Gunlock State Park RV & Campground Guide
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You'll find Gunlock State Park deep in the heart of Southern Utah's red rock country. Here, paddleboarders skim across a sparkling reservoir with views of rocky cliffs and snowcapped mountains. Meanwhile, waterfall enthusiasts hike through vermilion canyons to stand under the thundering spray of Gunlock Falls. Although this park feels remote, St. George is just 15 miles away while Cedar City, the home of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, lies 70 miles north. Come any time—this region is known for its exceptionally hot summers and cool, sunny winters.
Spring 33-69 F
Summer 60-96 F
Fall 36-86 F
Winter 29-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Gunlock State Park
Whether you want to camp in Gunlock State Park or nearby, an RV is a surefire way to stay cool and comfortable—especially during the height of summer. Don’t have your own RV? An RV rental is the perfect solution; it gives you the chance to experience firsthand the motorhome of your dreams.
Gunlock State Park Campground
If you want to be the first person on the water in the morning, the tiny Gunlock State Park Campground is a great option. With only five sites here, you’re guaranteed a relaxing evening—not to mention spectacular night-sky views. This campground is primitive, so it’s important to fill your fuel and water tanks in St. George. You’ll find vault toilets on-site but no potable water. Campsites are $20 per night.
Snow Canyon State Park Campground
Enjoy spectacular views from your campsite at the Snow Canyon State Park campground. Set just 16 miles from Gunlock State Park, this spot offers a huge range of hiking and biking opportunities. Choose from 14 RV sites, each with electric and water hookups; you can also choose one of the 17 basic sites. No matter which you choose, you’ll get a fire pit, grill, and picnic table. In the park, you’ll find a dump station, water, a comfort station, hot showers, and flush toilets. Nightly rates start at $20.
Hillside Palms RV Park
You'll wake up to views of the red rocks in St. George at Hillside Palms RV Park. With its spectacular location and convenient downtown access, this park offers a great way to stay comfortable between visits to Gunlock State Park. Each site offers full hookups with 30-amp or 50-amp electric service as well as cable TV access and free Wi-Fi. Sites are separated by grass and palm trees, adding a tropical feeling. This spot is popular with snowbirds in the winter, and management offers a full schedule of activities. Rates start at $40 per night and $200 per week.
St. George RV Park & Campground
Pull your RV into a shady spot at St. George RV Park & Campground, which is situated about 22 miles from Gunlock State Park. It’s right off I-15, so you can get in and set up camp quickly. In addition to full hookups, this park offers cable TV and exceptionally clean bathrooms with hot showers. With more than 100 spots, this is a great option year-round. Rates start at $48 per night with discounts for weekly and monthly stays.
What to Do at
Gunlock State Park
Inside Gunlock State Park
The Gunlock Reservoir is the prime attraction in Gunlock State Park—locals flock in to launch their boats at the ramp and fish from the shore. When the weather is warm, jump in the water to cool off. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in the park, or you’re welcome to bring your own. There are plenty of picnic spots to enjoy the view, and short hikes are possible in the local hills.
Outside Gunlock State Park
Gunlock State Park sits close to Southern Utah’s most spectacular scenery—within two hours, you can find yourself deep in the red-rock splendor. Choose from world-class theater, wild hiking, or well-developed national parks. For dining and shopping, head straight for St. George.
Restaurants
Xetava Gardens Cafe
Xetava Gardens Cafe serves a full selection of salads, appetizers, and entrees, each featuring fresh ingredients and bright flavors. Be sure to cap off your meal with the restaurant’s legendary bread pudding. For a quick treat, stop in for a coffee drink or a cocktail from the bar.
Type: American
Location: 815 Coyote Gulch Ct, Ivins, UT 84738
Slice of Veyo
Slice of Veyo might look unassuming, but it’s one of the most popular pizza places near Gunlock State Park. The menu is simple; don’t miss the mac and cheese bites.
Type: Pizza
Location: 12 N Main St #4, Veyo, UT 84782
The IceBox & Round About Grill
Grab a hearty breakfast or a classic burger at the IceBox & Round About Grill, which has a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere.
Type: American
Location: 27 N 200 E, Ivins, UT 84738
Canyon Breeze Restaurant
Located in the Red Mountain Resort, the Canyon Breeze Restaurant offers a cozy vibe and stunning views from the outdoor patio. With its upscale takes on comfort-food classics and large vegetarian selection, this beautiful spot is ideal for adults.
