Best Campgrounds near Santa Clara, UT

We booked an RV pull through site specifically because it was labeled “more primitive” - mind you this is about $30 more than the others and the site was quite literally the least primitive spot. So do t spend the extra thinking you’ll get a private spot because it’s most definitely not the case. Also the bathrooms were horrendous and smelly and the place was not maintained. We left before staying the night, ate the $80 and found a dispersed camp site.

Sandy campsites and lots of space. Right off the main road which is always a plus

Great location with lots of space and premade firepits

There are good 15 to 20 campers here, but the campground can accommodate it great views no problems at all 5G T-Mobile service primitive camping no water no restrooms quite a few flat campsites

We decided to go lux after several days at Zion in Watchman. Booked the same day by calling. Got 25% off by taking a site not yet landscaped. Super well-run family organization. Beautiful facilities, with places to relax inside and out. Amazing pool including wade-in area that will delight kids. Water was warm! Plus a hot tub and towels by the pool. The property is adjacent to BLM land, so hiking available. Full hook up site discounted to about $65 with tax. Lovely bathrooms and showers.

Flat spots with beautiful views. Sheep Bridge road is well graded but definitely lots of washboard. The spur roads where the camping is a rutted out but you can avoid most of the ruts. DON'T ATTEMPT THIS IF ROADS ARE WET. The map at the entrance only has a few sites designated for RVs but every site is currently being used by an RV.

Closer to other families than I like to be, but the park is lovely and the views just enchanting.

This campground is beautiful! We are in the A loop with electricity and the views of the cliffs, including Watchman are wonderful. Bathrooms are clean and the whole campground looks well-maintained. However, this is a very busy park. The visitor center is walking distance and it was packed. The shuttles for scenic drive were packed also. Glad lots of people can enjoy this park but it will be hard to find solitude here.

We drove in on our 2wd camper van and the last .75 miles was scary with steep inclines and curves. Once we got to the top we couldn’t complain. A few other cars drove in about an hour after us, plenty of space for us all. Some people riding ATVs when we arrived.

This part of the larger Beaverdam Conservation Area has "designated" dispersed camps. Not sure on the total. Each approved campsite has a brown post with a camp # and a metal fire ring. Great cell signal, but no toilets, water, or dumpsters. Littlefield is only a few miles away for supplies. Only negative is the SxS use in this area, so choose a camp that is out of the dust zone on the main gravel roads and two tracks. Lots of strong winds and pesky SxS gives it a lower rating

Came in for a two day stay. Found a semi secluded area within 200 yards of the entrance. Access is very good with pavement to the entrance and flat desert road going all over the hillside.

Lots of camping areas to choose from. Most near the entrance are surrounded by garbage. Areas further out are much cleaner.

People seem to ignore each other but there is nothing to block seeing you from hundreds of meters/yards away. No trees, modestly rolling hills.

When you come in from either the North or South on Sheep Bridge Road, you have a choice of going down one of the spurs which has anywhere from 5-15 campsites typically. Sheep Bridge Road is in great shape, but the spurs have some ruts in them. Easily passable with 4WD and even probably 2WD when not wet, but have to slow to a crawl over some of the potholes. Easy to get into Hurricane for supplies if needed, but still feels very remote. 

These sites have the most incredible views of the mountains, plateaus, and ridges around the Hurricane/Zion area. A lot of the sites aren't very level and not intuitively laid out with the views and where the firepit is placed. 

This particular spur has a trailhead at the end so there's a handful of cars going down to check that out but nothing major.

Staying at Watchman Campground was an incredible experience and the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. The location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, making it easy to hop on the shuttle and explore the park without the hassle of parking.

The backdrop of towering red cliffs, especially at sunrise and sunset, is absolutely breathtaking. The Watchman Peak looms over the campground, making every moment feel like a postcard-worthy scene. Nights are especially magical here—the stargazing is fantastic, and if you’re lucky, you might catch the Milky Way stretching across the sky.

The campground offers a variety of options, including tent sites, RV spots, and electric hookups, making it suitable for different types of campers. The restrooms are well-maintained, and drinking water stations are conveniently placed throughout the area. We found the sites spacious, though shade can be limited, so bringing a canopy or tarp is a good idea, especially in summer. One of the highlights is the proximity to the Virgin River—on hot days, taking a dip in the cool water is a refreshing treat. Plus, if you love hiking, trails like the Watchman Trail and Pa’rus Trail are directly accessible from the campground.

While this is one of the most scenic campgrounds we've ever stayed at, Zion is extremely popular, so be prepared for crowds. That being said, the campground itself feels peaceful, and its location within the park makes early morning hikes a breeze before the rush begins. A few things to keep in mind:

• Tent caterpillars can be an issue in April and May, so don’t be surprised if they drop onto your tent. 

• Ants can be a nuisance in July and August, especially after rain, so store food properly. 

• Summer heat can be intense, so staying hydrated is a must!

If you’re visiting Zion and want to be right in the heart of the park, Watchman Campground is a fantastic choice. The unbeatable location, clean facilities, and jaw-dropping scenery make it a must-stay for nature lovers. Just book early—this place fills up fast! Would we stay here again? Absolutely!