Lava Point Campground
The Quick Take
Lava Point is Zion's best-kept secret and its most primitive campground -- a tiny cluster of just six sites perched at nearly 8,000 feet, far removed from the canyon-floor chaos of Watchman and South. The trade-off is real: there's no running water, no flush toilets, and the drive from the South Entrance takes over an hour on winding Kolob Terrace Road. But what you get in return is genuine solitude, cooler temperatures that can run twenty degrees below the canyon floor in summer, and access to the West Rim Trail from a high starting point. Unlike the valley campgrounds where you're elbow-to-elbow with RVs and generators, Lava Point feels like backcountry camping with the convenience of driving to your site. This is the campground for experienced campers who want Zion without the crowds and don't mind hauling their own water.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 6 sites are reservable.
Book at Zion LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. Maximum length: 19 feet. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
Lava Point Campground and its trails are not wheelchair accessible. Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Rules to Know
- Fires:- No fires are permitted when fire restrictions are in place.
- Generators:- Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am.
- Checkout:- Check-out time is 11:00 am.
Pro Tips
Bring every drop of water you'll need -- there is zero potable water at Lava Point. Plan for at least a gallon per person per day, and pack extra for cooking. The nearest reliable water source is back down in Virgin, a 45-minute drive.
Use Lava Point as your launchpad for a top-down West Rim Trail day hike. Starting from the high trailhead here means you descend into the canyon rather than grinding uphill, and the views of the Great White Throne from above are worth the drive alone.
With only six sites, this campground books fast once the opening date is announced each spring. Check the Zion social media channels and ranger updates starting in April for road-clearing news, then grab your reservation the moment dates go live on Recreation.gov.
Photos
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
To reach Lava Point Campground, start by driving north from the intersection of UT-9 and Kolob Terrace Road. Drive on Kolob Terrace Road for roughly 20 miles. Then, take a right onto Lava Point Road. Follow Lava Point Road for 1.4 miles, then turn left at the sign for Lava Point Campground. The campground can be found next to the sign. A map can be obtained from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center during regular hours.
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