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For visitors to Zion National Park, Watchman Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately March through November each year. Season Dates: Watchman Campground is open year-round. Advance reservations are available 6 months prior for stays March through Thanksgiving weekend in November. The campground has first-come, first-served campsites available from the end of November through February. Recreation Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site nearby; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. Although there are no rock climbing routes in the campground, many popular climbs are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon. Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park. Facilities Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. Tent-only (F-Loop), non-electric sites (C & D Loop) do not permit vehicles 19 feet and over or in combined length. Group sites (E-Loop) are also tent-only and can accommodate between seven and 40 people. Standard electric sites in A-Loop may be used for either tent or RV camping. However, only RVs are permitted to occupy sites in the B-Loop. There are no full-hookup campsites. Electric sites are all 30 amp, with only a handful of sites that supply 50 amp; a dump station with potable water is available at the entrance to the campground. Natural Features Zion is known for it's dynamic geologic history and Watchman Campground is no exception. Named for the rocky peak that rises above it, the campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs that glow red and orange during sunrise and sunset. The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that has carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the campground. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Most of the campsites are in partial to full sun, however in the Group sites (E-Loop) and the Walk-To sites (F-Loop) visitors may receive some shade under pergulas that are constructed over the picnic tables. Visitors can also cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer. Be Advised: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted. Nearby Attractions The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and a public library. Throughout the year, concerts, festivals, and parades are held in the town. Charges & Cancellations Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change your reservation. Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Within 48 hours of arrival, a $10 cancellation fee and the first night's fee are charged. Group Site: Customers who cancel a group overnight reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. ADA Access: N
From Las Vegas, St. George or other points south on Interstate 15: Travel north to Exit 16, towards Hurricane. Follow State Route 9 east for 12 miles to La Verkin and turn right to continue on State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance of Zion. Take the first right after the entrance station towards the Visitor Center. After passing the Visitor Center, you will enter Watchman Campground. Stop at campground kiosk for directions to your campsite. From Salt Lake City, Interstate 70 or other points north on Interstate 15: Travel south to Exit 27, towards Toquerville. In 6.1 miles turn left onto State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance. Take the first right after the entrance station towards the Visitor Center. After passing the Visitor Center, you will enter Watchman Campground. Stop at campground kiosk for directions to your campsite. From Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Kanab or other points south on U.S. 89: Travel north to State Route 9. Turn left and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles, then turn left at the sign for Watchman Campground and Visitor Center. Stop at campground kiosk for directions to your campsite. From Bryce Canyon National Park, Panguitch or other points north on U.S. 89: Travel south to State Route 9. Turn right and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles, then turn left at the sign for Watchman Campground and Visitor Center. Stop at campground kiosk for directions to your campsite.
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.
Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. Tent-only (F-Loop), non-electric sites (C & D Loop) do not permit vehicles 19 feet and over or in combined length. Group sites (E-Loop) are also tent-only and can accommodate between seven and 40 people. Standard electric sites in A-Loop may be used for either tent or RV camping. However, only RVs are permitted to occupy sites in the B-Loop. There are no full-hookup campsites. Electric sites are all 30 amp, with only a handful of sites that supply 50 amp; a dump station with potable water is available at the entrance to the campground.
We stayed 3 nights over Labor Day weekend. I thought it would seem more crowded. Even though the campground was full, there was plenty of room. There were some groups that came in late or didn't know what "quiet time" meant, but for the most part the people were considerate of others and friendly.
The campsites are roomy and drain well. We had rain every day (Monsoon season) but didn't have any issue with puddles in the site. There are permanent fire rings and aluminum picnic tables.
The restrooms have flush toilets and are clean. There is water at the restrooms as well as a sink that can be used to wash dishes (but not bodies or muddy gear).
Check in/out was easy and the ranger was friendly.
Camping in the park makes it nice as a base station in the park as you don't have to worry about parking.
There are lots of deer that wander through the campsites and will eat any food left out or tear into trashbags that aren't secured. We saw this happen in a nearby campsite. The deer are not afraid of people but will attack if you threaten the fawns. We saw a group of 4 does and 4 fawns and another group with 2 does, a fawn, and a young 4 point buck, as well as many other deer throughout our stay.
We had a lovely time. Verizon signal was decent.
We were in sites D19 & D20 so there were no other sites behind us but the group site was close by (the noisy ones).
Visiting Utah Zion National Park. Watchman Campground camping in January was worth it! No crowds. Weather was light showers, but we enjoyed our adventure.
Wanted to take my dog away from the new year's fireworks and rhisbiabrhe place to do it. Utah drive was 7 hours from Los Angeles and about 3 and a half from Las Vegas. Once there, the campgrounds underneath the beautiful red capped mountains was a dream. Waterfalls, canyons and tunnels were worth staying longer than expected. The campgrounds are close to town and locals welcome you. They have hookups and I highly recommend one if you're visiting off season or just want electricity. My portable heater saved the nights. There are no showers at the campground but public showers are located close to the campgrounds. Bathrooms are clean. Very dog-friendly and have accessible trails for everyone. You'll enjoy it as I did and have booked dates in 2024.
Booked a 2 night stay on their Government app. I parked my car and set up shop. The picnic table was great to eat on and dry my wet clothes. The parking was enough for two vehicles. The floor grill was big enough to light a log for cold nights. Water access from an outdoor faucet to put out the fire wood. There were plenty of restrooms around the loops. Enough neighbors to feel safe when camping. Setting up my tent was easy. The walk to the park trams was a breeze. There is a beach access across loop B. I charged my phone using the provided electrical outlet in my parking station. Definitely worth the fees the park charges to stay for a couple of days. Thank you Zion!
For reference, we stayed in spot B44 during mid January. It's an excellent RV pull through site with 30amp electric service and the Virgin River going by just 20 feet away. I'm actually writing this while we're still here, we leave tomorrow, checkout time is 11am. It's a nice campground and there's a good chance you'll see some wildlife. We woke up this morning to 5 deer grazing on some grass right across the river and then later we hiked the Watchman Trail, which took us 2 hours roundtrip, and saw 7 Bighorn Sheep.
The campground has clean restrooms and there are dumpsters for trash within a short walk of most sites. Our site is directly across from a restroom and dumpster. And no, there is no odor from either. They're far enough away and well maintained.
The visitor center is a short walk from our site, I would guess around 1/4 mile or so. They have tons of souvenirs and an information desk.
There are also several popular hikes that start within the campground, get a park map when you first enter Zion Park. It will show where the hikes are located and what difficulty level they are.
I highly recommend staying here.
