Zion’s Making Changes

Some pretty big changes are coming to Zion.

Starting next month, on January 5, 2024, Zion National Park will change it’s fee structure for all campgrounds in the park. The park will also switch to using recreation.gov as the only way to make reservations for canyoneering, backpacking camping, and all other Wilderness permits.

So let’s dig into this and see how it will effect everyone who is planning on visiting Zion in 2024.

Photo by Zach Betten via unsplash.com

Camping Fees Updated

Here is the break-down of the new prices that Zion will charge you to camp in the Frontcountry Campgrounds. As you can see some of these fees are going up about 175%. But as Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park Superintendent said, “We adopted these changes to improve accessibility and visitor service. These changes are going to help us maintain essential facilities like restrooms and drinking water systems, rehabilitate campsites, and simplify applications for Wilderness Recreation Permits.”

Photo by NEOM via unsplash.com

Permit Updates

In addition to the camping fee changes, Zion is now making online reservations mandatory for booking any of their permits or entering any of their lotteries. These include both day-use and overnight permits. So if you want to explore any of the backcountry of the park, head over to Zion’s recreation.gov page and start booking!

These changes don’t effect the permit lottery system for hiking Angels Landing. It’s not in the backcountry, but it is too popular for it’s own good. So if you are thinking of going for that, check out this page for the latest information on how to enter the lottery in 2024.

But let’s look at the types of permits and the cost for each under Zion’s new system –

Day use applications and reservations 

Day Use permit fees 

Note: Only applicants who get a permit through a lottery, by advance reservation, or by walking up will pay the $10 per person per day fee. 
 

Overnight Use  

Permits are for overnight activity such as camping in designated Wilderness campsites, bivouac (bivy) camping on climbs, and at-large camping in authorized areas. 

Overnight use applications and reservations 

Overnight use permit fees 

Note: Only applicants who get a permit through advance reservation or by walking up will pay the additional $7 per person per night fee.