Hello Folks!My sweetie and I are planning a trip to Zion National Park in early May '18. Do you guys have any tips, tricks, favorite parks, etc.?Thanks for all the help in the past.Merry Christmas!Tom

We normally stay at Watchman inside the park. They have some sites with partial hookups.Great time to go. Hike some of the trails for views of wild flowers and new babies.Remember that the east entrance has length and height restrictions. You may have to come around and enter by west entrance.

We also stay at the Watchman CG inside the Park. Some sites have 50amp service. There is a dump station with potable water.Walking distance to the Park's trolley.

rv2go wrote:We also stay at the Watchman CG inside the Park. Some sites have 50amp service. There is a dump station with potable water.Walking distance to the Park's trolley.We're thinking of visiting Zion and Bryce at about the same time, on our way home from the Tucson area. If staying at Watchman or, for that matter, any other campground in the area, are reservations needed for that time of year?

Itching2go wrote:rv2go wrote:We also stay at the Watchman CG inside the Park. Some sites have 50amp service. There is a dump station with potable water.Walking distance to the Park's trolley.We're thinking of visiting Zion and Bryce at about the same time, on our way home from the Tucson area. If staying at Watchman or, for that matter, any other campground in the area, are reservations needed for that time of year?I don't like surprises, I all ways make reservations when visiting National Parks.

Another vote for the Watchman CG but you will need reservations for sure and the earlier you make them {up to 6 months I think} the better. We have been several times, last was 2 years ago and the $18 sites {{$9 with a Geezer card} all had 30 amp service, as noted there is a decent two-lane dump station. When you stay at Watchman it is a short walk to the visitors center/tram station which is the best and often the only way to see the park. The weather can change quickly but May should be gorgeous. Enjoy!:C

Zion in May '18 | Good Sam Community

28 Replies

jalichty
Explorer
Apr 13, 2018
We stayed, twice, at a campground in Springdale right next to the Park. Can't remember the name, but fairly nice accommadations(sp) and reasonably priced. As long as you are traveling around, see if you can get to Kodachrome State Park, up by Bryce. Not as traveled as Zion and Bryce, but some nice scenery.
yaya
Explorer
Apr 07, 2018
thanks
enblethen
Nomad
Apr 07, 2018
I think they must mean AZ 389 from Fredonia around to UT 58 into Hurricane.
yaya
Explorer
Apr 07, 2018
someone had said coming from Bryce and NOT taking the tunnel I would take 89 to 289. I cannot see 289 on the map for the life of me. Must be my old eyes.
Njmurvin
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2018
Another shout out for Zion River Resort. We came through Vegas. So, no problem getting to the RV park. The spaces are a bit tight, but you don't go to Zion for the RV experience. It's about a 10-15 minute drive to the visitor center at the gate. We went in September and expected smaller crowds ... NOT. Parking lot was full. So we had to pay for overflow parking. Wherever you decide to stay, GET RESERVATIONS.
Butch50
Explorer
Mar 04, 2018
tomthyme wrote:
Hello Folks!
My sweetie and I are planning a trip to Zion National Park in early May '18. Do you guys have any tips, tricks, favorite parks, etc.?

Thanks for all the help in the past.

Merry Christmas!

Tom

I was just looking at Watchman campground and I would suggest you start checking the campground now and plan on booking it now also. It appears that loop B is not available for booking till 6/2/18 due to construction in this loop. This well put extra pressure on loop A which looks to be filling up also.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Mar 03, 2018
It is 160-170 miles for plan B route, depending on the route you take. It is listed as a 1.1 mile single tunnel, however "The Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel does include many windows so passenger views. So think bright sun, tunnel, bright sun, tunnel, bright sun tunnel, bright sun......

OP combination is to long. We did it with a standard cab long box 2001 RAM and 29' Cardinal and were just a couple feet under the 50' limit.
enblethen
Nomad
Mar 03, 2018
Yaya:
If you can fit the length of 50 or less, go through the tunnel. If you are in MH and pulling a toad that makes you longer, disconnect toad and go through. Length is more for trailer due to switch backs going down into canyon.
You should add your rig to profile or signature to make it easier to advise.
Likes_to_tow
Nomad
Mar 03, 2018
We made the KOA in Panguitch our base camp for the 5th wheel and drove to all the beautiful places. Bryce, Red Canyon, Cedar Breaks Nat Monument and Zion are all just a short drive. The folks who own the KOA live on the property and it is secure and safe. You will enjoy the scenery on the drives to the parks.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Mar 03, 2018
89, 289. I had no problems with the tunnel route with 36' MH and DW drove the toad both directions.

BTW The sit and wait was about 15 minutes as it doesn't take that long to clear the tunnel. And it's a lot less time and distance than any other route.