Category: Campgrounds

Campgrounds are serene havens nestled in natural landscapes, offering a rustic retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike. Surrounded by towering trees, babbling brooks, or expansive meadows, campgrounds provide a tranquil setting to pitch tents or park RVs, fostering a connection with nature. Trails for hiking or biking often wind through these sites, leading adventurers to hidden vistas or peaceful lakeshores. Campfire circles crackle with warmth in the evenings, where stories are shared under starlit skies. Facilities may range from basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables to more modern conveniences such as restrooms with showers and designated cooking areas. Whether for a weekend escape or an extended wilderness adventure, campgrounds offer a refreshing escape from urban life, inviting visitors to unwind and recharge in the great outdoors.

Watchman Campground

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Zion National Park Campgrounds
Zion National Park Campgrounds

Watchman Campground is located in Zion National Park in southwestern Utah and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of Zion up close while also enjoying the convenience of modern amenities.

History:

Watchman Campground was established in the 1960s and was named after the Watchman rock formation that rises above the campground. The campground was designed to provide a comfortable and convenient base for visitors to explore the park, while also preserving the natural beauty of the area.

Amenities:

Watchman Campground offers a variety of amenities to make visitors’ stay comfortable and enjoyable. These include:

  • Campsites: The campground offers a total of 176 campsites, including 95 RV sites and 81 tent sites. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and fire pit or grill, and most sites have electric hookups.
  • Restrooms: The campground has three modern restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks, as well as several water filling stations.
  • Dump station: There is a dump station located at the entrance to the campground for RVs to use.
  • Laundry facilities: The campground has a coin-operated laundry facility available for guests to use.
  • Camp store: The Watchman Campground store offers a variety of camping supplies, snacks, souvenirs, and other items.

Activities:

There are numerous activities available to visitors at Watchman Campground and the surrounding area. Some of these include:

  • Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails in Zion National Park that are easily accessible from the campground, including the Watchman Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Biking: Biking is allowed on the Pa’rus Trail, which is accessible from the campground and offers a scenic route through the park.
  • Rock climbing: Zion National Park is a popular destination for rock climbers, and there are numerous climbing routes available throughout the park.
  • Wildlife viewing: Zion is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors can often see these animals while hiking or exploring the park.
  • Ranger programs: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, campfire talks, and stargazing events.

Reservations

Reservations for Watchman Campground can be made online or by phone up to six months in advance. The campground is open year-round, although some sites may be closed during the winter months due to snow. During peak season (March through November), reservations are highly recommended, as the campground often fills up quickly.

Fees

The nightly fee for a campsite at Watchman Campground varies depending on the season and type of site. Tent sites are generally less expensive than RV sites, and fees are higher during peak season. In addition to the nightly fee, visitors to Zion National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. The fee varies depending on the type of vehicle and the length of stay.

Recreation.gov

Accessibility

Watchman Campground is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with several ADA-accessible campsites and restrooms available. The Pa’rus Trail, which is accessible from the campground, is also ADA-accessible.

Conclusion

Watchman Campground is a popular destination for visitors to Zion National Park, offering modern amenities and convenient access to the park’s many activities and attractions. With its stunning scenery, numerous hiking trails, and abundant wildlife, Zion is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty of the American Southwest. Whether you’re camping in a tent or RV, Watchman Campground provides the perfect base for your Zion adventure.

Campground Map

Chilao Campground

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Angeles National Forest Campground
Angeles National Forest Campground

Chilao Campground is a popular camping destination located in the Angeles National Forest, in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. The campground is situated at an elevation of 5,300 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Facilities

Chilao Campground features 77 campsites, each of which is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. The campground also offers a number of amenities, including potable water, restrooms, and showers. Additionally, there is a camp store on-site that sells firewood, ice, and basic camping supplies.

Activities

The San Gabriel Mountains are a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the nearby hiking trails, including the Silver Moccasin Trail, which offers stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains. There are also opportunities for fishing and swimming in nearby streams and lakes. Additionally, the campground is located near several historic sites, including the Mount Wilson Observatory.

Location

Chilao Campground is located in the Angeles National Forest, approximately 55 miles northeast of Los Angeles. To get there, visitors can take the Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2) to Chilao Campground Road. The campground is situated in a peaceful, secluded area, surrounded by trees and mountains.

