Imagine having a camping guide that tells you exactly what to expect, including activities you’ll love and breathtaking places to see. That’s what you’ll discover in this Guide to Camping in Bryce Canyon National Park. Camping in the park makes it easier to explore, especially during the high season. It also allows you to enjoy the park more intimately, rather than dividing your time.
We’ll look at the best campsites available, the arrangements you’ll need to make, and exciting activities to participate in during your vacation to Bryce Canyon National Park. So make sure you don’t miss out on whatever this fantastic park offers!
Bryce Canyon National Park campgrounds
North Campground
- Type : Tent / RV
- Open: Year-Round
- Reservation: No
- Cost : $20 to $30 per night
- Toilets: Yes
One of the largest campgrounds in the area is the North Campground. Bryce Canyon National Park’s North Campground is a hidden gem, and getting a walk-up is well worth it for this night’s sleep. In peak season, walk-ups fill up quickly, so go to the park early if you plan on visiting during that time.
It comprises 99 locations divided into four loops: A, B, C, and D. The first two loops are designed for RV campers, while the third and fourth loops are designed for tent campers. Electric, sewer and water hookups are not available, and power generators are not permitted.
Our companion and we arrived at Bryce Canyon at 10 a.m. and were on the verge of being unable to find a parking spot. Because you must wait for others to depart before you can secure your space, We recommend arriving at about 7 or 8 a.m. Don’t arrive at the crack of dawn hoping to find any openings because others will still be sleeping.
Many of the park’s iconic points are easily accessible from the North Campground. The Fairyland Loop Trail and the Rim Trail are also nearby. In addition, you can easily get to the Visitor Center and the General Store from the campground. This campground’s spots are all first-come, first-served.
There is no cell phone reception and no access to the internet. The trash and recycling collection is year-round; however, the rest of the services are only available during certain times. Showers, laundry, and flush toilets are all available for a fee. This campground is located 8,900 feet above sea level, making it colder than most tourists anticipate.
Sunset Campground
- Type : Tent / RV
- Open: Mid-April to November
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost : $20 to $30 per night
- Toilets: Yes
Bryce Canyon National Park’s Sunset Campground is the park’s second campground. It gets its name from its central location in the park, which is just west of Sunset Point. It is also around 1.5 miles south of the Visitor Center. For added accessibility, there is a shuttle stop at the entrance.
Sunset Campground is slightly bigger than North Campground, with one more site. The 100 locations are divided into three loops: A, B, and C. One is for RV campers, while the other is for tent campers. Unfortunately, there are no sewer, electrical, or water connections accessible.
Sewer, water, and electrical hook-ups are not available. AA disposal station is located at North Campground during the summer, and its use is included in the campground charge. Near the dump station, there is access to potable water. Sunset Campground has a shuttle stop at its entrance near Sunset Point.
This campground’s spots are all first-come, first-served. There is no cell phone reception and no access to the internet. The trash and recycling collection is year-round; however, the rest of the services are only available during certain times. Every campground has various reservations in Bryce Canyon park. Before you select a camping location, should know what is the best place and which month is the best.
Bryce Canyon Pines Campground
- Type : Tent / RV
- Open: End of May through October
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: Varies
- Toilets: Yes
Outside of the national park, but still within Bryce Canyon, is Bryce Canyon Pines Campground. This creates a gray area for some campers who want to be in the park, but it is pretty easy for those who want to be close.
This campground’s RV sites are fully equipped. Water, power, and sewer pipes are all connected. Camping in a tent is still possible. A fire pit and a camp table are included.
The campground’s facilities are impossible to resist. There are flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, a swimming pool, and a hot tub, among the amenities. Because the campground is placed near a pine forest typical of those found in the National Park, most sites are shaded.
Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground
- Type : Tent / Cabin / RV
- Open: March through October
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: Varies
- Toilets: Yes
Ruby’s Inn Campground is close to the park’s entry, only one mile away. There are 150 campsites available, each with power and water hookups and a spacious pull-through area for those who drive.
Because it is set in a pine grove in front of the canyon, Ruby’s Campground is mainly sheltered. Therefore, it’s essential to reserve a spot in this campground as early as possible. It’s a popular area because of the convenience of the connections and facilities.
There are flush toilet restrooms, shower facilities, and an outdoor heated pool, to name a few amenities. There are no charges for using these amenities. In addition, Ruby’s campground can accommodate larger tents for more people and trailers if you’re planning a more significant event focused around the park.
Campgrounds Near Bryce Canyon National Park
King Creek Campground
- Type : Tent / RV
- Open: May through September
- Reservation: Yes, for group sites
- Cost: 15$ – 17$
- Toilets: Yes
The King’s Creek Campground is located around 9 miles west of Bryce Canyon National Park, making it ideal for hikers looking to stay close to the park. This campground has a medium to high flow of visitors based on the month. Tent sites are not available for reservation, although two group sites are generally.
The Dixie National Forest, close by, provides various campgrounds to serve visitors and hikers. The Tropic Reservoir is next to King Creek Campground, with 37 sites. Boat ramps are available if you want to get out on the water.
