Lava Point Campground

Lava Point Campground is a limited-development campground with six tent-only sites at 7,890 feet on Zion's Kolob Terrace. Pines and aspens give it a different feel from the campgrounds by Zion Canyon. Go if you want an out-of-the-way night on the plateau; at about 80 minutes from Zion Canyon's South Entrance, it is a poor base for days centered on the canyon. It is nearly 5,000 feet above the South Entrance and usually much cooler than the canyon.

Reserve before you head up: all six sites require reservations, and there are no walk-up sites. From the junction of UT-9 and Kolob Terrace Road, drive north about 20 miles, turn right onto Lava Point Road, then continue 1.4 miles to the signed entrance. It is about 25 miles north of Virgin. Vehicles longer than 19 feet are prohibited on the access road. There is no potable water, camp store or food service, cell service is unreliable, and the nearest services are in Virgin, more than 20 miles away. Bring water and supplies before leaving town.

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The vault toilets, trash collection and food lockers are seasonal; there are no showers or hookups. The campground is generally open May through September, with snow and weather controlling exact dates. It isn't wheelchair accessible. Check road conditions before making the drive, especially near the start and end of the season.

The separately named Lava Point Overlook is a short walk from the campground. It faces south across Zion's high country toward Zion Canyon, a convenient way to see the landscape without driving back down the plateau. Treat that as a nearby outing; the campground and overlook are distinct stops.