Primitive mountain camping with stunning overlook views and spacious sites featuring bear vaults and fire rings.
Six primitive campsites perched at high elevation offer a completely different Zion experience from the crowded valley floor. Each spacious site comes equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and new bear-proof storage vaults. Pit toilets provide basic facilities, but there's no running water (bring your own). The real draw is the location. A five-minute walk from your campsite leads to Lava Point overlook, where sweeping views stretch across Zion Canyon and the surrounding red rock country. The elevated setting means cooler temperatures and dramatic weather displays, including lightning storms that light up the desert below.
Getting here requires commitment. The drive from Zion's south entrance takes about 80 minutes on winding mountain roads, but the journey itself is scenic. The remote location means true quiet once you arrive. Reservations are required through the National Park Service (no first-come camping available).
This spot works best for self-sufficient campers who prioritize views over conveniences. Key features include:
Dogs welcome at all campsites
Cooler mountain air provides relief from desert heat
True backcountry experience within park boundaries
No water available - pack everything you need
Pack everything you need, including plenty of water, and prepare for a backcountry-style experience within Zion National Park boundaries.
71 reviews
3 months ago
After getting here this campsite is great. HOWEVER: it is an hour and a half away from Zion because the roads are very curvy, uphill, kind of on the side of a cliff, and there is a portion of very unfinished dirt road. There are only six campsites so it’s very private. A lot of wildlife around. THE STARS FROM THIS CAMPSITE ARE BEAUITFUL!!!!! Just know that this campsite is farrrrr from the park and a pain to drive up to if unprepared for the drive.
2 years ago
Small but mighty campground. The sites are large with new bear vaults. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. The views from the point which is only a five minute walk from the campground are stunning. Reservations are required with NO first come, first serve sites. I asked a very helpful NPS Volunteer Ranger why that was and he explained that due to the distance of the campground from main roads they were required to make it reservation only. People would show up, not be able to find a site (there are only 6 sites) and then be angry. Worth it if you have reservations.
5 years ago
Nice place to Camp pretty awesome so quite in the the first Day we Arrived it rain so hard and suddenly it's was only hail no rain but after the rain the smell of trees was nice going again next week
a year ago
Super cool campsite. Don’t recommend for people who need their comfort stations. No running water. Only 6 sites in total and it’s about 1hr and 20 mins from the south entrance. The drive up is so cool and we got to watch a full on lightning storm from here. Kind of scary since we’re at elevation, but we stayed in our tiny camper van which fit nicely (16ft). I would camp there again.
3 years ago
Incredible spot! Lava point really has an incredible view!!! The bathrooms were clean, campsites were simple and nice.
Rustic mountain lodge with spacious rooms and scenic red rock views from private balconies
Bright restaurant featuring Tex-Mex food & a patio, plus burgers, sandwiches & breakfast.
Locally-sourced fine dining celebrating Utah's bounty with creative, seasonal menus
Imaginative cuisine with unmatched canyon views and vibrant atmosphere
Traditional Chinese dishes served in a casual family-friendly setting