Any tips on the Watchmnan Campground in Zion?

jkjenn

I am getting ready to try to make some reservations for this summer. Does anyone have any recommendations? We will need a spot with electricity because we are going during the second half of July.

Normfun

The bar across the river gets noisy on weekends with live bands. Nice campground though. 

jkjenn

That's helpful, thanks, Norm. It looks like the Watchman is already full for the dates we are interested in so I will need to decide between one of the commercial ones or skipping it. A/C is a must as I will have the pup.

jdargis

Thought you didn't like the heat- Zion in
the summer!  The town of Hurricane, down the road from Zion- average July high 101 degrees , average low 69 degrees.  The shuttles, even are hot riding with all the top roof vents open.  You might have to hike the Narrows, to stay in the water to stay cool!

jkjenn

jdargis said:

Thought you didn't like the heat- Zion in
the summer!  The town of Hurricane, down the road from Zion- average July high 101 degrees , average low 69 degrees.  The shuttles, even are hot riding with all the top roof vents open.  You might have to hike the Narrows, to stay in the water to stay cool!

I have been there in early August, so I know what I am getting myself into, lol. It will be, my sister-in-law and me... and the European tourists.  She is in education so summers are it for her.

Allie

Penn, I was out in Hurricane last week and noticed KOA opened by Quail Creek not far from I 15. 
Didn't stop, but it is about 1/2 hour from Zion.  Sand Hollow is near there too.

DeeDee

Jenn, here are the state parks w/power within 35miles of Zion. 

jkjenn

Thanks. As I am up long  before sunrise, I find it easier and safer to be as close to the location as possible. Wildlife abound during the pre-dawn hours. I came nose to nose with an elk driving across the bridge not Estes Park once at 4:00 AM. Thankfully, I was driving slowly enough to be able to miss it. I have been looking at those places within 30 minutes but I am not totally sold. By the time you pay the use fee, they can be close to a commercial park. IF the campground isn't in Zion, we will likely be primarily sleeping there as we will want to spend time in the park. It also makes it tough because my strategy is usually to get up early, rest during middle part of the day and then head out later into the afternoon.

I know there are a couple of CGs right outside of the park. They seem to get mostly OK reviews. I have also considered boondocking at Smithsonian Butte Butte but fear even at the higher elevation it will be too hot to leave the pup behind.