Hi everyone. I'm hoping to get out to the Arches-Canyonlands-Zion area next late June and early July. If possible I'd rather "wing it" than make reservations. Would there be any problems accessing the state or national parks for visiting purposes? My hiking ability is not what it used to be, so any particular drives would be appreciated. Also, I would prefer water and electric hookups but can do a day or two without. Any recommendations for campgrounds, private or otherwise? Again, would I need reservations ahead of time?I'm always grateful for the help you good people so generously provide.

For sure you'll want reservations around Zion, I've never stayed in the area that the campground wasn't completely full. From watching Youtube Arches and Canyonland seem to be a little bit easier to just drive in and find a spot nearby.

Been there done that... several times. At Zion make reservations {as early as possible} for the Watchman campground which is located inside the park and short walk to the visitors center/tram station. You get 30 amp service for $18 a night {$9 with a Geezer card}. They also have a two lane dump station. Some of the sites are right on the Virgin River... Awesome!Be advised that Zion in June and July will be two things... HOT and crowded. You can mitigate the heat by getting out early and hiking to the higher elevations but expect triple digit temps every day. The water in the Virgin River was 48 degrees in June so you can beat the heat but brrrr. :SAs far as Canyon Lands and Arches which are right up the road from Moab, they too will be hot and crowded {In April we waited 45 minutes just to get into Arches as the line of vehicles stretched all the way back to the highway - Trust me June will be worse so get there early}.Don't miss Capitol Reef NP on your way to or from Moab as it is one of the most spectacular NP's though lesser known. Kodachrome Basin and of course Bryce Canyon are two other awesome areas to explore.:C

What sort of vehicle will you be driving? 4WD?

We did a Utah trip May 18 and it was already 90 degrees. So in June and July it will be 100 degrees. We booked all the National parks 6 months a head of time. Have fun Utah is a beautiful state.

Old Days wrote:We did a Utah trip May 18 and it was already 90 degrees. So in June and July it will be 100 degrees. We booked all the National parks 6 months a head of time. Have fun Utah is a beautiful state.Yeah Arches and Zion both will be hotter than Hades. Bryce is higher altitude and much cooler. Capitol Reef will be hot when hiking in the canyons but you can stay in the shade for a lot of those hikes. I didn't think that the part of Canyonlands that we were in (the east side) was unusually hot but that park is so big, and disconnected I'm sure lots of it are hot. But that park is more a driving around in park than a get out and hike park so being in your vehicle shields you from the heat.

Southern Utah | Good Sam Community

agesilaus
Explorer III
Oct 02, 2018
What sort of vehicle will you be driving? 4WD?
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
Oct 02, 2018
Been there done that... several times. At Zion make reservations {as early as possible} for the Watchman campground which is located inside the park and short walk to the visitors center/tram station. You get 30 amp service for $18 a night {$9 with a Geezer card}. They also have a two lane dump station. Some of the sites are right on the Virgin River... Awesome!

Be advised that Zion in June and July will be two things... HOT and crowded. You can mitigate the heat by getting out early and hiking to the higher elevations but expect triple digit temps every day. The water in the Virgin River was 48 degrees in June so you can beat the heat but brrrr. :S

As far as Canyon Lands and Arches which are right up the road from Moab, they too will be hot and crowded {In April we waited 45 minutes just to get into Arches as the line of vehicles stretched all the way back to the highway - Trust me June will be worse so get there early}.

Don't miss Capitol Reef NP on your way to or from Moab as it is one of the most spectacular NP's though lesser known. Kodachrome Basin and of course Bryce Canyon are two other awesome areas to explore.

:C
afidel
Explorer II
Oct 02, 2018
For sure you'll want reservations around Zion, I've never stayed in the area that the campground wasn't completely full. From watching Youtube Arches and Canyonland seem to be a little bit easier to just drive in and find a spot nearby.

Forum Discussion

Southern Utah

About Campground 101

Related Content

Southern Utah with kids

Southern Utah

Southern Utah Weather

Southern Utah

Trip report: Southern Utah