A Beautiful Campground Right By An Entrance Is Easily The Best At Zion National Park

Zion National Park sits in southern Utah near the Nevada and Arizona borders and is a stunning nature preserve celebrated for its red sandstone cliffs, scenic drives, and world-class hiking trails. Spanning over 147,000 acres, and centered on the 15-mile Zion Canyon, reaching depths of up to 3,000 feet, a geological marvel that attracted about 4.9 million visitors in 2024. Its iconic features include towering cliffs, natural rock arches like Crawford and Kolob, and unique hikes such as The Narrows, where hikers are also needed to wade or even swim in slot canyons, or the infamous Angels Landing, a thrilling climb with extraordinary views. The park's diverse landscapes range from cactus-filled deserts to high altitude forests and provide endless offerings of hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing, and camping, luring nature enthusiasts from near and far.

The best time of year to visit Zion is from March to May or from September to November when temperatures are mild and there are less crowds to obscure those gorgeous views and overlooks. Its beauty shines no matter the season though, and the park is open year-round. With easy access from Salt Lake City (under 4 hours), Las Vegas (2 hours), or as a stop on a scenic road trip to Grand Canyon National Park, Zion is a convenient and inspiring destination.

For an immersive experience, camping at Watchman Campground, located near the park's south entrance, offers unbeatable access to the best the park has to offer. Surrounded by the glowing sandstone cliffs and the flowing Virgin River, Watchman Campground provides a perfect blend of natural immersion and practical amenities, making it an ideal base for exploring this iconic park.

Watchman Campground, located about a mile from Zion National Park's south entrance in Springdale Utah, is widely regarded as the park's premier camping spot, earning a 4.6-star rating on Recreation.gov. Nestled along the Virgin River, this campground is enveloped by towering sandstone cliffs that pop off in vibrant reds and pinks during sunrises and sunsets, creating a wondrous backdrop. Cottonwood trees surround the campgrounds and turn a rich golden during fall, and the river provides a refreshing escape during summer's heat. With over 60 tent and electric hookup sites available year-round (plus group sites from March to November), Watchman provides essential amenities like flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, though showers are not available. Reservations are required for all sites, open up six months in advance, and should be made as early as possible due to high demand.

The campground's proximity to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is a key advantage, offering easy access to interpretive displays, park information, a gift shop, and the park's free shuttle system, which operates from March to November. This shuttle is critical, as many iconic trails and sights in the park are only accessible through the shuttle system during peak season.

Three trails — Watchman, Archaeology, and Pa'rus — are directly accessible from the campground, providing scenic river views and easy exploration directly from camp. Springdale's vibrant shops, restaurants, and art galleries are a short walk away, making it simple to stock up on supplies or enjoy local culture. Reviewers praise Watchman's convenience and beauty: "The views of the red cliffs were stunning, and being just a short walk from the shuttle made exploring the park super easy."

Zion National Park's iconic attractions offer visitors' unforgettable adventures. The Narrows, one of the park's most popular hikes, begins with a one-mile Riverside Walk before leading hikers into the Virgin River to wade through a slot canyon with soaring red walls. Best tackled in the summer when warm temperatures make the water refreshing, this hike requires checking with rangers for safe water levels and to avoid flash floods. Its otherworldly beauty, with bright blue water contrasting sharply against towering red cliffs, captivates visitors. Similarly, the Emerald Pools trail, accessible from the historic Zion Lodge, leads to a serene desert oasis with three pools fed by a verdant stream, offering a peaceful hike shaded by maple trees and framed by striking peaks. 

For those looking for thrills, Angels Landing is a must. However, its steep 5.4-mile trail with 1,800 feet of elevation gain and chained sections along narrow dizzying paths isn't for everyone. A permit, obtained through a lottery system, is required, but the reward is a jaw-dropping view over Zion Canyon.

Those without permits can hike the West Rim Trail to Scout's Lookout for stunning vistas. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, a seven-mile route, showcases numerous iconic landmarks and sights like the Court of the Patriarchs' striated peaks and Weeping Rock. From March to November the free shuttle navigates this drive, stopping at trailheads for Angels Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, and more, while during winter visitors can drive their own vehicles.