South Campground

Overview

Reservations for South Campground are available up to 14 days before your arrival and may extend up to two days beyond this 14-day booking window.

For visitors to Zion National Park, South Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately the end of February until the end of November each year. Season Dates: South Campground is open from early March to the end of October. Reservations are available up to 14 days before your arrival. For example, if you want to make a reservation for March 14 to 16, you may book this reservation beginning on March 1. Reservations that extend beyond the 14 day booking window cannot be altered.

For reservations more than 14 days ahead of arrival, please check Watchman Campground which offers reservations six months in advance of arrival.

Recreation

Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. For more information, visit the park's Zion Canyon Trail Descriptions page.

The Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Zion Canyon Shuttle System are a short walk from the campground. Many popular rock climbing routes are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon.

Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park.

Facilities

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.

Natural Features

Zion is known for its dynamic geologic history. The South Campground and Amphitheater were built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the early 1930s. The project was completed and opened to the public in the spring of 1935. The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the campground. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.

Notice: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. August and September bring yellowjackets. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, shower facilities, restaurants. equipment rental businesses, gas stations, markets, bike rentals, library and health clinic.

What people do here

• camping
• day use area
• hiking