Overview
The natural beauty of Arizona’s Virgin River Canyon Campground attracts nomadic adventurers. Experience the wonder of the desert as you kayak down a peaceful river, wander through colorful paths, climb towering cliffs, and stare at the stars. This is the place to go if you love the outdoors and want to experience the freedom of van life.
Adventure
The Virgin River Canyon Campground is a haven for people who live in their vans and want to go on trips outside. This campground is in a beautiful part of Arizona’s desert, making it a great place for people who love nature. With so many parking spots and services, it’s a great place for van dwellers to stay while they explore the area. Hike along the colorful trails that wind through the beautiful canyons and lead to secret waterfalls and stunning views. Try rock climbing on the rough hills or go kayaking down the calm Virgin River. At night, you can look at the stars under the big desert sky while the river gently flows by. Camping at the Virgin River Canyon Campground is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for people who love thrilling journeys in nature.
Hiking
Hiking around the Virgin River Canyon Campground offers an exhilarating experience. Traverse vibrant trails that wind through majestic canyons, revealing hidden waterfalls and breathtaking vistas. Discover the wonders of the desert landscape as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Arizona’s wilderness. The main hiking trails in the area are:
- Scenic Gorge Overlook (.Easy, .1 miles)
- Sullivan Canyon Trail (Easy, 1.1-miles)
- Grey Havens Pinnacle (Easy, 1.9-miles)
Virgin River Gorge
The Virgin River cut through the Virgin River Gorge, where the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located. 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 Colorado Plateau’s uplift, has allowed the Virgin River 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.
Campground Information
Day use is $2 per vehicle, and the nightly rate is $8 per spot. There is a 14-night maximum stay in the Upper Loop and just one night in the Lower Loop. There are 75 total campsites with 25 reserved campsites at the recreation area at the moment. The remaining sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be reserved and paid for with cash or through the recreation.gov mobile app’s Scan and Pay feature.
- Website: Virgin River Canyon Campground
It’s a privilege to have Virgin River Canyon Campground for our enjoyment, so please practice Leave No Trace principles.
Directions
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).
To reach the Virgin River Canyon Campground from Las Vegas, follow these directions:
- Start by heading south on I-15 S from Las Vegas.
- Continue on I-15 S for approximately 105 miles, crossing into Arizona.
- Take Exit 18 for Cedar Pockets Road and turn right onto Cedar Pockets Road.
- Follow Cedar Pockets Road for about 2 miles until you reach the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area entrance.
- Once inside the recreation area, follow the signs to the Virgin River Canyon Campground.
Please note that road conditions and traffic may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check for any updates or alternative routes before starting your journey.
References and Links
- Website: Virgin River Canyon Campground
- Phone: Visitor Center at 435-688-3200.
Valley of Fire Recreational Area
The Valley of Fire Recreational Area provides a fun hiking and camping experience for any van lifer in New Mexico. The recreational area is centered around a 5000-year-old lava flow perched on a bluff. The campground offers great views of the surrounding lava field and desert environment.
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Red Rock Canyon State Park is a great place to stopover on your way to Los Angeles or Mammoth. The park is located at the Sierra Nevada mountains’ southernmost tip and the El Paso Range. The park has beautiful desert cliffs and canyons to explore. Each canyon is unique, with dramatic shapes and vivid colors.
