Watchman Campground - Zion National Park

Like the South Campground, another one of my favorite campgrounds in the National Park System is The Watchman Campground Zion National Park.

I have personally camped here several times as I was able to make a reservation ahead of time and knew that I would have everything I needed at my campsite once I arrived. 

Watchman Campground -  Zion National Park

Unless I wanted to explore Zion's East Side or Kolob Canyons, I park my car and use the free shuttle system to get around. Anybody who has been to Zion understands how much of a relief it is to not have to worry about parking and simply grab a bus and start enjoying the park! 

The Watchman Campground is also located next to the Zion Visitor Center, and the Zion Canyon shuttle system (Both for Zion Canyon and Springdale). You can also go for a hike on the Pa'Rus Trail and Watchman Trail, both of which begin next to the Zion Canyon Shuttle Pickup. The campground also has plenty of shade and lots of deer and birds to watch in your downtime.

Zion National Park Entrance Fee  

You must first pay to enter Zion National Park. It does not matter if you have a campground reservation, you still have to pay the entrance fee to get into the park. Here is the cost to enter Zion:

Private Vehicle: $35

Motorcycle: $30
Snowmobile: $20

Per Person: $20

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Planning a National Park vacation? The National Park System has an America the Beautiful/National Park Pass which covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites. The cost is $80 for the pass.

Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually. 

Watchman Campground Camping Fees

Campsite Cost:

Electric Campsites - $30.00

*Generators are not permitted, but 95 campsites have electrical hookups. Reserve an electric campsite if you need power.

Tent Only Campsites - $20.00

*69 campsites are for tents only with a combined vehicle length of less than 19' (5.8 m). There are 18 Tent Only, Walk-in campsites. These sites are a short walking distance

Group Campsites 

$50.00 per night for 7-12 people, 

$90.00 per night for 16-25 people

 $130.00 per night for 26-40 people

*6 group campsites are limited to one site per affiliated group at a time with a seven-day per-stay limit. The sites can accommodate from 9 to 40 campers. The group campsites are tent-only. RVs, camping trailers, and pop-up campers are not permitted. 

Accessible Sites - $10.00

Watchman Campground Reservations

Are Campground Reservations Available? Yes

Phone Number? 877-444-6777

Online? Recreation.Gov

How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? made six months prior to your arrival date 

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change your reservation.

Campground Information

Season: Open Year-Round 

*Watchman Campground remains open all year, with reduced availability in winter. All sites in Watchman Campground require reservations. Generally, the D, E, and F Loops are closed in December, January, and February. 

Number of Sites: 176 regular sites, 2 wheelchair-accessible sites, and 7 group sites

Location in the park: Near the South Entrance to the park. 

Campground Address: 

1Zion Park Blvd. 

Springdale, UT.84767

Latitude/Longitude: 

• Latitude:
• 37.1986111
• 37° 11' 55.0000" N
• Longitude:
• -112.9863889
• 112° 59' 11.0000" W

Elevation: 3,900 Feet

Accessible Sites:  

Sites A-24 and A-25 are reserved for ADA use. Watchman Campground has seven accessible sites and multiple other flat sites with easy access to six accessible restrooms. The road access route to the Visitor Center and Shuttle Stop has grades of up to 5% for 30-foot stretches, but has trench drain covers across sections of road with openings wider than 1 inch in certain locations. An alternate concrete and asphalt-paved pathway adjacent to the amphitheater through the river entrance plaza has slopes of up to 18% for 5-foot stretches and slopes up to 8% for 39-foot stretches. The amphitheater has accessible seating located on the top row.

Wheelchair Access - Pavement in some sites is broken and can make wheelchair use difficult. Gravel pathways to bathrooms. Fire grills elevated, and picnic tables are extended. Asphalt trail leads to Watchman Amphitheater. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Pets Allowed:  Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet.

