The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
21 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
9
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
CrankingChick
Tucson, AZ7,681 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
This recreation area is a campground and picnic area in the Virgin River Gorge operated by Bureau of Land Management. Situated on the banks above the river, it's a very scenic spot that is easy to access from Interstate 15 (Cedar Pockets exit) and makes a great rest stop if you are traveling through. Small, reasonable fees for day-use or camping (National Park Service access passes honored). Two short hiking trails: one leads to an exhibit and viewpoint on the top of a hill, and the other goes down to the bank of the river. Trailheads are a little hard to spot. Driving in, the Hilltop one is located near the entrance where the road splits (small pullout on left, trail on right). To get to the riverbank trail, when the road splits follow the left side (which is straight ahead) into the campground and keep to the left, watching for a trail sign on the left (between camp sites).
Written November 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wijram
St. George, UT418 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area might be called “our little secret”! Thousands of people pass within a few hundred yards of this absolute gem each day, totally unaware that it exists.
Interstate 15 runs from California to the US-Canadian border. Along this route, in the section between Las Vegas and Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park, or Snow Canyon State Park or Salt Lake City, there is a 17 mile stretch that provides probably the most dramatic views that can be seen from an interstate highway in the nation. It is between Beaver Dam AZ and St. George, UT and is referred to as the Virgin River Gorge.
This gorge, a magnificent canyon carved out of the wild, rugged and gaunt Beaver Dam Mountains by the Virgin River, connects the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau and the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert.
This area was inaccessible until 1973 when I-15 was constructed. When it was built this stretch of I-15 was the most expensive stretch of interstate highway ever constructed. The result is a somewhat daunting drive with absolutely spectacular views of the soaring cliffs at each of its continuous turns.
About midway through this stretch of beauty is the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, accessed by the Cedar Pocket Exit (Mile Post 18). The area, managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a first-come, first-served campground and day-use area. For us, it is simply a great place to have a picnic with a spectacular view.
The climate of the canyon is typical of the Mojave Desert with hot summers and mild winters. Flora and fauna in the canyon are also typical of the Mojave. The canyon is popular among rock climbers, hikers, and campers.
Overnight-use fee is $8 per site (up to 2 vehicles) and day-use fee is $2 per vehicle. Campground Amenities include: paved access road; pull-through parking; drinking water; flush toilets (ADA compliant); self-pay register boxes; and occasional campground host.
The 77 overnight campsites offer: a picnic table, grill, vehicle or RV parking. Five of the sites are ADA compliant and 5 of the sites have shade shelters. It is important to note that the campground has no electrical or waste dump hook ups.
The 38 Day Use Sites feature: paved access road; pull-through parking; drinking water; flush toilets (ADA compliant). Seven of the sites have shade shelters and all offer access to the Sullivan Canyon Trail in the Paiute Wilderness; access to an interpretative trail; trail access to the Virgin River.
Whether you stop to just stretch your legs, to picnic, to take photos, to hike or to camp, the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is, simply, a spectacular spot of peace amid breathtaking views of soaring beauty and colorful vistas.
Interstate 15 runs from California to the US-Canadian border. Along this route, in the section between Las Vegas and Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park, or Snow Canyon State Park or Salt Lake City, there is a 17 mile stretch that provides probably the most dramatic views that can be seen from an interstate highway in the nation. It is between Beaver Dam AZ and St. George, UT and is referred to as the Virgin River Gorge.
This gorge, a magnificent canyon carved out of the wild, rugged and gaunt Beaver Dam Mountains by the Virgin River, connects the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau and the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert.
This area was inaccessible until 1973 when I-15 was constructed. When it was built this stretch of I-15 was the most expensive stretch of interstate highway ever constructed. The result is a somewhat daunting drive with absolutely spectacular views of the soaring cliffs at each of its continuous turns.
About midway through this stretch of beauty is the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, accessed by the Cedar Pocket Exit (Mile Post 18). The area, managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a first-come, first-served campground and day-use area. For us, it is simply a great place to have a picnic with a spectacular view.
The climate of the canyon is typical of the Mojave Desert with hot summers and mild winters. Flora and fauna in the canyon are also typical of the Mojave. The canyon is popular among rock climbers, hikers, and campers.
Overnight-use fee is $8 per site (up to 2 vehicles) and day-use fee is $2 per vehicle. Campground Amenities include: paved access road; pull-through parking; drinking water; flush toilets (ADA compliant); self-pay register boxes; and occasional campground host.
