There's a certain kind of magic to Southern Utah, a landscape so grand and vividly colored it feels like you've driven onto a different planet. You have the titans of the national park system here, with Zion’s majestic sandstone cliffs standing as the crown jewel. The sheer scale of it all can be humbling, and after a day of hiking the Narrows or scrambling up to Angel's Landing, you’re often left dusty, tired, and profoundly inspired. But as any full-timer or seasoned road-tripper knows, exploring these rugged wonders is made infinitely better when you have a comfortable, well-equipped basecamp to return to. That’s the role a place like Southern Utah RV Resort aims to fill. It’s nestled just outside the hustle of St. George, in the quiet town of Washington, positioning itself not just as a place to park your rig, but as an upscale retreat from the wildness of the desert.
While we couldn't nail down a specific price without calling directly, the entire vibe of the place suggests it’s a premium experience. This isn’t your rustic, dirt-road state park campground. This is a resort, and with that comes a certain set of expectations. We’re talking paved roads, manicured landscaping, and a list of amenities designed to offer comfort and convenience. For many of us, especially those on longer trips, that kind of comfort is worth every penny. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the raw beauty of the region. You can spend your day getting caked in the iconic red dust of the trails and spend your evening relaxing by a resort-style pool, with all your hookups quietly doing their job.
The location is, without a doubt, a huge part of its appeal. You are literally minutes from everything. Downtown St. George, with its farmers’ markets, historic sites, and the fantastic Tuacahn outdoor amphitheater, is just a five-mile drive away. And the main event, Zion National Park, is a straight shot down the highway, only about a 45-minute drive to the entrance. This proximity is a game-changer. It means you can beat the crowds by getting an early start, spend a full day in the park, and be back at your comfortable site in time for dinner, avoiding the stress of finding parking or dealing with the limited lodging options right outside the park.
But don’t overlook the adventures right on your doorstep. The resort is practically next door to the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. This is a spectacular place, a miniature Zion in its own right, with over a hundred miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. You can explore petrified sand dunes, winding canyons, and even spot a desert tortoise if you’re lucky. It’s places like Red Cliffs that make this region so special for RVers. You have the marquee national park, but you also have these less-crowded, equally beautiful areas to explore, allowing you to tailor your adventure day by day.
Staying at a resort-style RV park is a distinct experience. The check-in process is more like a hotel. You’ll pull up to a clubhouse, get your site assignment, and often be escorted to your spot. The sites themselves are usually level concrete pads, a blessing for those of us who have spent countless hours fiddling with leveling blocks in more primitive settings. The roads are paved and wide, making it a stress-free experience even for the biggest of big rigs. You can expect things like posted quiet hours, which are appreciated after a long day, and a gate code for security, giving you peace of mind when you leave your home-on-wheels to go exploring.
At a place that calls itself a luxury property, the amenities are the main draw. Full hookups are a given. This means you have power, water, and sewer right at your site. The convenience of this cannot be overstated. There's no need to monitor your tank levels constantly or haul out the "blue boy" to a communal dump station. You can run the air conditioner, take long showers, and do dishes without a second thought. Speaking of showers, the resort will have bathhouses, and you can expect them to be clean, modern, and a welcome alternative to your own sometimes-cramped RV shower. A laundry facility is another one of those simple luxuries that feels like a godsend on the road. Being able to wash a load of dusty hiking clothes while you relax at your site is a small but significant comfort.
For those of us traveling with pets, a resort like this is often a great choice. They are typically very pet-friendly, with designated walking areas and sometimes even fenced-in dog runs. After a long day of driving or being cooped up while you were hiking in a national park where dogs aren’t allowed on most trails, having a safe space for your furry co-pilot to run and play is a huge bonus. And one of the rarest and most valuable amenities mentioned is on-site repair services. Anyone who has had a mechanical issue on the road knows the stress of trying to find a reliable mobile mechanic. Having that service available right where you’re staying is an incredible safety net.
Of course, there are some things you won’t find. A resort like this typically doesn’t have its own gas or propane filling station. But its location in a developed area means that these services are never more than a few minutes’ drive away. A quick trip down to the I-15 corridor will give you plenty of options for fueling up both your rig and your propane tanks.
The cost is always a consideration. A luxury resort will command a higher price than a public campground. But you have to look at the value. When you factor in the full hookups, the security, the pool, the laundry, and the prime location, the cost often becomes very reasonable, especially if you’re using it as a basecamp for a week-long exploration of Zion and the surrounding area. It’s always best to call ahead for current rates and ask about any discounts they might offer. Reserving your spot well in advance, especially during the popular spring and fall seasons, is absolutely essential. These places book up fast. So, if you're planning a trip to the majestic landscapes of Southern Utah and you value comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury after a day of rugged adventure, this resort is definitely an option you should have high on your list.
720 E Merit Way, Washington, UT 84780
(435) 669-2242
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV park
Has Water
southernutrv.com