DIY Glammping in Zion National Park
Navajo sandstone eroded by the Virgin River make up the red hued canyon walls.
Glamping at Zion National Park is a fantastic way to go on an inexpensive adventure into the park, while still not missing out on some modern comforts.
Lodging can be expensive around this park, so even if you camp for a night or two, you not only will be looking at some major savings, but will also be able to first handily experience the park after the crowds leave. You can easily make your campsite feel luxurious with just a few extra items from home. The key elements to any glamping excursion is a cozy bed, delicious food, and a great view of nature.
Zion National Park Campground Information:
One of the best places to go glamping is the desert. Zion National Park, set in the arid lands of the Southwest of the United States, makes for an excellent location to set up your glamp camp. The park has two campgrounds within the park boundaries, the South Campground and the Watchman Campground.
Both campgrounds are located near the South Entrance and only a short jaunt from the adorable town of Springdale. The South Campground offers 117 campsites and is located 1/2 mile into the park, while the Watchman Campground offers 176 campsites and is located 1/4 mile into the park.
South Campground reservations can be made 14 days prior to arrival from March 1st to October 31st on recreation.gov. Watchman Campground reservations timeframes vary according to this schedule and can also be made on recreation.gov. During the off season (November 1st to February 28th), reservations are not accepted at either campground and are only offered a first-come first-serve basis.
Both campgrounds have multiple restrooms, but wonderful showers are only available about 1/2 to 1 mile down the road in town at Zion Outfitters.
The 3.5 mile paved Pa'rus Trail meanders through the Zion Canyon as it runs along the Virgin River and connects the National Park and campgrounds to Springdale. Since it’s paved, it's a great place to ride bikes (available for rent in Springdale) or a perfect route for your nightly walk to dinner in Springdale and even closer to Zion Brewery.
Just before the Pa'rus trail reaches Springdale, you will connect with the Zion Canyon Visitor center. From mid-March to mid-November the parking shuttle departs from this visitor center (and day use parking lots), where it transports visitors to the most popular trailheads, such as the Emerald Pools, Angel's Landing, and The Narrows. You also take this shuttle to reach the Zion Lodge. From 8:00am onward shuttles leave about every 10 minutes, so you really don't have to run like I did. :) The 2018 shuttle schedule can be found here.
Be aware that even if you pay to camp in a National Park or walk in, you must still pay the National Park entrance fee. If you plan to visit more than three National Parks in the course of a year, you should get the National Park Annual Pass for $80, which allows unlimited admission to all National Parks for one year. Typically each car admisison into a park is $30 for a 7-day period. For more information visit this fee & pass information for Zion National Park.
Road contruction in Springdale is just wrapping up and should be all cleared in time for the Memorial Day weekend. On the other hand, many hotels and inns are undergoing rennovations, so it might not be until next season until the town is completely put back together. However, this shouldn't have a huge impact on your trip.
Tips for Spring Camping in Zion National Park:
Don't camp when the weather is going to be oppressively hot. If you happen to be caught in the heat, try to reserve a campsite that indicates some shade and bring a sunshade to protect yourself from the heat. Check weather conditions at NOAA.
Tie those tent guy lines down, it can get windy at night.
Take the park shuttle during the late afternoon and early evening to the canyon hikes, the canyons are SO MUCH cooler.
Cool off with a dip in the Virgin river, just behind the campgrounds.
If you are coming from Las Vegas, stock up on supplies at Harmons in Saint George. Sol Foods in Springdale is a wonderful place to replenish goods.
In warmer weather, don't plan on starting the campfire for anything - it's hot and adding more heat makes it insane. Remember even April can have extremely hot days.
Visit the park during the weekdays as the weekends can be quite hectic - Tuesdays and Wednesday tend to be the least crowded in town and on the trails.
Be prepared - bring water and stay hydrated. Remember sunscreen and to reapply it throughout the day.
Watch weather reports for increased flash flood warnings. Check in with a park ranger to ask about trail conditions and let them know your hiking plans.
Keep cooking at camp easy. Bring muffins for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, and head out for dinner to one of the numerous delicious restaurants in Springdale within walking distance.
Essential Glamping Gear List:
If you plan to glamp, below is my essential glamping gear list, or my EGGL if you will, that I used as a guide to setting up my fancy camp. The little things really make this set up a truly galmourous getaway.
Attractive tent - look for natural colors
Queen air mattress
Sheets and comforter - stick with natural colors
Lanterns with battery powered candles - don't use open flames in the desert
Rugs for entry way - these seriously made everything feel cleaner and 10 times more posh
Table - stool purcahsed from IKEA, great for keeping things off the ground
Basket - great for organization and storing odds and ends in the tent
Sometimes the hardest part of planning an activity is coming up with an idea and making a list. Now that is done, you just need to gather up your supplies, toss them in the car, and head out. Although, you might want to make sure it's ok to take time off before leaving.
Glamping can be done anywhere from Zion National Park, to your local state park, or even your backyard!
And if for some reason you get sick of glamping like we did, Springdale has numerous top notch accomadations and I'll me sharing my favorite places to stay in town soon! ;)
Have you ever gone glamping before?
