Camping in the Watchman Campground: Zion National Park

Camping is one of the greatest ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.  Now imagine going camping in one of the most beautiful locations in America?  That is what you’ll get when you go camping in the Watchman Campground.

The Watchman Campground in Zion National Park is gorgeous and rustic.  And what it lacks in amenities is made up for by waking up to incredible scenery.  Plus you’re right in the action of Zion.

So let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Watchman Campground.  

Important Links

• National Park Website
• Watchman Campground – Make Reservations Here
• Hiking the Watchman Trail

Location

The Watchman Campground is located right next to the Zion Canyon National Park Visitor Center.  Meaning, if you camp here, you’re just a few minutes walk from the visitor center, Springdale, and the Zion shuttle pickup.

The campground is about an hour from St. George, UT, 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City, UT and 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, NV.  

Booking Your Reservations

Camping in the Watchman Campground is extremely competitive.  So here are a few things you should know before you attempt to go camping here.

Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on a rolling basis.  So if you want to make a reservation for April 6th, you’ll make your reservations on October 6th.  

You can camp in the Watchman Campground for up to 14 days in a row, and only 14 days per year.  So if you book for 2 weeks straight, this is the only time you can stay in this campground that year.

Checking In and Out

Once you’ve made your reservation, you’ll need to know a few details about checking in and out.

• Check-in: After 12pm
• Check-out: By 11am

If you are camping in the Watchman Campground with a camper, you’ll want to head right to the dump station to fill up your fresh water tank with the available potable water. 

And when you are ready to leave, you can return to the dump station and empty your tanks.  

Campground 

In the Watchman Campground there are 6 loops.  Loops A and B are electric sites with 30 amp hookup.  Loops C and D are non-electric sites for tents or small campers under 19 feet.  

Loop E has all of the Group Sites, which are for groups of either 7-15 people, 15-30 people, or 20-40 people.  And finally, Loop F has all tent only, walk-in sites.  

Each site is a slightly different size, so be sure to read the details of each site.  There are a few sites that can accommodate up to a 40 foot camper, but most are much smaller.  

Let’s take a look at the amenities that the park offers.  

Amenities

• Potable Water
• Some Sites have Electric (30 AMP)
• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Dump Station
• Easy Access to Springdale, UT
• Easy Access to Zion National Park Shuttle

Walk-In Sites

All of the sites in Loop F are walk-in sites.  They only allow tents here and you will have to park your vehicle in a parking lot.  Once you’ve parked, you will carry in your gear to your site.  

Non-Electric Site

Sites in C and D Loops are all non-electric.  You can camp here with a tent, a van, or a camper that is under 19 feet.  These spots are small, but perfect for tent campers who don’t want to walk in their gear.

Electric Sites

All of the sites in Loop A and B are electric sites of varying size.  Some of the sites can accommodate campers up to 40 feet long.  But be sure to read each site’s description if you have a big rig.  

There are no water hookups anywhere in this campground, so if you want water in your camper, you’ll have to fill it up at the dump station.  Likewise, you can dump your tanks in the dump station on the way out.  

Group Sites

And finally, we have reached the group campsites in the Watchman Campground.  There are 3 different types of group sites in Loop F.  They have the Small Group Sites (7 – 15 people), Medium Group Sites (15 – 30 people), and Large Group Sites (20 – 40 people).  

Most of these sites have a 6 vehicle limit, so make sure you carpool with your group.  These sites are perfect for groups of people who are going tent camping anyway.  This way you can split the cost.

Speaking of cost, let’s jump into the prices for the different sites.

Price Comparison

Camping is an affordable option for staying in Zion National Park. And camping in the Watchman Campground is a great option for just about anyone visiting Zion.

Walk-In Sites

• $35 per night 
• $245 per week

Non-Electric Sites

• $35 per night 
• $245 per week

Electric Sites

• $45 per night 
• $315 per week

Group Tent Sites

• Small Group Site (7 – 15 People): $50 per night
• Small Group Site (15 – 30 People): $90 per night
• Small Group Site (20 – 40 People): $130 per night

These are the costs of each type of site at the Watchman Campground as of 2026.  Prices are subject to change and they do not include taxes or fees.

There are also National Park fees that you need to be aware of.  

National Park Fees

If you are lucky enough to get a campsite in the Watchman Campground, you’ll need to know that Zion National Park collects a separate park fee to enter.  The standard fee to enter Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle.  

There are a few other options, such as an annual pass.  For all the park pass options, you’ll want to check out this link.  

Conclusion

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Zion National Park is by camping at the Watchman Campground.  This beautiful place is close to the action and offers an affordable way to stay in Zion.

As always, feel free to reach out to me at averagewildexperience@gmail.com with any questions you might have.  

-Happy Camping!