Watchman Campground

Star4.55
1.3K reviews
S.R. 9, Springdale, UT, 84767, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

3,930 ft

Price

$35 - $130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

176 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Watchman Campground
$35.00 - $130.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on campsite type and group size. Individual campsites range from $35-$45 per night, while group sites range from $50-$130 based on...
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Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$35.00
Group Site Fee$130.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
435-772-3837zion_watchman_campground@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 1.3K reviews

788 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"Watchman Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, location, and accessibility. Some campers noted challenges such as noise, lack of showers, and exposure to the sun."

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Campground Map

S.R. 9, Springdale, UT, 84767, USA

Watchman Campground

S.R. 9, Springdale, UT, 84767, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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 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 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 to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles, 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 to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Continue straight for 12 miles, then turn left at the sign for Watchman Campground and Visitor Center. Stop at campground kiosk for directions to your campsite.
The campground is accessible from major roads, with well-paved routes leading to the facility. However, visitors driving large or oversized vehicles must adhere to restrictions for State Route 9, such as vehicle size limits and tunnel permits for the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The road access is reliable year-round, but some restrictions apply during non-peak hours.
Nearby places
Springdale (0 miles, walking distance)
Nearby supplies
Springdale, adjacent to the campground, provides groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials. Zion Outfitters, located within walking distance, offers showers, firewood, and equipment rentals.

Best Time to Camp at Watchman Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of desert seasons at Watchman, where each time of year paints the landscape in different moods. Summer brings intense desert heat, with temperatures soaring above 100°F, creating shimmering mirages against the canyon walls. Winter transforms the red rocks into a wonderland dusted with snow, offering crisp, cold nights perfect for campfire stories. But it's during the magical shoulder seasons of spring and fall when Watchman truly shines—mild days invite endless exploration while comfortable nights promise restful sleep under star-studded skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summers exceed 100°F and are crowded; shade is limited and heat is a major factor.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 3% in UT

Fall offers moderate weather and excellent hiking; reviews cite spring/fall as ideal seasons.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in UT

Spring features moderate weather and ideal trail conditions; highly recommended by reviewers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 11% in UT

Open year-round; winter is peaceful with fewer crowds but can be cold.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 (year-round peak pricing). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Watchman Campground is open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Active wildlife advisories for deer, ants, and caterpillars. No current closures.

About Watchman Campground

Nestled at the gateway to Zion National Park's south entrance, Watchman Campground serves as your basecamp for adventures in one of America's most spectacular natural wonderlands. This sought-after destination perfectly balances convenience with nature, placing you within easy reach of the visitor center, shuttle system, and iconic trails. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars, plugging in your RV at an electric site, or gathering with friends at a group campsite, you'll find yourself immersed in the raw beauty of southern Utah's red rock country.
Watchman Campground accommodates a variety of campers with its mix of tent-only, RV, and group sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Standard check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
Check-out
Standard check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
  • Campers may stay up to 14 nights during a visit
  • totals may not exceed 14 nights per year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Watchman Campground offers direct access to trails, opportunities for photography, and proximity to the Virgin River. Activities include hiking, biking, and stargazing. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent deer sightings.
HikingThree trails are accessible from the campground: Watchman Trail (moderate), Archeology Trail (easy), and Pa'rus Trail (paved, pet-friendly).
SwimmingVisitors can cool off in the Virgin River adjacent to the campground during warmer months.
BikingThe paved Pa'rus Trail allows biking. E-biking access noted, though potentially crowded.
Wildlife viewingDeer frequently roam the campground. Visitors report encounters with local wildlife such as squirrels and birds.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led evening programs are held at the amphitheater.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsApril-May may bring infestations of tent caterpillars. July-August experience higher concentrations of ants. Wildlife, including deer, roam through the campground.
Active AlertsActive wildlife advisories for deer, ants, and caterpillars. No current closures.

Weather at Watchman Campground

Reviews

4.6
1.3K reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Watchman Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Watchman Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, location, and accessibility. Some campers noted challenges such as noise, lack of showers, and exposure to the sun.
Review Summaries
Based on 1347 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, proximity to the park's entrance and visitor center, and stunning views of the Watchman peak. Rangers are helpful and the site is well-maintained. The Virgin River provides a...
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Based on 1347 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of showers and laundry facilities. Some sites lack privacy and shade. Noise from neighboring campers and occasional maintenance issues (e.g., restrooms under repair).
Based on 1347 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring shade structures and extra water during summer. Opt for sites with natural shade when possible. Utilize off-site showers in Springdale. Reserve early for desirable sites.
Based on 1347 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter offers peaceful stays with fewer crowds but can be cold. Spring and fall are ideal with moderate weather. Summer brings heat and more visitors, making shaded sites desirable.
Based on 1347 reviews

Camper Quotes

"No bad views from this campsite." "Bathrooms were clean and the water was decent." "Bring a canopy to combat the heat." "It's hard to beat the location."
Based on 1347 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site F012 is noted for privacy but has ant issues. Site B048 had drainage problems. D037 is described as lacking shade but close to facilities.
Based on 1347 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campground is well-laid out with paved paths. Restrooms feature accessible entrances. Limited reports from users with disabilities.
Based on 1347 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but limited to specific areas. The Pa'rus Trail is the only pet-friendly trail. Users appreciated the pet policy but noted restrictions on park access.
Based on 1347 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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