+ Do I need to organize my own camping reservation?

Tent campsite reservations are included with your purchase of a full-weekend ticket. Accommodations for hotels or RV sites are not included and must be arranged by you.

Atheists United reserved two group campsites near each other in Watchman Campground for November 2-5. Each site can hold up 30 people and eight vehicles. We will coordinate campsite reservations for all attendees and keep friends and families together.

With a purchased ticket you can arrive Thursday, Friday, or Saturday and we'll have a reserved tent campsite waiting for you. We also will have full-day group sightseeing itineraries you can join Friday and Saturday.

+ Are there Hotel, Motel, or RV options available nearby?

Tent campsite reservations are included with your purchase of a full-weekend ticket. Accommodations for hotels or RV sites are not included and must be arranged by you.

If you'd prefer to stay at a hotel or in an RV the city of Springdale, UT offers many great options and is only a 7 minute drive from our campground.

If you'd prefer to reserve your own private campsite at Zion you can do so through Zion's website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/campgrounds-in-zion.htm

+ How much does it cost to camp?

Tent camping reservations are included in the price of all full-weekend tickets.

If you were to buy an individual tent campsite at Watchman Campground without going through Atheists United it would cost you $50/night + taxes and fees. In most cases attendees will be saving lots of money by booking through us.

+ Can I just attend the star talk and organize my own housing/camping?

Yes. We have a limited number of tickets available for those looking to organize their own housing/camping yet are still interested in attending our star talk event Saturday at sunset. With that said, we highly recommend people join our full-weekend group and enjoy as much community time as possible.

+ Do I have to show up Thursday evening? Can I arrive Friday or Saturday?

Your full-weekend ticket includes a tent camping reservations for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at Watchman Campground, but you can arrive whenever.

For an additional $25 you can arrive Wednesday November 1st, or stay till Monday, November 6th.

An organizer will follow up with you before the event to confirm when you're arriving.

+ Am I required to attend the group sightseeing itinerary?

The group itineraries are suggestions for those looking for a guided group experience in the park. We recommend them but don't require ticket holders to attend.

You're always welcome to hang back at our campsite.

+ Do I need to bring my own food?

Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and drinks. Any extra food, drinks or snacks you wish to share with other campers during ‘down time’ will be welcomed.

Multiple grocery stores can be found in the nearby town of Springdale, UT.

+ Do I need to plan my own transportation?

Yes. Participants are responsible for planning their own transportation. If possible, we highly recommend carpooling.

+ Do I need to bring my own tent and camping gear?

Yes.

Atheists United will NOT provide any camping gear or tents for attendees. You are responsible for organizing all necessary equipment you'll need to enjoy your stay in the park. Please Google "camping gear list" if this is your first time camping and double check that your equipment will match well with the weather conditions.

If you'd prefer to rent equipment we recommend you check out REI Santa Monica: https://santamonica.rentals.rei.com/portal/

If you'd prefer to borrow equipment we recommend posting an ask for equipment in our "Friends of Atheists United" facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1703133273251795/

+ How many people can share a campsite?

Watchman Campground allows up to 30 people and eight cars per group site, and we've reserved two group-sites next to each other.

If you have friends or family also buying full-weekend tickets to our event you'll be able to camp together.

+ Do I need to pay a park entrance fee? How much is it?

Yes.

Zion National Park requires a park entrance fee of $35/vehicle to enter. All vehicles will need to purchase a Standard Entrance Pass or an America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass to enter the park.

More information on park entrance fees: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/fees.htm

We recommend carpooling to save money and the planet :)

+ What type of events or sightseeing will Atheists United be organizing that weekend?

Each morning Atheists United will share a recommended group itenerary designed by our organizers to highlight some of the most unique, memorable, and accessible sights in the park. They'll include various hikes and photo opportunities around the park. Email evan@atheistsunited.org for more details.

+ Will there be grills at the Watchman Campground?

Watchman Campground does not have grills. We recommend participants bring their own own camp stoves for cooking.

+ Will there be fire rings?

Yes. Each group campsite has a fire ring that can be used as long as there are no fire restriction in place during our trip.

The campground does not sell firewood, however participants can find firewood for sale in town.

+ What should I bring to eat?

That's up to you! Atheists United will NOT be providing meals for attendees, so bring what makes you happy.

