Watchman Campground

Watchman Campground is a large recreational space within Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah. There are 176 sites in the campground, including two wheelchair accessible sites and six group sites. The campground is just a short walk from the Zion National Park Visitor Center, and sandstone cliffs surround it. There are also cottonwood trees lining the campground, and the Virgin River runs alongside it. Some campsites have decent shade but many have minimal tree cover, so the river is a great way to cool off on hot days.

Pets are permitted to join their humans for a camping trip, but there are a few rules to be aware of. Your dog must always be on a leash, and dogs are only permitted to walk on the roads within the park -- the only dog-friendly trail is the Pa'Rus Trail. The Pa'Rus trail is a paved 3.3-mile out-and-back trail that runs along the river. From April to October, shuttle buses take campers to many of the trailheads and the canyon. Dogs are also not permitted on the buses or in any buildings within the park.

Each campsite at the Watchman Campground has a fire ring -- some sites have electric, but no sites have full hookups. Trash collection is provided, and there is also a dump station and a recycling station at the campground. For your convenience, there are also ranger and comfort stations nearby.

Although the campground is open year-round, the best time of year to visit is considered by many to be the fall. During April and May, tent caterpillars come out in large numbers and fall from trees. In July and August, you may find a lot of ants around your campsite, so be sure to store food properly.

In addition to your camping fee, a $30 fee per vehicle is required to enter Zion National Park. Although walk-in sites are available, reservations are highly recommended to ensure your spot at this spectacular campground.