The 77 overnight campsites offer: a picnic table, grill, vehicle or RV parking. Five of the sites are ADA compliant and 5 of the sites have shade shelters. It is important to note that the campground has no electrical or waste dump hook ups.
The 38 Day Use Sites feature: paved access road; pull-through parking; drinking water; flush toilets (ADA compliant). Seven of the sites have shade shelters and all offer access to the Sullivan Canyon Trail in the Paiute Wilderness; access to an interpretative trail; trail access to the Virgin River.
Whether you stop to just stretch your legs, to picnic, to take photos, to hike or to camp, the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is, simply, a spectacular spot of peace amid breathtaking views of soaring beauty and colorful vistas.
Written March 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rwasr1953
Brooklet, GA160 contributions
Feb 2017 • Family
Driving on the interstate across the desert can be hours of mind-numbing emptiness.
Taking a trip down the Virgin River Gorge will both reawaken your soul and open your eyes oh-so-wide.
Visiting all the other canyonland parks, monuments, and recreation areas will bring an even greater appreciation for this hidden gem.
Taking a trip down the Virgin River Gorge will both reawaken your soul and open your eyes oh-so-wide.
Visiting all the other canyonland parks, monuments, and recreation areas will bring an even greater appreciation for this hidden gem.
Written February 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dino S
North Las Vegas, NV111 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
Nice place to stop for a few hours and have a picnic or take the friends and family down the river. Also, a good spot to start some river trekking along the river if the seasonal water level allows it. Located right off I-15 in the VIrgin Valley Gorge and about halfway between St. George UT and Mesquite NV
Written July 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zimmereviews
Ramona, CA2 contributions
May 2019 • Family
The BLM Arizona Strip Field Office announces the temporary closure of the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area Campground beginning April 8, 2019, and continuing through August 31, 2019, for renovations of the facilities to ensure the health and safety of public land users.
This is from the BLM website, just wanted to let people know! We were planning to stay there, looks beautiful.
This is from the BLM website, just wanted to let people know! We were planning to stay there, looks beautiful.
Written May 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaparipin
Den Bosch, The Netherlands128 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
Stayed here for an overnight stay as it was ideally located on our way to Las Vegas from Zion NP. A very nice place with splendid views on the surrounding desert and mountains, especially at sunset when the mountains turn beautifully red. Most visitors are from the neighborhood, so it’s nice to meet local people. There are toilets and taps, but no showers, and spots are fairly level.
Written May 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoeNathan9249
Saint Paul, MN6,035 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
This is a stunning areas with many places to stop and walk a bit. It is very barren and stark. There are so many spectacular places in the West. But this is quite stark and barren.
We drove through the area on our way to and from Las Vegas.
We drove through the area on our way to and from Las Vegas.
Written September 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patti C
Escondido83 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
We stopped at Cedar Pocket to get some good views of the Virgin River. We were there mid May, and the water was flowing pretty good. Beautiful scenery! Pretty desert flowers. We even saw a few pica and some kind of lizards with long tails.
Written June 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivian B
Piedmont, California, United States4 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
These BLM sites are well spaced, many with views of the river canyon and colorful walls. There is some freeway noise and it can be windy. You can hike down to the Virgin river even if not camping there; and this is worth doing. There's running water, flush toilets and BBQ pits too; all at a very reasonable day use or overnight price. Its right off the highway so it would not be hard to arrive after dark. It was fairly full even on a May weeknight tho'. A 16 mile hike has ts trailhead at the day use area. The hike requires a shuttle and crossing the river, which was too hing in May.
Written May 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward G
Calgary, Alberta, Canada68 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
This has a campground on one side, and a picnic area on the other. We always stop here on our long drive to Vegas. I have never camped here so I cannot review that part. The picnic area has many tables and parking stalls. It has a small day-use fee which I cant recall the price. One or two dollars I think. We have never stayed for a picnic, but I still payed the fee to use the restroom. You can take a small hike down to the river and dip your feet in. Just outside the day-use area is a very small dirt road turnaround where we rest for 15 minutes and enjoy the view, 40 degree Celsius weather, and a quick beer. in this turnaround there is also a sign with some info about the wildlife. You can also take a small stroll up the hill. Of course you also have the view of the gorge.
Written September 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
can you reserve a spot at the campground?
Written November 3, 2020
The links to BLM...all dead or redirect regarding this campground. Anyone know how to make a reservation, or what the fee is for tent camping? Thanks
Written May 27, 2017
Is the water available at each site? Potable?
Written March 10, 2017
to be safe carry bottles of water with you
Written March 13, 2017
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