This is a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. With its stunning natural scenery and wide range of activities, it is sure to provide a memorable camping experience for visitors of all ages.

Campground Summary

NameChilao Campground
LocationSan Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles, California
Elevation5335 Feet
Number of Sites77
Latitude, Longitude34.3203, -118.0134

Campground Map

References

Furnace Creek Campground

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Furnace Creek Campground is the premier developed campground in Death Valley National Park and the only National Park Service (NPS) campground that accepts reservations. Located near the Furnace Creek Visitor Center at roughly 190 feet below sea level, it serves as a convenient central base for exploring the park’s iconic landscapes.

Borax Wagons near Furnace Creek Campground, Death Valley National Park, California
Borax Wagons near Furnace Creek Campground, Death Valley National Park, California

Geographic Description

The campground sits on the open valley floor in one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. Terrain is mostly flat and exposed desert with sparse vegetation—some sites have limited shade from scattered trees or palms, but most are unshaded. Wide mountain views stretch east and west, glowing in oranges, reds, and yellows at sunrise and sunset. It is immediately adjacent to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and a short walk or drive from the Oasis at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Ranch), which offers additional services. The surrounding landscape includes salt flats, colorful badlands, and rugged mountain ranges that define Death Valley’s extreme environment.

Amenities

  • Sites: 136 total (reduced to about 41 in summer). Includes standard dry sites for RVs and tents, 18 full-hookup sites (water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric—nine pull-through and nine back-in), tent-only drive-in and walk-in sites, and several group sites. Selected sites accommodate longer RVs (up to ~100 feet on some).
  • Facilities: Drinking (potable) water, flush toilets (year-round), picnic tables, fire rings or grills at each site, dump station (year-round), trash/recycling, and a seasonal amphitheater. Staff or campground hosts are present seasonally.
  • What’s missing: No showers or laundry in the NPS campground (showers and a spring-fed pool are available for a fee at the nearby Oasis resort). No campground Wi-Fi; cell service is intermittent or limited near the visitor center. Generators allowed 7 a.m.–7 p.m. (unless posted otherwise). Fires only in provided grates; gas stoves OK; charcoal/wood BBQ grills prohibited.
  • Nearby conveniences: Camp store, restaurants, gas, general store, and other services at the Oasis/Ranch complex (short walk). Firewood sometimes available for purchase nearby.
  • Fees (approximate, subject to change): Standard sites ~$30/night; full-hookup ~$44/night ($30 + $14 utility fee). Senior/Access Pass discounts apply to the site fee. Park entrance fee is separate. Max stay typically 14 days per calendar year at this campground.

Sites are generally level and straightforward, though spacing can feel tight in popular areas. Restrooms are typically clean and well-maintained according to recent reviews. Tent-only walk-in areas offer a quieter, generator-free experience.

Best Times to Visit

November through March (especially November–February) offers the most pleasant conditions: daytime highs often in the 60s–70s°F and cooler nights. Winter and early spring bring clear skies ideal for stargazing (Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park) and comfortable hiking.

  • Reservations (via Recreation.gov, up to 6 months in advance) are available October 15–April 15 and are strongly recommended—sites fill quickly on weekends and holidays.
  • From mid-April through mid-October the campground shifts to limited first-come, first-served sites. Extreme heat makes this period unsuitable for most visitors: daytime temperatures frequently exceed 100–120°F, and nights may stay above 90°F. Summer camping is strongly discouraged.

Spring can bring wildflowers after wet winters and higher crowds (March is often the busiest month). Always check current conditions, heat advisories, and road status on the NPS website before traveling.

Nearby Points of Interest

Furnace Creek’s central location puts most major attractions within a short drive:

  • Furnace Creek Visitor Center — Exhibits, maps, ranger programs, and trip-planning info (walking distance).
  • Harmony Borax Works — Historic borax processing site with an easy interpretive trail (short bike path or drive from camp).
  • Zabriskie Point — Classic badlands overlook, excellent at sunrise (about 5 miles).
  • Badwater Basin — Lowest point in North America (282 feet below sea level) with vast salt flats (about 17 miles south).
  • Artist’s Drive & Artist’s Palette — Scenic one-way drive through colorful mineral hills (south of Furnace Creek; vehicle length limits apply).
  • Golden Canyon / Gower Gulch — Popular short-to-moderate hikes through colorful canyons and badlands.
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes — Accessible dunes near Stovepipe Wells (about 24 miles north); great for sunset or early morning.
  • Dante’s View — High overlook with panoramic views of the valley and Badwater (about 25 miles, cooler elevation).
  • Other nearby options include Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, and the Oasis resort amenities (pool, restaurants, Borax Museum).

