Our Story

A Little Piece of Heaven

Since 1994, Alton and Darcie Chamberlain have welcomed family and friends to this little piece of heaven at the mouth of Lydia’s Canyon. Over the years, this land has become the setting for countless family gatherings, campfires, celebrations, fishing adventures, quiet mornings, and nights beneath an extraordinary canopy of stars.

What began as a place for our own family to gather gradually became something we wanted to share with others.

Together, we built and cared for the pavilion, improved the ponds and campsites, maintained the roads and trails, planted and tended the grounds, and worked to create a place where people could slow down and enjoy the beauty and peace of Southern Utah. Our children grew up working alongside us—building fences, hauling hay, caring for the land, helping with projects, and welcoming the many people who came to visit.

From Zion Family Ranch to East Zion Base Camp

In 2018, we began calling the property Zion Family Ranch, and in 2019 the campground opened to the public under the name Zion Family Ranch Campground. Since then, guests from around the world have come here to camp, fish, gather around the fire, celebrate with loved ones, and rest between adventures in Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the surrounding red-rock country.

In 2026, we entered a new chapter. With new management, renewed energy, and exciting plans for the future, the campground was rebranded as East Zion Basecamp.

Although the name has changed, the heart of this place has not.

East Zion Basecamp remains family-owned, family-operated, and deeply rooted in our love for this land. Today, our son Garrett is helping lead the campground into its next season—bringing fresh ideas while continuing the spirit of hospitality, hard work, and gratitude on which it was built.

Come Stay Awhile

We have worked for decades to care for this property and create a place where others can experience the things we treasure most: peaceful mornings beside the pond, children discovering the joy of fishing, meals shared beneath the pavilion, laughter around a campfire, and the quiet wonder of sleeping beneath the stars.

We feel incredibly blessed to call this place home, and even more blessed to share it with you.

Whether East Zion Basecamp is the starting point for your Southern Utah adventures or the peaceful retreat you have been searching for, we hope you will feel welcome here.

Come breathe deeply. Wander a little. Sit beside the fire. Look up at the stars.

Welcome to East Zion Basecamp. We’re grateful you’re here.