Established Camping
Watchman Campground — Zion National Park
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
<strong>ATTENTION</strong>: If you plan on renting an RV or camping equipment and having it <strong>delivered to Zion National Park</strong>, it is your responsibility to make sure that the individual or business that you are renting the equipment from has a valid permit to do business in the park. It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Renting from a business or individual without a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) with the park may leave you without accommodations as the RV/camping equipment may be turned away upon delivery.
Following extensive market analysis and public engagement, Zion National Park has adopted a new fee structure for frontcountry campgrounds. Due to Watchman Campground's 6-month advance booking window reservations starting on or after July 4, 2024 will be booked at the new rate. For complete information please visit our park website at https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/news/zion-2024-campground-and-wilderness-permit-changes.htm to view the news release.
About
National Park Service
Zion National Park
Overview
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. Reservations are available 6 months in advance.__
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 & B loops may be used for either tent or RV camping. 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.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (877) 444-6777.
Charges & Cancellations
Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee If you need to cancel or modify your reservation after 12:00 am Eastern Time on the day of arrival you must contact campground staff at zion_watchman_campground@nps.gov. Group campsite: Customers who cancel a group site reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
Fee Info
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.
Reservation Info
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.
Location
Watchman Campground — Zion National Park is located in Utah
Directions
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.
Address
S.R. 9
Springdale, UT 84767
Coordinates
37.1986111 N
112.9863889 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Convenient Camping
I love camping inside the National Parks! This campground has a good mix of electric, primitive and walk in. We had a site with electric that was 2 sites down from the bathrooms. Bathroom building also had an outdoor sink for dishwashing. Campground is convenient to being able to walk to town for dinner or the visitors center to catch the shuttles. The views can’t be beat!
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Great spot in spring
We went to site 14A in a April. I have a 30' travel trailer which is probably about a big as you could fit. Site was level enough side to side that I didn't even have to do anything. T- mobile cell service was 3 bars 4g. Many hike start close to here. It was a great weekend.
So lucky to have nabbed a spot!
Our site had trees and good distance to the next site. Beautiful views and so convenient to the visitor centre. No showers but restrooms clean and well stocked. Happy we stayed on a Thursday as the park was much busier when we left on the Friday. We moved our RV to the RV parking lot at 8:30 and there was plenty of room there still. Was sad to leave this campground.
Beautiful
Great views. Close to trails, the shuttle, stores and restaurants. Clean and quiet campground. The only thing it was missing was showers.
Breathtaking views and too many people
Campground is nice, did the trick to sleep at. Impossible to find your way in, so good luck on that. When we woke at 5am the line for the trams was outside the park and just outside the campground. Zion is a beautiful place a miracle of landscapes but the massive influx of rude entitled people with bad attitudes and a sense of entitlement take it for granted. Worth the visit, but be forewarned, it’s overrun with idiots.
Pissed and disappointed
Never
Hot summer days!
We managed to sneak in a last minute reservation. We typically don’t do campgrounds but decided we wanted the water/bathrooms and ease of access this time.
We stayed on site C009.
So far it’s been pleasant. Site has some shade to offer at different times of the day.
One nice thing to do is to walk down to the river and cool off.
Bathrooms were in good condition
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Watchman Campground
What can I say, Watchman is THE place to camp when visiting Zion NP. Beautiful views, clean bathrooms, short walk to the visitor center. Watchman Trail trailhead just a short walk from campground. Be ready to reserve 6 months ahead of arrival, (to the minute!). Will sell out in an hour.
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Access to everything!
This is a massive site for R/V’s and tents. Access to the virgin river, fire pits, bathrooms, walking distance to the town of Springdale. Rentable hiking gear, firewood, ice, beer, other groceries! This site doesn’t have showers but you can walk to the town of Springdale to take a shower. In the summer the sun will set behind the cliffs and cool things off before the sun actually sets below the distant horizon supporting a cool 80° shaded camp ground.
The best campground in Zion
As an avid nature enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Watchman Campground in Zion National Park, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. Nestled amidst the breathtaking red rock landscapes and verdant canyons, this campground offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Zion.
Location: Situated in the heart of Zion National Park, Watchman Campground boasts a prime location that provides easy access to the park's renowned hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and natural wonders. Its proximity to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, just a short walk away, is incredibly convenient for obtaining information, permits, and maps.
Campsites: The campground features a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and electric hookup sites. The sites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully arranged to provide a semblance of privacy and tranquility. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and ample space for parking. Although the sites do not have hookups for water or sewer, the centrally located restrooms with running water and flushing toilets are clean and easily accessible.
Scenic Beauty: The awe-inspiring beauty surrounding Watchman Campground is nothing short of mesmerizing. Towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant foliage, and the tranquil Virgin River create a picturesque backdrop that embodies the essence of Zion National Park. The campground itself is enveloped by lush vegetation, providing a serene atmosphere and enhancing the feeling of immersion in nature.
Amenities and Facilities: Watchman Campground offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for campers. The Visitor Center nearby offers a well-stocked store where you can find camping supplies, snacks, and souvenirs. Additionally, the campground provides drinking water stations and a dump station for RVs. The presence of a shuttle stop within the campground allows for convenient transportation to explore various trails and viewpoints throughout the park.
