Paso Picacho is one of those places you go to and then instantly wish you had gone to a long time ago. It's a lovely, clean campground just across the street from Stonewall Peak. It's in the forest and has actual seasons so you can enjoy pine trees in the fall and a bit of snow in the winter. Pop up to Julian in the morning for some pie.
Amazing place to stay. If you're coming to the area, give it a go!
I mean it's beach camping. Not the greatest of campsites but you're right on the 101 and right on the beach so what more could you want from that?
People aren't generally too noisy after dark.
Make sure you make a reservation and put up your rain fly unless you like being really dal in the morning (honestly you'll probably be damp either way).
Love Watchman campground. Coming from Southern California means I'm rarely in Zion early enough to get a spot in South Campground and while I don't mind dispersed camping, I would much much rather have a reservation in Watchman.
Right next to the visitor center and very close to the town you could get away with not really bringing any supplies at all to be honest.
The rangers are great and the crowds are generally good. I have no complaints about this campground.
In a park like Zion that's so incredibly popular, I was pleasantly surprised by how perfect this campground is.
The location could not be better. You can easily walk to the visitor center for water, food, and shuttles. Heck, you can walk all the way into town it's so close!
The campsites generally have good shade. Sunrise and sunset in the canyon are both spectacular and well worth seeing. Once it's dark, you can see a band of the milky way over the canyon and thousands of stars.
NOTE: pretty high winds at night (hence the canyon). You MUST stake your tent. Maybe bring extra blankets.
Also, since this one's first come first served, get there early or expect to be dispersed camping outside of the canyon.
This is without a doubt one of the coolest campsites I've ever stayed at. However, being one of the largest in Joshua Tree, it draws in all the families and tourists and a lot of them seem to have never camped before in their lives.
The crowd stays noisy until long after quiet hours and our neighbors actually stole our firewood right out of the fire pit. Like wth man just go into town and buy your own $4 bundle.
Depending on the way the wind is blowing, you get the lovely sent of nearly full pit toilets blowing into your camp. Yum.
Honestly if the crowd would learn some camping ethics, I'll be stoked to visit again. The crazy boulder formations Jumbo Rocks offers is almost worth it. Almost.