Free fresh water will be available in the campground. Ice can be purchased in town.

Want inspiration for what makes good camping foods? Try these: http://www.camper-van-fun.com/food-to-take-camping.html

Want a weekend camping trip food list? Try these: https://www.thecampingfamily.com/camping-food-list.html

Want 47 easy camping recipe ideas? Try these: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/favorite-camping-recipes/#:~:text=40%20Easy%20Camping%20Recipes%20Ready%20for%20the%20Campfire,Cheese%20Hash%20Brown%20Packets.%20...%20More%20items...%20

Any additional food, snacks, or beverages you wish to share with the group are welcomed.

+ Is there cellphone service in Zion?

Yes. You should have cell phone service in our campsite and near most of the park, but it's not guaranteed. Check with your carrier before attending.

+ Can I bring my dogs?

Yes, but we don't recommend it. Pets must not be left unattended. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the immediate control of a person during the day. Dogs must be in a tent or vehicle during nighttime hours. Dogs are not allowed on most hiking trails at anytime.

If you do visit Zion National Park with your pet, follow the rules of BARK:

B: Bag your pet's poop.

Pet owners are responsible for the prompt removal and disposal of pet waste in trash receptacles. Poop can transmit disease to local wildlife populations.

A: Always wear a leash.

Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

R: Respect wildlife.

Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away.

K: Know where you can go.

Pets are welcome in developed areas, essentially wherever a car can go.

Pets are not permitted on most park trails or in wilderness.

+ Are children welcome?

Yes, and we even offer free tickets for children under 18.

Some hikes in our group itinerary will be challenging for small children. You are responsible for the safety and behavior of your children at all times and childcare will NOT be provided.

+ What camping gear should I bring?

Whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable!

Here's a list we found that might help you pack: https://www.sunrvresorts.com/blog/tent-camping-checklist/

Atheists United will not provide any food, camping gear, or transportation for participants.

+ Can I purchase gas for my car in the park? Can I charge my electric car in the park?

There are two service stations in Springdale 1-mile from the south entrance. Numerous other stations are available in surrounding communities.

Multiple electric vehicle charging stations exist near Springdale: https://chargefinder.com/us/charging-station-springdale-zion-national-park-headquarters-building/ge6y6k

+ Will there be bathrooms at our campsite?

Yes, Watchman Campground offers multiple restrooms with flush toilets.

+ Will there be showers at our campsite?

No.

Public showers are available for a fee at Zion Outfitter just down the street from our campground.

+ Can I stay in a hotel instead of the campground?

Yes. You can purchase a "Star Party Only" ticket and make your own housing reservations.

+ Is Watchman Campground wheelchair accessible?

Watchman Campground has seven standard accessible sites and two accessible group sites, all of which have easy access to accessible restrooms. The road access route to the Visitor Center and Shuttle Stop has grades of up to 5% for 30-foot stretches. An alternate concrete and asphalt-paved pathway adjacent to the amphitheater through the river entrance plaza has slopes of up to 18% for 5’ stretches and slopes up to 8% for 39 foot stretches with some uneven surfaces. A beach access route near site B56 allows visitors using mobility devices to get close to the Virgin River, however flooding has created a step at the end of the concrete pathway. The amphitheater has accessible seating located on the top row.

Read more about accessibility in Zion National Park: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm?fullweb=1

+ Can I consume alcohol at the campground?

Yes, you can drink at the campground. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited beyond your campsite.

+ I have a telescope, should I bring it?

Yes! Zion National Park is one of the best dark-sky locations on the planet. Please bring any and all equipment that will help you and others have a memorable adventure with us.

+ Where does the money from my ticket go?

All income from our atheist adventures go directly into event organizing expenses, such as reimbursing our speaker's travel expenses, paying for our campground reservations, and paying for organizer's time.

Atheists United is a 501c3 nonprofit and purposefully discounts ticket prices because this program helps build community in alignment with our mission. Any extra revenue after the event goes into general operating expenses for Atheists United programs.

If you'd like to make a donation to help offset some of our costs, or grow this program in the future, please visit: http://www.atheistsunited.com/donate

+ What is a tree’s favorite drink?

Root beer.

+ More questions?

If you have any more questions, please email us at: evan@atheistsunited.org