Watchman Campground
Zion National Park
Write a Review Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767 435-772-3256 Reservations: 877-444-6777 Official WebsiteGPS: 37.1964, -112.9885
Overview of Watchman Campground
Reservations are required year-round. No generators allowed. Some sites can accommodate RVs and trailers with a combined max length of 50 ft.
Food and garbage must be stored inside a vehicle or a lockable hard-sided container.
Last Price Paid: $15
Reported by CampieMcCamperton on 1/3/2024
Longest RV Reported: 42 feet (Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel)
Reported by marcot1 on 5/22/2018
Number of Sites 176
Pad Type dirt
Reservations yes
Elevation 3,904 ft / 1,189 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Watchman Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 435-772-3256
cowdogs asked on 3/3/2023
Is there electricity? If so how do you see which ones.
Thank you
Tanner asked on 1/13/2023
Does anyone know if loops c&d (non-electric sites) allow trailers? I’m having a hard time figuring it out on the recr...
Salty Turtle asked on 11/2/2022
Height Restrictions: I know this has been asked before, but has anyone recently been to Watchman with a 13' height?...
smallbirdbigworld asked on 9/25/2022
Does anyone know when they release the reservations for this campground? I know it's 6 months in advance, but on what...
CampieMcCamperton asked on 12/11/2023
Is there a nearby facility available to top freshwater tanks as well as dump black and grey tanks before entering the...
DrBob806 asked on 11/17/2021
I see on the NPS website that the height limit for Watchman campsites is 12' 6"... are there low-hanging branches? My...
From Gridlock To Boondocks asked on 4/29/2020
Do they have non electric sites for RVs or only tent campers? Website makes it seem like only tents
Reviews of Watchman Campground 73 people have reviewed this location.
“Great campground for proximity to epic trails!”
Reviewed 3/4/2023
Nightly rate: | $30 |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
Site Number: | B058 |
RV Length: | 25' (Truck Camper) |
We stayed here in mid-February for a week. When we got here, there was snow still around in the campground but a lot of it turned into red mud. Bring an outdoor rug to attempt to reduce the amount you bring inside your camper! Sites were $30/day without any extra taxes or daily use fees, etc. Note we did use our annual Americas p... more
We stayed here in mid-February for a week. When we got here, there was snow still around in the campground but a lot of it turned into red mud. Bring an outdoor rug to attempt to reduce the amount you bring inside your camper!
Sites were $30/day without any extra taxes or daily use fees, etc. Note we did use our annual Americas pass to get into the park (which you'd need).
Our site had groups of mule deer practically every night. They are not afraid of campers and will walk up to you if you let them (don't). There's a short walk to the beach behind where we stayed which was beautiful and an easy walk to the visitor center.
There were 2 dump stations and no issues there.
The biggest advantage (beyond having electricity in freezing temps) was that you did not have to go through the entrance to get to hikes in the morning. That meant less waiting between getting in your car and getting out at the trailhead.
There are $20/night no electric options but you need to be 19 feet or less. Too tiny for our truck camper!
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Experience ”
Reviewed 12/30/2022
Nightly rate: | $35 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
What a fantastic park to visit. We loved camping in this campground. We will be back!
MP would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great NPS Campground, Big rig friendly”
Reviewed 12/21/2022
Days stayed: | 10 |
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Site Number: | A11 A29 |
RV Length: | 41' (Fifth Wheel) |
We really enjoyed staying in A loop (sites 29 and 11) and had plenty of room for our 41ft fifth wheel.
This loop was close to the dump station and an easy walk over the bridge to Springdale.
We didn't have any issues with overhead clearance in our fifth wheel.
AmericanTravelers would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Basically Perfect!”
Reviewed 11/25/2022
Nightly rate: | $30 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | A8 |
RV Length: | 21' (Teardrop Trailer) |
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 ac... more
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!
etatum would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A Very Special Place”
Reviewed 10/26/2022
Nightly rate: | $25 |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Surreal place! A blend of “wilderness” with access to trails, ranger talks and visitor centre, but also a short walk from town with a wonderful pub. Bathrooms clean (no showers), rv dump station and water convenient and free. Good cell service.
Lang Fam would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Extraordinary NP Campground...”
Reviewed 10/18/2022
Nightly rate: | $30 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | A12 |
RV Length: | 41' (Class A) |
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 s... more
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.
Richard would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Completely awesome!!”
Reviewed 6/24/2022
Nightly rate: | $20 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | D-28 |
We snagged a last-minute campsite at Watchman Campground and loved every minute of it! Typical drive-up spot which meant no lugging of tents and equipment. Our spot was easy to find, had my reservation info attached to the campsite number sign, was spacious, quiet, decent restrooms, decent cell service, and spectacular views!
DC-Dave would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Absolutely Wonderful”
Reviewed 6/11/2022
Nightly rate: | $15 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | A 31 |
RV Length: | 20' (Class B) |
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 lis... more
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.
KarenWR would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Perfect Place to Base a Zion Adventure”
Reviewed 5/26/2022
Nightly rate: | $15 |
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Days stayed: | 5 |
Site Number: | A28 |
RV Length: | 35' (Fifth Wheel) |
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 bes... more
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.
The Sweet Breezes would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful Park and Campground”
Reviewed 5/3/2022
Nightly rate: | $15 |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
Site Number: | B49 |
RV Length: | 30' (Class A) |
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 ... more
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.
rls1936 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- dry camping
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- picnic area
- recreation trail
- water access
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- group sites
- ADA Accessible
- recycle
- restrooms: flush
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby
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- Ckmoyer1
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