This post is sponsored by RVshare.
Zion National Park in southern Utah is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s hard not to repeatedly say “Wow!” out loud at every turn because of the massive, colorful sandstone cliffs.
My friend and I visited in May 2024, and we kicked into a joyous, unplugged, outdoor mode that made us want to quit our jobs and travel the country with backpacks. Problem is, camping isn’t our thing. We want an actual mattress, a refrigerator for our food, and outlets to charge our phones.
Staying in an RV lets you embrace the outdoors in a way you can’t when you’re staying at a hotel. Plus, the RV scene is a friendly, helpful community of people who like to swap stories around the campfire at night (with drinks and marshmallows, obviously). That camaraderie adds to the experience.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Did you know you can rent an RV and have it delivered to the campground for you? Scroll on to see all about it below.
1. WillowWind RV Park
80 South 1150 West
Hurricane, UT 84737
- Mature trees for privacy and shade
- Close to Zion but far enough to avoid crowds
What sets this RV park apart is its beautiful, mature trees – a rarity in the Utah desert. Not only do the trees offer more privacy from your neighbors, but they provide shade! That’s critically important during the hot summer months or after returning from a long, hot day of hiking. Located 22 miles from Zion – a comfortable distance from the summertime crowds – WillowWind has a clubhouse, a communal fire pit, a laundromat, a dog run and dog bath, and clean showers and bathrooms.
2. Watchman Campground
S.R. 9
Springdale, UT 84767
- Closest RV park to Zion
- Three hiking trails available
- Open year-round
This is the closest place to Zion to park an RV. Run by the National Parks Service, this campground is just ¼ mile away from the park’s entrance (and near a shuttle stop, for easy access to trailheads and restaurants in the town of Springdale). Its paved RV sites have picnic tables, fire pits and grills. Some border the Virgin River, so you can fall asleep to the sound of rushing water. There are sites with electric hookups available, but it doesn’t have full hookups (for water and sewer) for the RVs, so it’s a little more rustic than other RV parks.
3. Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground
551 E State Route 9
Virgin, UT 84779
- On-site shuttle service to Zion (March-October only)
- Convenience store on site
Hailed as one of the best RV parks in Utah, this park has pretty mountain views, sites along the Virgin River, full hookups and all sorts of family-friendly amenities: WiFi, cable, a game room, a heated pool, a playground, a hot tub and more. There are 7-minute limits on showers, but that’s plenty of time. It’s a great place for dogs, since there’s an off-leash area and river access. It’s a 20-minute drive to Zion.
4. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Twin Knolls Road
East Zion, UT 84755
- Guided tours available (extra cost)
- Tons of amenities
This is the Ritz Carlton of RV parks. Its 61 RV sites are pretty standard, with full hookups. But what people love about Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is its amenities! It has everything you’d find in a vacation resort, like horseback riding, mini golf, paintball, tennis, mini ATVs and tons more. Another bonus: it’s only a 15-minute walk to the park entrance and restaurants.
5. Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort
479 Zion Park Blvd
Springdale, UT 84767
- Closest private RV park to Zion
- Available shuttle to Springdale
You can’t beat the location – just 1⁄2-mile (or a 15-minute walk) from the park, restaurants and shops. And the closest RV park to Zion with full hookups. The scenery is nice, too: you’re surrounded by mountains. While the RV area has close quarters, the service is friendly and there are 18 clean showers, fire rings with grates, charcoal grills, a fully-stocked camp store (including ice and wood for sale), free WiFi, a pool and a playground.
Can I rent an RV at Zion National Park?
Don’t own an RV? Don’t need to. “RV shares” (dubbed the “Airbnbs of RVs”) are available everywhere around Zion National Park. You can pick one up in a nearby town and drive it to your destination, which might save a few bucks. Or, you can arrange to have an RV delivered to the park of your choice, so it’s hooked up, ready and waiting for you when you arrive by car. Some parks have RVs on site for rental.
The RV rental inventory around Zion is extensive. There are small, standard but still nice RVs (for less than $100/night!), and giant vehicles that comfortably sleep 10. Many are decked out with full kitchens, pop-out living rooms and modern, homey decor (one I saw had a farmhouse barn door between rooms). Whatever your choice, it’s an excellent value.
You’re still out in nature, with scenic views, star-filled skies, and the sounds of the Virgin River rolling past. Yet you have access to amenities that rival (or in some cases, exceed) what you’ll find in nearby hotels, like free WiFi, a nice swimming pool or a free shuttle to the park’s entrance.
Want to give it a try? And stay in an RV park near Zion National Park? Just remember to book your RV rental and park space early, as peak summer months often sell out.
Learn more about Zion’s RV parks, and tips on RV sharing
For additional RV parks, look at this list that contains many more RV parks. And if you’re renting for the first time, be sure to read these tips about RVshare.
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