Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area Cedar Pockets
An oasis in the desert, offering stunning canyon views, affordable camping, and dark night skies where the Mojave meets the Colorado Plateau.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area Cedar Pockets
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An oasis in the desert, offering stunning canyon views, affordable camping, and dark night skies where the Mojave meets the Colorado Plateau.
"Amazing scenery with Joshua trees and cacti where the Mojave desert meets the Colorado plateau with steep walls cut by the Virgin River."
🤫 Lower Loop for Quiet
Choose the lower campground loop for significantly less noise from the interstate. :zzz:
💧 River Trail Footwear
Wear water-friendly shoes or be prepared to remove them for the Sullivan's Canyon trail crossing. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Virgin River Gorge Drive
A breathtaking drive through steep canyon walls, offering stunning desert scenery and photo opportunities.
Lower Campground Loop
Quieter camping spots with river access and beautiful views, perfect for a peaceful desert escape.
Desert Hiking Trails
Explore miles of trails showcasing Joshua trees, cacti, and unique desert landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Navigating the Gorge's Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What sites are there to see on the drive from Las Vegas to Zion?
🤫 Lower Loop for Quiet
Choose the lower campground loop for significantly less noise from the interstate. :zzz:
💧 River Trail Footwear
Wear water-friendly shoes or be prepared to remove them for the Sullivan's Canyon trail crossing. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Scenic Drive Stops
Pull over at designated spots along the Virgin River Gorge for spectacular photo ops. :camera:
💰 Affordable Camping
Camping is a bargain at $8 per night, offering great value for the scenery. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Lower Loop for Quiet
Choose the lower campground loop for significantly less noise from the interstate. :zzz:
💧 River Trail Footwear
Wear water-friendly shoes or be prepared to remove them for the Sullivan's Canyon trail crossing. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Scenic Drive Stops
Pull over at designated spots along the Virgin River Gorge for spectacular photo ops. :camera:
💰 Affordable Camping
Camping is a bargain at $8 per night, offering great value for the scenery. :moneybag:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walking
The paved loops and entrance are great for walking your dog in a scenic environment. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area for its stunning natural beauty, affordable camping, and peaceful atmosphere, especially in the lower loop. While the scenery and dark skies are highlights, some reviewers noted issues with the cleanliness of bathrooms and potential noise from the interstate in the upper loop.
"Very nice recreation area with two campground loops, 108 sites, and bathrooms with running water, no showers. Day pass $2, camping $8 . Truly an oasis between St. George and Mesquite. Well maintained with ADA and sheltered sites. Several trails provide miles of hiking, but the paved loops and entrance make a great walking route. Perfect place to walk dog. The upper loop is noisy because of the interstate, but the lower loop is much quieter and down near the river there's virtually no noise. Some really nice spots with paved pads and fire rings overlooking the river and canyon. Amazing scenery with Joshua trees and cacti where the Mojave desert meets the Colorado plateau with steep walls cut by the Virgin River. It doesn't seem that many people camp here as the place has always been pretty much deserted apart from people stopping by from the freeway to use facilities and stretch legs when I've been there. Really dark night skies. Four trails also just north of exit, two by freeway and two more a mile up the road. You could get 10-15 miles of hiking in easy. Sullivan's Canyon trail from campground crosses the river so be prepared to get wet or remove shoes."
Matt G
"Natural beauty kept and preserved, set aside for all. Me included to savor and enjoy. It appears rough but it shows its tenderness when a desert squirrel runs across the area. Many picnic areas as well as restroom facilities. BBQ pits available for the more adventures. Much to see and a short hike takes you to the Virgin River. Another amazing sight to see. Take a moment, stop and Enjoy !"
CLOUDED BEAR1773
"Nice camp. Only $8 per night. Zero to One bar on verizon. Nice pull through sites. We stayed in 33. There are 2 bathrooms in that section with flushing toilets with sinks."
Teresa McDermott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The recreation area is about a 1 hour 15 minute drive north of Las Vegas on the highway towards Utah. You'll enter the spectacular Virgin River Gorge, a mountainous region with several pull-off spots for photos.
Absolutely! The drive through the Virgin River Gorge is considered spectacular, with sudden mountainous terrain and opportunities to stop and take pictures.
The recreation area features paved loops for walking and driving, with distinct upper and lower campground loops. Several hiking trails are also accessible from the campground and nearby.
