Watchman Campground

Plan ahead if you want to camp at Watchman Campground

Millions of people visit Zion National Park every year, so you need to plan ahead if you want to camp near the south entrance. Watchman and South campgrounds are your gateway to adventure in Zion Canyon, both of which are within a half mile of the park and offer similar accommodations. Reserve a site up to 6 months in advance at Watchman Campground, or try your luck at the first come, first serve South Campground.

Watchman Campground, the bigger of the two, is the only campground that accepts reservations during the summer season (early March through mid-November). Sites on the east side of the campground border the Virgin River, while sites on the west side face UT 9. Cottonwood trees shade the campground, and the namesake Watchman Peak rises above the sites.

Watchman Campground provides access to three trails: Watchman, Pa’rus, and Archeology. You can reach other park trails by taking a park shuttle bus into the main Zion Canyon. The nearby town of Springdale, Utah offers guiding services, restaurants, and gift shops. Some routes and campgrounds require backcountry permits. Make sure you know your way around the process before heading out

Amenities

• Drinking water
• Picnic tables
• Fire pits
• Trash collection
• Phones

Directions

From Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah, on US 89, drive west on UT 9 for 24 miles, passing through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel and the park’s east entrance station. Just before the town of Springdale, turn left at sign for Watchman Campground.