When you drive an RV through Zion National Park, you experience the scenery up close without giving up the comfort of home. You get to explore on your own schedule, sleep under the stars, and keep everything you need within arm’s reach. However, oversized vehicles must follow certain rules and take special considerations to stay safe and prevent damage to the roads and delicate ecosystems.
Are You Allowed To Drive an RV Through Zion National Park?
Yes, you can drive into Zion National Park, but there are specific areas and times when RV access is restricted. From early March through late November, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles, including RVs, to reduce traffic and protect the environment. During this period, access to Zion Canyon is provided exclusively by the park’s free shuttle system, which operates daily and stops at key locations along the canyon.
Outside of shuttle season, typically from December through February, RVs are allowed on the Scenic Drive, but parking is limited and fills quickly. Other roads in the park, such as Kolob Terrace Road and Kolob Canyons Road, may have seasonal closures due to snow, so it’s important to check current conditions before planning your route.
What Is the Maximum Length RV in Zion National Park?
There are no overarching size restrictions for RVs in Zion National Park, but there are for driving an RV through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Currently, if your RV is 11 feet 4 inches tall or taller, or 7 feet 10 inches wide or wider (including mirrors, awnings, and jacks), you’ll need a $15 permit. However, certain vehicles are not allowed to use the tunnel:
- Vehicles over 13 feet 1 inch high
- Single vehicles over 40 feet long
- Combined vehicles (like a truck and trailer) over 50 feet long
- Vehicles weighing more than 50,000 pounds
In order to increase safety and preserve the historical integrity of the Zion-Mt. Carmel highway and tunnel, Zion National Park will implement stricter size restrictions starting in mid-2026.
Where Can You Park Your RV in Zion National Park?
Inside the park, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center offers limited parking spaces for oversized vehicles, including RVs. Once parked, you can access the park’s shuttle system from the Visitor Center to explore Zion Canyon.
If the Visitor Center lot is full, Springdale provides additional parking options for oversized vehicles. However, RVs and other large vehicles may only park in Zone C of Lion Boulevard, which offers oversized parking for $30 per day and easy access to the park’s shuttle system.
Can You Camp Overnight in an RV Inside Zion?
Zion National Park has several campgrounds inside the park where you can camp overnight in your RV:
- Watchman Campground: Located near the South Entrance by Springdale, electric hookups, allows RVs up to 40 feet long, no generators
- South Campground: Located down the road from Watchman, no hookups, maximum recommended height is 12 feet 6 inches, generators allowed
- Lava Point Campground: Located an hour from Zion Canyon, maximum RV size is 19 feet, no hookups
Each campground has different site sizes within the facility, so make sure your RV fits before you make a reservation. Always reserve early, especially during busy seasons.
Drive Your RV Through Zion National Park With Confidence
When you’re well-informed of the specific requirements for driving an RV through Zion National Park, you can focus more on enjoying the park’s stunning landscapes and less on logistical concerns.
Another lodging option is Settler’s Junction RV Park & Resort in Toquerville, Utah, located approximately 25 minutes from Zion National Park and near other attractions. With spacious pull-through sites suitable for large RVs, full hookups, and amenities like a swimming pool, fitness center, and pickleball courts, Settler’s Junction is an excellent option for RV vacationers exploring Southern Utah — book today!