Public Land Camping

WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND

Springdale, UTManaged by NPS
WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND

Things to Do

BikingCampingEvening programsHikingInterpretive programsPhotographyStar gazingSwimming siteVisitor center

RV & Site Information

For RV enthusiasts planning a visit, WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND accommodates recreational vehicles up to 99 feet in length. This National Park Service is available for advance reservation, making it a reliable choice for planned trips.

Guests at WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND can enjoy essential amenities including Proximity to Water: Riverfront, Shower/Bath Type: , and Flush Toilets. The site is maintained by National Park Service, ensuring consistent upkeep and facilities management.

Popular activities at this location include Biking, Camping, Evening programs, and Hiking. The campground's proximity to Springdale offers convenient access to additional outdoor recreation opportunities in the Utah region.

Located in Springdale, Utah, WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND provides bookable camping options for visitors exploring America's public lands. Contact the site directly for real-time availability and current conditions.

About this place

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.

Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (435) 772-3837. 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. 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.

Getting There

From Las Vegas, St. George or other points south on Interstate 15: Travel north to Exit 16, towards Hurricane. Follow State Route 9 east for 12 miles (19 km) (to La Verkin and turn right to continue on State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance of Zion. Take the first right after the entrance station towards the Visitor Center. After passing the Visitor Center, you will enter Watchman Campground. Stop at campground kiosk for directions to your campsite. From Salt Lake City, Interstate 70 or other points north on Interstate 15: Travel south to Exit 27, towards Toquerville. In 6.1 miles (15.5 km) turn left onto State Route 9 towards Zion National Park. After passing through Springdale, arrive at South Entrance. Take the first right after the entrance station towards the Visitor Center. After passing the Visitor Center, you will enter Watchman Campground. Stop at campground kiosk for directions to your campsite. From Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Kanab or other points south on U.S. 89: Travel north to State Route 9. Turn left and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles (33 km) to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles (19 km), then turn left at the sign for Watchman Campground and Visitor Center. Stop at campground kiosk for directions to your campsite. From Bryce Canyon National Park, Panguitch or other points north on U.S. 89: Travel south to State Route 9. Turn right and follow State Route 9 west for 13 miles (33 km) to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles (19 km), then turn left at the sign for Watchman Campground and Visitor Center. Stop at campground kiosk for directions to your campsite.

Amenities

Proximity to Water: Riverfront
Shower/Bath Type:
Flush Toilets
Cell Phone Service
Proximity to Water: N/A
Proximity to Water:
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