WARNING: Do Not Be Misled - Avoid Zion View Camping in Hildale, Utah at All Costs
I feel obligated to share this review to protect other travelers from making the same regrettable mistake I did. Zion View Camping is a dangerously misrepresented and poorly managed location that should be avoided by anyone who values safety, cleanliness, and basic decency.
#1 - Misleading Name
Despite the name, this site is not near Zion National Park. It is a full hour away by car. This alone is deeply misleading and deceptive advertising.
#2 - Dangerous Access Road
The road leading to the campground is an unmaintained sand and dirt track. Worse still, it requires crossing a river - something most standard vehicles and travelers are unprepared for. It's unsafe and completely unacceptable.
#3 - No On-Site Staff or Guidance
There was no one at the location to greet us or assist with check-in. We received vague instructions via text and found several other confused guests wandering the grounds, unsure of where to go or what to do.
#4 - Neglected Grounds and Unhygienic Conditions
The entire area appears abandoned and unkept. A large, broken-down RV sits like a haunted monument in the middle of the grounds - eerie, depressing, and a clear indication of neglect. We stayed in a "wagon" where the bedding was dirty and the floor was filthy.
#5 - Nothing Worked
The lights, the heater, the barbecue - all of it was broken, rusted, or too old to be functional. Everything felt like a thrift store discard, and nothing was clean or safe to use.
#6 - Serious Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards
The outdated propane heaters pose a severe fire risk, especially with high winds and embers flying from nearby fires. There are no smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors. This is an extremely dangerous situation. Guests are literally gambling with their lives.
#7 - No Heat, No Help, and No Safety
After trying multiple heaters that failed to work, a young, untrained staff member finally showed up but was also unable to fix the issue. We were freezing cold, exhausted, and entirely disillusioned with the integrity of the operation. We packed up and booked a hotel in St. George that same night. We feared for our safety.
#8 - Traumatizing Shower Conditions
After hiking all day, we were desperate for a hot shower. What we found was horrifying: shared facilities that were dirty, decrepit, and traumatic. The towels provided were old, stained, and smelled terrible. I honestly believe a prison shower would have been a step up.
#9 - Safety Hazards at Every Turn
Even the most basic safety elements are neglected. The solar lights (cheap Home Depot models) installed to illuminate the steps do not function. Walking around in the dark was dangerous and yet another sign of the owner's disregard for guest safety.
#10 - A Deceptive, Unsafe, and Disturbing Location
This is not a tranquil camping experience. It is located in a rundown area beside a goat pen, where the noise and odor are constant. The surrounding neighborhood is deeply unsettling, rumored to be home to polygamous sects long in conflict with the law. The overall vibe is not just uncomfortable - it's unsafe.
To make matters worse, the owner, Charles, offered me a refund on the condition that I would not post a negative review. That tells you everything you need to know about his character and the dishonesty behind this business.
Conclusion:
Zion View Camping is a dangerous, filthy, and misleading scam. It is not worth your money - and certainly not worth risking your life over. There are far better, safer, and more honest accommodations much closer to Zion National Park. Save yourself the regret, discomfort, and danger. Avoid this scam! read more