Planning a 4WD Camper or Motorhome Trip to Zion National Park

While visiting Las Vegas, Nevada, you might not think about driving up to Utah, but you are quite close to the border. In fact, you are just around two and a half hours away from Zion National Park, one of the most famous and wondrous natural destinations anywhere in America.

Explore a Strange and Fantastic Land of Otherworldly Rock Formations

Zion was the first national park to be declared in the state of Utah. With its colourful cliffs and unusual rock formations, a pass to Zion is like a passport to another world. While the park is not nearly as large as some others in the USA, it offers a great deal to see and do. You will definitely want to stay for at least a full day, maybe two or three.

Many people are not aware of this, but Zion is actually part of a much larger geological formation which starts in the north at Arches National Park, and ends in the south at the Grand Canyon, incorporating both Zion and nearby Bryce Canyon National Park along the way. Each of these spectacular destinations is well worth a visit.

Key Sites at Zion National Park

While you are visiting Zion National Park, be sure to stop by each of these destinations:

• Zion Lodge. This is the main lodge located in the middle of the canyon. Here, you can discover the history of the lodge while enjoying a bite to eat in the Red Rock Grill or the Castle Dome Café. Being as there is nowhere else in the park to eat (outside of your campervan and whatever you may have brought with you), you will definitely want to drop by.

• Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel. This is the main road which travels through the park. You will want to drive along the entire route to enjoy the majestic scenery.

• Archaeological sites. You will find these throughout the park. They include petroglyphs, pictographs and more.

• Rock formations. With names like the Altar of Sacrifice, the Three Patriarchs,, the Mountain of the Sun, the Great White Throne, and Temples and Towers of the Virgin, you know how dramatic these sites must be.

• Easy hiking trails. If you are looking for an easy hike, you can try the Archaeology Trail, the Pa’rus Trail, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Weeping Rock Trail, the Riverside Walk, or the Grotto Trail.

• Moderate hikes include the Sand Bench Trail, the Watchman Trail, the Upper Emerald Pool Trail, the Kayenta Trail, the Taylor Creek Trail, the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.

• For a challenging hike, try the Hidden Canyon Trail, Angels Landing via the West Rim Trail, Observation Point via the East Rim Trail, The Narrows via the Riverside Walk, or Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail.

• Kolob Canyons. This part of the park is particularly famous, dominated by high sandstone peaks and dazzling falls.

• The Narrows. This is the iconic slot canyon portion of the park where flooding has carved the colourful walls in artistic ways. The river spans around 20-30 feet in places, while the cliff walls tower over a thousand feet high. Be prepared to hike in the river to see the Narrows.

Activities to Enjoy at Zion National Park

What can you do while in Zion National Park? We’ve already covered hiking and driving, so here are a few more activities to add to your list:

• Watch birds and other wildlife. Be on the lookout for California condors and peregrine falcons. Also look for Mexican spotted owls. On the ground, you can spy foxes, bighorn sheep, rock squirrels, and more. You might even see a mountain lion.

• Go cycling. Both the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Pa’rus Trail allow bicycle access. If you use the shuttles while you are in the park, you will be pleased to know they conveniently offer bicycle racks.

• Canyoneering and climbing. Both of these activities require permits, but you’ll find few more epic destinations for either.

• Horseback riding. If you will be visiting between March and October, you can sign up for a guided horseback riding tour.

• Take a boat on the Virgin River. Note that you do need a permit in order to do this if the flow of the river is above 150 CFS. Otherwise, you do not.

• Ranger activities. There are a number of activities in Zion National Park led by a ranger. When you arrive, you can pick up a Park Map and Guide to find out when and where these events take place.

• Stargazing. You are out in the desert here in a remote location, so take advantage of the lack of light pollution and enjoy the starry nights.

Where You Can Park Your Motorhome or Campervan at Zion

Now let’s talk about where you can park your rented 4WD vehicle, campervan, or motorhome while you are touring Zion National Park.

There are three park-operated campgrounds:

• Lava Point Campground: This campground is not directly in Zion Canyon; it is actually around an hour and twenty minutes away from the South Entrance along Kolob Terrace Road. It has six spots, completely free of charge. No reservations are needed; it is first-come, first-serve. It is equipped with trash cans and pit toilets, but you will need to bring your own water, as there is none at the site. The catch is that vehicles must be under 20 feet. That means it is ideal for smaller 4WD vehicles and campervans.

• South Campground: You will need to place a reservation for the South Campground up to two weeks in advance. Do not expect to get in without a booking; while 117 spaces are available, they fill up most nights completely. The location is great—the South Entrance is just half a mile away. Amenities include potable water and a dump station. While no hook-ups are offered, you can run your generator during select hours. As of the time of this writing, the price is $20 per night per campsite.

• Watchman Campground: This site is around a quarter of a mile away from the South Entrance. 176 sites are available, and once again, they fill up fast, so you will need to book ahead (and not all of them are suitable for motorhomes and campervans). There is a dump station but no full hook-ups. You cannot use your generator if you stay at this campsite.

Before placing a reservation, it is wise to call ahead and make sure you are choosing a campsite which can accommodate your vehicle.

If all these campsites fill, all hope is not lost. You can stay near the park at any of the following campgrounds:

• St. George Area Visitor Bureau
• Kane County, Utah (including Kanab)
• BLM, St. George Field Office
• Zion Canyon Visitors Bureau
• East Zion Tourism Council

Don’t Miss Out on One of the USA’s Most Remarkable Destinations

Now you know all about what you can expect if you visit Zion National Park, one of the most famous parks in the USA and the world. Of course, nothing can truly prepare you for the stunning, majestic beauty which awaits you—but now you are familiar with some of the hiking trails, activities and campgrounds, so you can plan the perfect trip!