Chasing Light and Solitude: My First RV Camping Adventure in Zion

The Utah sun was surrendering to the horizon, painting the colossal red rock formations of Zion National Park in a breathtaking spectacle of deep orange and soft rose. Shadows stretched long and languid across the Watchman Campground as I nervously maneuvered my rented Winnebago Travato Class B RV, affectionately nicknamed the "Travato," into campsite #B23. This was it – my first solo RV camping adventure. My heart hammered a nervous rhythm against my ribs. The last-minute decision to escape the relentless pace of city life, to seek a deeper connection with nature through the lens of my camera, had led me here. As the final rays of sunlight dipped below the towering cliffs, I reached for my phone, only to be greeted by the familiar "No Service" message. Instead, I opened Gaia GPS, my pre-downloaded topographic maps of Zion my only guide in this vast and stunning wilderness.

Anya, holding her camera, smiles confidently against the backdrop of the Watchman peak at sunset. The warm, golden lighting captures her sense of accomplishment and inner peace, her eyes reflecting the vibrant colors of the setting sun.

RV Setup: A Comedy of Errors (and eventual triumph)

The romance of RV camping quickly met the reality of RV setup. Connecting to water and electricity proved more challenging than anticipated. The water hose, stiff and unyielding, wrestled with me. The electrical outlet seemed strategically placed in the most awkward spot imaginable. My brow furrowed in concentration as I battled with the connections, muttering encouragement (and a few choice words) under my breath. Then came the leveling blocks. The Travato rocked precariously until, after several attempts, I finally managed to wedge them correctly under the tires. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as the RV finally settled into a semblance of stability. Understanding the grey and black water tank system felt like earning a PhD in RV plumbing. A wave of accomplishment washed over me. I’d conquered the basics. The air, thankfully, smelled faintly of pine and damp earth, a welcome olfactory distraction from my initial struggles.

Navigating the Park Rules: Drone Dreams Grounded

My initial elation was quickly tempered by a reminder of the park's regulations. I eagerly pulled out my DJI Mavic Air 2S, envisioning soaring shots of Zion's majestic landscape, a hopeful glint in my eye. The park ranger's leaflet, however, delivered a swift and decisive blow: strict no-drone policy. The disappointment stung. Part of the allure of this trip was capturing Zion from a unique aerial perspective. Emotionally deflated, I was reminded that flying a drone in a National Park is illegal. I made the conscious decision to pivot, to find creative alternatives to capture the grandeur of Zion from the ground. My Sony Alpha 7R IV would be my eyes in the sky, even if those eyes were firmly planted at eye-level.

Basic Necessities: Bathrooms, Washing Stations, and a DIY Shower

The Watchman Campground bathrooms were clean and utilitarian, a testament to the park's commitment to maintaining a presentable facility. Sturdy metal sinks gleamed under the fluorescent lights, and the paper towel dispensers were, blessedly, always full. Potable water was readily available, a welcome sight after my initial hydration-related anxieties. Showers, however, were noticeably absent. This called for ingenuity.

Enter the Nemo Helio Pressure Shower and Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash. Midday, with the sun beating down, I scouted for a secluded spot among the scrub brush, a natural amphitheater of privacy. The process was surprisingly liberating. The cool water cascading down my skin, washing away the dust and grime of the day, felt incredibly refreshing. Finding a spot where I felt adequately hidden was a bit of a challenge, but the end result was worth it. This was a solo adventure after all!

Anya utilizes a portable camp shower outdoors. She is in the process of showering. The image illustrates the limited facilities at Watchman Campground and the creative solutions that must be implemented.

Adventures in Zion: Photography, Hiking, and Stargazing

Pa'rus Trail: Chasing the Golden Hour

The pre-dawn air was crisp and cold, the scent of sagebrush heavy in the air as I made my way to the Pa'rus Trail. My camera equipment – Sony Alpha 7R IV with a Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS lens and a trusty Benro tripod – felt like an extension of myself. I was ready to capture the magic of sunrise in Zion.

The "golden hour" did not disappoint. The red rock cliffs blazed with fiery hues, reflected in the gentle flow of the Virgin River. I experimented with long exposure shots to capture the movement of the water: ISO 100, f/16, and a shutter speed of 5 seconds. Direct sunlight posed a challenge, requiring the use of a polarizing filter to cut the glare and reveal the hidden details within the landscape. Through my lens, I found an emotional connection to Zion, finding beauty in the subtle reflections on the water and the intricate patterns of the rocks.

Emerald Pools Trail: A Verdant Oasis

The Emerald Pools Trail was a steep and rocky climb, switchbacking through a landscape of towering sandstone cliffs. The sound of rushing water echoed through the canyon, a promise of the oasis that awaited. The hanging gardens were a revelation: delicate ferns and vibrant wildflowers clinging to the damp rock faces, a testament to the resilience of life in the desert. A cautionary tale: the trail is treacherous in sections. My Merrell Moab 2 hiking boots proved their worth when I nearly twisted my ankle on a loose rock. The sound of cascading waterfalls and the scent of moisture and plant life filled the air.

Stargazing: Seeking the Celestial Canvas

Stargazing in Zion presented a unique set of challenges. The canyon walls obstructed a large portion of the horizon, and the ambient light from the campground made it difficult to see the fainter stars. I attempted to find a spot with a clear view of the sky, but the towering cliffs hemmed me in. Using the Sky Guide app, I managed to locate constellations visible in the small patches of sky, tracing the outlines of Ursa Major and Cassiopeia with my finger. The Milky Way, a faint band of light, peeked through the canyon walls, a reminder of the vastness of the universe. I whispered a thank you to the universe for a perfect day.

The sky at night over Zion. Towering canyon walls frame a night sky illuminated with numerous stars.

Culinary Adventures in a Compact Kitchen

Cooking in the Travato's kitchenette required careful planning and resourcefulness. I unpacked my ingredients, the fridge humming softly. The importance of planning meals ahead and packing non-perishable items became immediately apparent. Springdale, while charming, had limited options for specialized groceries. My Aeropress coffee setup was my saving grace. The rich aroma of coffee beans filled the tiny RV each morning, and the joy of sipping coffee while watching the sunrise over the canyon was unparalleled. A simple granola bar became a gourmet treat as I prepped for my next photography location.

Respecting the Wild: A Gentle Observer

Wildlife encounters were a constant reminder of the delicate balance of nature. Mule deer grazed near my campsite, their large, dark eyes watching me with cautious curiosity. I observed them from afar, respecting their natural habitat and avoiding any sudden movements that might startle them.

Final Verdict: Zion and Solo RV Travel – A Match Made in Heaven (Almost)

Zion National Park is a place of unparalleled beauty, a landscape that inspires awe and wonder. My first solo RV camping adventure at Watchman Campground was a transformative experience, a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level and to rediscover my own inner strength. I wholeheartedly recommend Zion and RV camping, especially to other solo female travelers seeking solitude, adventure, and a connection with the natural world.

I give it a 9/10. The limited stargazing and shower facilities were minor drawbacks, but the unparalleled beauty of the landscape and the transformative power of solo travel more than compensated. If you are thinking about visiting Zion National Park, RV camping is the best way to experience it.