Best Tent Camping near Zion National Park, UT

Great campsite very close to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and only 40 minutes away from Zion National Park. Pay station located at the campground so have $5 cash per night to deposit.

Only 20 or so minutes from Zion National Park. We didn't secure a spot in the park before getting there and everything was booked so we needed an easy option in a pinch and this was great. Busy in the summertime with lots of mountain bikers as the area is popular for it's mountain bike trails.

We stayed here for 4 nights in October 2020 while tent camping.  We selected this location because we were working from the road while also exploring National Parks and this met our criteria.

Pros:

-Less than a 30 minute drive to Zion National Park from here

-Great WiFi from the campground and cell service (T-Mobile)- totally possible to work remotely from here

-Nice amenities including a "social hall"- basically a large living room with some couches and tables.  We worked from here and felt safe even during COVID because there was literally never anyone else in here.  

-Pool if you're interested in that.  We didn't use it, but it wasn't that crowded.

-Store is very well stocked.  Basically a small grocery story and gifty type items.  Prices are not that ridiculous.

-Picnic pavilion/camp kitchen with dishwashing sinks and covered picnic tables

-Bathrooms were updated and had hot showers (though showers have a 7 minute limit)

-Staff was friendly and helpful

-Bathhouse also has laundry (coin operated)

Cons:

-The 4 tent sites are right next to each other basically in a gravel parking lot.  This place is really an nice RV park that then seemed to add in the tent area.  If you don't want to be right next to your neighbors, you will not like this.  That being said, we felt like we were able to be far enough away during COVID.

-There is no shade at the tent sites.  The RV sites each seemed to have a tree, but none in the tent area.  It would be pretty miserable to site out here during the day.  We used the picnic pavilion and the social hall, so were ok.

-Less COVID precautions than I've seen at other campground- e.g. the only sanitizer was outside the store/office- none in the bathhouse, laundry areas, social hall, etc.- high touch places.  They did have bottles of cleaning spray out, but no place had paper towels, so that felt pointless honestly.

Overall, if you're looking for amenities, including WiFi, are RV camping, want a good location to Zion, this is a great place and I recommend it.  If you're looking for a really great tent site, you won't find it here.

This campround is mostly for RV's but there are 6 tent sites, 3 of which sit close to the main road. The bathrooms have flush toilets, sinks and showers. They are well maintained and very clean. Tent campsites have fire rings.

I have stayed here twice in 2020. Once in January and again in July. I haven’t stayed in an rv but they do have glamping tents and tiny houses to rent on Airbnb for reasonable prices.

This place is about 45 minutes from Zion National park and 2 hours from Bryce Canyon.

There’s a laundry room for you to do laundry (bring your own quarters) and the bathrooms are nice and clean. You don’t get as much privacy for the showers as I’d prefer but it’s not that terrible since I think only Airbnb guests uses the restrooms and not the rv guests. WiFi was available for us which helped plan our hikes.

There are tables around the laundry room building to sit at and relax. It’s a very quiet campground too which made sitting out in the evening very peaceful. The owners are so nice and accommodating. Cell service was okay but goes in and out (1-2 bars for Verizon)

Located on the East end of Zion National Park. You'll find less traffic and quieter area opposed to the campgrounds located near Springdale, Utah on the south end of the park. Full RV hook-ups, tent sites available as well. Laundry facility to refresh you sweaty & dusty gear. Showers to enjoy after a day of hiking and sight seeing. Short drive to Bryce Canyon National Park.

We were tent camping at this campground which is the only reason it will not get 5 stars from us. The campground itself is great, especially the bathrooms are surprisingly amazing. And here comes the but: the tent sites are right on the street without much of a barrier (a small wooden fence on one site, but nothing else). Everybody can just walk on the site. The noise is also awful if you're staying there during the main season. If you're staying with a camper you're probably ok.

I'm a team member at The Dyrt kicking off the review section with some info from the campground's website.

Water Canyon Cliffside offers a secluded wilderness experience. Each tent site has space for parking, a fire pit, and picnic table. They also have a mini cabin and a canvas tent available to stay in! 

There are hiking trails within walking distance, mountain biking trails nearby, and Zion National Park is only an hour drive away!