Expect very limited cell service, with reports of zero to one bar on Verizon in some areas. :iphone:
The recreation area is located along the highway, with facilities and campgrounds accessible from freeway exits. There are also additional trails located a mile up the road from the main exits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A day pass costs $2, and camping is $8 per night. This makes it a very affordable option for experiencing the natural beauty. :ticket:
While the area is often deserted, it's always a good idea to check for any reservation requirements, especially during peak travel times, though it's generally not crowded.
The recreation area is generally accessible for day use and camping, with no specific closing hours mentioned, but it's best to plan your visit during daylight for the best experience.
No specific entry restrictions are mentioned, but it's a natural area, so respecting the environment and wildlife is expected.
The fee is for the recreation area, which includes campground access and facilities. Driving through the gorge itself is part of the scenic highway experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Campgrounds offer bathrooms with running water and sinks, but no showers. BBQ pits are also available for use. :restroom:
Yes, there are several trails offering miles of hiking. The paved loops are great for easy walks, while other trails provide more challenging desert exploration. :hiking_boot:
Yes, the paved loops and entrance areas are perfect for walking your dog. :dog2:
Expect amazing scenery where the Mojave Desert meets the Colorado Plateau, with steep canyon walls, Joshua trees, cacti, and the Virgin River.
The upper loop can be noisy due to its proximity to the interstate. The lower loop offers a much quieter experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services within the recreation area itself. It's recommended to bring your own food and supplies. :forkandknife:
Yes, BBQ pits are available for use, making it a great spot for a picnic or outdoor cooking. :grill:
The nearest towns with grocery stores would be Mesquite, Nevada, or St. George, Utah, depending on your direction of travel.
Due to the remote location and limited cell service, food delivery is highly unlikely.
Given the desert environment, consider bringing non-perishable items, plenty of water, and easy-to-prepare meals for picnics or BBQs.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic drive through the gorge offers numerous pull-offs with dramatic canyon views. The lower campground loop also provides beautiful vistas of the river and canyon walls.
Yes, the area is known for its really dark night skies, making it an excellent location for astrophotography. :star2:
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for capturing the canyon's textures and colors, avoiding harsh midday sun. Nighttime is perfect for stargazing.
Look for the unique combination of Joshua trees, cacti, steep canyon walls carved by the Virgin River, and the desert landscape.
You might spot desert squirrels and other small wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no showers, the available restrooms with running water are functional. The lower campground loop is recommended for a quieter experience, away from highway noise. Be mindful of the river access points and trails like Sullivan's Canyon, which might require extra supervision or alternative routes for very young children. The dark night skies also provide a magical opportunity for stargazing with kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
The stunning natural scenery, hiking opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere (especially in the lower loop) provide immense value. It's an ideal stop for those on a road trip looking for an inexpensive place to rest, explore, and enjoy the desert landscape without breaking the bank.
🚗 Road Trippers
It offers a chance to stretch your legs on short hikes, use the restroom facilities, or even camp overnight for a minimal fee. The lower loop provides a quiet respite from the highway, allowing you to recharge before continuing your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
One notable trail is the Sullivan's Canyon trail, which crosses the Virgin River. Be prepared to get your feet wet or remove your shoes if you plan to traverse this path. Other trails north of the exit offer the potential to combine for 10-15 miles of hiking, showcasing the unique desert flora like Joshua trees and cacti where the Mojave Desert meets the Colorado Plateau.
Remember to carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and check trail conditions before heading out, especially after rain, as the river can become a factor. The natural beauty preserved here makes for a rewarding hiking experience.
Camping Experience
The lower campground loop is highly recommended for its tranquility, being much quieter than the upper loop, which is closer to the interstate. Many sites in the lower loop offer paved pads, fire rings, and stunning views overlooking the river and canyon. Site #92 is noted for its beautiful views, though it's close to a trail, which can lead to people walking through the campsite. Site #3 offers great views and a level tent space, but can be exposed to wind.
Campers often enjoy the dark night skies, making it a prime spot for stargazing. Despite the desert surroundings, the area is well-maintained, with ADA-accessible and sheltered sites available. The relative lack of crowds means you can often find a peaceful spot to yourself.
The Scenic Drive Through the Gorge
Along this route, you'll find several lookout spots where you can safely pull over to admire the towering canyon walls and capture photographs. The geology here is a fascinating intersection of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Plateau, with steep walls showcasing the power of erosion.
This drive is a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the region and a great way to break up a longer journey. It's a visual feast that prepares you for the wonders within the recreation area itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit