With Zion National Park’s campgrounds almost fully booked out for the summer, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has stepped in and proposed building 25–30 designated campsites just west of the park to help handle overflow.
KTUV reports current dispersed camping has caused water quality issues, vegetation loss, soil erosion, and unauthorized trails. Campers frequently exceed the 14-day stay limit, putting further strain on the area. The proposed sites would be located in areas like Hurricane Cliffs, Gooseberry Mesa, and Canaan Mountain Wilderness, and may include vault toilets, fire facilities, kiosks, and group use areas.
A mix of free and fee-based options is on the table. Pricing details are still pending. Public input is open through May 30th, with an environmental analysis and additional feedback period to follow. If you would like to contribute to the feedback, please do so here.
Bureau of Land Management Project Description:
The BLM proposes multiple recreation development and restoration projects along State Route 9 in Washington County, Utah in order to address demand for developed camping and overnight visitation, improve the condition of areas negatively impacted by dispersed camping, and provide developed facilities for current and anticipated future recreational use on BLM lands west of Zion National Park.
The Flagstone Quarry Campground would span up to 110 acres and include up to 150 individual and group campsites, with amenities such as vault toilets, dumpsters, fencing, and solar-powered host sites. A non-motorized trail would connect the campground to the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System. This development would also officially close the now-exhausted Flagstone Quarry community pit. Nearby, a new trailhead and event staging area would serve recreational users and accommodate authorized events, with facilities for parking, restrooms, and group activities.
Additionally, the Gooseberry Mesa Campground would be developed on 240 acres with up to 80 campsites, featuring similar amenities and phased construction. The BLM also plans to create 25 designated dispersed campsites on Gooseberry Mesa, improving existing impacted areas while minimizing new disturbance. A dispersed camping restriction would be implemented across approximately 15,087 acres between La Verkin and Zion National Park to protect natural resources, with only designated sites allowed.
Restoration efforts would close and reclaim 30 previously designated dispersed campsites and additional user-created areas, using erosion control, native plantings, and physical deterrents. Across all projects, infrastructure would be built using sustainable materials and techniques, with a focus on phased development based on funding and use trends. Fee structures and site management would follow federal guidelines and support future maintenance and enhancement.