This is a POPULAR campground as it is one of the closest to the entrance of Zion National Park. We made reservations - they open about 6 months in advance online and I suggest you do the same, especially if you want a weekend visit.

Zion is beautiful - multi-colored cliffs with spotted lush greenery. There are so many great hikes to do so spend a few nights.

The tent sites are pretty exposed so it can get HOT during the day.

This campground is a two minute walk to the Zion National Park Visitor Center, which is also the first shuttle stop into the park. We had a walk in tent site which had a sun structure, picnic table, and a metal box to safely store food from critters. The mule deer often could be seen in the campground. There were flush toilets and a dish washing station close by and the sites were spaced for privacy. They also had lovely views of the Watchman overlooking the campground. We loved it!

We loved our trip to Zion and stay at Watchman Campground within Zion National Park. It is super hot during the day (of summer months especially July... like 100-105F) but the nights cool off considerably into the 60s.

This campground is close to the visitor center, shuttles (which take you to all the hot spots throughout the park) and is near the South Entrance to the park. The Virgin River flows throughout the park and there are lots of spots to hop in and cool off (we found a secret one which was amazing ! See the video!)

There are lots of RVs at this campsite (to be expected) and but the actual tent camping wasn't particularly private or spacious.

We stayed five nights at this campground.  It is a smaller, family ran campground.  There are large pull thru's and back-in sites.  They even have a few tent sites.  It is right off of Highway 14 and can be noisy, however we didn't have any issues sleeping.  The restroom/showers were extremely clean.  It seemed they were cleaned several times a day.  Each time we would use one, the toilet would be spotless.  They do offer WIFI however the connection is hit and miss.  This was a nice place to stay that was in between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.  It's about 1.5 hours to Bryce and about 1 hour to Zion with only being a few minutes from Cedar City.  We enjoyed the more campground feel vs a large gravel lot that most RV Parks offer.  We would definitely stay here again.

Zion National Park lives up to its rating. This has to be one of the beautiful places in Western United States. The drive in from the Eastern entrance is simply incredible and full of epic photo ops. Zion reminds me of Yosemite Valley in some ways. The park is located near some large population areas in Southwest Utah and Nevada. So it can get very crowded at times, especially give the limited capacity of the roadways and parking. So you will need to plan your visit carefully.

The campground is easily accessible and located along the shuttle routes. The campground views are some of the best we have seen during our travels. The facilities are very good and hiking trails runs through the camp. Like many National Parks, you will not have much privacy at your site but the views and the hikes more than make up for it. The focus here is tent camping but you can park a small van or camper in many of the sites. The visitor center and park staff were outstanding. We also enjoyed the diversity of visitors from around the world. It’s clear Zion and Southern Utah is on a lot of bucket lists. This camp is very popular and full most of the year. So you will need reservations and a plan to beat the traffic coming into the park. We are planning to come back and spend more time in this beautiful place.

We spent 3 nights at this campsite and it is kept very clean, the amenities are well maintained. There is a beautiful view and very little light polution for star gazing. However if you plan on camping in a tent - the sites are very close to eachother with no visual privacy, the ground is very rocky and the tent pads provided are small (I could not fit my bell tent). The gorge act like a wind tunnel so it is extra windy. 

I would highly recommend this spot for RVs and Travel Trailers but for tents it's not super comfortable.

Watchman is located just inside the main southern entrance for Zion National Park. It’s a large national park site with multiple loops and hundreds of campsites. The sites are best suited for tent campers and small trailers or vans. They also have park and walk in tent sites. The campground is along the creek which runs through the park. The views from the camp are simply breathtaking and remind me of Yosemite. The hiking trails are world class and shuttle buses system runs within the campground. The sites are very clean and well maintained as well as the other facilities which are first rate including the restrooms, showers, and information centers. The park staff are truly amazing and have to deal with huge crowds throughout the year. They have guard gate at the camp entrance of the camp for passes and traffic control. The park has visitors from around the globe and its proximity to Las Vegas and St George makes for a great day trip. Some of the sites have privacy with small trees and brush depending on your spot. You will have access to fresh water and supplies. You will need a reservation to camp here given the popularity. Zion is an absolute must see and highly recommended. We plan on coming back in the Spring.

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.