CM Campgrounds MapFederal campground finder

WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND

Springdale, Utah · National Park Service

RVTentDump stationHookups
WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

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. 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. 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.For facility specific information, please call (435) 772-7622.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. 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 c

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)

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Utah
City / area
Springdale
Agency
National Park Service
Parent area
Zion National Park
Campsites
184
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$35–$130 / night
Rating
4.60 / 5 (5810 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Tent, RV, Trailer, Caravan/Camper Van, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel, Pop up

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Nearby campgrounds