Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Location

X624+67
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Policies

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Pets

Allowed (per listing)

Campfires

Allowed (per listing)

Booking

First come, first served (pay on site)

About

Sited along Interstate 15 at the Cedar Pocket Exit (MP 18), about 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada, Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area occupies a narrow, geologically rich gorge cut by the Virgin River. The river drops an average of 70 feet per mile here an abruptness that has sliced colorful sandstone and limestone into steep canyon walls similar in composition to formations seen on the Colorado Plateau. The area's Mojave Desert climate brings hot summers and mild winters and supports one of the more northerly Joshua tree populations; a short paved viewpoint trail near the fee station climbs to a Joshua Tree grove and a developed overlook of the gorge. Hikers will find immediate access to Sullivan Canyon Trail (which crosses the river and travels three miles into the Paiute Wilderness), short paved trails to the river, and nearby Cedar Pocket Wash trails that descend into a Joshua tree-filled wash and a limestone slot canyon. The Virgin River can be runnable in small whitewater craft during spring runoff check flow and fish-barrier information before attempting a run and the gorge attracts photographers, rock climbers and canyoneers as well as anglers and birders watching for sensitive native fish and riparian species. For general information call the main office at (435) 688-3200. The campground itself contains 80 sites in two loops Lower Loop with 24 sites and Upper Loop with 56 sites with a mix of 50 sites suitable for RVs and 30 tent sites. Amenities include paved access roads and pull-through parking, drinking water, flush toilets (ADA-compliant facilities at the middle restroom), picnic tables and grills or fire rings, occasional campground hosts and a small number of accessible sites (four ADA-compliant sites among the overnight inventory) and shade shelters (five overnight sites with shelters; additional shade in the day-use area). There are no electrical or dump hookups. Reservation options and fees: 25 sites are available for advance booking through recreation.gov while remaining sites are first-come, first-served and paid via the recreation.gov app's Scan and Pay function (note: cash payments will be discontinued starting January 2024). Overnight use is $8 per night for up to two vehicles (50% discount with Senior or Access pass) and day use is $2 per vehicle (free with an America the Beautiful pass). A 14-consecutive-night stay limit is enforced; standard recreation.gov cancellation rules apply (a $10 fee for changes/cancellations earlier than the day before arrival, higher charges for late cancellations and a $20 service fee plus forfeiture of the first night for no-shows). Volunteers interested in campground-host duties can apply through Volunteer.gov.