Lava Point Campground
Currently closed for the season. Reopens May 20, 2026. Reservations required through Recreation.gov up to 14 days in advance. Operating season is typically May through September, weather permitting.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 8 at 3:13PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
ESFSLC The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will merge with a fall-like storm system over the western United States, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and a resulting threat of flooding. Widespread rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected, locally in excess of 3 inches, particularly across south aspects of southern Utah mountains, between late Saturday and Monday morning. Expect many area waterways including streams, rivers, normally dry washes, creeks, and slot canyons to have rising, fast flows by Sunday evening. Current forecasts do not bring any rivers to flood stage, but this will be monitored as the fine details of heavy rain bands become more confident. Those with activities near rivers, streams, creeks and recent burn scars should closely monitor the forecast over the next several days. Those with outdoor plans Sunday onward that include any travel near waterways across Utah should consider alternate plans. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible through at least Wednesday. While the rainfall rates with these additional rounds of precipitation will generally be lower, areas that receive significant precipitation during the weekend will be extra sensitive to any additional rainfall.
About
Lava Point Campground provides a remote, high-elevation camping experience in Zion National Park's backcountry. Located 25 miles north of Virgin on Kolob Terrace Road, the campground sits nearly 5,000 feet higher than the South Entrance, offering significantly cooler temperatures during Utah's hot summers. Pine and aspen trees shade the six primitive tent sites. Barney's Trail departs from the campground and connects to Lava Point Overlook and the West Rim Trail. The overlook offers sweeping panoramic views south toward Zion Canyon. The remote location makes this an excellent spot for stargazing and wildlife watching. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets and trash collection but no potable water. Campers must bring all water needed for their stay. RVs, trailers, and vehicles over 19 feet are prohibited on the access road. Note that Lava Point cannot be included in wilderness backpacking trip itineraries.
Directions
From Virgin, UT, take Kolob Terrace Road north for approximately 20 miles. Turn right onto Lava Point Road and continue 1.4 miles. Turn left at the signed campground entrance. The drive takes about 45 minutes from Virgin or 80 minutes from Zion's South Entrance.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| zion_fee_management@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 772-3256 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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