Where to camp at Zion National park

[Bearsfanatic85]

So we are planning to go to Zion for our vacation this year, We're thinking mid June so its not too hot. Does anyone have any input about a decent camp ground to stay at, we would like to have electric but dont really need anything other than a shower available. We were at Yellowstone this past summer and didnt like how the campsites were stacked on each other so some thing with some space between them would be ideal. Also some ideas for things to see and do would be great, we will be pulling the motorcycle so reasonable distance isnt a issue, Thanks for your input and happy camping!

[big_whitey]

trackhead wrote:
You can also camp free, across from the entrance to Zion on public land..............nice views of the park from there.

The Watchman Campground is near the big iMax theater and excellent Thai Food though;)

Good info thanks a bunch for sharing.

[NCWriter]

I liked Watchman a lot for the convenience to shuttles and visitor center. Would stay there again, (but I don't think they have showers, which OP mentioned). Does have electric.

Some sites are right on the river if you book early. Very enjoyable to prop your feet on the split rail fence and watch the river go by after a busy day hiking.

A good intro to the park is the "Ride with a Ranger" tour, free but you need to sign up.

[ab257]

We stayed for a couple days in town at the Zion Canyon Campground to do laundry and get familiar with the area, then had reservations at the Watchman (just across the stream from ZCC. Also did the 'bike down from the top' and it was great. Hiked up the narrows also.

[profdant139]

If you are in moderately decent shape, it is an easy (and excellent) bike ride from the campground area in Springdale, along the river, and up the canyon, all the way to the end, with a great downhill ride all the way back. Since they will be running the shuttle in the summer, there are no cars. When the shuttle comes up behind you, you have to move over and get off, which is no problem. One of the world's greatest bike rides, and no traffic!

[vermilye]

If you plan is staying at the South Campground in the park, get there early - no reservations & it usually fills quickly. Watchman will require reservations most of the time.

[GettinToad]

Another vote for Zion Canyon Campground. Stayed there twice, once full hookup the other time in a tent. It's on the Virgin river with great access. Facilities are clean, token showers. Both trips, spring and summer, we weren't able to get reservations or first come first served in the park.
It's a the 2nd to last shuttle stop before the park and they're short stops so it is walk able. Shuttle service in town is fantastic, never driven except arriving or leaving town.


k.

[Mello_Mike]

trackhead wrote:
You can also camp free, across from the entrance to Zion on public land..............nice views of the park from there.

The Watchman Campground is near the big iMax theater and excellent Thai Food though;)

x2 Forget the campgrounds. They're crowded and very expensive. You can boondock for free near both entrances on BLM land with amazing views. Here's us boondocking near the small town of Virgin.



Another pic of me inside the park.

[happycamper1942]

We stayed in the town of Virgin, a nice full-hookup rv park if you want that. Its about 15 minutes drive from the entrance. The shuttle buses are great, you have to use them in the main part of the park, but you can also drive in another part of the park.

[tuna_fisher]

Just have to mention that the shuttle service is top notch, works great. I don't camp in parks often and never wanted to use a shuttle, but I have to say they got it down, great way to see parts of the park.

[trackhead]

You can also camp free, across from the entrance to Zion on public land..............nice views of the park from there.

The Watchman Campground is near the big iMax theater and excellent Thai Food though;)

[kohldad]

I agree with Trailer Village, but the closeness is well made up for by the convenience.

For no thrills inside the park, check out South Campground. Spaced out a little more than Watchman but no hookups. Still an easy walk to the shuttle. Wouldn't count on walking into the canyon beyond the trail at the upper end. Odd are the water will still be too high.

If you have bikes, put them on the shuttle to the end of the loop and then coast back to the camper. Except for one short uphill and the flat from the main road to the campground, it's all down hill. Grade is perfect to hold you to about 20mph max. If you keep coasting that is as it is a great way to make a lot of stops where the buses don't.

[enblethen]

Watchman Campground is located near the entrance. Some sites have partial hook ups.
Shuttle picks you up near the campground at the visitors center.

[mabynack]

I stayed at the Zion Canyon Campground near the west entrance to the park. It was walking distance to the gate where you could pick up the tour bus. The location was great and the park met our needs.