Camping in St. George, Utah

Red rock camping with electric hookups at 33 scenic sites nestled among lava fields and sandstone cliffs. Flush restrooms, hot showers, and direct trail access make this the most popular campground near St. George for tent and small RV camping.

BLM-managed campground in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area with desert landscape sites among red rock formations. Basic amenities with vault toilets and fire rings. A quiet, affordable option close to town with excellent hiking access.

Lakeside camping with direct access to fishing, boating, and swimming at the reservoir. Sites offer stunning water views against a red rock backdrop. Electric hookups available at select sites with modern restroom facilities.

Mountain camping at 6,600 feet elevation in cool pine forests just 30 minutes from St. George. A refreshing summer escape from desert heat with creekside sites, towering ponderosa pines, and access to Pine Valley Mountain trails.

Free dispersed camping on millions of acres of BLM land across Washington County. No reservations needed for self-sufficient campers. Follow Leave No Trace principles and BLM regulations for fire restrictions and camping duration limits.

Wilderness camping in Zion National Park backcountry, Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness, and remote desert areas. Permits required for Zion backcountry. Experience solitude under dark desert skies far from developed campgrounds.

Large group sites at state parks and national forest areas accommodate scout troops, family reunions, church groups, and corporate retreats. Reservable pavilions, fire rings, and restroom facilities support groups of 25 to 100 people.

Local outfitters with tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, and equipment rentals for visitors and occasional campers. Purchase camping supplies, firewood, and provisions at outdoor retailers and general stores throughout the region.

What are the best campgrounds near St. George Utah?

The top campgrounds near St. George include Snow Canyon State Park with 33 scenic sites and electric hookups among red rock formations, Red Cliffs Campground in the BLM-managed National Conservation Area, Quail Creek State Park with lakeside camping and water recreation, and Pine Valley Recreation Area at 6,600 feet elevation in cool pine forests. Each campground offers a distinct camping experience within 30 minutes of downtown St. George.

Is dispersed camping allowed near St. George?

Yes, free dispersed camping is permitted on BLM-managed public land throughout Washington County. You can camp for up to 14 days in one location before moving at least 25 miles. No reservations or fees are required. You must be self-sufficient with water and waste disposal, follow current fire restrictions, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Popular dispersed camping areas include BLM land near Red Cliffs, along Kolob Terrace Road, and in the desert areas south and west of St. George.

Do I need reservations for camping near St. George?

Reservations are highly recommended for Snow Canyon State Park and Quail Creek State Park, especially during spring and fall peak seasons. You can reserve state park sites through the Utah State Parks reservation system up to 4 months in advance. Red Cliffs Campground and Pine Valley sites are typically first-come, first-served. Dispersed BLM camping requires no reservations. Zion National Park backcountry camping requires a permit obtained through the park service.

What is the best season for camping in St. George?

Spring from March through May and fall from September through November offer the best camping weather in St. George with comfortable daytime temperatures in the 60s to 80s. Winter camping is pleasant in the desert lowlands with mild days but cold nights. Summer desert camping can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, but Pine Valley camping at higher elevation offers cool relief. Always check weather forecasts and carry extra water regardless of season.

What are the fire regulations for camping near St. George?

Fire regulations vary by season and location. BLM land and state parks frequently implement fire restrictions during dry summer months, typically prohibiting open campfires and allowing only pressurized stoves. When campfires are permitted, use established fire rings only and never leave fires unattended. Firewood collection from living trees is prohibited. Check current fire restriction status with the BLM Southern Utah office or state park websites before your trip. Violations can result in significant fines.

Do I need bear safety precautions when camping near St. George?

Black bears are occasionally present in higher-elevation areas like Pine Valley Mountains but are rare in the desert lowlands around St. George. Bear canisters are not typically required but proper food storage is always recommended. Store food in sealed containers in your vehicle or use provided food storage boxes at campgrounds. The more common wildlife concerns are rattlesnakes, scorpions, and coyotes. Keep a clean camp, shake out shoes and clothing, and use a flashlight when walking at night.

St. George, Utah serves as the ultimate base camp for camping adventures across Southern Utah, with an extraordinary variety of options ranging from developed state park campgrounds to millions of acres of free dispersed camping on BLM public land. Snow Canyon State Park offers the most iconic camping experience near St. George, with 33 sites nestled among dramatic red rock formations, ancient lava flows, and petrified sand dunes, complete with electric hookups, flush restrooms, and hot showers. The Red Cliffs Campground in the BLM-managed National Conservation Area provides a more rustic experience at lower cost, while Quail Creek State Park combines lakeside camping with excellent fishing, swimming, and boating access. For those seeking relief from summer desert heat, Pine Valley Recreation Area offers cool mountain camping at 6,600 feet elevation in fragrant pine forests just a 30-minute drive from the desert floor, with creekside sites and access to the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness trails.

The camping opportunities around St. George extend far beyond developed campgrounds. Washington County encompasses vast expanses of BLM land where free dispersed camping is permitted, giving self-sufficient campers the freedom to find their own perfect spot under the stars without reservations or fees. Backcountry camping in Zion National Park requires a permit but rewards adventurers with solitude among towering sandstone walls and some of the most spectacular wilderness scenery in the American West. Local outfitters and outdoor retailers provide camping gear rentals for visitors and occasional campers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience regardless of how much equipment they own. Whether you prefer the convenience of a developed campground with amenities, the freedom of dispersed desert camping, the challenge of backcountry wilderness immersion, or the community of a group camping site for family reunions and scout trips, Southern Utah delivers camping experiences that create lasting memories under skies filled with more stars than most people have ever seen.