What are the hours and season for South Campground — Zion National Park?

South Campground — Zion National Park is open Year-round. Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 11:00 AM.

Does South Campground — Zion National Park have cell service?

Strong signal at South Campground — Zion National Park. Available: Verizon 4G, AT&T 4G, T-Mobile 5G. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Source: FCC Broadband Data.

What are the fire rules at South Campground — Zion National Park?

Fire rules at South Campground — Zion National Park: Campfires allowed in designated fire rings only when not under fire restrictions. Restrictions common June–September. Check nps.gov/zion day-of.

Is South Campground Zion open?

No — South Campground in Zion National Park has been indefinitely closed since 2024 for infrastructure rehabilitation. As of 2026, there is no confirmed reopening date. Watchman Campground (0.5 miles away) is the only NPS campground in Zion Canyon and remains open year-round. Check nps.gov/zion for current South Campground status before planning your trip.

What is the alternative to South Campground Zion?

With South Campground closed, your options inside the park are: Watchman Campground (176 sites, year-round, some electric hookups, reservable on Recreation.gov 6 months ahead) and Lava Point Campground (primitive, no water, first-come only, high elevation, not accessible to most vehicles). Outside the park, Zion Canyon Campground in Springdale (private, 0.5 miles from entrance) is the best alternative with full hookups and hot showers.

What is the best time to visit South Campground — Zion National Park?

Mar–May: Wildflowers, comfortable temps (60–80°F), fewer crowds. Spring runoff makes the Narrows powerful but manageable. Sep–Nov: Best weather, fall color on the cottonwoods, and significantly fewer crowds than summer.

What are the best things to do near South Campground — Zion National Park?

Near South Campground — Zion National Park: Angels Landing sunrise run. Narrows bottom-up hike. Canyon Overlook Trail at dusk. Emerald Pools on a weekday morning.

Is there wildlife at South Campground — Zion National Park?

Wildlife alert for South Campground — Zion National Park: Ringtail cats frequent the campsites at night — store food and scented items in the bear boxes provided. Rattlesnakes possible on rocky trails.

What are the common problems at South Campground — Zion National Park?

At South Campground — Zion National Park: Sells out in under 60 seconds at the 6-month mark. Solution: Set a Recreation.gov cancellation alert — people cancel constantly. Also check 2-week availability windows.

What makes South Campground — Zion National Park unique?

The Canyon Overlook Trail (1.2 miles) at the east entrance tunnel — most visitors skip it because it’s not on the shuttle. One of the best views in Zion with a fraction of the foot traffic.

How do I book a campsite at South Campground — Zion National Park?

South Campground — Zion National Park is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "South Campground — Zion National Park"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/south-campground-zion to be notified the moment a site opens up.

South Campground — Zion National Park

Two minutes from the shuttle — first in line for Angels Landing

Springdale, UT4.7 (2840)4,016 ft

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Why campers choose South Campground — Zion National Park

Best location in Zion — shuttle stop two minutes away means you’re first at Angels Landing and The Narrows before the crowds arrive. Sandstone cliffs glow orange at dusk from inside the campground itself.

Watchman Campground 1 mile south has electric hookups for larger rigs

Book Narrows water shoes from Zion Adventure Company in Springdale — much better than hiking boots

Sells out months in advance. No hookups — generators prohibited. 27ft max rig length strictly enforced. Summer heat is extreme (100°F+). Cell signal limited inside canyon.

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Season

Year-round

Stay limit

14 days

Max RV

27 ft

Hookups

None — tent and small RV only (max 27ft)

Cell signal:

The closest campground to Zion Canyon’s iconic red rock walls. Walk to the shuttle stop in under two minutes, which means first access to Angels Landing and Narrows trailheads before the crowds. No hookups, but the setting is unmatched — sandstone cliffs glow orange at dusk from inside the campground.

Things to do nearby

Angels LandingThe NarrowsSpringdale restaurantsAngels Landing sunrise run

Best For

HikersBackpackersFirst-timersPhotographyNational Park Enthusiasts

Site Types

TentRV (no hookups)

Amenities

Flush Toilets

Drinking Water

Picnic Tables

Fire Rings

Dump Station

Paved Sites

Amphitheater

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Season

Year-round

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Sells out months in advance. No hookups — generators prohibited. 27ft max rig length strictly enforced. Summer heat is extreme (100°F+). Cell signal limited inside canyon.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov standard: cancellation fee applies, no refund within 2 days.

Why campers love South Campground — Zion National Park

What's new in 2026

2025: Timed entry permits now required for the main canyon road (April–October) — book via Recreation.gov separately from your campsite. Shuttle free with permit.

What campers say about South Campground — Zion National Park

"Woke up and the canyon walls were glowing orange. Nothing prepares you for it."

— Google

"First shuttle at 6am — we were at Angels Landing before anyone else. Life-changing hike."

— Campendium

"Summer heat is no joke. Narrows was the only comfortable place at noon."

— The Dyrt

Not the right fit if…

✕You need hookups (none available)
✕You have a rig over 27ft
✕You want to camp without a reservation 6 months out

Frequently asked questions

How much does South Campground — Zion National Park cost per night?+

South Campground — Zion National Park costs $25 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None — tent and small RV only (max 27ft)

What season is South Campground — Zion National Park open?+

South Campground — Zion National Park is open Year-round. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 11:00 AM.

Does South Campground — Zion National Park have hookups?+

None — tent and small RV only (max 27ft)

What is the maximum RV length at South Campground — Zion National Park?+

South Campground — Zion National Park can accommodate RVs up to 27 feet long.

How do I make reservations at South Campground — Zion National Park?+

South Campground — Zion National Park is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/alerts to be notified the moment a site opens.

What is the cell service like at South Campground — Zion National Park?+

According to FCC coverage maps, cell signal at South Campground — Zion National Park is rated strong. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Coverage available: Verizon 4G, AT&T 4G, T-Mobile 5G. Note: FCC maps show theoretical coverage — actual signal in remote, mountainous, or heavily forested areas may be weaker. Check camper reports on the page for real-world experience.

How far is South Campground — Zion National Park from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Sol Foods Market in Springdale — 1 mile from park entrance