Best RV Parks & Resorts near Summit, UT

We stayed at Zion RV resort in Virgin, Utah just outside Zion National Park and nearby towns in October 2021. This is a very nice full-service RV resort that offers a variety of pull-through and back-in sites, and cabins. The sites are 50amp FHU, fairly long, and have nice spacing between sites. The park is pristine and offers a large inviting pool and hot tub, laundry room, playground, dog runs, propane fill station, and a real lodge with lots of apparel, home goods, ice, beer and other beverage choices. There is access to the Virgin River from the campground. We really enjoyed our stay here just minutes from Zion and other local attractions. The only downside was wifi coverage if you have Verizon. This was spotty and one bar at most. We highly recommend this RV resort. To see videos on this campground and others, visit our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.

We needed stable, steady Internet for a month. While we regularly travel with two hotspots for Internet coverage, we barely needed to use them. 

We stayed in one of the satellite friendly spots. Unfortunately, the space we were in was not so "friendly" due to the mature trees on either side. The satellite friendly spots are in the back of the RV park, and the aisle behind us had newer/younger trees that would not block satellite (but also would provide no shade).

Your experience at this park may vary. There were clearly a lot of monthly/semi-permanent residents at this park, especially on the back in spots at the edges. We would go back here, but we'd get a pull-through site next time.

Pros:

- Internet.

- Location in reference to Zion, Bryce, and Cedar Breaks.

- Post office (for general delivery) is 2-3 blocks away.

- Major restaurants and retail stores within 10-15 miles (St. George).

- At least 3 state parks within a 20 mile radius, two are water sport havens (Sand Hollow and Quail Creek) and the other is hiking trail nirvana (Snow Canyon).

Cons:

- No pool on site. 

- Location of trees on RV space meant that we could not use our patio awning for the month. If we positioned our RV to allow us to use the awning, we wouldn't be able to park our tow vehicle at all. 

- Our RV space was in the area with grass between the spaces. Sprinklers were programmed for daily delivery, and because of the width of the concrete pad, we were getting hard water stains on our RV (the sprinkler head pointed directly at our steps out of the RV). We noticed that on some of the "monthly" sites, there were plastic sprinkler head "deterrents" that would keep the spray from overshooting onto the concrete pad.

We stayed at Zion West RV park in October 2021. This is a small RV park with a mix of full-time and traveling RVers. It has a variety of sites including pull-through, back-in and tent sites. We had a FHU site with 50 amp service. This park doesn’t offer a lot of amenities, but does have showers and laundry room. It’s in the small town of Leeds, Utah and is about 30 minutes west Zion National Park. It is also near many trails and fun things to do. We enjoyed our stay here and it was quiet and relaxing. We will stay here again next time we visit Zion NP.

For videos on this park and others, visit our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.

The park itself is nice. Full hook ups, heated pool and hot tub. Restrooms and laundry on site. Propane also on site. There are also a series of fenced in dog parks (3). So if you have dogs that don’t get along with other dogs that’s a plus because you can just go in a different one. The wifi is kind of hit or miss sometimes though. When the park is full at peak times good luck streaming anything. Staff is very friendly and helpful. I wouldn’t spring for the back in river spots unless you just want privacy behind you. The view for us isn’t that great as there is a rock wall behind you so your view is actually of that unless you have a very big rig. It is very close to Springdale and Zion National Park which is very convenient and why we chose it so four stars.

We camped at Watchman for three nights June 19-22,2020. Shuttles are not running and the scenic drive going to the lodge was closed due to COVID-19. We camped in the B loop, site # 51. This was a back-in space complete with a picnic table, fire ring (which we could not use due to fire season) and electrical hook-up. Portable water to fill tanks was available at the dump station just as you enter the campground. Our site was well shaded and very close to the Virgin River. Although available, we didn’t use the bath house.

The campground was full to capacity the whole time we were there. It is important to reserve your site at least 6 Months in advance at this campground!!

The Visitor’s Center and Park Store are within walking distance from the campground. Lots of swimming and tubing going on at the River. Tubes can be rented in Springdale. If you wanted to hike the Narrows or other trails along the scenic drive you had to either hire a shuttle ($30 round trip), bike or walk in. The paid shuttle pick up and return was in Springdale just outside the Park.

Dogs were allowed in the campground on leash and also on ONE trail. All other trails were off limits to pets.

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.