Campground Amenities

Flush Toilets: Yes

Payphone: No

Is Wi-Fi available? No

Is Cellular Phone Service Available? Yes

Is the camp host available on-site? Yes, Year-round 

Is firewood available for purchase? No 

You may purchase firewood  in Springdale, Utah, one half-mile away

No fires are permitted when Fire Restrictions are in place.

Amenities at each campsite:

Fire rings/fire pit in the site? Yes

Picnic Table in the site? Yes

Bear Box/Food Storage Locker in site/area? No

Potable Water? yes

RV Camping at the Watchman Campground

RV Length: 40 feet 

*Sites are a variety of sizes. Length limits for each site are provided in the site details on recreation.gov.

The group campsites are tent-only. RVs, camping trailers, and pop-up campers are not permitted

Dump Station: A dump station with potable water is available at the entrance to the campground.

Generators: Generators are NOT allowed in the campground.

Hookups: There are no full-hookup campsites.

Electric hookup sites are all 30 amp, with only a handful of sites that supply 50 amp

RV travel between the Watchman Campground and the East Entrance through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

Zion National Park has vehicle size limits on the road between the East Entrance of the park and the campgrounds.

Vehicle Length Limit: Single or combined vehicles over 50 ft. long are prohibited from traveling through the park between the East Entrance and the campground; if your total length is greater than 50 ft., you must enter the park through the South Entrance near the town of Springdale.

Vehicle Height Limit: Vehicles taller than 13 ft. are prohibited from traveling through the park between the East Entrance and the campground.

Vehicle Width Limit: Vehicles 7'10' in width or 11'4' in height or larger require one-lane traffic control through the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel, located between the East Entrance and the campground; nearly all RVs, trailers, fifth-wheels, dual-wheel trucks, and campers require a tunnel escort; visitors requiring this service must purchase a $15 tunnel permit; a tunnel permit is valid for two trips through the tunnel for the same vehicle during a 7 day period; the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel is open for over-sized vehicles from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during peak season with reduced hours during non-peak season. Visit www.nps.gov/zion for Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel operation hours.

How to get to Campground

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 the South Entrance of Zion. Take the first right after the entrance station towards the Visitor Center. After passing the Visitor Center, you will enter the Watchman Campground. Stop at the 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 the Watchman Campground. Stop at the 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 the campground kiosk for directions to your campsite. 

*This route requires driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Read about traveling through the tunnel above.

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 the campground kiosk for directions to your campsite. 

*This route requires driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Read about traveling through the tunnel above.

Campground Regulations

Sites will accommodate the following: 3 tents per site, 1 RV, or 2 tents with 1 RV (motor home/fifth-wheel/pop-up/trailer).

The maximum number of people in a campsite: 6 occupants, including children over 24 months

The number of cars per campsite: Maximum of 2 vehicles, or 1 RV or camping trailer, or 4 motorcycles per site

Check-in Time: Any time after 12 PM Mountain Time on the scheduled day of arrival

Checkout time: 11 am

Quiet Hours: 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Maximum Stay: There is a 44-night camping limit within Zion National Park in a calendar year; however, March to mid-November, the camping limit in Zion is 14 nights.

 

Watchman Campground Map

 

 

Photos of the Watchman Campground

 

Zion National Park Resources 

Zion National Park Guide- Your complete guide to exploring Zion National Park 

Things To Do Zion National Park- List of things to do at Zion National Park including horseback riding, ranger programs, and exploring the town of Springdale! 

Zion Hikes- The ultimate hiking guide to plan your trip to Zion! Get Trail information, photos, and trail descriptions directly from a park ranger who has spent countless hours hiking this incredible park! 

Zion Shuttle Guide- Learn when the shuttles are running and how to use them to plan your trip to Zion

Zion Narrows planning guide- The ultimate guide to plan your hiking adventure to the Zion Narrows. Includes both day hikes and top-to-bottom overnight hikes. 

Emerald Pools Trail Guide- Plan your trip to one of Zion's most iconic trails! 

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually. 

 

Zion Camping Resources

Zion National Park Camping Guide- Complete guide to camping in Zion National Park

Watchman Campground- Zion's main campground is located next to the visitor center and the park shuttle stop. The campground has 176 campsites, 95 electric hookups, and 7 group sites. 

