Top 10+ Campgrounds near Central, UT

My husband and I have been staying here for 10 days and we were planning on staying another 2 days, before moving on to cooler temperatures. Well, this afternoon, we got the dreaded knock from a police officer and a Ranger, who told us that this is state trust land, not BLM land, and a permit is required to stay here. We haven't seen any signs saying anything about that, but after reading the reviews here, it looks like one person mentioned it. 

It's a busy, very dirty location, with tons of trash (literally there are dirty mattresses, old couches, bags of trash strewn everywhere - it's awful. I've never been to Slab City, but it's one step up from how I imagine it is) and big shards of broken glass in most of the camping spots, so I wouldn't recommend parking in any of the single spots. We chose to stay in the big communal area close to the entrance, even though we hate being close to people, because it was the only place that didn't have broken glass, and we've just been waiting out the cooler temps at our higher elevation spots. 

On the plus side, the road is well kept gravel and almost all of the spots are huge and level. We have a 36' Class A and we fit into all of the spots, with room enough for a shorter Class A, a Class C or several toads to fit alongside us. It's really too bad that people are so irresponsible and selfish, because if there were no trash or glass, I'd give this place 5 stars, for how giant the spaces are, how many spaces are available, how flat the spaces are and how well maintained the road is. Also, people keep to themselves and it's relatively quiet most days and nights, so it feels pretty safe. But again, BE SURE TO GET A PERMIT BEFORE COMING HERE, or you'll definitely get THE KNOCK.

If we hadn't gotten THE KNOCK, I would have given it 2 1/2 stars, with points taken off for the spots being full of broken glass and trash, but I only gave it 1 star because I'm feeling salty about the fact that it requires a permit. Lol.

Camped at Watchman in late October early November.  Experienced sunny days, cold nights and even a little snow.  Regardless of the weather, Watchman is the best place to park your camper and venture out to experience the best of Zion NP.  Easy short walk to the visitor center and shuttles.  (On a side note the shuttles were a much better experience than we were expecting).  

Camped in C loop.  Sites were typical National Park, small and close together but well positioned.  We had close access to a modern restroom that was clean and well maintained.  Parking for an extra vehicle was close by and convenient.  

Firewood and ice were available in Springdale via a 5 minute drive (you have to exit and reenter the park If you drive).  Or it's a 10 minute walk via a bridge directly from the park to the store.  Make sure you have your Parks pass or receipt to show the Rangers when you walk back across the bridge to the campground.  We definitely recommend walking. 

We did not visit any of the restaurants, shops or the brewery that were located a short walk away but will on the next trip.  The hiking in Zion is top notch with trails for all abilities.  Make sure you check the status as several of the trails were closed due to bridge repairs.  

We experienced a first:  It was Halloween and many of the kids camped around us dressed up in costumes and went  trick or treating.   Many campers put up festive lighting and one even set up a full size inflatable castle which was a big hit.  Instead of expecting treats from unprepared campers, many kids took their own treats and handed them out.  It was a lot of fun for all. 

Watchman is difficult to get a reservation for but worth it.  We can't wait to return.