Watchman Campground
Zion National Park
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.
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.
Need to Know
Photo ID: The primary occupant listed on the camping reservation must present a photo ID upon check-in at Zion National Park campgrounds. The name of the primary occupant cannot be changed once a reservation is made. This rule is in place due to the competitive nature of the location and to prevent visitors from re-selling their site.
Entrance fee: Zion National Park collects a separate park entrance. You may pay this fee upon arrival or purchase in advance. The park also honors valid America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes (also known as interagency passes, e.g., Senior, 4th Grade, Military, etc.). Visit the park's Fees & Passes web page for details.
Pass Discounts. Lifetime Passes (e.g., Senior, Access, Golden Age Senior and Golden Age Access) and Annual Senior passes may allow a 50% discount on camping. The pass must be present upon check-in with valid ID. The pass only allows a 50% discount on one site (group sites are not discounted).
VEHICLE SIZE LIMITS. There are size limits to drive on Utah State Route 9 between the East Entrance and the campgrounds:
• Vehicle Length Limit: Single or combined vehicles over 50 ft. (15 m) long are prohibited from traveling through the park between the East Entrance and the campground. If your total length is greater than 50 ft., you must enter the park through the South Entrance near the town of Springdale.
• Vehicle Height Limit: Vehicles taller than 13 ft. (33 m) are prohibited from traveling through the park between the East Entrance and the campground.
• Vehicle Width Limit: Vehicles 7'10' (2.4 m) in width or 11'4' (3.4 m) in height or larger require one-lane traffic control through the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel, located between the east entrance and the campground. Nearly all RVs, trailers, fifth-wheels, dual-wheel trucks and campers require a tunnel escort. Visitors requiring this service must purchase a $15 tunnel permit at the entrance station, valid for two trips through the tunnel for the same vehicle during a 7 day period. The Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel is open for over-sized vehicles from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during peak season with reduced hours during non-peak season. Visit the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel web page operation hours.
Generators are not allowed in the campground.
No Shower or Laundry Facilities. These amenities are available in the town of Springdale.
Hammocks: The use of hammocks and slacklines are prohibited.
Campfire Restrictions. Visit the park's Current Conditions page for current fire restrictions.
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more. Gathering of firewood within Zion National Park is prohibited.
To contact Watchman campground: please email comments/questions/late arrival information to zion_watchman_campground@nps.gov or call 435-772-3837.
Food and garbage must be stored properly at all times. Food should be stored inside a vehicle or a lockable hard sided container. Garbage should be secured in the same way or be disposed of in the receptacles provided in the campground. Food is defined as food, drinks, toiletries, cosmetics, pet food and bowls, and any other scented items. Coolers, dirty stoves, grills, non-disposable tableware and cookware must be washed or stored in the same manner as food. Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited.
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.
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.
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.
Changes & 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.
Contact Information
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S.R. 9 Springdale UT 84767
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 435-772-3837
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
Available Campsites
- Site B021, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A024, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site D027, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D003, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B053a, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C026, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F001, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site B038, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site F006, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site C021, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B006, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C006, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A002, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A009, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A022, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site C011, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C028, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B036, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D002, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D017, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B010, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B013, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A021, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B002, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C004, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F013, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site D025, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D023, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B005, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D011, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B018a, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site E005, Loop Zion Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site D012, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D036, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D019, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F017, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site C016HC, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D001, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B041, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D033, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D020, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F018, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site C002, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A003, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site C029, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C019, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B019, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site F009, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site D021, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D024, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D026, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F005, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site F003, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site C010, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C014, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B043, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C015, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B042, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B026, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D004, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B059, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D029, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C003, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B058, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A007, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B016, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B015, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B024, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C008, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D028, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A011, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site D008, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A025, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site D013, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B003, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D039, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E001, Loop Zion Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site A004, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site F015, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site A028, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site D018, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D031, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B052, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D015, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C024, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B011, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site E003, Loop Zion Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site C022, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D034, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D037, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F007, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site A023, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B055, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A005, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B060, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site F008, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site C025, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A017, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site E002, Loop Zion Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site A019, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site D006, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A008, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B028, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D038, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B057, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C020, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B044, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A015, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B020, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B050, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B030, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B007, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D010, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A006, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B034, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D005, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C023, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B012, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D032, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B045, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C009, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B061, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site F002, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site A014, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site D035, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B051, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B018c, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D030, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B009, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B040, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B047, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B008, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C018, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B022, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C007, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A031, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A027, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site D016HC, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B017, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C012, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D009, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D022, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C027, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C017, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B001, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site E007, Loop Zion Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site B049, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B023, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site F014, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site F004, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site F012, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site B037, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A013, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A010, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B048, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B031, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A029, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B054, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B029, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B053c, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B027, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C013, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A012, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site F011, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site D040, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B033, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site F016, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
- Site B004, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D007, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C005, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B035, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B046, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site E004, Loop Zion Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site A018, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A020, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A016HC, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B014, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B032, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A030, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B039, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B025, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site B056, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D014, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F010, Loop Loop F, Type Walk To
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