Details
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 26, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
Watchman Campground is located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, ¼ mile away from the South Entrance in Springdale, Utah. Tent and electric campsites are available year-round and group campsites are available from March through November. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a picnic table, and access to a fire ring. All campsites in Watchman Campground require reservations year-round. Reservations may be made six (6) months in advance.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Watchman Campground remains open all year, with reduced availability in winter. All sites in Watchman Campground require reservations. Generally, the D, E, and F Loops are closed in December, January, and February. The actual availability should be reflected on Recreation.gov
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
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Cell Phone Reception
Amphitheater
Dump Station
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Directions
Watchman Campground is located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, ¼ mile away from the South Entrance at Springdale, Utah. Follow the signs after entering the park.
Rates & Fees
Electric Campsites (until July 3, 2024)
Generators are not permitted, but 95 campsites have electrical hookups. Reserve an electric campsite if you need power.
Tent Only Campsites (until July 3, 2024)
There are 69 campsites that are for tents only with combined vehicle length less than 19' (5.8 m). There are 18 Tent Only, Walk-in campsites. These sites are a short walking distance from parking.
Group Campsites
There are 6 group campsites that are limited to one site per affiliated group at a time with a seven day per stay limit. The sites can accommodate from 9 to 40 campers. The group campsites are tent only. RVs, camping trailers, and pop-up campers are not permitted. Cost $50.00 per night for 7-12 people, $90.00 per night for 16-25 people and $130.00 per night for 26-40 people.
Accessible Sites (until July 3, 2024)
2 wheelchair accessible sites
Electric Campsite (starting July 4, 2024)
Generators are not permitted, but 95 campsites have electrical hookups. Reserve an electric campsite if you need power.
Tent Only Campsite (starting July 4, 2024)
There are 69 campsites that are for tents only with combined vehicle length less than 19' (5.8 m). There are 18 Tent Only, Walk-in campsites. These sites are a short walking distance from parking.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
No fires are permitted when Fire Restrictions are in place.Regulations Overview
- Check out time is 11:00 a.m. - Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Generators are not permitted at any time. - Do not move picnic tables. - Tents and vehicles must not be on vegetation. - No fires are permitted when fire restrictions are in place. Please refer to Campground Map and Regulations document at the bottom of the page for information about food storage, recreation equipment, and more.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
Pavement in some sites is broken and can make wheelchair use difficult. Gravel pathways to bathrooms. Fire grills elevated, and picnic tables are extended. Asphalt trail leads to Watchman Amphitheater. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
Sites are a variety of sizes. Length limits for each site are provided in the site details on recreation.gov.
RV Maximum Length
40
Additional Information
All services are available in Springdale, Utah, one half-mile away. There are no full-hookup campsites; a dump station is available for campers. Shaded/tree sites can only accommodate vehicles with maximum height of 12' 6" (3.81 m). 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. Electric campsites are available in Loops A and B. Nonelectric campsites are are in Loops C, D, and F. Group Campsites: There are 6 group campsites that are limited to one site per affiliated group at a time with a seven day per stay limit. The group campsites are tent only sites. RVs, camping trailers, and pop-up campers are not permitted to camp in these sites. Hammocks are not allowed in group sites. The sites can accommodate 7 to 40 campers. E1 holds 15-30 people and is $130.00/night, E2 holds 15-25 people and is $90.00/night, E3 and E7 holds 20-40 people and is $130.00/night, E5 holds 7-15 people and is $50.00/night.
Trailer Maximum Length
40
ADA Information
Sites A-24 and A-25 are reserved for ADA use. Watchman Campground has seven accessible sites and multiple other flat sites with easy access to six accessible restrooms. 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. The amphitheater has accessible seating located on the top row.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!