Join the fun near Zion National Park. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Zion National Park and user-submitted reviews.
"We stayed at the BLM outside of Zion National Park. It was absolutely STUNNING. There were signs that made finding this spot super simple."
"It was just off the road, but not too much traffic noise. The little river by the site is very pretty. We only had 2 neighbors, but the spots are decently spaced apart so nobody was too close"
"Convenient 25 minute drive to Zion National Park. Closest wild camping we found to the Springdale entrance of the park."
"A large space, others joined us as the night went on and we weren’t bothered by noise and were close to the stream."
"This is a new very nice parking area with a vault toilet that has been developed by the BLM for folks climbing the nearby rock features."
"This campsite was very quiet except on nights when a stargazing guide group came to meet up there around 9/9:30 PM. They weren’t super loud and only met there and then left shortly after."
"Also make sure you carry your permit with you, we were stopped by park rangers along the trail."
"Hiked in via Hop Valley, easy in, tough out. But the Campsite is nestled in some ponderosas up off the bank of the stream, which you have to cross from the trail."
"It was only a 1-2 block walk to Leeds Creek to sit on a rock and soak feet in creek. “Children’s Forest at the Kiln” maybe 1/4 mile down from site. A sweet little trail leading to a historical kiln."
"Camp in designated spots, camping free for 16 days. No water, no trash, no toilets. Sites are along a well maintained FS gravel road so dust may be a concern."
"The tents aren’t spaced out as much as the Moab location and I wish each tent had a little more space between the other tents."
$100 - $450 / night
"Full bathrooms, warm showers, cooking supplies, wifi, coffee, firewood- basically everything was provided besides food.
The view here at night is AMAZING."
"About an hour's drive from Zion, this gem allows you to see the full specter of nature's beauty. The stars at night at this place were simply unspeakably amazing. That alone made it worth the drive."
$5 / night
"No water or trash. One vault toilet. Cell signal weak 1-2 bars."
"Stopped here on our way back home through Utah. We got in on a Saturday night in December and found multiple sites available."
TravelerAs 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.
GuideTo enter the South-Zion National Park camp grounds you have to go through the park entrance and the camp grounds are just behind the parks entrance. There is drinking water, flush-able toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, flat places for a tent, dump stations. There is not however, showers, shade which can get hot on 100 degree days, there is no power, the ground is too hard to stake down tents, no trees for hammocks, the bathroom have huge spiders and filthy, there are plenty of rocks to sleep on!
This is not the best camp site on the planet it is ok. It currently costs $35 to get into the Zion National Park and then it costs to camp at this site. With the amount of traffic this area gets and the amount of money flowing in they could put in a decent bathroom, one without bugs.
I have good news there are lots of trails for backpacking and biking. If you'd like to go for a stroll to shower there are showers a little less than a mile away that cost $15 for 12 minutes. They aren't wonderful but they get the job done. They are however also filthy! Thank goodness I had my Oofos Oolala flip flops on hand to save my feet from whatever nasty germs were living in the shower floor that was covered in hair. There are some great places to eat close by to this camp grounds and great coffee! If you need any souvenirs there are plenty of places to shop!
The South-Zion National Park campgrounds have a shuttle close by that drives guests to the trail for the well known, "Narrows". The shuttle comes with your park pass and is a hop on hop off transit. It is the easiest way to see some of Zions most precious wonders!
Pros:
Close to popular trails
River runs next to camp
Close shopping and food
Potable water
Places to throw away trash
Cons:
Bad bathrooms (rather go outside) + small stalls
No showers
Rough grounds
TravelerPlenty of space only 15-20ish minutes from Zion National Park! Awesome views too!
RangerGreat 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 $5 cash per night to deposit.
GuideIt was easy to find and not far away from Zion national park. Owner was super friendly and gave us instructions to our site through phone.
20-30$ with our van. Wi-fi and SHOWERS!
Good place that I recommend
ScoutClean rv resort with plenty of amenities and right down the road from Zion National Park. One of my favorite places for sure. Highly recommend.
GuideIt's a beautiful campground and a short distance from Zion National Park. Unfortunately when I went, I believe the water was being redirected for agricultural use because the water was fairly stagnant, being that the stream was essentially dried up. The campsites are fairly spacious though, accessible by paved roads. Each site also comes with a fire pit, in addition to having a covered "dining" area as well. Biggest downfall for me was no available showered, although each site does have access to running water.
GuideStayed for 4 nights. The park is 10minutes away from Zion National Park and about 2hrs from Bryce Canyon. The park is adjacent to the Virgin River. Walking path to the river is great for kids. Verizon signal is poor but TMobile gets 4 bars. This park is the best alternative when campgrounds inside Zion are booked. The park store is relatively full of pertinent supplies and gift items. They even have a “mining” activity for the kiddos. Would def stay here again when we visit the area next.
GuideThis location has a handful of spots on both side of the main road. We saw some larger RV/motorhomes as well as basic tent camping. Fire rings are already set up for you and there is a dumpster for trash down the road next to the horse trail ride company going back towards duck creek village. Close enough to the village for buying basics, grabbing food or renting an atv. Drive to Navajo lake to swim or boat, 35 min to Cedar breaks, 35 min to red canyon, 45 min to Brian head, less than an hour to Bryce Canyon and 1.5 hrs to Zion. Only bad was the atv noise that starts super early. VERIZON COVERAGE!!! we were able to make calls, access the internet and watch steamed videos.
Tent camping near Zion National Park in Utah offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the permit requirements for tent camping in Zion National Park?
Tent camping in Zion National Park requires permits for all backcountry camping. Wilderness permits must be obtained from the park service, and they fill up quickly, so early reservations are essential. When hiking to places like La Verkin Creek Trail Campsites, you must carry your permit with you as rangers conduct trail checks. For frontcountry campgrounds like South and Watchman, reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (March through November). These can be made up to six months in advance through the National Park Service website. During winter, some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where are the best tent camping sites in Zion National Park?
Inside Zion National Park, the backcountry offers exceptional tent camping experiences. La Verkin Creek Trail Campsites — Zion National Park provides remote wilderness camping with well-maintained trails and beautiful scenery. For designated backcountry sites, look into the Temple View and Coalpits Ridge Southwest Desert areas. These backcountry sites require permits but reward campers with solitude and immersive nature experiences. Remember that backcountry camping in Zion is only allowed in designated sites with proper permits, and they fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
What are the best alternative tent camping options near Zion National Park?
Several excellent tent camping alternatives exist near Zion when park campgrounds are full. Kolob Terrace Road offers dispersed camping with panoramic views just 25 minutes from the park, perfect for experiencing gorgeous sunsets. Kolob Road BLM Dispersed provides stunning free camping on miles of BLM land with clear signage. For amenities, Water Canyon Cliffside Cabin L and L offers a secluded experience with tent sites that include fire pits and picnic tables. Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1 provides free camping for up to 16 days along maintained Forest Service roads.
What amenities are available at Zion National Park tent campgrounds?
Zion's campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities. Most developed campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water and restrooms with flush toilets. Oak Grove Campground Dixie NF offers a more rustic experience with vault toilets but no water or trash services for just $5 per night. Lambs Knoll Climbing Site Camping has designated walk-in tent sites with access to vault toilets. Backcountry sites generally have no amenities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service is limited throughout the park, with weak 1-2 bar reception in some areas.
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