Watchman Campground

We absolutely loved our campsite at Watchman. The view was spectacular, site was essentially level, and bathrooms were easily accessible and clean. Each campsite had an asphalt pad with good separation from other sites.

The bathroom building closest to us had a men’s room, ladies’ room, locking single-occupancy bathroom (wheelchair accessible), utility sink for dish washing, and a fresh water spout. It was chilly in the evenings while we were there (lows in the low to mid 30s on Thanksgiving week) but they still had the water running to the outdoor spouts. Our only wish is that there were an option in the park for a shower (all showers are in town). There’s a dumpster next to the bathroom building and recycling near the campground exit. We didn’t use the dump station. It’s located near the campground exit, along with a fresh water connection.

There was a warning sign at the utility sink about aggressive deer, and we could absolutely see that — we surprised a few deer while walking our dog around the campground.

Loop A of the campground is an easy walk to the Visitor Center / shuttle boarding, and to the pedestrian entrance to Springdale. Springdale is easily walkable and bikeable. There’s an outfitter quite close where you can buy shower tokens (shower operates during business hours only) and rent equipment for The Narrows. We accidentally missed the lottery for Angels Landing, which is our only regret from our time at Zion.

We did have a little bit of a wait getting into the Springdale entrance of the park since they have a few lanes closed for construction. But the park staff was helpful and got us through as quickly as they could.

Great stay, and we would definitely return!

Extraordinary NP Campground... could not get a single spot for multiple nights that fit our rig (41') but wanted to experience Zion camping inside the park. Grabbed A12 (great spot) for one night after using Sand Hollow State Park as a base for Zion for the week prior. We will be coming back with the intent to stay in Watchman and specifically in loop A for a week or more. Extraordinary experience. The crowds thin out in the evening and the park feels more intimate. Additionally, you can get a jump start in the morning in front of the crowds for the more popular trails.

I stayed March 28 thru 31, 2022. I tried to make reservations in January for late April but none available. I kept checking, expanding my search. One Loop A site came up for 3 days in late March and I jumped on it. I don't think it was available when I first started looking. It was weird in that the recreation dot gov web site listed it in a "list" format but not on the map. It was A 31 and very close to the Visitor Center parking lot, one of the Loop A restrooms and the check-in area. I was suspicious if it was even a real site. Decided not to worry about it and glad I did. While it was close to the areas I mentioned, it turned out to be a benefit. I walked to water fill easily, carrying a 3 gallon jug and walked to the visitor's center, a couple of trails and the shuttle with ease. The ranger station for Springdale access was also easy access and shopping for a few groceries and walking back (well, a little difficult because I bought too much). I had the The Watchman view from the back of my site. Actually an absolutely gorgeous view from the front, as well. The weather was 60's in the day and not cold at night in late March. I was afraid to travel Rt 9 into the park but did great and glad I did. Stunning. My RV is advertised to be 7'10" or I've seen 7'11" wide which is the advertised limit for not paying the $15 but the rangers seem to just let one-way groups of vehicles thru at a time and allowed me thru after checking without issue and no fee. I had decent service at the campsite. There were crowds but not awful and no wait at the shuttles.

This is the place to stay - period. We booked this the moment our date was available and were successful. (Others have made suggestions for online reservation strategy) The park itself was NOT crowded at all in late April and the weather was perfect. The A & B campgrounds WERE full, but all the hikes and shuttles were not busy. The best part - after around 6pm the parking lots empty out and the place is very quiet. We liked doing the Pa'Rus bike trail to the Park Road at this time - the last shuttle heads down the Park Road and you have the whole road north of the Lodge to yourselves. Campground was quiet - site was roomy and had large area to sit out and enjoy a campfire. When you arrive at Zion - you make a right turn after passing the parking lot for the Zion shops that line the road. It's a 2 lane road that passes by some additional parking lots before crossing a small bridge and arriving at the A & B camping kiosk for check-in. After the kiosk the entrance to A and B loops are on the right. Fresh water and the dump station are on the left after the kiosk. Make sure to fill up your fresh water as you enter.

