Nice campgrounds in Zion

[Nick Z]

Can anyone report on the campgrounds in and around Zion? I've never been and I'm just looking for some insight.

Thanks

[E. Graham]

We found Zion River RV Resort, a private campground in Virgin, Utah (10 minutes from the main west entrance to Zion National Park) to be spotlessly clean, with well-spaced sites including many along the river bank. PLUS there is a well-landscaped swimming pool which we used daily after returning from our hikes. The area has temperatures well over 100 degrees after mid-May.

Before checking in at Zion River RV Resort, we looked at and into a campground that was marginally closer to the entrance but found it dusty and ill-kept. As this was back in 2004, it is possible that the former may have deteriorated and the latter improved.

Lucky you, to be going to Zion!

Elisabeth

[ChuckH]

I haved stayed once a year for past 3 years at Zion River RV Resort and it is a favorite! All spotlessly clean, Ice cream socials, live entertainment some evenings,gatherings(aloha days,etc) aimed at kids and/or adults. A great place for family gatherings as they have seperate tent area and cabins for those who aren't blessed with Fiberglass! VERY Highly Reccommended !! No extra charge for the BEAUTIFUL scenery and sunsets!!!
Chuck

[Marv]

Nick, Watchman and South are the campgrounds right in the park. Watchman allows you to reserve certain sites (mostly along the river, I think). South campground is first come, first served. South is more heavily shaded and cooler in the warm weather. That's the one we preferred. In the busy season, I understand you have to be in line first thing in the morning to get a site. Also, there are no hookups so it will be hot in the summer, but the nights might be bearable.

If you are coming from the east, you must go through a tunnel. With an tall trailer, you pay an extra fee. Our Casita at 8.5 feet high was below the limit so no fee.

Marv

[Chris B]

Watchman had some sites with electricity. We lucked out and got a river site with electricity late in the afternoon when we went a couple of years ago. Somebody happened to be checking out early and we were just arriving. We prefer the NP atmosphere over the resort type places, but it depends on how you like to camp. Here's some general information:

Zion National Park Campgrounds

South Campground - Zion's South campground is on a first come first use basis and does fill up early in the day. Open March 13 through October 31. Phone 435-772-3256 No hookups no showers but the campsite is closer to the river than the Watchman is and there is more shade.
Sites: $16 per night .
Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, RV dump, drinking water and utility sinks.

Watchman Campground - Reservations: 1-800- 365-2267 Facilities include restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, fire grates, RV dump stations. No showers are available. Open all year. Sites are on a first-come basis November to March. Reservations can be made up to five months in advance during the rest of the year.
Sites: $16 per night without electricity
Sites: $18 per night with electricity
Sites: $20 per night for river sites
Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, RV dump, drinking water and utility sinks.