Watchman Campground is popular year-round due to its incredible views and easy access to the canyon.
Photo: NPS Photo / Abi Farish
About
Watchman Campground is located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, ¼ mile away from the South Entrance in Springdale, Utah. Tent, RV, and group campsites are typically available year-round. All sites include a parking space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and space for a tent or RV/camper. All campsites in Watchman Campground require reservations. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance for standard sites or 12 months for group sites. First-come, first-served sites are not available.
Campsites
Location
UT-9
Springdale, UT 84767
Fees
Hours
Watchman Campground is typically open year-round. The D, E, and F Loops may experience seasonal closures due to weather or maintenance needs. Check recreation.gov for current availability. All sites in Watchman Campground require reservations.
Reservations
Reservations for campsites at Watchman Campground can be made up to six months before your arrival date. Reserve sites online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The campground is full nearly every night during the peak season; early reservations are strongly encouraged.
Make a Reservation →Directions
Watchman Campground is located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, ¼ mile away from the South Entrance in Springdale, Utah. After entering the park, follow the signs to reach the campground.
Weather
Zion is known for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation and day/night temperatures may differ by over 30°F. More details are on our weather webpage: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/weather-and-climate.htm
Accessibility
Fire grills are elevated, and picnic tables are extended. An asphalt trail leads to the Watchman Amphitheater. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible. Some restrooms have gravel pathways. Pavement in some sites is broken and can make wheelchair use difficult.
The park does not offer public internet service. Nearby businesses may have public wifi.
Cell service is generally reliable within the campground. Signal can be spotty depending on your carrier and how busy the park is.
Seasonal fire restrictions are common - check with a ranger or camp host for current fire restrictions. Fires are only permitted in the furnished grates at each site. Only common fuel sources (such as firewood or charcoal) may be used. No burning of trash or manufactured/synthetic materials is allowed. Fires should never be left unattended and must be fully extinguished before leaving. Wood gathering is prohibited within the park. Purchase wood in nearby communities. Gas or liquid-fueled stoves and lanterns are allowed, but they should only be lit on bare ground away from vegetation. Lanterns may not be hung from trees. For additional regulations details, visit https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/camping-regulations.htm
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Sites and their parking areas are a variety of sizes. Length limits for each site are provided in the site details on recreation.gov.
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All services are available in Springdale, Utah, one half-mile away. There are no full-hookup campsites; a dump station is available for campers. Sites with trees/shade can only accommodate vehicles with maximum height of 12' 6" (3.81 m). Electric campsites are available in Loops A and B. Nonelectric campsites are in Loops C, D, E, and F. There are 18 Tent Only, Walk-in campsites. These sites are a short walking distance from vehicle parking and are ideal for bicyclists and backpackers. Additional regulations can be found on the park's camping regulations page at https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/camping-regulations.htm
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Watchman Campground has several accessible sites and multiple other flat sites with easy access to six accessible restrooms. The amphitheater has accessible seating located on the top row. The road access route to the Visitor Center and Shuttle Stop has grades of up to 5% for 30-foot stretches, but has trench drain covers across sections of road with openings wider than 1 inch in certain locations. An alternate concrete and asphalt-paved pathway adjacent to the amphitheater through the river entrance plaza has slopes of up to 18% for 5-foot stretches and slopes up to 8% for 39-foot stretches.
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Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Developed Campground