Can you reserve a site at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area?

Yes, Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area have?

111 sites in total, of which 109 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area?

130 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area.

Are campfires allowed at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area?

Campfires are allowed at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Campground · Arizona · 109 bookable sites ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

Arizona Strip Field Office (Bureau of Land Management AZ) · Open Access

109
Bookable sites: 130 ft
Max rig length: 8
Accessible sites: 2,262 ft
Elevation

Virgin River flowing next to the Lower Loop — Photo: BLM · Recreation.gov

Overview

The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located along Interstate 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. Overnight use is limited to 14-night stays. The recreation area currently has 25 of the best sites only available through recreation.gov reservations. The remaining 83 sites are first come, first serve (FF) payable by using the Scan and Pay feature on the recreation.gov app. Please come prepared by either making a reservation here before arrival OR having the recreation.gov app installed with login setup to pay onsite with the scan and pay option.

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.

Additional opportunities for recreation are available outside of the recreation area. A short drive on the Cedar Pocket Road (directly across the interstate from the campground) leads to the Cedar Pocket Wash Trailhead. This trail leads down a steep path to the narrows of the Cedar Pocket Wash and is a nice short stroll through a Joshua Tree forest. A trails map is available as a PDF or for the Avenza app.

The Virgin River Gorge is also frequented by rock climbers and canyoneers. Additional information about recreation available in the area can be obtained by calling the visitor center at 435-688-3200.

Facilities

Campsite Amenities (108 overnight sites) - 14-night stay limit

Paved access road
Pull-through parking
Drinking water
Flush toilets (ADA compliant at middle restroom)
Picnic table
Grill and/or fire pit
Vehicle or RV parking
8 sites that are ADA compliant
12 sites with shade shelters

** The campground has no electrical or waste dump hook ups. **

Day-Use Amenities - daylight hours only

Paved access road
Pull-through parking
Drinking water
Flush toilets
Shade shelters
ADA compliant sites
Access to Sullivan Canyon Trail in the Paiute Wilderness
Access to interpretative trail
Trail access to the Virgin River

Natural Features

The Virgin River Gorge, where the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area resides, was cut by the Virgin River. Though the Virgin River is relatively small, it is incredibly steep, dropping an average of 70 feet per mile - 10 times steeper than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This steepness, caused by the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, has given the Virgin River the ability to cut through sandstone and limestone canyons.

The gorge provides a stunning and colorful mountain desert setting. The gorge mimics, on a smaller scale, the colorful layers and striking depths of the Grand Canyon. In fact, many of the very same geologic formations are present in both areas. The gorge connects the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau and the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert.

The climate of the gorge is typical of the Mojave Desert with hot summers and mild winters. This desert climate allows for some of the most northern Joshua Tree populations. The canyon is usually about 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than St George, Utah, however the canyon can occasionally amplify winds.

Many species depend on the water of the Virgin River. The Virgin River directly supports hundreds of wildlife species including, woundfin, Virgin River chub, Virgin spinedace, flannelmouth sucker, desert sucker, speckled dace, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Many of these species are endangered or are considered sensitive species within the State of Arizona and Utah.

Nearby Attractions

Hiking Trails

The most popular hike is a simple 0.1 mile hike down to the Virgin River via the River Trail. This is easily accessed from the lowest parking in the lower loop.
The easiest trail is the 0.4 mile Canyon Overlook Trail. This trail begins at the fee kiosk. It is a paved, ADA trail leading to an overlook and interpretative compass display.
The best hike is the Narrows hike. This is a steep, 1.4 mile hike leading through a Joshua Tree grove down to a limestone narrows punching through a geologic fold. The best starting point is a short drive up to the Cedar Pocket Wash Trailhead.
A full of views hike is the Ridgeline Loop. This is a 1.1 mile loop starting at the I-15 trailhead. The trail follows the ridgeline up about 1000 ft above the start and loops back.
For the more adventurous, Greyhaven Pinnacle is a exposed scramble up a limestone peak with wondrous views from the middle of the Virgin River Gorge. This 1.8 mile trail is accessed from I-15 Trailhead.

A trails map is available as a PDF or for the Avenza app.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (435) 688-3200.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations*: *cancellation becomes a "late cancellation" at 12:01 am EST on the day before arrival.

• $10.00 fee if reservation is changed/cancelled earlier than the day before arrival.

