In June 2020 we went on a epic RV getaway to Utah! I’ve already shared some highlights from Bryce Canyon, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and canyoneering through slot canyons if you haven’t checked those out yet. Today, I am going to share how we spent 24 hours at Zion National Park.
Where to Stay?
We left Bryce Canyon National Park in the afternoon and headed down towards St. George, Utah. I was lucky enough to get a reservation at the Watchman Campground within Zion NP, so this is the campground I will be recommending today. I received notice that the Park was opening back up and jumped at my chance. This particular campground books up months in advance, so be sure you make a reservation as soon as you have dates in mind!
- Reservations for campsites at Watchman Campground may be made six months prior to your arrival date online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Reservations are strongly suggested–the campground is full every night during the reservation season.
Watchman Campground is located right by the South Entrance and the Visitor Center. It is also walking distance from the shuttle which makes it a super popular spot. While the campgrounds aren’t secluded, they are a good distance apart and the views of the mountains and the river make it so you don’t even notice!
Campground Information from the National Park website:
- B Loop is RV only.
- Generators are not permitted in Watchman Campground.
- There are no full-hookup campsites; a dump station is available for campers.
- Shaded/tree sites can only accommodate vehicles with maximum height of 12′ 6″ (3.81 m).
- There are 69 campsites that are for tents only with combined vehicle length less than 19′ (5.8 m).
- There are 18 Tent Only, Walk-in campsites. These sites are a short walking distance from vehicle parking, which may have been repainted by companies like https://www.markingcontractors.co.uk/car-park/painting, and are ideal for bicyclists and backpackers.
- Electric campsites are $30.00 per night (Loops A and B).
- Tent Only campsites are $20.00 per night (Loops C, D, and F).
We spent our evening enjoying the campsite and walking around. We saw several deer and some people tubing down the river. The shuttles were not running while we were there, so we left the campsite at 5 am to get in line to go hike the Narrows. There is very limited parking at the different trail heads (which is why the shuttle under normal circumstances is the go to or some people even come in via bike).
Hiking The Narrows
I documented our entire hike starting at the Temple of Sinawava in the video below but I can say it was an experience we will never forget. The weather in Utah is unpredictable because we were there in June it ended up being in the 40s until mid-day. Trudging through water with a 5 year old probably isn’t recommended but this was the one hike we were dying to do and Sophie was a trooper. Or I guess I should say Steffen is a trooper because he just carried her as soon as it got too cold! That being said, had we had time to rent some neoprene shoes and socks, it wouldn’t have been nearly as bad. Regardless, it was an amazing adventure that we still talk about 6 months later.
Some tips if you are planning this hike in the future:
- Start early if you hope to get some photos without tons of people
- If you are cold sensitive, get the neoprene shoes regardless of the temps
- Rent a hiking stick or find one along the way, the current is strong
- Unless you can carry them, probably not for kids under 8
- Bring snacks and water, this hike is strenuous
- Plan to wear clothes that can get wet
Easy hikes for all ages
- Canyon Overlook Trail – easy 1 mile trail for all ages and abilities.
- Emerald Pool Trail – 1.5 to 3 miles depending on how far you hike. The trail starts off easy and get’s more strenuous the further you go.
- Riverside Walk – 2.2 mile easy hike for all ages (wheelchair accessible). This trail takes you to the start of the Narrows as you walk alongside the Virgin River.
- Kayenta Trail – 3.1 mile moderate trail with beautiful canyon views.
Bonus Info
Where to eat:
You won’t have many options within the park, so definitely recommend bringing sandwiched and snacks. But there is the Red Rock Grill Dining Room at Zion Lodge and the Zion Canyon Brew Pub which is where we ate and it was fantastic. Right outside the South Entrance is Springdale which has a small grocery store and many restaurants and cafe’s.
Where to stay/ camp:
Zion has three campgrounds. Watchman Campground is open year-round with reservations from early March to late November and first-come, first-serve during the rest of the year. South Campground and Lava Point Campground are open seasonally. South Campground takes reservations from early March to late October. Lava Point Campground is currently closed.
You can also stay at Zion Lodge which is open year-round. They offer motel rooms, cabins, and suites. This is also where Red Rock Grill is located.
I hope you all enjoyed this post and the video above! We can’t wait to go back and spend some more time exploring and hiking.
Be sure to pin the image below to save this information for when you travel to Zion.