Overall, Furnace Creek Campground prioritizes convenience and infrastructure over solitude or lush surroundings. It is ideal as a practical base for first-time visitors or those with RVs who want reliable facilities and easy access to Death Valley’s highlights. Expect an exposed desert experience—bring shade structures, plenty of water, and sun protection—and book early for peak season. Always verify the latest details on the official NPS page or Recreation.gov, as operations and conditions can change.

Campground Summary

NameFurnace Creek Campground
LocationFurnace Creek, Death Valley National Park, California
Latitude, Longitude36.463188,-116.8710673
Elevation-200 feet
Number of Sites136
Amenties

Furnace Creek Campground Map

References

Coldwater Campground

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Coldwater Campground is a campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake Mary is the largest and the most developed of the eleven lakes in the Mammoth Area. The campground is located along Coldwater Creek, which feeds water into the scenic Lake Mary.

Coldwater Campground, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California
Coldwater Campground, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California

The campground is quite popular due to its location on the mountain and proximity to Lake Mark. The lake offers tremendous fishing and opportunities for hiking and enjoying the picturesque scenery. The fishing at Lake Mary features Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout and on more than one trip, my evenings were spent watching sunsets while fly fishing. The peak season is from late May to early September each year.

The campground offers access to many nearby activities including Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow,, Rainbow falls and Hot Creek. Two boat ramps and marinas allow for boating however the 10 mph limit on the lake keeps the lake angler friendly. Campsites typically share parking and the sites are reasonably flat. Tall pine trees offer shade from the high altitude sun.

This campground is in bear country and typically bears activity is fairly high. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle.

Coldwater Campground Map

Campground Summary

NameColdwater Campground
LocationMammoth Lakes, Inyo County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.5980514,-118.9974829
Elevation9,000 feet
Number of Sites74
AmenitiesCampsites are organized into two loops, with sites fairly close together and near either creek. Pressurized water spigots and flush toilets are provided throughout the facility, and there are picnic tables, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers at each campsite.

References

Convict Lake Campground

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Convict Lake Campground is a wonderful location to camp in the amazing High Sierra Mountain near Convict Lake in Mono County, California. The campground is located about 100 yards from Convict Lake and some of the sites will have views of the lake. Those sites which do not have a view of the lake must simply take in the wonderful rugged High Sierra Mountains as their back drop.

A deer walking the road into Convict Lake Campground
A deer walking the road into Convict Lake Campground

The campground is situated so that Convict Creek runs down its length on one side. The small creek offers a wonderful sound track to some of the campsites. It’s easy access allows you to walk from the campsite to the creek in about 10 seconds. This is a nice place to fish, or just take a nap in the afternoon. I can speak from first hand experience that bear will also use paths near to creek to enter and egress the campground.

I can speak from first hand experience that bear will also use paths near Convict Creek to enter and egress the campground.

J. Rathbun
Convict Creek offers fishing and a few spots to take a nap.
Convict Creek offers fishing and a few spots to take a nap.

Overall, I have enjoyed every stay at this campsite, and each visit is memorable. The campground offers great access to all of the activities at Convist Lake and a good place to jump off when exploring the Eastern Sierra.

Depending upon the time of year, you may need to make reservations. My past few trips were hunting for Fall Colors and in October the camp ground typically has some good first come first serve camp sites. The campground is typically serene, quiet and a wonderful place to be.

Campground Summary

NameConvict Lake Campground
LocationConvict Lake, Mono County, California
Sites85
Elevation7600 feet
AmenitiesTables, Fire rings, Flush toilets, drinking water, hot showers and a dump station. Food storage lockers for safety from bears.
SpecialActive Black Bear Population

Convict Lake Campground Trail Map

References