Campground Overview:
Virgin River Canyon Campground is located along I-15 approximately 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and approximately 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada. It’s accessed from the Cedar Pocket Exit (mile post 18). The overnight-use fee is $8 per site per night and the day-use fee is $2 per vehicle. The Upper Loop has a 14 night stay limit, where as, the Lower Loop has a single night stay limit. The recreation area currently has 25 sites only available through recreation.gov reservations. The remaining sites are first come, first serve (FF) payable by cash or by using the Scan and Pay feature on the recreation.gov app.
Recreation:
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area provides many recreational opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, water play, and more. It is surrounded by two designated wilderness areas. The Paiute Wilderness east of Interstate 15, and Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness to the west. The Sullivan Canyon Trail starts within the recreation area and heads into the heart of the Paiute Wilderness.
The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the Virgin River. The Virgin River is occasionally runnable to small whitewater boats during spring runoffs. Please check for information on the fish barriers and flow conditions prior to running.
Campsite Amenities (74 overnight sites) – 14 night stay limit
- Paved access road
- Pull-through parking
- Drinking water
- Flush toilets (ADA compliant at middle restroom)
- Self-pay register boxes
- Occasional campground host
- Picnic table
- Grill and/or fire pit
- Vehicle or RV parking
- 4 sites that are ADA compliant
- 5 sites with shade shelters
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
St. George, UT |
Fishing: |
Virgin River |
Campground Website: |
Virgin River Canyon Campground |
Campground Map: |
Upper Loop / Lower Loop |
Reservations: |
|
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located near numerous protected areas. There is really one word to describe this region of Arizona- remote. Thousands of acres of protected lands are within driving distance, providing amazing recreational opportunities. Located to the north, across the boarder in Utah, are the Red Cliffs and Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Areas.
Snow Canyon State Park- Utah is a 7,400-acre scenic park quietly tucked amid lava flows and soaring sandstone cliffs in a strikingly colorful and fragile desert environment. Majestic views and the subtle interplay of light, shadow, and color dancing across canyon walls evoke strong emotional responses from visitors. Located in the 62,000 acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, established to protect the federally listed desert tortoise and its habitat, the park offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Activities include hiking, nature studies, wildlife viewing, photography, camping, ranger talks and junior ranger programs. There are more than 38 miles of hiking trails, a three-mile paved walking/biking trail and over 15 miles of equestrian trails.
Valley of Fire State Park- Nevada World-renowned for its 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone, Valley of Fire State Park contains ancient, petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years. A Visitor Center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory and history of the park and nearby region. The park also hosts an Annual Atlatl Competition in which participants test their skills with replicas of ancient spears. Open year round, the park has numerous campsites equipped with shaded tables, grills and water, as well as many intriguing trails to tempt hikers.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area Boat, hike, cycle, camp and fish at America’s most diverse national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes. See the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or find solitude in one of the park’s nine wilderness areas
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is one of the most remote and beautiful regions in the lower 48 states. Visitors who are prepared and equipped to explore the stunning landscape find that a trip into the Parashant is truly a journey into the wild. Visitors must be prepared to leave pavement and cell service behind. A high clearance 4×4 vehicle with off-pavement tires is strongly recommended to handle the rocky roads