Accessibility: Watchman Campground strives to accommodate campers of all abilities. Several campsites are designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, featuring accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. This commitment to inclusivity is commendable and enhances the overall camping experience for everyone.
Reservation System and Availability: To secure a spot at Watchman Campground, it is strongly recommended to make a reservation well in advance. The campground is in high demand, especially during peak seasons, and availability can be limited. The reservation system is user-friendly, ensuring a seamless booking process.
Visitor Experience: The staff at Watchman Campground is knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to provide guidance and assistance. Whether you're seeking recommendations for hiking trails or seeking general information about the park, they are there to make your stay enjoyable. Additionally, the campground observes quiet hours, creating a peaceful ambiance that allows visitors to truly connect with nature and relish the serenity of the surroundings.
In conclusion, Watchman Campground is a hidden gem within Zion National Park. Its idyllic setting, well-maintained facilities, and convenient location make it an ideal base for exploring the park's wonders. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a nature photographer, or simply seeking solace in the embrace of Mother Nature, this campground is a must-visit destination that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Note: As with any outdoor adventure, it is essential to adhere to park regulations, practice Leave No Trace principles, and respect the fragile ecosystem to ensure the preservation of this remarkable natural treasure.
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Absolutely Stunning
The absolute best option for camping in Zion if you're lucky enough to secure a spot early. Paved parking for 2WD vehicles and the campsite itself was plenty quiet. Couldn't get tent stakes to go down into rocky pad, but was able to weigh down tent for the night no problem with surrounding objects. Great overnight stay.
“Hike” in campground
I chose the walk in campground and loved it. Great access to restrooms and awesome views. I was even able to hang up my hammock. Definitely will be back! Hailed while I was here and it made for great weather action during my trip through Zion.
Great campground
This campground was great! Nice bathrooms and big sites.
NP with electricity
Large site with electric hook up. Next to the entrance of the park and some shops (incl. a brewery). Close to the visitor center and the shuttle stop. Has everything you can look for except if you are not looking for wilderness and remote camping.
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Beautiful
I recommend once in your life time. Clean site and close PTO each other, but amazing views all around. Clean restroom and family restroom, no showers.
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Nothing short of spectacular
We popped in randomly and managed to snag the last cancellation.
Waking up with the mountain ranges of Zion and seeing deers graze on grass, what more can you ask for?
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Great place to stay
Stayed in loop B, very nice no snow in the campground. Love staying here because of the electrical hookups at every spot. Made a reservation about a week ago. The campground is quite full.
Great views great staff
Amazing park and great campground wish it had showers.
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Great in for sleeping in winter.
Cost$20. Small but clean. We just needed a place to sleep so it served us well. Close to the bathrooms. Lots of sites closer together with no privacy. However there were so many vacancies we had no one near us at all. We booked our site upon arrival with no trouble with the Ranger but you can pull in to any unreserved spot and book on your phone easily this time of year. Cell reception was great. The bathroom was flushing and clean enough.
Would not recommend in the busy season though, I can only imagine how noisy and crowded it would be and feel. .
nice campground, could use better signage
The rangers were excellent here very helpful and friendly
Amazing! One of my favorite places.
I love Zion and the Watchman campground is great! It is crowded but, the views and trails are incredible.
Really hard to get a good site - B2, 4, 6, 48, 50, 52, 54, 55, 56 are the best in my opinion.
The shuttle rides are great!
Take or rent a bike!
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Perfect stay!
Perfect distance to everything! We walked to the visitor center, bathrooms, general store, the brewpub, and the outdoor gear shop! Some Hikes are also really close to this campground and were nice to do close by! The campground was so clean and had great bathroom options! There were dish scrubbers and soap available at a dish washing station which was very nice!
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Great campground
Great campground, 30amp hook up on sites, no sewer at campsite but there is at the entry. Toilets and trash near by. Unfortunately we came mid jan and got average weather.
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Great Campground
Really well located campground. From here you can access the visitor centre or walk into Springdale. It's a short drive (or shuttle bus outside of winter) into the National Park. There were sites with power hookups which was very convenient and very reasonably priced. It looked like showers might be available for a price straight over the bridge at a hire bike place but we didn't check them out so can't confirm.
Beautiful spot in the most beautiful park
Lots of hikes. Definitely a must visit.
Awesome campsite
We were only there one day as a drive thru. But the campsite was beautiful. It did get a little windy. Only thing is I wish when there’s tent sites, that the ground would be soft enough and less rock. I know it’s in a rocky place but it sucks to try to set up a tent and not be able to get stakes in ground.
Convenient with great views!
Extremely convenient location, lots of sites, and great views.
Crazy Beautiful with a Cool Vibe
What else can be said about Watchman Campground in Zion National Park except "Wow"! The sites are super nice and the views are out of this world. The only down side we could possibly see is the red dirt that gets into everything. Small price to pay for what you get here.
Highly recommend if you’re wanting a solid campground inside Zion National Park
Nice clean campsite. Ground is level and we had plenty of space for 6 people and three tents. Ranger talks were especially good and held both nights we were there. Not able to hang hammocks on the trees. Zion gets pretty windy at night so make sure you stake your tents down. The ground is quite hard and it was difficult to get them in. Flushable bathrooms with sinks, no showers in the campground, but I believe there are showers elsewhere in the park (although I do not know where they are).
Beautiful campground
Surrounded by the most beautiful mountains,this campground is located inside zion National Park.
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