Zion National Park

On Wednesday we're heading down to Zion NP and will stay through the weekend. We lucked out and got a space in the Watchman campground with electric hookups. Weather is supposed to be in the low to mid 70s for the whole visit. Looking forward to visiting this place in the Spring. Not sure if there will still be snow on the higher elevations of red rock but we're hoping that's the case. Nothing prettier!

May take a day trip over to Page to pick up some yarn from a Navajo woman that we know there.

There were still a couple of spaces left in the campground if anyone would like to join us!

Getting outta here at last!

Keith

Wife is taking a class all of next week in St. George leaving me free for 5 days to take pictures in Zion. If I see your TM I'll stop by...

Would enjoy seeing you.

Keith

[scrubjaysnest]

Did Zion in May 2010, won't do that again the place was a zoo. You couldn't move there were so many people. We stayed at the free BLM CG about 3 miles from the park entrance.

May and September are probably the busiest times in the park. And Zion, like Yosemite and to some degree, Yellowstone, are very popular and accessible places, so yes, they do get crowded.

I think I know the campground you're speaking of. We have hiked that area a number of times.

Keith's guide to RV camping in the area:

South and Watchman campgrounds (in the park): If you want to be right close up, this is as close as it gets. South is dry camping and first come first served. Watchman has a good number of sites with electric hookups. Most sites are a reasonable distance apart. Advantage is closeness to the park and ranger talks at the amphitheater in the evenings starting in May. And if you like the comradery of camping, you'll find people here from all over the world.

Zion Campground & RV Park is just outside the entrance. Full hook ups in most sites and you can get sites right on the river if you like. No grass and just basics when it comes to restrooms and showers. Not what I'd call a pretty park but if you want FHU and still be close, this is as good as it gets. You can walk into the park from here.

Zion River Resort is in the town of Virgin just a few miles from the park. This is easily the nicest place to stay when it comes to RV Parks. Nicely maintained, friendly staff, and all the amenities. More expensive but you pay for what you get.

If you like dry camping and more of an escape from the masses, there are a number of BLM and Forest Service campgrounds in the area. Even they get filled up during peak season but they give you access to less crowded parts of the area. Some sites are free, most have a pay post to deposit a modest fee.

Just depends on what you want.

Keith

In September of last year. It was crowded then, also. We wanted to stay at the Watchman CG but couldn't get reservations so we stayed at a GREAT State Park in Hurricane. Had to drive about 30 miles to the park, but it was worth it because of the state park. I believe the name of the park is Sand Hollow...

Have fun,

Bob

34 degrees at the visitor center in Zion at 9am today (Tuesday). Warmed up nicely during the day and each day is supposed to be warmer yet. Not too crowded at all - the tram hasn't begun and cars are allowed in the valley. No issues finding parking today... But is still winter, new stuff is just starting to pop. Snowed over the weekend and there is still a bit around. Very pretty.

Thanks for the report, Scott. We'll be arriving in late afternoon. Weather reports show highs in mid 70s low around 48. I suspect we'll see more people over the weekend with that kind of weather. We will be in site B 29.

Keith

Not only did we meet Scott O, but also saw another TM in the camp ground and met new owners, steve and Cheryl from Nevada, also members of the forum.

Not a lot of people here. South campground is nearly empty. But the weather is very warm for March. Not something you could plan for.

Keith

[B_and_D]

Sounds lke you're in for a great weekend!

Pictures?

We'd love to see some...