Campvue

Reviewed: Nov 25, 2025

2 out of 5

I want to be clear before you read on that I think Watchman campground is fantastic, and in an amazing setting and you should strive to stay here, even if this is the only site available when you book. So why a two star review then? Keep in mind reviews here on Campvue are supposed to focus on the individual campsite, not the campground overall. Quite simply, I rate this site, site D36, so low, because of major privacy issues and sun exposure. But mostly because of horrible privacy. If you see the yellow tent in the video (that's mine by the way), you might be surprised to learn the neighboring site's fire ring is just a few feet away. So if you end up with neighbors giggling and listening to music at all hours of the night, it's like they are right there with you, in your tent. If you are in a camper van or something similar, maybe it would not be so bad. But in a tent. Forget about it... But as it stood, I unfortunately did have very inconsiderate, immature and giggly neighbors. It was two younger campers, probably in their twenties if I had to guess, and the two stayed up all night... never once sleeping. They played music on a small boombox, not at a super high level, but loud enough for the neighboring sites to hear. They giggled and gossiped the whole time too. At one point, perhaps at around 1 or 2 in the morning, I politely asked if they could turn the music off, as it was the middle of the night. They obliged and turned it down a few notches, but the chatter and din continued. Perhaps in a different situation, where the site was spaced out more, it would not have mattered. So to blame them, or to blame the facility, I don't know the right answer. Probably a combo of both. The problem with the campsite is it invites this problem. Why the designer of the campground thought it was a good idea to have two sites so close to together is beyond me. So this is your word of warning. If you have choice when your book and privacy is a concern, you are taking a major chance with this one. Try for a different site first if you can. That said, my second night was not as bad, as the next neighbors (who were in a van), barely made a peep. But beyond sound, the other weirdness in these situations is, there are no trees, no bushes... nothing to break up the sight lines. So you could end up in a staring contest with your neighbors. I don't know... I'll accept the criticism that I as a human should work on my people skills, but when I camp, I do it to get away and seek solitude, so not a fan of these arrangements. And finally, especially in the summer, this particular site is among the most exposed... no trees to help with shade. So you'll bake unless you bring your own shade. The best part of this site is that it is very level and a good ground to pitch a tent. No issues there. As a standalone, it is not a bad site... its more about the context in which the site is in. There are nearby restrooms with flushing toilets, so that's a nice convenience. You do get a jump on the crowds if you stay here and a parking space, which that parking spot alone makes staying here worth it as those who have looked for parking in Zion in peak season understand what I mean. So if left with no other options and site D36 is your only choice? Book it, as there are many positives to counter the negatives... but just hope you have courteous neighbors!