South Campground- Centrally located next to the visitor center, the shuttle bus stop, the Parus Trail, and the Virgin River. The campground has 117 campsites and no  RV hookups. 

For a fun adventure, check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built-in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss! 

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

 

Where to stay when visiting Zion

Zion Lodge - Spend the night in the heart of the Zion Canyon giving you the easiest access to some of Zion's most popular trails! This review includes amenities, photos, and video of what it is like to stay in the lodge. 

Zion Cabins- The cabins are located next to the Zion Lodge in the heart of the Zion Canyon. The review includes photos, video, and a list of amenities. 

The majority of lodging outside of the park is located in Springdale or Virgin Utah. 

Under Canvas Zion - Sleep under the stars in a glamping tent. 

Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton  - 4-star hotel. Take advantage of a roundtrip airport shuttle, a grocery/convenience store, and a terrace at Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton. With a private beach, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun.  In addition to a firepit and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites - Consider a stay at Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites and take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour health club. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. In addition to a 24-hour business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham at Zion - Consider a stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale and take advantage of free continental breakfast, a grocery/convenience store, and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a gym and a 24-hour business center.

Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion - Take advantage of free breakfast, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour gym at Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour business center and a snack bar/deli.

Holiday Inn Express Springdale - look forward to a grocery/convenience store, a terrace, and shopping on site at Holiday Inn Express Springdale - Zion National Park Area, an IHG Hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. In addition to a firepit and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion - free breakfast buffet, a grocery/convenience store, and a terrace at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park. Active travelers can enjoy bicycling at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a fireplace in the lobby.

 

Additional State Parks and Tribal Parks Near Zion National Park

Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)- an incredible park with great trails and jaw-dropping scenery between Las Vegas and Zion! 

Upper Antelope Canyon- The slot canyon that every photographer on the planet desires to photograph! 

Monument Valley- The most iconic scenery of the American Southwest and the location of countless Western movies.

Valley of the Gods- This is a park where you can spend as little as a couple hours and complete the 17-mile scenic drive and truly get an appreciation of the area. 

Goosenecks State Park (Utah)- amazing views of the San Juan River twisting and turning causing epic goosenecks in the canyon 1,000 feet below.

Goblin Valley State Park (Utah)- is best known for its goblin-like geologic features that can be easily seen. 

 

National Parks near Zion National Park

Pipe Springs National Monument- learn about the Mormon War! 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area- Explore all the recreational opportunities along Lake Mead and around Hoover Dam 

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument - If you are flying into Las Vegas on your way to Zion this is an easy park to visit on the way. 

Bryce Canyon National Park- No matter if you see Bryce in the summer or snow, at sunrise or the middle of the day, its breathtaking scenery and hoodoos will leave you inspired and awestruck! 

Cedar Breaks National Monument-  Another gift from nature, the mini Bryce Canyon with sunsets that will dazzle your imagination! They have pretty epic fall colors too

Grand Canyon National Park-  nicknamed "The Big Ditch" is something you just have to see to believe! Its wonders are hard to put into words,  photographs can only capture a small portion of its epicness! It truly is one of the seven wonders of the natural world! 

Capitol Reef National Park- The least visited of the 5 National Parks in Utah is what I call one of the top hidden Gems in the National Park System! It has epic scenic drives, epic hikes, jaw-dropping scenery, and much more! 

Arches National Park- A hikers and photographers paradise! Arches is home to over 2000 natural sandstone arches, many of which will blow your mind! 

Canyonlands National Park- Canyonlands is broken down into 3 sections, each filled with the charm and rugged beauty of the American Southwest. It's easy to see some of the highlights but its real charm come to those who plan and prepare to go deep into the wilderness. 

Check out these other great Utah National Parks, Nevada National Parks, Idaho National Parks, Wyoming National Parks, Colorado National Parks, New Mexico National Parks, and Arizona National Parks.