Type: American
Location: 1275 E Red Mountain Cir, Ivins, UT 84738
Lamy's Mexican Food
If you’re craving a burrito or a hearty plate of enchiladas, head to Lamy's Mexican Food. Located about 15 miles from the park, it’s a great spot for a filling post-hike meal.
Type: Mexican
Location: 2235 Santa Clara Dr, Santa Clara, UT 84765
Shopping
Uncle and Aunties
With its selection of unique gifts and locally made home decor, Uncle and Aunties is a fun spot to pick up a souvenir of your trip. It’s located in a tiny adobe house, and it offers a beautifully curated interior that’s perfect for browsing.
Location: 2865 Santa Clara Dr, Santa Clara, UT 84765
Reclaimed
If you love antiques or unique vintage pieces, plan to spend a couple of hours exploring Reclaimed in downtown St. George. This large, spacious shop has everything from retro toys to historic furniture.
Location: 37 E St. George Blvd, St. George, UT 84770
Main Street Antiques
Located right across the street from Reclaimed, Main Street Antiques is another excellent antique store. It’s known for its broad selection, making it a great spot for treasure hunters.
Location: 49 N Main St, St. George, UT 84770
Red Cliffs Mall
Get out of the heat with a visit to the Red Cliffs Mall. This outdoor mall is the only regional shopping center between Las Vegas and Northern Utah.
Location: 1770 Red Cliffs Dr, St. George, UT 84790
Rapid Cycling
If you’re planning to do any biking while you’re in Southern Utah, Rapid Cycling has all of the supplies you need. The shop also offers rentals, which is a handy option if you don’t have room for your own bikes.
Location: 705 N Bluff St, St. George, UT 84770
Sightseeing
Snow Canyon State Park
Hike across petrified sand dunes and along colorful cliffs at Snow Canyon State Park. In the summer, escape the heat by climbing underground into the remarkable lava tubes. You can also check out graffiti made by 1800s-era pioneers at this picturesque park.
Location: Ivins, Utah
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
If you’re visiting Gunlock State Park in the summer or fall, be sure to check out the schedule at Tuacahn Amphitheatre. This professional theater produces full-scale Broadway musicals in an outdoor amphitheater tucked into the red-rock cliffs.
Location: Ivins, Utah
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Watch Shakespeare’s best-known plays in a replica of the Globe Theatre at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Staffed by professional actors and production staff from around the country, the festival also offers a full slate of musicals and plays every year.
Location: Cedar City, Utah
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
Hike high into the red rocks at Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, an easily accessible spot just minutes from I-15. Be sure to follow the trails that run by the river. At one point, you have the chance to scale a small waterfall using a rope and a wooden ladder. Get a glimpse of the past at the dinosaur tracks that are preserved in the rocks.
Location: St. George, Utah
Zion National Park
Zion National Park, which is located about 65 miles east of Gunlock State Park, is one of the most popular national park destinations in the southwestern U.S. The park is centered around the Virgin River, which formed the beautiful Zion Canyon.
Location: Springdale, Utah
How to Get to
Gunlock State Park
If you’re driving an RV, the easiest way to get to Gunlock State Park is from St. George. Just take Old Highway 91 west and turn north on Gunlock Drive once you reach Shivwits; this road goes right to the park.
Entering Gunlock State Park
Gunlock State Park is always open. However, there’s a fee if you’re only coming in for the day.
Gunlock State Park Day use : $10.0
Gunlock State Park Day use, Utah seniors over 62 : $5.0
Are you looking to cool off in the reservoir or enjoy a relaxing boat excursion at Gunlock State Park? The team at RVshare wants to hear about the trip. If you’re posting photos on Instagram or Facebook, tag RVshare. You can also email any stories or photos to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Gunlock State Park
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Gunlock State Park. Besides having the most temperate weather conditions, these seasons offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the park’s excellent hiking, paddling, and picnicking options.
This state park has a semi-arid or arid climate, with scorching summers and cool, sunny winters. Summer temperatures can top 95 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop to 29 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gunlock State Park has a small campground with five designated RV camping sites. The areas are primitive, with on-site vault toilets. They offer stunning night-sky views and cost only $20 per night.
You do not have to reserve a camping area at this state park. However, you may want to book a spot during the busy season to guarantee a place. The cost of the reservation is $10.
Gunlock State Park is a pet-friendly area. Dogs are not allowed to enter the park’s buildings. They must also be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and remain supervised at all times.