In and around Zion National Park, there are about a dozen campgrounds, each with its own charm and unique features to enjoy.
There are options for those who prefer classic, rustic camping without modern amenities, as well as sites that offer a family-friendly experience with special distractions and even luxury packages and themed activities.
The landscape and climate are similar across all sites since they share the same biome, but each campground varies in terms of amenities.
We chose the most special campground of all—the only one officially located inside Zion National Park: Watchman Campground.
One of the main attractions of this campsite is its proximity to one of the park’s most prominent peaks: the one that gives the campground its name, nestled at the foot of the massive red sandstone formation known as The Watchman.
As its name suggests, this formation seems to stand guard over the horizon, watching over the campers who set up camp in its shadow, just 800 meters away.
Staying here rewards you with incredible front-row views of the peak, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sun bathes its sides in golden light—a truly unforgettable scene.
During our trip, we had the chance to enjoy 5 days and 4 nights here with a group of friends, and we had an amazing time.
This campground offers small sites for solo adventurers and group sites (like the one we stayed in) that can accommodate up to 30 people. These include a fire pit and a shaded pavilion perfect for gatherings, meals, and even games.
The campground provides several shared amenities, including:
- Restrooms with toilets, sinks, and mirrors.
- A dishwashing station with sinks.
- Small water features where kids can play and cool off (a must during summer!).
Unfortunately, Watchman Camproground
doesn’t have showers, but right outside the park, you can find public showers where you can pay $4 for 5 minutes of water.
Although days can get quite hot, the campground is well-shaded under large bushes, keeping the area cool and preventing your tent from turning into an oven.
During our stay, we encountered a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and squirrels. While they may seem cute and “harmless,” it’s important to remember that feeding them is prohibited—and you could get hurt if you try.
While staying at Watchman Campground, we had some funny animal-related experiences
Even though we were advised to store all food out of sight before bedtime, we forgot to do so on our first night. At 5 a.m., we woke up to the sound of a family of deer rummaging through our snack bags in the common pavilion.
To make matters worse, on our second day, we returned from exploring the park to find two squirrels partying inside our tent with some snacks we’d left behind!
After these experiences, our top recommendation is to always store your food securely, preferably in your car. You never know when a little critter might decide to leave you hungry!
At this campground, we took photos, cooked, slept, laughed, made friends, and even made classic S’mores (marshmallows with crackers and chocolate).
We also took advantage of our stay to hike the Watchman Trail, a moderate 5.3 km (3.3-mile) loop. One great thing about this trail is that you don’t need to take the park shuttle to reach it—it starts just a few meters from the Visitor Center.
It’s a very family-friendly trail. Along the way, we encountered some elevation gains, reddish rocks, and a diverse range of wildlife we couldn’t resist photographing.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing breeze (at least that’s how it greeted us!) and a panoramic view of the entire park—the kind of view a “watchman” would have.
If you make it to the top, walk an extra 100 meters or so to reach a lookout point where you can take some special photos to remember the moment.
Without a doubt, staying at Watchman Campground was one of the most fun and smartest decisions we made this summer. Not only is it located inside the national park (meaning no driving once you’re there), but it also allowed us to connect with nature, disconnect from technology, and enjoy quality time with good friends.
🏕️CAMPGROUND DETAILS.
Each campsite can accommodate between 9 and 40 campers. Note that only tents are allowed in group sites—RVs, campers, and pop-up trailers are not permitted.
Pricing varies based on site size:
- Sites for 7–12 people: $50 per night
- Sites for 16–25 people: $90 per night
- Sites for 26–40 people: $130 per night
Watchman Campground has 176 sites in total:
- 95 sites with electrical hookups
- 65 RV-only sites
- 69 tent-only sites
- 7 group sites
☀️CURRENT WEATHER
⛰️MY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Book the campground six months in advance online.
- Wear waterproof shoes if you plan to explore the small river running through the campground.
- Be cautious of squirrels and deer—they might steal your food!
- Cell service is spotty, so take advantage of strategic spots if you need to communicate.
- In summer, wear light, comfortable clothing that protects you from the intense sun.
- Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (you’ll need them!).
- Bring mosquito repellent, especially during peak bug season.
- If you light a campfire, make sure it’s completely extinguished before going to sleep.
- Use the Alltrails app for digital maps (works offline).