Zion National Park Camp Grounds

[Guest mirancs8]

I have been planning a road trip to Zion National Park in Southern Utah with my 2 boys for some time now. Seems like every time I think the date is going to work I get thrown for a loop and have to push it back But now I'm sure this date will work in mid-June so I'm trying to confirm what our agenda will be for that long weekend. We love to camp so I'm trying to find a camp ground to stay at for 3 nights. Doing an internet search I came across 2 that seem to be the nicest ones Watchman and South. Anyone with experience at either of this sites? I seem to be leaning more towards Watchman for the fact that you can make reservations.

My next question would be is there anything that would be really worth seeing while we are there. A family I am friends with went on Easter weekend and gave me some ideas of places to see (and not see). I just want to see what others might recommend. Since I am driving from Arizona I will try to do the Grand Canyon North Rim (done the South Rim already). They recommended the Best Friends Animal Society tour for the kids. They have nearly 2000 animals apparently. I was told not to bother with the Moqui Cave it wasn't worth it. Pipe Spring National Monument was a definite must see. Frontier Movie Town was another place they recommended.

There was a hike they did with the kids that was really neat which took you under a large water fall.

If anyone has any recommendations I look forward to hearing them. It will help me finalize my agenda!

[sunnysol]

Hi There!

Congratulations on your visit to Zion! I spend time there each summer as a canyoneering guide. I prefer the Watchman campground as well. The park can get very busy and the reservation is a good thing to have. I prefer the sites that are all the way in the back next to the Virgin River.

There are so many amazing places to visit in the park. Just know your skill level and don't go up Angel's Landing if you are not in great shape or are afraid of heights. Weeping Rock is a pretty and easy warm up hike. I recommend riding the shuttle all the way through at first to get an idea of what you might want to go back to.

Have fun!

[Moksha]

As long as there is no trace of rain in the forecast, hiking up Zion's narrows (following the stream) is a lot of fun. Make sure you bring Coca-Cola (or some form of water) and food for a day hike. Bringing an old ski pole for each hiker helps with balance. Check the Zion's website for permit info.

[ADoyle90815]

I've only been through Zion National Park once as a kid, when my family was driving across country to visit family, and we just drove through the park. The only thing I would suggest is to bring plenty of food and water, not soda(colas included) since you could get dehydrated from the soda.

[Guest mirancs8]

Thank you everyone for your advice. Any information is useful since I've never been there before. Is there anywhere you would recommend in that area for site seeing? Not just the park because I'm willing to drive I'll be there 4 days. I have a few short hikes that I can do with the boys. Any long hikes are not doable since the kids are young and they won't want to walk that much. Really I'm looking now at site seeing places.

[pam]

Keep in mind you may not be able to drive the entire park. I was there last year and you could only drive so far before you had to take the trams.

Edited May 13, 2010 by pam

[Guest mirancs8]

Thanks Pam. Yes I did notice as well on their website. The Tram is a nice thing. I've done one of those when I was in Virginia and you get to see a lot while you are siting in it. I'm trying to focus outside the park for some site seeing stuff. I've been working on the daily itinerary and would like to add some sites outside the park. I figure I'm driving all the way there I want to take advantage of every minute.

[pam]

Zion National Park - Road Construction (U.S. National Park Service)

Just more fyi

[Guest mirancs8]

Thanks Pam! Yes did see that.