The campground is located close to the park in a pine forest, so if you’re searching for a cheaper alternative to the North and Sunset campers, here is the place to go. This campground is located around 9 miles west of the National Park. It’s reached through a dirt road, and most of the campground has paved sidewalks to make it more accessible.
This location is popular with ATV enthusiasts because it has many trails. There is drinking water available at the campground and vault toilets. Unfortunately, there are no showers, and you must pack out all your trash.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Type : Tent / RV/ Cabin
- Open: March through November
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: Varies
- Toilets: Yes
The Kodachrome Basin State Park is another close environmental reserve to the National Park. Because although Bryce Canyon receives all of the attention in this area, there are other magnificent views and features to be found. Among the facilities at the campground are a dump station, hot showers, flush and vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables.
There are 67 monolithic stone spires in this state park. They’re known as sedimentary pipes, displaying layers of multicolored sandstone. The campground has a distinct advantage because these natural treasures surround it. In addition, it is often calmer than some of the other parks in the region because it is not as well-known.
There are 54 sites available, some with full hookups for RVs and others for campers. On the site, there is also a bunkhouse for extra home-style comfort.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- Type : Tent / RV
- Open: Year-round
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: Varies
- Toilets: Yes
The following fascinating Utah beauty is Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, a popular tourist destination. It’s a great place to go fishing, and boat launching is there. It has a petrified forest, which means that the dead trees have been preserved as mineralized wood. It makes them challenging, and they can withstand years of exposure to the elements.
There are 20 campsites in this State Park’s campground mixed for RV and tent camping. The campground is remarkably well-equipped, given that it is located within the State Park and is a rather busy place. Restrooms, drinking water, a fish cleaning station, hot showers, swimming, and other amenities.
During the park’s busy season, they provide nature programs from this campground. The 130-acre Wide Hollow Reservoir is also close by. This campground is the furthest from the National Park, at just over an hour.
Red Canyon Campground
- Type: Tent
- Open: March through Oct
- Reservation: No
- Cost: 15$
- Toilets: Yes
Another campground in the Dixie National Forest is Red Canyon Campground. It’s surrounded by ponderosa pines that line the Red Canyon. Again, the Scenic Byway or UT Highway 12 are excellent options. This path is highly suggested to use in any case if you want to see a variety of sights.
Although you are welcome to bring your RV to the campground, there are no connections because it is primarily a tent site. However, camping at this location allows you easy access to several different paths near the national park if you prefer hiking and mountain riding.
Each of the 37 campsites includes a fire pit, a camping grill, and a tent pad. Drinking water, flush and vault toilets, showers, a dump station, and garbage disposal are all available at the campground. Dogs are permitted to accompany their owners at this campground, but they must be kept on a leash.
Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park While Camping
Activities Sponsored by the Park
- Photography – Do you enjoy photography, Bryce Canyon National Park is a photographer’s dreamland! If you visit during the winter, photograph the must-see snow-covered red rocks. In addition, you’ll get some great advice on how to get the finest images!
- Skiing – Bryce Canyon National Park’s 8,000 and 9,000 feet make it ideal for cross-country skiing! The Paria Ski Loop, the Bristlecone Loop, and the Rim Trail are some of the best places to ski.
- Hiking – Do you want to take on a challenge? More challenging hikes, such as the Under The Rim Trail, can be found in Bryce Canyon National Park. Various hiking trails travel through high-altitude forests and stunning canyon vistas in Bryce Canyon National Park. While visiting, take a hike on The Rim Trail for a more leisurely, kinship hike.
- Riding a Horse – You may take a guided riding tour of Bryce Canyon National Park while camping there. Regardless of experience level, all riders can participate in horseback riding tours.
- Snowshoeing – During your Bryce Canyon National Park camping trip, wear your snowshoes and take in the scenery. If you need to hire equipment, one is available at this park. This winter, snowshoeing is a pleasant and unique way to see snow-covered vistas while hiking the beautiful routes.
Bryce Canyon National Park camping tips
- During the summer, stay in a high camp
In and around Bryce Canyon, elevations can reach 9,000 feet. Camping at a higher elevation means cooler nights and better sleep during the summer. If you’re terrified of the cold, invest in a sleeping bag.
- Layers are recommended
Many people imagine Utah as a desert with sun-baked in the summer. Although this is true in the summer, the winters bring a deluge of snow and riskier temperatures. So take more than enough camping blankets and warm camp gear if you’re camping in the off-season.
- Don’t ignore the area around you
Many people focus on the National Parks and ignore state parks and national forests. However, Bryce Canyon’s surroundings are probably just as spectacular as the park itself.
- Make sure you bring lots of water
Even though most campgrounds provide drinking water, it is not necessarily the cleanest or most delicious. So take hydration carefully and bring lots of water. Bring a cooler or a few extra water bottles.
- Nature and the cryptobiotic crust must be respected
Much of Utah’s desert floor is covered in a cryptobiotic crust, which you may not see. It is made up of lichen, bacteria, algae, and fungi and is an essential aspect of the ecosystem. It keeps the dirt from blowing away by binding it together. Stepping on it breaks the link and causes further deterioration.
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