Overnight advance reservationsFirst-come
Reservations close one day before the trip date; check Recreation.gov for how far ahead the seasonal calendar is open. Trip window: 2026-01-01 → 2026-12-31.
National Park Service · UT
The Narrows (Top-Down)
Wilderness permits for the 16-mile top-down Virgin River Narrows from Chamberlain's Ranch, including limited overnight campsites.
Permit requiredovernightStrenuous river hiking16 mi
Access requirement
2 ways to get a permit
Day through-hike reservationsTimed release
Advance reservations close one day before the trip; the daily lottery runs two days before (see Recreation.gov permit 4251918). Trip window: 2026-01-01 → 2026-12-31.
Permit rules
QuotaAll top-down Narrows trips require a Wilderness permit; overnight trips are limited to one night at designated campsites, and half of the campsites are held for in-person walk-ins.
GroupCampsite capacities vary; permits are non-transferable.
Fees$20 non-refundable permit fee plus $7 per person per night for overnight trips; day through-hikes pay a $6 reservation fee plus $10 per person.
TransferReservation holder must pick up the Wilderness permit in person with ID.
SafetyFlash floods, cold water, and high river flows close the route; permits are flow-dependent.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
Lava Point Campground
Reservable · Reservations must be made in advance through Recreation.gov or their reservation line at 1-877-444-6777. Cell coverage is limited and there will be no opportunity to secure a reservation or make payment on site. Each site is $25 per night.
Aug 254Aug 266Aug 273Aug 281Aug 293Aug 304Aug 313
Availability: Recreation.gov
SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT)
Reservable
Aug 2598Aug 26104Aug 27107Aug 2894Aug 2980Aug 3096Aug 3194
Availability: Recreation.gov
WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND
Reservable · Zion Group Site fees are $50, $90 or $130 per night based on the campsite capacity. Check the minimum and maximum capacity for each group site. Each group sites minimum required occupants vary.
Aug 2511Aug 2621Aug 2729Aug 282Aug 292Aug 309Aug 3115
Availability: Recreation.gov
NAVAJO LAKE CAMPGROUND
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 303Aug 314
Availability: Recreation.gov