South Campground
The campground is currently closed for a long-term rehabilitation project that began in 2024. Phase 1 construction was anticipated to complete in late spring 2026, but no official reopening date has been announced. The project includes new and rehabilitated restrooms, modern drinking water systems, improved sewer infrastructure, enhanced campsites, and increased accessibility features.
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
South Campground has hosted campers since the 1920s and sits along the Virgin River near Zion's south entrance. The location provides convenient access to the park's shuttle system, visitor center, and the town of Springdale. Three trails depart directly from the campground: the paved Pa'rus Trail (the only park trail allowing dogs), the moderate Watchman Trail ascending the peak behind camp, and the Archeology Trail leading to an archaeological site. The campground typically operates from early March through the end of October, with 127 individual sites in Loops A and B plus 4 group sites. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Facilities include flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, though there are no showers or hookups. The adjacent town of Springdale offers shower facilities, restaurants, and supplies. Note that April-May brings tent caterpillars that fall from trees, July-August sees increased ant activity especially after monsoons, and August-September brings yellowjackets. Insecticide use is prohibited. Vehicles exceeding 50 feet combined length or 13 feet in height must use the South Entrance due to tunnel restrictions.
Directions
From Interstate 15, take Exit 16 (from south) or Exit 27 (from north) and follow State Route 9 east through Springdale to the South Entrance. After the entrance station, take the second right to reach South Campground. From the east via US-89, take State Route 9 west through the East Entrance and continue 12 miles, then turn left at the South Campground sign.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| zion_south_campground@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 772-3256 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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