The Narrows was a fun experience - rented full outfit and walking stick at the shuttle stop after 4pm - then can keep them for the following day. The Narrows flow was 94 and parts were challenging to navigate..definitely appreciated the rental equipment.
Great food at the local Brewery Pub.
If you are riding bikes along Park Road during shuttle service - you MUST come to full stop when shuttle is passing you so get off the road when you hear it coming.
Hiked the Watchman and Emerald Pool trails as well.

Access from the east is on Rt 9 where you have to get a $15 tunnel pass (RVs only). Research the restrictions before you come that way. No check-in, the campground ranger station was un-manned. I didnt see any low branches as stated in the Q&A above, I am 12'9" and had no issues in B loop. I saw many freshly trimmed trees so the problem may have been fixed. Sites are well spaced in B Loop and 30 amp electric service was good. One of the two threaded water faucets is working at the dump station (the other didnt work). There are a few more throughout the campgrounds but no space to pull off the road.

The bad: Docked one star for these: Some bathrooms are closed, B loop only had one open bathroom. NO SHOWERS in the park, you have to go to Springdale for a shower. Lots of people, but that is expected. You must take the shuttle if you are going north of Rt 9 in the park. Parking at the visitors center or anywhere else is limited. If you are not camping in the park, many people have to park in Springdale and take the free Springdale shuttle in.

The good: No wait for entry into the park every day. Free shuttle service is very efficient, we waited 5 minutes max. Beautiful scenery and views. Mule deer wander in and around the campground. Had a mule deer walk between our RV and our picnic table.

AT&T cell service was good, about 3-4 bars of 5G; RSPR was -100 un-boosted, -85 boosted. No problem streaming even without a booster. There is no cell service once you get up canyon in the hiking areas.

Pleasant & serene campground inside Zion along the Virgin River. In spite of the spring break period, most everyone tucked in by 9 PM resting up for their next-day hikes.

Good cell reception. Restrooms on B Loop were closed which can be a major inconvenience depending on your setup. RV spots ONLY have electric hookups so prep wisely. Dump station & potable water fill (bring your own hose) are available near the campground entrance by the ranger shack.

Highly Recommend Zion National Park Watchman Campground, being flexible and Site jumping (to what’s available;) we hopped our 27ft airstream, to 4 different sites, we prefer LOOP A, closer to the Zion Visitors Center, shuttles, showers and narrows gear rentals. Staying INside Zion is key, it’s the secret to a less stressful vacation getaway. Plus you don’t have to pay for parking each day! We have the Golden Access Pass for the National Parks, which made staying here even better, for $15 per night. Normally $30 per night.

We are here during “prime” time (March 2022 / spring break @ 85*), the rangers say it’s crazy busy but you really don’t feel that at the campsite. When people say wake up early to catch the first bus, we beg to differ, jumped on the shuttle @ 11am and headed out to the narrows with less crowds overall.

Loop A Site # A13 was the best in our opinion, honestly anything backed up the the river my kids (6 + 9 loved playing in it) but avoid sites A1-A5 (if you can)…those campsites are backed up to the Zion visitors center parking lot, which is packed.

We Disliked B51, under a tree that would shed in the evening and lodged a few seedings in the AC. Causing a loud clanking noise, oh the whoa’s to our home on wheels, it’s always something 🤪 it seems.

Places to eat: (we eat early 5:30 was no problem walking in, no reservations)
The spotted dog - trout was amazing !
Zion Brewery - the MEATLOAF
Whiptail Grill - we loved the SaltFire Brewing Co beer and the whiptail burrito and the spaghetti squash goat cheese enchiladas

I hope this helps other families, I’ve added a few videos here but you can find more on our Instagram page.
@arrowstreamlife

This place is really nice. It's in the middle of the mountains so there are views all around. We had a 30' RV in site B28 and it was perfect because there was no one in the back of us. There are lots of people and young kids here so we really liked our site. It's pretty spacious too. There's a picnic table and fire put with attached grill. Bring your own wood though.

Bathrooms and dump stations were clean. Since there was only electrical hook up at the site and we had a family of five we dumped and filled water while some of us showered. It was night so there wasn't a line for the dump station.

Overall this is a really awesome campsite and we would have stayed longer if there was availability. Book early!