About This Route
Lava Point Campground offers 6 primitive sites at 7,900 feet on Kolob Terrace Road, a 45-minute drive from Zion Canyon. Open mid-May to mid-October weather permitting, first-come-first-served with no reservations or fees. Vault toilets available; no water, trash, or RV hookups. Stunning views of Zion's high plateaus make it perfect for solitude seekers avoiding crowds. Access trails like Wildcat Canyon or Connector Trail for day hikes into backcountry.
Safety Considerations
High elevation brings sudden thunderstorms and lightning; NPS advises avoiding ridges during storms. No campfires allowed year-round; use fuel stoves only on established pads per park regs. Water scarce, so carry 5+ gallons per person; purify Kolob Creek sources with filters. Afternoon winds gust up to 40 mph; secure tents with ample stakes. Wildlife includes mule deer and mountain lions; maintain 25-yard distance, store food properly. Hypothermia risk drops temps to 30°F nightly even in summer.
Essential Gear
Opt for four-season tent like Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL, high-BTU stove such as Jetboil Flash, and insulated pad (Therm-a-Rest NeoAir). Include bear bag kit, headlamp (Petzl Actik), and multi-tool (Leatherman Wave).
Emergency Tips
Cell service spotty; carry personal locator beacon. For lightning, crouch low on insulating pad away from trees. Report incidents to Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.
Follow REI's high-country prep checklist: acclimate to altitude, check road conditions via NPS site. Leave No Trace mandates pack-out all waste, camp 200 feet from trails. Ideal base for Lava Point to West Rim backpack, but verify permit needs for overnights.