Home Base: Zion Canyon Campground & RV Resort
We recently returned from a breathtaking RV journey through two of Utah’s crown jewels—Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. This trip was a reminder of how nature can both humble and inspire, especially when experienced from the trail and the comfort of our home on wheels (our Ember 22ETS Travel Trailer.)
Nestled right outside the park entrance in Springdale, Zion Canyon Campground & RV Resort quickly became one of our favorite RV stays to date (see the end of the post for specific RV spot recommendations.) The grounds were spotless, well-stocked, and perfectly located. Clean, spacious showers (with excellent water pressure!) were a highlight—though be ready for the six-minute timer per token. I used two tokens after a dusty hike, and it was worth every second. The campground also featured a tidy laundry room, a small pool to cool off in the afternoons, and several dog relief areas that made traveling with pets easy.
Where We Ate: Vegan-Friendly Gems
Springdale surprised us with its food options. We loved Oscar’s Café, where portions were generous and the vegan choices were satisfying after a long hike. Perks! Café and FeelLove Cafe became our go-to for a quick breakfast or mid-morning coffee—friendly service and vegan snacks included (they had vegan donuts, cookies, bars, and other delicious treats.) It was not cheap (we paid close to $17 for a black bean burger) but it was fresh, the portions generous, and very tasty.
Trails We Loved
Zion is a hiker’s dream, and we made the most of our early mornings to beat the heat.
- The Narrows: We tackled this iconic hike on our first day. The shuttle wait was about 45 minutes, but it was the only time we needed it during our stay. We debated renting neoprene socks, waterproof suits, and bibs, but ultimately, we were fine without them. What was essential: sturdy boots with ankle support. This is an epic hike and we had a blast.
- Watchman Trail: Scenic, less crowded, and a great way to start the day. The trail didn’t have as many rocks, it was close to the visitor’s center and the views were great.
- Canyon Overlook Trail: Short but dramatic, with rewarding views at the top. Go early to avoid the crowds. You have to pass a tunnel to get to the trailhead, and they stop flow if there’s an oversized vehicle that needs to traverse the tunnel in the middle.
- Pa’rus Trail: Ideal for biking—smooth, scenic, and great for spotting wildlife. We did this one when we arrived, pretty late in the day, and were thankful to avoid a lot of the crowds.
- Emerald Pools (Lower and Middle): This one had a stunning, shaded start, but the actual pools were underwhelming. Still, the journey made it worthwhile.
RV Life in the Desert
The heat was real. We started hikes by 8 AM and retreated to the RV by midday to escape the sun. Zion doesn’t offer much shade, so sun protection and timing are crucial. That said, the stark beauty of the canyon walls glowing at golden hour made every sweaty moment worth it. Zion is truly one of the most visually arresting places we’ve ever been.
TL:DR
If you’re considering a trip to Zion (and Bryce—we’ll write more on that next!), go. Pack the boots, plan early hikes, and don’t skip the bike rack. This adventure reminded us how incredible it is to explore our National Parks, and to spend time together as a family (including our dogs Jax and Maggie.)
100% worth it.
Bonus: Zion Canyon Campground & RV Resort spot recommendations (note: some do not have sewer hookups in the site, but there is a dump station at the resort.). Best: D22-D24 -large corner spots with the Virgin River running behind. Also good: R13-D25 all with river views and access. Ok: A6-A1 and A20-A10 – no river spots but solid spots, many with full hookups.
Mi guapa!
I love it! Beautiful scenes and thank you for your advices!