We are seriously thinking of hitting Bryce/Zion this summer. I have only really looked at one campground (Watchman, in Zion). Anyone on here camped there? Any tips?
Thanx.

 

Both Bryce and Zion are beautiful. Watchman is a good place to camp because it is next to the Zion visitors center where the buses start, and end, their trips. You can't drive north into the canyon anymore, rather ride buses which make frequent stops. You can get off and explore as often as you want, then catch the next bus since one stops at each pull-off every few minutes. You can't take your camper on highway 9 through Zion due to restrictions in the long tunnel near the east side of the park, so plan to enter and exit from, and to, the west. Cedar City is a nice community on I-15, between the 2 parks. HAAPy trails!

 

we towed our toy haulers through the tunnel. they stopped traffic in both directions and charged us $10 each. that was in '06.

 

Been to both several times. Best make reservations. Never had an issue getting through the tunnel. If you pull in the park with a trailer or rv over X size they will charge you the ten dollars for the tunnel escort. During the summer they usually just have one way trafffic at a time through the tunnel. Last one through carries the baton to the other side and passes it off. Bryce will be cooler and a nice respite from the heat. As mentioned going up canyon in Zion requires the use of the shuttle system. It may sound like a pain but it actually works pretty good. During peak times they come every few minutes and start as early as 5:30 and I think they go until midnight. Before the shuttle you literally had to wait for parking at each stop.
Both parks have campgrounds outside the parks that are close as well. Both places take and drink plenty of water.

 

Thanx for all the tips guys. I thought I hit the "immediate e-mail notification" button, but I guess I did not. I did not know I had replies. Great info guys. This is the only way to really find out how to do a trip right-talking to other campers who have been there.

 

We did that trip 2 years ago and it was great.We stayed at Panguich(sp?)lake.Nice campground and nice people. A little rustic with all hookups except TV and the fishing wasn't bad either.I think it was about an hour to both Zion and Bryce.The road in was a little challenging but not too bad.

 

I was there in the fall of 06 with the family. We didn't camp but were to these areas, and they are beautiful areas, very scenic, highly recommended!

 

We went in the off season ( spring of '07 ) The shuttles run during the summer so we were able to drive. Fewer people and the weather was great. Zion is beautiful any time, and the shuttle is nice for the crowds.

Have fun and be safe.