LODGING, DINING, CAMPING, SUPPLIES, etc.
Lodging Options:
Lodging options from hotels and motels to bed & breakfasts are plentiful in the greater Zion area. The town of Springdale is probably the most convenient and logical choice for lodging since it is geared towards tourism and is located at the mouth of Zion Canyon. The Zion Canyon Vistors Bureau has a good list of hotels and motels in Springdale as well as bed & breakfasts in Springdale and nearby Rockville.
My personal favorites are the Zion Park Motel for a clean and family-friendly affordable stay and alternatively, the Cliffrose Lodge or Desert Pearl Inn for a more expensive resort-like stay. For those looking for accommodations within Zion National Park, the one-and-only option is the famous Zion Lodge in the heart of Zion Canyon.
For visitors on a tighter budget, cheaper motels can be found in the neighboring towns of La Verkin, Hurricane, and bustling St. George. (Be sure to check reviews before you book.) If you are traveling between Zion and Bryce or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Mr. Carmel Junction is a good location with the Best Western Thunderbird Lodge and the more affordable 89 & Nine Motel alternative. The obvious disadvantage to staying further away from Zion Canyon is the extra drive time it takes to get to the park.
Dining:
Springdale has a plethora of fine dining options, most of which are on the Zion Canyon Visitors Bureau restaurants list. My personal favorites are Oscar's Cafe and the Bit & Spur. Unfortunately if you are looking for low-budget dining, Springdale does not have too many options. For more affordable restaurants and standard fast-food fare, drive to La Verkin, Hurricane, or St. George where you will find plenty of options. On the east side, both of the motels in Mt. Carmel Junction have decent family-friendly restaurants.
Camping:
Zion National Park has two major campgrounds, both located near the south entrance at Springdale near the main Visitor Center. The South Campground has 117 campsites and no hook-ups. Cost is $20 per night for individual sites and $50 per night for group sites. The Watchman Campground has 176 regular campsites (95 with electrical hookups, 69 for tents only) available by reservation between March and November. Cost is between $20 and $30 a night. Both campgrounds are by reservation for most of the year and competition for spots is fierce, so plan ahead or be denied. For more detailed information on policies and regulations, please see the NPS's Campgrounds in Zion page. There are also a handful of private campgrounds located in Springdale and Virgin.
Groceries and Supplies:
If you are in search of groceries, Sol Foods Market has two locations in Springdale, one in the mall near the pedestrian entrance to Zion National Park and the other located farther down the strip at 995 Zion Park Blvd. If you are looking for a bigger supermarket and are willing to drive a bit, both Davis Food & Drug (495 North State Street, La Verkin) and Lin's Marketplace (1120 W State Street, Hurricane) are great places to stock up on groceries.
For hiking and camping supplies such as footwear, backpacks, clothing, hiking poles, and climbing gear, several of the outfitters in Springdale including Zion Outdoor and the Zion Adventure Company have good selections. If you are traveling through St. George, The Desert Rat (468 West St. George Blvd, St. George) is a great shop that also offers friendly expert advice.
