Watchman Campground
Year-round campground at Zion's south entrance near the visitor center, offering tent and RV sites with electric hookups, direct trail access, and shuttle service to Zion Canyon.
About
Watchman Campground occupies the mouth of Zion Canyon beside the Virgin River, surrounded by red and orange sandstone cliffs that catch sunrise and sunset light. The campground's 184 sites span several loops: A and B loops provide 30-amp electric hookups suitable for RVs or tents; C and D loops are non-electric with a 19-foot vehicle limit; E-loop holds group tent sites for 7 to 40 people; and F-loop offers walk-to tent sites under pergola shade structures. All sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and parking. The campground serves as a base for exploring Zion Canyon via the mandatory shuttle system, which stops at the nearby visitor center from approximately March through November. Hikers can walk directly to three trailheads: the moderate Watchman Trail ascending the peak behind camp, the short Archeology Trail, and the paved Pa'rus Trail, which is the only trail in the park allowing dogs and bicycles. Facilities include flush toilets, potable water, a dump station, and trash collection. No showers or laundry exist on site, but both are available in Springdale. Generators are prohibited. Campers should be aware that April and May bring tent caterpillar infestations, and July and August see elevated ant activity following monsoons. Toxic cyanobacteria in the Virgin River means campers should not submerge their heads or drink river water.
Amenities
Live availability — next 14 days
Open sites right now across 184 sites at this campground.
Thu
Oct 8
Full
Fri
Oct 9
1 open
Sat
Oct 10
9 open
Sun
Oct 11
15 open
Mon
Oct 12
14 open
Tue
Oct 13
3 open
Wed
Oct 14
2 open
Thu
Oct 15
1 open
Fri
Oct 16
Full
Sat
Oct 17
Full
Sun
Oct 18
3 open
Mon
Oct 19
3 open
Tue
Oct 20
8 open
Wed
Oct 21
3 open
Sold out on your dates? Set an alert and we'll catch the next cancellation.
Getting there
📍 7 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
From the South Entrance of Zion National Park, take the first right after the entrance station toward the Visitor Center. After passing the Visitor Center, enter Watchman Campground and stop at the kiosk for site directions. From Interstate 15, take Exit 16 (from south) or Exit 27 (from north) to State Route 9 east through Springdale to the South Entrance.
National Park Service website ↗