Zion National Park operates Watchman Campground just inside the park's main entrance, positioning campers within walking distance of the visitor center and shuttle system. The campground spreads across multiple loops with sites accommodating everything from tents to RVs up to 99 feet, though the layout favors smaller rigs. April H. notes "the driveways were very roomy, plenty of room for a small trailer," while praising the graveled surfaces that prevent mud during rain.
Sites sit close together in typical National Park fashion, yet strategic landscaping provides some separation. Many campers appreciate how the design creates pockets of relative privacy despite the density. The campground runs along the Virgin River, offering swimming opportunities during warmer months, though several reviewers mention strong overnight winds that can challenge tent campers. Restrooms throughout the facility earn consistent praise for cleanliness, and each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box for food storage.
The location proves ideal for exploring Zion's trail system via the park's mandatory shuttle service. Popular hikes like Angel's Landing and The Narrows begin from shuttle stops accessible on foot from camp. The nearby town of Springdale provides restaurants, gear rentals, and supplies, reachable by a short walk across the river bridge. Campers can also access several trails directly from the campground, including the Watchman Trail for evening hikes when day visitors have departed.
Reservations open five months in advance and fill quickly, particularly for peak season visits. Rod D. emphasizes that "Watchman is difficult to get a reservation for but worth it." The campground operates year-round with rates ranging from $35-130 per night depending on site type and hookups. For those seeking additional options in the area, campgrounds around Zion National Park provide alternatives when Watchman reaches capacity.
Description
Overview
For visitors to Zion National Park, Watchman Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately March through November each year. Season Dates: Watchman Campground is open year-round. Reservations are available 6 months in advance.
Recreation
Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site nearby; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. Although there are no rock climbing routes in the campground, many popular climbs are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon. Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park.
Facilities
Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. Tent-only (F-Loop), non-electric sites (C & D Loop) do not permit vehicles 19 feet and over or in combined length. Group sites (E-Loop) are also tent-only and can accommodate between seven and 40 people. Standard electric sites in A & B loops may be used for either tent or RV camping. There are no full-hookup campsites. Electric sites are all 30 amp, with only a handful of sites that supply 50 amp; a dump station with potable water is available at the entrance to the campground.
Natural Features
Zion is known for it's dynamic geologic history and Watchman Campground is no exception. Named for the rocky peak that rises above it, the campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs that glow red and orange during sunrise and sunset. The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the campground. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Most of the campsites are in partial to full sun, however in the Group sites (E-Loop) and the Walk-To sites (F-Loop) visitors may receive some shade under pergulas that are constructed over the picnic tables. Visitors can also cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer. Notice: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and a public library. Throughout the year, concerts, festivals, and parades are held in the town.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (435) 772-7622.
Charges & Cancellations
Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee If you need to cancel or modify your reservation after 12:00 am Eastern Time on the day of arrival you must contact campground staff at zion_watchman_campground@nps.gov. Group campsite: Customers who cancel a group site reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
Fee Info
Zion Group Site fees are $50, $90 or $130 per night based on the campsite capacity. Check the minimum and maximum capacity for each group site. Each group sites minimum required occupants vary.
Reservation Info
Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. Tent-only (F-Loop), non-electric sites (C & D Loop) do not permit vehicles 19 feet and over or in combined length. Group sites (E-Loop) are also tent-only and can accommodate between seven and 40 people. Standard electric sites in A-Loop may be used for either tent or RV camping. However, only RVs are permitted to occupy sites in the B-Loop. There are no full-hookup campsites. Electric sites are all 30 amp, with only a handful of sites that supply 50 amp; a dump station with potable water is available at the entrance to the campground.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Fire restrictions at Zion National Park are now in effect. Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park in general and specifically campfires and charcoal fires with campgrounds and picnic areas is prohibited. Cook stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid propane gas fuels are allowed. Please refrain from transporting wood or charcoal to the campground since it may not be used and should not be left behind. Thank you for your attention to this.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWatchman Campground is located in Utah near Springdale
Directions
Beginning June 7, 2026, Zion National Park will enforce existing size and weight limits on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (ZMCH) from Canyon Junction to the East Entrance. Vehicles exceeding 35'-9\" in length, 7'-10\" in width, 11'-4\" in height, or 50,000 lbs. will not be allowed to travel through the park on the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway. All large vehicles exceeding any of the outlined dimensions will be required to enter and exit through the South Entrance of Zion National Park in Springdale, UT in order to access Watchman Campground. Please follow the link below for more information. Large Vehicles - Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Address
S.R. 9
Springdale, UT 84767
Coordinates
37.1986111 N
112.9863889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 474 usersLast on 6/13/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 409 usersLast on 6/13/26- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 181 usersLast on 6/13/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 474 usersLast on 6/13/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 409 usersLast on 6/13/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 181 usersLast on 6/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 46 min from St. George, UT
- 2 hrs 28 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 4 hrs 3 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 5 hrs 15 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