• $10.00 plus first night's camping fee is charged if reservation is cancelled the day before or the day of the arrival, except when the reservation is only for 1 night (in which case only the first night's camping fee is charged).

No Shows: customer does not arrive and/or does not cancel reservation by check out time (11 :00am) the day after the scheduled arrival date.

$20.00 service fee charged and forfeit the first night's user fee

• If requested before the late cancellation window: NRRS will handle

• If requested during the late cancellation window (day before arrival, or day of arrival): Customer will be

charged first night's use fee, and refunded rest

• If requested after arrival, during or after departure from site: recreation.gov processes and field office has to approve

The facts

109 bookable sites
111 sites in total, including non-bookable
8 accessible sites
Vehicles up to 130 ft
Loops: Lower Loop, Upper Loop

Site types

50 RV Nonelectric
29 Tent Only Nonelectric
28 Parking
2 Group Shelter Nonelectric
2 Management

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

111 campsites at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
100	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
101	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
102	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
103	Lower Loop	Group Shelter Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	♿ 🐾
104	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
105	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
106	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
107	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
108	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
109	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
110	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
111	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
75	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
76	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
77	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
78	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
79	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
80	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
81	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
82	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
83	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
84	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
85	Lower Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
86	Lower Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
87	Lower Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
88	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
89	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
90	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
91	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
92	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
93	Lower Loop	Group Shelter Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	♿ 🐾
94	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
95	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
96	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	♿ 🐾
97	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	♿ 🐾
98	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
99	Lower Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
1	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
10	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
11	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
12	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
13	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	♿ 🐾
14	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
15	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
16	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
17	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
18	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
19	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
2	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
20	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
21	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
22	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
23	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
24	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
25	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
26	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
27	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
28	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
29	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
3	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
30	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
31	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
32	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
33	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
34	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
35	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
36	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
37	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
38	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
39	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
4	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
40	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
41	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
42	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
43	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
44	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
45	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
46	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	♿ 🐾
47	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
48	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
49	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
5	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
50	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
51	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
52	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
53	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
54	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
55	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
56	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
57	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
58	Upper Loop	Management	—	—	—	—	🐾
59	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
6	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
60	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
61	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
62	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	130 ft	—	🐾
63	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
64	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
65	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
66	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	♿ 🐾
67	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
68	Upper Loop	Parking	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
69	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
7	Upper Loop	Management	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
70	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	♿ 🐾
71	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
72	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
73	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
74	Upper Loop	Rv Nonelectric	—	—	60 ft	—	🐾
8	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾
9	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	30 ft	—	🐾

Getting there

Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located along Interstate 15 approximately 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and approximately 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada. The recreation area is at the Cedar Pocket Exit (Mile Post 18).

36.95112, -113.79346 · 36°57'4.0"N 113°47'36.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 109°F in Jul, down to 60°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	62	66	75	82	93	104	109	107	100	86	72	60
Low °F	33	36	43	48	58	65	74	73	64	53	40	32
Precip in	0.9	1.2	0.9	0.5	0.3	0.2	0.4	0.4	0.3	0.7	0.5	0.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Overnight Use is $8/night (for up to two vehicles). Discount of 50% with Senior or Access America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Day Use is $2/vehicle. Day Use is free when you display in your car's dash any America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Accessible Restroom — Photo: BLM · Recreation.gov

Inside of the flush toilet restrooms — Photo: BLM · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Add a photo

Common questions about Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Can you reserve a site at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area?: Yes, Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area have?: 111 sites in total, of which 109 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area?: 130 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area?: Yes, pets are allowed at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area.
Are campfires allowed at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area?: Campfires are allowed at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

North Entrance Bloomington Cave 8.2 mi · Facility
Paiute Wilderness Area 10.1 mi · Facility
Stucki Springs Trail 11.1 mi · Facility
Welcome Spring 12 mi · Facility
Rim Runner Trail 12.8 mi · Facility
Suicidal Tendencies Trail 12.9 mi · Facility
Rim Rock Trail 12.9 mi · Facility
Rim Ramble Trail 12.9 mi · Facility
Sidewinder Trail 13 mi · Facility
Rim Reaper Trail 13.2 mi · Facility
Elusion Trail 13.3 mi · Facility
Cove Wash East Trail 13.3 mi · Facility

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-20.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.