajo sandstone is warm and dramatic; mornings and evenings are cool so layers are essential. Campground access is still open through October, making it the ideal time to enjoy a Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in UT

Sept–Oct bring best temps, fewer crowds and cottonwood color—cited as best season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: South Campground is open from early March to the end of October each year.

About South Campground (Ut)

South Campground sits inside Zion National Park near Springdale, operated by the National Park Service at the base of towering Navajo sandstone cliffs. The large campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and direct access to the park's shuttle system and trailheads including the Watchman Trail. Mule deer frequent the grounds, and the Virgin River runs nearby for cooling off between hikes through red-rock canyons.

South Campground caters to both tent and RV campers, with several group sites available. It is known for its scenic views and convenient proximity to Zion National Park's visitor center and shuttles.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to low-80s°F in September–October), thinning crowds after peak summer, and spectacular cottonwood color along the Virgin River in late October. Hiking, biking, and photography are at their peak as trails are dry and the light on the Navajo sandstone is warm and dramatic; mornings and evenings are cool so layers are essential. Campground access is still open through October, making it the ideal time to enjoy a Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3940 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 3,940 feet elevation in Zion Canyon, where cottonwoods shade the Virgin River and red Kayenta Formation rocks rise into cream-colored Navajo Sandstone cliffs. The river runs through camp, offering a cooling spot on hot days. Many sites are open with partial sun, though cottonwoods provide some shade. Mule deer wander through at dawn and dusk. The canyon walls change color with the light, and strong winds funnel through the valley, especially at night.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges are present at South Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo details are provided about organized cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Campers may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground, with a maximum of 14 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limits mentioned for individual sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the mobile app.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not detailed in the available data, and there is no mention of ADA-compliant amenities or accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, RVs, and group camping setups. Several spots are spacious and can fit larger setups, but others are noted to be smaller and more clustered.

PrivacyPrivacy is minimal at South Campground, as many sites are open and located close together. A few sites offer slightly more seclusion due to their location closer to the river or away from main roads.

Total Campsites126 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near Pa’rus Trail for improved privacy and reduced noise. For shade, choose spots under remaining live trees. Site 29 is recommended for early morning sunshine.

Best CampsitesSites 69, 78, and 79 sit closest to the Virgin River and get better views with slightly more seclusion. The tradeoff: they're still close to neighbors, and you'll hear the highway from most of camp.

Need help booking South Campground (Ut)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, firepits and a dump station are provided at this facility. Four group sites are available that can accommodate RVs and tents. There are no hook-ups in this campground. Generators can be used during specific hours.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

South Campground offers easy access to a variety of outdoor activities in Zion National Park. Hiking is the most prominent activity, with trails accessible directly from the campground. Visitors can also enjoy cycling along the Pa'rus Trail, wildlife viewing, and river access.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires. Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings. The park will post any fire restrictions on the Current Conditions page. Campers are responsible for understanding current fire restrictions. Do not leave fires unattended. Extinguish them with water until they are cool to the touch. Wood gathering is prohibited in the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. However, some users noted that trash bins are spaced far apart, and recycling options could be improved.

Cell CoverageSeveral campers reported reliable cell service within the campground, particularly with major providers like Verizon.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

868 reviews

Satisfactory

South Campground (Ut) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

South Campground is praised for its convenient location near the Zion Visitor Center, shuttle system, and trails. However, many users highlight issues with privacy, outdated facilities, and occasional noise. Views of the surrounding mountains and proximity to the Virgin River are consistently appreciated.

Review Summaries

Based on 868 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 868 reviews.

Site 69Loved
Site 69 and 79 are noted for their excellent views of the mountains and proximity to the river.
Site 18Loved
Site 18 is praised for its shade, while site 117 is described as awkwardly located due to its proximity to the overflow parking lot.

What Campers Love

Users highlight the campground's proximity to the visitor center, shuttle system, and popular trails like the Watchman Trail. Many describe the stunning views of Zion’s mountains and the peaceful...

Based on 868 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the outdated and poorly maintained restrooms, lack of onsite showers, and minimal privacy between campsites. Visitors have also noted issues with insects like ants and...

Based on 868 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend securing reservations early and choosing campsites closer to the river for better views and slightly more privacy. Bringing extra tent stakes and rock anchors is advised due to the...

Based on 868 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the peak summer months, high temperatures and increased insect activity (like ants and yellowjackets) can be problematic. Conversely, spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures and...

Based on 868 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful views of the Watchman mountains and easy access to two trails." - Jessica Turney. "We stayed at campsite 18, and the tree provided some nice shade." - Paola Martin del Campo. "Flush...

Based on 868 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not frequently mentioned in user reviews, suggesting limited accommodations for people with disabilities.

Based on 868 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as pet-friendly, but pets are restricted to specific areas like the Pa'rus Trail. Some reviewers caution against leaving pets unattended, as fines may apply.

Based on 868 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want to stay inside Zion with easy trail access and don't mind limited shade or occasional road noise.

Skip if

You need shaded sites, pristine facilities, or a quieter setting away from park traffic.

Nearby Campgrounds

S.R. 9, Springdale, UT, 84767, USA

Watchman Campground sits at the mouth of Zion Canyon in Springdale, Utah, with direct views of the Watchman peak and the Virgin River running nearby. Operated by the National Park Service, this very large campground serves as base camp for exploring Zion's famous slot canyons and high-country trails. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with electric hookups and a dump station available.